tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8841356173389867572024-03-12T21:01:13.565-04:00Father Manny's HomiliesFather Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comBlogger433125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-40749822844276429932023-11-23T09:30:00.001-05:002023-11-23T14:13:11.237-05:00100 Thanks 2023<p> 100 Thanks 2023</p><p>1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.”</p><p>2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God.”</p><p>3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Eucharist</p><p>4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Frequent Confession</p><p>5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God’s abundant and generous mercy</p><p>6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God’s divine patience </p><p>7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The gift of the priesthood</p><p>8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My brother priests</p><p>9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Confessors</p><p>10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Holy wisdom from others (and praying that I may dispense some too)</p><p>11.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Last call in the rectory chapel before I retire for the night</p><p>12.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Prayers from Carmelite Sisters who love their priests</p><p>13.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My mom’s daily rosary and her Holy Hours</p><p>14.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My dad’s (almost) daily therapy by the shoreline at sunrise with a fishing rod</p><p>15.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My sister’s daily heroism managing her house full of boys</p><p>16.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My oldest nephew’s last year of high school and his almost perfect report card</p><p>17.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My middle nephew putting on the same football uniform his uncle wore</p><p>18.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My youngest nephew becoming more obsessed with football than I am and taking losses harder than I do</p><p>19.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My brother in law’s patience and peaceful presence</p><p>20.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All my many cousins who keep me quite busy (seriously, I can open up a small parish to serve the needs of just my extended family with all their baptisms and weddings)</p><p>21.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Happy Hours with the cousins </p><p>22.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That one random cousin who is always missing that prevents us from taking a good family picture</p><p>23.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thanksgiving dinner at my parent’s house where turkey is a side dish</p><p>24.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dad’s mashed potatoes (and there are many people who are thankful for those)</p><p>25.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My sister’s stuffing (she really makes it for me!)</p><p>26.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Anis del Mono</p><p>27.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pies! (not pumpkin though)</p><p>28.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That unexpected whole cooked turkey the priests get every year </p><p>29.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Noche Buena (been far too long since we roasted an entire pig)</p><p>30.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Children’s Christmas Vigil Mass and how packed it gets</p><p>31.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How I somehow make it through Midnight Mass</p><p>32.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Christmas morning Solemn Mass with the Sisters at the convent</p><p>33.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Full church on a Sunday morning/evening</p><p>34.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Casual New Year’s Eve get togethers looking at the Biltmore fireworks at Midnight</p><p>35.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Karaoke nights and that unexpected person who surprises you with their musical chops</p><p>36.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4th of July on the golf course</p><p>37.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Any time I have time to actually be on a golf course</p><p>38.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The 6th hole on the Red Course (not to be confused with the 6th hole on Granada, ugh)</p><p>39.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The 12th hole at Deering Bay</p><p>40.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My first birdie ever this year, and how long that putt was too!</p><p>41.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My dedicated and hardworking parish staff</p><p>42.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The heroism and selflessness of the teachers at my school and all teachers for that matter</p><p>43.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For my 8th graders’ Thanksgiving lists</p><p>44.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“My challenges because it reminds me a small part of Jesus’ suffering.” (written by an 8th grader)</p><p>45.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For those kids who appreciate good music and movies that are well before their time</p><p>46.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For that one kid who wrote down “The 1949 Classic `Who’s on First?’ Skit” </p><p>47.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For musical theater especially the shows put on by my school kids! </p><p>48.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For the times my sister and I can actually attend the theater</p><p>49.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Seeing Wicked for the second time and screaming “Again! Again!” after Defying Gravity brings the first act to a heart-stopping close! (“It’s meeeeeeeeee!”)</p><p>50.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For my big screen TV and the short turnaround film have from movies theaters to digital that allow me to skip the movie theater experience (which I used to cherish) and avoid the now 25 minutes of trailers that I’ve already seen</p><p>51.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For The Greatest Show on Surf: Starring a Cheetah and a Penguin!</p><p>52.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For our head football coach who is unapologetically himself</p><p>53.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That its Thanksgiving and we’re in first place and talking deep playoff runs and not draft</p><p>54.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For the slow but steady progress of the University of Miami football team</p><p>55.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For the magical run of Canes Hoops to the Final Four. Still don’t believe we made it that far and dared to dream of being on “One Shining Moment”</p><p>56.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That we’ve become a basketball school?</p><p>57.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The simple purity of a baseball game at Mark Light Stadium</p><p>58.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Marlins surprisingly great year with a, albeit brief, postseason stint</p><p>59.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jimmy being Jimmy and willing us to the NBA Finals #Heatin5</p><p>60.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Attending my first NBA Finals game (and wishing there were more actual diehard fans in the arena than corporate shells)</p><p>61.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The generous soul who took me to that NBA Finals game and the WBC Finals</p><p>62.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Seeing Ohtani pitch to Trout in person (an electrifying baseball moment)</p><p>63.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Messi coming to Miami (well, Fort Lauderdale) and winning a trophy for Inter</p><p>64.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Caring about soccer during a year without a World Cup</p><p>65.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Remembering how great a deep Stanley Cup Playoff run is</p><p>66.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Florida Panthers and one Matthew Tkachuk </p><p>67.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our collective dominance against every Boston team this past year</p><p>68.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Visiting Fenway Park for the first time (and seeing Yankees-Red Sox in person for the first time too!)</p><p>69.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lobster Rolls in New England</p><p>70.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My newfound love for mechanical action organs</p><p>71.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Architects and lawyers and project managers that allow me to be a priest</p><p>72.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A “Chief of Staff” who takes stuff off my desk so I can be a priest</p><p>73.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Monday mornings at 9am</p><p>74.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Festivus Dinners</p><p>75.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stare downs and slam dunks during the children’s collection</p><p>76.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>PreK Thanksgiving celebrations and the big plates that accompany them</p><p>77.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The “Mr. Turkey” song and its brilliance</p><p>78.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Old Cuban sayings and idioms</p><p>79.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Friends who have pools in their backyards or basically any friends who live by the water </p><p>80.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Memorial Day Weekend Pool Parties</p><p>81.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Movie Nights where I educate the youth on what cinema truly is!</p><p>82.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our yearly viewing of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”</p><p>83.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn’t be more surprised than I am right now.”</p><p>84.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Speaking of surprises: the joyous surprise of when my kids (who aren’t kids anymore) tell me they’re having kids of their own</p><p>85.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When I get to baptize those babies</p><p>86.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>An abundance of Catechumens this year</p><p>87.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Gloria at the Easter Vigil</p><p>88.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Little Way</p><p>89.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Visiting Lisieux for the first time (and Paris and Normandy and Mont-Saint-Michel and San Sebastian and Madrid and Avila) plus ten more travel thanks:</p><p><span> </span>a.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Beholding the Cathedral of Notre Dame for the first time and knowing a majestic church is being heroically rebuilt</p><p><span> </span>b.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Getting to celebrate Mass by the tomb of the parents of St. Therese and visiting her convent</p><p><span> </span>c.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Carrying her relics which were the same ones that had just visited the Pope and were in my parish 24 years ago</p><p><span> </span>d.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The overwhelming emotion of standing on the sacred beaches of Normandy </p><p><span> </span>e.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Being awestruck by the splendor of Mont-Saint-Michel and celebrating Mass in an 8th century church there</p><p><span> </span>f.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The purifying visit to Lourdes (and discovering an incredible Italian restaurant there)</p><p><span> </span>g.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The gem that is San Sebastián and its bay and pinchos </p><p><span> </span>h.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>El Hotel Londres in San Sebastián and that corner “office” with a view of one of the most perfect sunsets in the world (on the water framed by two mountains)</p><p><span> </span>i.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Finally visiting Madrid and eating several lunches and dinners every day</p><p><span> </span><span> </span>i.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cooking my own meat at El Buey</p><p><span> </span><span> </span>ii.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tintos de verano </p><p><span> </span>j.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Unexpected surprises in Avila walking in the footsteps of a mystic and the private guided tour away from tourists with new friends </p><p>90.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Offering the Divine Sacrifice of the Mass in some glorious old churches in Europe</p><p>91.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Seeing the joy of some my parishioners as they experienced Europe for the first time </p><p>92.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sunsets and late-night fishing in the Keys</p><p>93.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>New York City at Christmas and the Radio City Musical Hall Christmas Spectacular </p><p>94.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Trips to Washington, DC to stand up for life and minister to the largest gathering of young Catholics in the United States</p><p>95.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hearing confessions during the March for Life</p><p>96.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Taking my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew this last year</p><p>97.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Conversations with people who have rung bells who are wiser than I am</p><p>98.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The joy the Class of 2023 brought me and the joy my students still give me </p><p>99.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The undeserved honor of having people see Jesus in me especially on tough days when even this poor priest struggles to see Him</p><p>100.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Being the Pastor of the Church of the Little Flower and St. Theresa Catholic School on this Thanksgiving Day</p><p>Happy Thanksgiving!</p><div><br /></div>Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-63300959519125601982022-11-24T09:22:00.000-05:002022-11-24T09:22:00.730-05:00100 Thanks 2022<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">100 Thanks 2022<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My family<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Talking about the spiritual and the divine with my mom<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Fishing and golfing with my dad<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Broadway shows with my sister<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Any conversation with my nephews<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Quiet drinks with my brother-in-law<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Old Fashioned’s prepared right (Wow, this list took a boozy turn rather quickly!)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sitting on a terrace overlooking Florida Bay in the Keys<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Going maskless on planes<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Fried Oysters in the Big Easy<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->8<sup>th</sup> grade Thanksgiving lists (allow me to share a few…)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“Sunsets, when someone passes in my life I tend to look at the sky and appreciate the heavens above. The sunsets are all different colors and the unique thing about them is that they are never the same. When someone dies, you have that hole in your heart and sunsets make me feel better like there’s a sense of joy and they made it to heaven and they paint the skies for us.” –written by a 13 year old student</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">13.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">“The Carmelite Sisters, everyone thinks nuns are weird and scary but those are the people who don’t know them. Those who know the sisters really know that they are one of the best people in our lives. These special women have impacted my life. Every day they strive [to help] me to grow closer to God and to always do His will. They are living saints sent down to teach me, and all young kids that our faith is important.” –written by same 13-year-old </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">“The fact I don’t pay taxes (yet)” –written by a 14-year-old, but this priest unfortunately has to be pay taxes</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“Grateful for the Eucharist, because the Eucharist reminds us of Thanksgiving and how we need to be thankful for everything we have” – written by a 14 year old who has a better understanding of the Eucharist than most adults<span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“<span>Praying and then God answering your prayers.” –written by a 13-year-old who gets prayer</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Reading the 8<sup>th</sup> grade list to my students on the day they leave for Thanksgiving break<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>That one kid whose list was so deep this year that made my list look like the work of a 1<sup>st</sup> grader (no offense to 1<sup>st</sup>graders)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>11:15am on Thursdays<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Real estate lawyers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">21.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>“Executing” a contract <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">22.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Closing days<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">23.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Dedication days<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">24.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Dairy Queen ice cream runs with Carmelite nuns to celebrate little victories<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">25.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>The wisdom of Venerable Mother Luisita (seriously check out her biography “Unleashing Hope” which is an excellent read)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">26.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Golf carts<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">27.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Having an imperfect golf game that makes me foolishly keep playing such a frustrating sport<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">28.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>That I’m even playing a sport!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">29.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>That I get to play with my best friend (even though in less than a year he went from novice to soundly beating me every time which does not sit well with me)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">30.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>The “August National” of Colombia (the 6 iron was definitely not working that day)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">31.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Masters Sunday<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">32.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Early morning World Cup matches<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">33.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Cafeteria Chocolate Chip Cookies with sea salt<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">34.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Unexpected phone calls from New York<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">35.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Spiritual direction over the phone/Facetime/Zoom (and sometimes in person) that goes to a late hour<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">36.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Karaoke in Comber Hall <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">37.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Movie nights in Comber Hall<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">38.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Duffy’s on a Monday night (burgers are half off…This Thanksgiving list is brought to you by Duffy’s Tavern: “Where the Elite Meet to Eat”)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">39.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Hearing the Marines sing the Marine Hymn at the top of their lungs on the Marine Corp Birthday<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">40.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Teachers! And their Happy Hours especially on the last day of school<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">41.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Reliable WiFi and Internet<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">42.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>FPL trucks (especially when you’ve been without power for 18 hours)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">43.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Podcast microphones<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">44.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>9am on Monday mornings<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">45.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>When we have to start a podcast over again because one of us can’t stop laughing about something ridiculous the other said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">46.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Meeting that one person who listens to the podcast (I’m kidding, there’s more than one, but it’s amazing what this medium does for spreading the gospel)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">47.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Satisfied<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">48.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Friday nights in backyards by a pool in a place I used to call home<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">49.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>When you get to the section of the list that will be exclusively movie/TV quotes or song lyrics with each one encapsulating various amounts of gratitude<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">50.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>“Early each day to the steps of St. Paul’s…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">51.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>“On that glorious morn, when we’re finally reborn, and we’re all of us human again!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">52.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>“Never tell me the odds.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">53.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #0f1419;">“Well over three and half centuries ago, strengthened by faith and bound by a common desire for liberty, a small band of pilgrims sought out a place in the New World where they could worship according to their own beliefs - and solve crimes!”</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">54.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">“Boy, I love meeting people’s moms. It’s like reading an instruction manual as to why they’re nuts.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">55.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">“A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.”</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">56.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>“Pero está…está es para Cuba.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">57.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>“Well, I’ve been afraid of changin’”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">58.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>“To love another person is to see the face of God!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">59.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>“Get used to different.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">60.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">“In fourth grade, I stole my Uncle Max's toupee and I glued it on my face when I was Moses in my Hebrew School play.”</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">61.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">My childhood best friend (and I miss our Saturday morning walks around the lake of my first parish while her kids went to CCD…while we’re at it, I miss our morning rides to school with Bon Jovi playing in the background, but our talks weren’t as good back then.”</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">62.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Wingdings;"><span>ß</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">This is the number of home runs Aaron Judge hit this season</span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">63.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Tua! (I mean I expected a change but not like this)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">64.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>The Dolphins having a winning record and leading the division while I write this list<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">65.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>A cheetah and a penguin walk into a stadium (more like sprint into a stadium)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">66.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Even in adversity, I am still thankful for the University of Miami football program and that a Cuban kid from Miami realized a lifelong dream and became our head coach<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">67.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Instant replay that clearly shows that Max Strus was inbounds in Game 7<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">68.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Jimmy Butler in the playoffs<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">69.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>The United States Men’s National Soccer Team in the World Cup<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">70.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>I Believe That We Will Win (well, maybe not the whole thing, but out of the group stage)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">71.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Tiger Woods walking, which is far more important than him playing golf, but I am thankful that I can watch him do that too<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">72.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Winning the Presidents Trophy (hey I would’ve preferred Lord Stanley’s Cup but that pesky team in Tampa Bay has our number, and the Panthers had a season for the ages)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">73.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Watching my first MLS game in person<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">74.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Watching a courageous girl sing the national anthem before said MLS game<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">75.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>We have an unspoken understanding<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">76.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Second moms who I miss<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">77.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">When no one complains about anything after Mass</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">78.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Dreaming about centennials<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">79.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Staring at the church from my porch during golden hour<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">80.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">The view from the backyard of the Sisters’ new convent<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">81.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">That section of the list where I go to saint quotes and bible verses<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">82.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">“We should rest entirely in His hands, understanding that His eyes are<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>always upon us, that He will see to it that we lack nothing and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>grant us anything that we need, if it is for our own good.”</span><span style="color: black;"> --<span style="background-color: white;">Venerable Mother Maria Luisa Josefa of the Most Blessed Sacrament</span></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="authorortitle"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">83.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">“Do you realize</span><span style="color: black;"> <span style="background-color: white;">that Jesus is there</span> <span style="background-color: white;">in the tabernacle</span> <span style="background-color: white;">expressly for you-for you alone? He</span> <span style="background-color: white;">burns with the</span> <span style="background-color: white;">desire to come into</span> <span style="background-color: white;">your heart… don’t </span>l<span style="background-color: white;">isten to the demon,</span> <span style="background-color: white;">laugh at him, and</span> <span style="background-color: white;">go without fear to</span> <span style="background-color: white;">receive the Jesus of</span> <span style="background-color: white;">peace and love…”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span> <span style="background-color: white;">―<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="authorortitle">St. Therese of the Child Jesus</span></span><span class="authorortitle"><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">84.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">“Do not let your hearts be troubled.” John 14:1</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">85.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Love consumes you, but it is beautiful to die consumed precisely as a candle that goes out only after it reaches its goal. Whatever you do will have sense only if you see it in terms of eternal life.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">– Servant of God Chiara Corbella Petrillo</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">86.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">“</span><span style="color: black;">Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God<span style="background-color: white;">. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7)</span></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">87.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">“Never give up prayer, and should you find dryness and difficulty, persevere in it for this very reason. God often desires to see what love your soul has, and love is not tried by ease and satisfaction.” –St. John of the Cross</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">88.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">happiness <span style="background-color: white;">doubled by wonder.”</span> <span style="background-color: white;">—G.K. Chesterton (well, not a saint, but a sublime spiritual writer)</span></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">89.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">“The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness.” – </span><a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=6985" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">St. Gianna Beretta Molla</span></a><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">90.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">"The best way to show your gratitude to God and to people is to accept everything with joy.” </span><span style="color: black;">— St. Teresa of Calcutta</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">91.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">“Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:1</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">92.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Meeting quiet saints in my ministry every single day<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">93.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Reconnecting with 23 years’ worth of former students who have formed me into the priest that I am today.<span> </span>Just a text, a hello, and, if I’m lucky, a phone call, makes my day!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">94.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Redemptive suffering: because it brings us so very close to Our Lord and the weight of our sins he carried on the cross<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">95.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Memories of my brother: because even after 8 years, I still carry him in my heart, and he awaits me on the other side of eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">96.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">The undeserved love that I get from the people of God for being a priest.<span> </span>If only they understood that I receive so much more from them than they can possibly get from this unworthy servant.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">97.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">That after 20 years of priesthood, I still get nervous and am wowed by every single Mass.<span> </span>As St. John Vianney said, “If we truly understood the Mass, we would die of joy.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">98.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">The love and support I feel every day from our Blessed Mother Mary and from St. Joseph who moves mountains that seem insurmountable (seriously, pray more to St. Joseph for his intercession.<span> </span>Our Lord does not deny his mother nor his earthly father who raised him.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">99.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Quiet moments in our private chapel before our Eucharistic Lord (and the endless struggle to spend more time before that tabernacle).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">100.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Cherishing every single Thanksgiving Day because we gather to give thanks to our God who never ceases to surprise us with his mercy, his love, his blessings, and his overwhelming generosity.<span> </span>So for all these things, only three simple words suffice on this Thanksgiving Day: thank you, Lord!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style>Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-14403990042574028802021-11-25T09:07:00.001-05:002021-11-25T09:08:56.753-05:00100 Thanks 2021<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">100 Thanks 2021<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The gift of my priesthood<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The gift of being able to offer the Divine Sacrifice of the Mass<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The gift of being able to absolve sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and liberate the children of God from their sins<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The gift of being absolved of my sins when I, as a penitent, go to Confession<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The grace of feeling God’s mercy and forgiveness<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Long confession lines<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Spending those last precious moments with a soul that is getting ready to depart this world and return to the house of the Father<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Welcoming a new soul into the Body of Christ through the Sacrament of Baptism<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->9.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Witnessing the union of two souls in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->10.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->When those two souls come back every year on their anniversary to renew their marriage vows<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->11.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->When the church fills up with people at a Healing Mass longing to receive the Anointing of the Sick<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->12.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->When the church fills up with people for any reason!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin-left: 0.25in;">(I usually am so focused on Thanksgiving that I rarely give thanks for Christmas blessings, so…)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->13.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The silence and stillness that comes with Advent<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->14.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->When I sit in my chapel on the vigil of the First Sunday of Advent and let that silence help me enter into the Advent season<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->15.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->After sitting in that silence, listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s rendition of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->16.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The “O Antiphons”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->17.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The almost four hours I spent hearing confession during last year’s Advent penance service<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->18.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The yearly blessing of the outdoor Nativity Scene<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->19.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The dozens and dozens of cars that stop along Anastasia Avenue every day to take in and take pictures of our Nativity Scene<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->20.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The wonder in the eyes of children when they behold the Nativity<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->21.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The prayers of our Blessed Mother and her most chaste spouse, St. Joseph <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->22.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The Christmas Eve Children’s Vigil Mass and all the lost sheep who come home that evening<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->23.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The Children’s Choir singing during that Mass<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->24.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The peace that comes with Midnight Mass<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->25.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The Gloria sung at Midnight Mass<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->26.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The Gloria sung at the Easter Vigil <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->27.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The blessed exhaustion that sets in after Christmas <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->28.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The blessed exhaustion that sets in after the Holy Triduum<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->29.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The Holy Thursday Altar of Repose<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->30.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Being able to deliver a “children’s homily” last Sunday for the first time in 20 months<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->31.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Learning so much from the insights of children; God’s little ones<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->32.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->St. Therese’s Little Way<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->33.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->“What do you want to be when you grow up?” “A saint!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->34.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Seeing smiles again: a window to the Divine!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->35.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The prayers of the Carmelite Sisters<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->36.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Psalm 62<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->37.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->St. Teresa of Avila’s Serenity Prayer: “Nada te turbe, nada te espante…”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->38.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Having a youth group again and a young adult group too<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->39.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Holy Water<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->40.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Perpetual Adoration<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->41.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Anyone kneeling in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->42.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->That rare occasion when this restless heart is satisfied with a homily<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->43.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Reminders from the Holy Spirit that come in the form of parishioners who thank me for a powerful homily when I think it was “meh”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->44.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->When my heart rate at the end of homily is the equivalent or more than the heart rate of my best friend running a marathon<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->45.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Good sacred music at Mass<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->46.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->That post-Communion Meditation Song<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->47.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The silence after the post-Communion Meditation Song<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->48.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The children singing Therese’s “Canticle of Love” on her Feast Day<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->49.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->“Diggin’ deeper, getting more” into the Scriptures and saying things I couldn’t say during a Sunday homily on, of all things, a podcast!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->50.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Finely produced bumper music <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->51.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Thanksgiving lists from 8<sup>th</sup> graders and Kindergarteners <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->52.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->“Peel Greens” (say if fast five times and you’ll know what a five-year-old is trying to say)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->53.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The depth of this year’s 8<sup>th</sup> grade lists<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->54.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The early adolescent silliness in most of the lists<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->55.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->For yearbooks that help add a name to a face (there’s over 80 of them!)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->56.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Getting up in front of a classroom full of children again and not windows on a computer screen<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->57.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Having sports on our school fields again and hearing parents cheering a goal, even if they’re from another school<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->58.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Staging a musical two years in the making with students and alumni <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->59.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Strolling by rehearsals on a Friday afternoon (and subtly teaching a Beast to dance)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->60.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Watching teachers pull off the impossible<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->61.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->For the heroism, patience, and joy of our teachers<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->62.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->And the heroism of everyone on the front lines<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->63.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->For delivery drivers and truckers<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->64.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->For the Marines who let me crash their birthday party every year <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->65.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->All the men and women in the Armed Forces<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->66.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Out of the blue texts, or better yet, phone calls from former students<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->67.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->A cancer bell being rung<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->68.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->A powerful shower that isn’t “low-flow”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->69.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Empty inboxes<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->70.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Kraft Macaroni and Cheese<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->71.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Cafeteria cookies and the people who make them<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->72.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Ice spheres vs. ice chips <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->73.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Godchildren<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->74.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->An incredible staff<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->75.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->“Do you have a best friend?” “Yes” “Is he smarter than you?” “Yes”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->76.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Shibboleth<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->77.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Ted Lasso<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->78.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->“You know what the happiest animal in the world is? It’s a goldfish. It’s got a 10 second memory. Be a goldfish.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->79.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Applying that quote to the spiritual life especially when it comes to sins we’ve committed and people we’ve wronged or have wronged us<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->80.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Roy Kent’s “never settle in love speech” that is NSFTL (not suitable for this list), but I want to scream it to everyone who has ever settled in love <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->81.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Baseball in the corn fields of Iowa<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->82.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->ARM ministry<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->83.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Stimulus Mondays<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->84.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->“Uber rides” and the conversations that stem from them<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->85.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Giant inflatable water slides that go into the deep end of the pool<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->86.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The becoming too rare Friday nights when the Backyard Crew is back in session (and the personal triumphs of said crew this year)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->87.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Tall white bell towers<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->88.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The thought of New York City and Rome<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->89.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Refuge on a not-too-distant island where the door is always open<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->90.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The Pitching Wedge (also an effective prop during the Cleansing of the Temple homily)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->91.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->That elusive birdie<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->92.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->That 12-foot putt that I drained last week on the last hole<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->93.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->That elusive redfish<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->94.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Sunsets in the Keys<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->95.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The sun rising behind my church<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->96.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Karaoke nights in Comber Hall<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->97.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Paciencia y fe<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->98.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->My godmother and her immaculate timing when it comes to knowing that I need her<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->99.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->My childhood best friend who still gets in my face to tell me truths I need to hear<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->100.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Memories of my brother<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->101.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->My 16-year-old nephew finally playing football like his father<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->102.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->My 13-year-old nephew about to go to Columbus like his uncle (the other uncle)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->103.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->My 9-year-old nephew teaching me lessons I never knew I needed<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->104.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->My father still teaching me after 46 years (thankfully) and passing on his wisdom<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->105.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->My sister still passionate in ways that I could only dream of<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->106.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->My brother-in-law being the St. Joseph of his family<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->107.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->My mother praying the rosary for me daily<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->108.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->My godson in Cuba, whom I had never met, finally making it to the United States to live in freedom, but just as important, that I was finally able to embrace him (Patria y Vida!)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->109.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->My cousins and that we’re doing Thanksgiving right this year <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->110.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->That it took me longer than usual to write this list this year, but it allowed me to spend pretty much a whole day reflecting on all the things that I am so very grateful for this Thanksgiving. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;">Happy Thanksgiving!</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmS3LadRKue07oWTYAHyMP_U47Ksb7QNUNNKBzlVIjYDTZ-Fkk3hIZfpTjxn8kzJjXqXQuhWa2HmHi_N3lwwLB5bQoETwPTF_G_Cn8cddCnOdQmVBEdQo3mTEzBYJ3wRhyphenhyphenvkV3QaDv6M/s550/03434d0d3b9bb2cd8e8806e2f2a9de3e.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="550" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmS3LadRKue07oWTYAHyMP_U47Ksb7QNUNNKBzlVIjYDTZ-Fkk3hIZfpTjxn8kzJjXqXQuhWa2HmHi_N3lwwLB5bQoETwPTF_G_Cn8cddCnOdQmVBEdQo3mTEzBYJ3wRhyphenhyphenvkV3QaDv6M/s320/03434d0d3b9bb2cd8e8806e2f2a9de3e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-48299702564352114772021-04-01T23:44:00.001-04:002021-04-01T23:44:49.529-04:00Is This Heaven? <p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">In St. Luke’s account of the Last Supper, our Lord tells his disciples,</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #0f1419; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you… (Luke 22:15)” Your priests have longed to celebrate the Holy Triduum with you particularly this evening when we celebrate the Institution of the Priesthood and of the Eucharist. While we were present here celebrating this night last year, we felt like part of us was missing, for on the night in which we celebrate our unique ministry of making Christ present for you to be able to feed you this Living Bread, we had no mouths to feed. We had no feet to wash.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0f1419;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0f1419;">Tonight, our church is filled once again, and we will take up the traditional custom of washing the feet of 12 of your fellow parishioners who represent you. For me, as your pastor, this is one of the most emotional things that I do all year. It is as if I take my ministry, my priesthood in these poor and sinful hands, when I kneel down, as our Lord did, to wash your feet. What we have just heard in the gospel and what we will see here tonight is the essence of the ministry of the priest: humbling ourselves, serving others, not lording over others, but serving tenderly and lovingly with simple gestures of service.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0f1419;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0f1419;">This morning our Carmelite Sisters came over to our rectory to serenade us and to remind us with song that, as St. John Vianney says, our hearts must be the beating, living heart of Christ. This is a special charism of the Carmelite Order, for St. Teresa of Avila knew that priests needed to be prayed for as they were suffering through the Protestant Reformation back then. Today we priests are a sign of contradiction in a society that has forgotten what is sacred and what is holy. I beg you: never stop praying for you priests.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0f1419;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="ES" style="color: #0f1419;">Nuestra patrona, Santa Teresita del Nino Jesús, oraba insensatamente por los sacerdotes y nos ofrece esta oración: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 11.25pt 0in;"><i>¡Oh Jesús!<br />Te ruego por tus fieles y fervorosos sacerdotes,<br />por tus sacerdotes tibios e infieles,<br />por tus sacerdotes que trabajan cerca o en lejanas misiones,<br />por tus sacerdotes que sufren tentación,<br />por tus sacerdotes que sufren soledad y desolación,<br />por tus jóvenes sacerdotes,<br />por tus sacerdotes ancianos,<br />por tus sacerdotes enfermos,<br />por tus sacerdotes agonizantes<br />por los que padecen en el purgatorio.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 11.25pt 0in;"><i>Pero sobre todo, te encomiendo a los sacerdotes<br />que me son más queridos,<br />al sacerdote que me bautizó,<br />al que me absolvió de mis pecados,<br />a los sacerdotes a cuyas Misas he asistido<br />y que me dieron tu Cuerpo y Sangre en la Sagrada Comunión,<br />a los sacerdotes que me enseñaron e instruyeron,<br />me alentaron y aconsejaron,<br />a todos los sacerdotes a quienes me liga<br />una deuda de gratitud…<o:p></o:p></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 11.25pt 0in;"><i>¡Oh Jesús, guárdalos a todos junto a tu Corazón<br />y concédeles abundantes bendiciones<br />en el tiempo y en la eternidad! Amén.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Yes, our patroness, St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, would be constantly praying for our priests, but as a good Carmelite, she would always turn to St. Joseph in her prayers. In this year of St. Joseph, it is only right to turn to the head of the Holy Family as we contemplate what our Lord did for us during these holy days and to contemplate the spiritual fatherhood of the priesthood. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI reminds us that: “<span style="background-color: white;">our meditation on the human and spiritual journey of Saint Joseph invites us to ponder his vocation in all its richness, and to see him as a constant model for all those who have devoted their lives to Christ in the priesthood, in the consecrated life or in the different forms of lay engagement.” (Vespers, March 18, 2009)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 11.25pt 0in;">In Joseph, Jesus saw a model of fatherhood, a model of a just and holy man, a model of strength and obedience to the Father’s will. Yes, in St. Joseph, Jesus had a supreme model of obedience that he would take with him into his passion. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 11.25pt 0in;">This past Tuesday, I began doing the Consecration to St. Joseph and it has truly allowed me to draw deeper into the mystery of these holy days and into the spiritual fatherhood that I have as a priest and on how much I draw from my own father as a model as Jesus drew upon the fatherhood of St. Joseph.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 11.25pt 0in;">I made no secret that this afternoon I escaped ever so briefly to engage in a yearly tradition that my father and I have: going to Opening Day of the baseball season. Last night after prayer, I felt compelled to see one of my favorite movies “Field of Dreams” which has so many rich spiritual undertones as does the game of baseball. People step on to this wondrous baseball field in the middle of a corn field and ask: “Is this heaven?”<o:p></o:p></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 11.25pt 0in;">Last night, that question resonated with me all the more as I contemplated the mysteries of this holy night. A slice of heaven is what I experience with my father every year on Opening Day or when we sit silently on the seashore casting our fishing lines into the sea or when he would take me as a child, much like St. Joseph, into his tool shed to teach me, albeit unsuccessfully, how to build things because my father started out as a carpenter. But the greatest gift that he gave me, and the greatest slice of heaven that he offered me was his insistence, along with my mother, that we experience heaven itself every Sunday at Mass. Fathers and mothers never stop insisting that your family participate in every Sunday Eucharist. This is the other great gif that Jesus gives tonight. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;">Yes, today we also celebrate the Institution of the Eucharist where Christ gives us his very flesh and his very blood and in doing so, allows us to experience heaven here on earth. The great preacher St. John Chrysostom tells us: “<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #292929; letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">For when you see the Lord sacrificed, and laid upon the altar, and the priest standing and praying over the victim, and all the worshippers empurpled with that precious blood, can you then think that you are still among men, and standing upon the earth? Are you not, on the contrary, straightway translated to Heaven, and casting out every carnal thought from the soul, do you not with disembodied spirit and pure reason contemplate the things which are in Heaven?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #292929; letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #292929; letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">Yes, this is what we celebrate this evening. So many mysteries in one sublime celebration. If the world truly knew what was contained, forgive me, WHO was in our tabernacles. Our churches would always be filled. The Eucharist draws us ever deeper into the heart of our Lord which is a heart made for others: for the poor, the sick, the distressed. This evening we look upon the Lord and ask him: “Lord, allow me to have a Eucharistic heart. A heart that allows me to take your Divine Presence out into the world.” </span><span lang="X-NONE" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #292929; letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">We thank God for the gift of the priesthood and for the gift of the Eucharist</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #292929; letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">. One cannot exist without the other. As in every Mass, we are not mere spectators tonight, we participate in this heavenly banquet, this divine exchange, and as we look upon this marvelous tradition of the Washing of the Feet, may we always recall the words of our Lord this evening: “</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #363936;">If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.<a name="51013015"></a> I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do (John 13:14-15).”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhis9EagpOXdPwqdezwBWjwSQv1Dca9yA3WO2fijbWCeUHz5t8bATsXsYBtKY518DljGX_T2g8AgLJprZQkR4fIfmE36L4goa-V51ywrbUxdYEyL2AkjUT8jnjyOEQfwwzYR_NsnxKlvcs/s2048/D46E5399-34D7-4984-87AC-03947E9F750A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhis9EagpOXdPwqdezwBWjwSQv1Dca9yA3WO2fijbWCeUHz5t8bATsXsYBtKY518DljGX_T2g8AgLJprZQkR4fIfmE36L4goa-V51ywrbUxdYEyL2AkjUT8jnjyOEQfwwzYR_NsnxKlvcs/s320/D46E5399-34D7-4984-87AC-03947E9F750A.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 11.25pt 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="ES" style="color: #0f1419;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="ES" style="color: #0f1419;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-71894869964880606042020-12-09T18:45:00.001-05:002020-12-09T18:45:08.476-05:00Abuela <p> (Eleven years ago today, we laid my maternal grandmother, my last surviving grandparent to rest. At my mother’s request, here is the homily I preached at her funeral Mass.)</p><p>“En aquel día, preparará el Señor de los ejércitos, para todos los pueblos, en este monte, una comida con jugosos asados y buenos vinos, un banquete de carne y vinos escogidos.” (Isaías 25:6)</p><p>El Señor mismo nos prepara un banquete de comida jugosas. ¡Qué difícil es imaginar esa escena cuando se trata de mi abuela! ¿Alguien le va a preparar una cena a ella cuando ella se paso todo una vida preparando comida para los demás? Pues ese es el premio que le espera a los que sirven a los hijos de Dios. Y es ese banquete que mi abuela disfruta en este momento pues pasó su vida entregándose a los demás y sirviendo a sus familiares y amigos</p><p>Son tantos los cuentos y anécdotas que puedo compartir sobre nuestra querida abuela y casi todas tienen que ver con la comida. La comida era tan importante para abuela como lo fue para el Señor. Como me recordó un amigo en estos días, fíjense que el Señor escogió entregarse a nosotros no solamente en la cruz sino en el contexto de una cena, su última cena, cuando tomo pan y nos dijo “Esto es mi cuerpo.” Este pan que compartimos, esta eucaristía, es el amor encarnado. La comida era sinónima con el amor para mi abuela. Ella se gastaba cocinando por los demás . Como Cristo, através de una cena, ella se entregaba totalmente para demostrarnos su amor.</p><p>Para el cubano y especialmente para mi abuela, la gordura es señal de salud. Ella le preocupaba cuando alguien estaba muy flaco. Perdón, no era una preocupación, era una obsesión. Ella se paso los últimos 34 años tratando que yo engordara. Ella esperaba que yo me fuera de vacaciones y me decía, “Ahora cuando estés libre te voy a ahogar con potajes.” Me acuerdo un verano que estaba de vacaciones del seminario y me quede con mis abuelos. Yo observe con mucho cuidado ese verano como abuela le preparaba la comida a mi abuelo. Ella le freía toda la comida y le servía unos platos que eran montañas de comida. Y mi abuelo, santa varón que era, se comía todo lo que mi abuela le ponía en la mesa. Yo todavía digo que si ella le hubiese servido un plato de piedras y tierra, él se lo hubiese comido. Tanto era el amor que ellos compartían. El viejo Pancho y su gorda. Yo todavía me acuerdo en unos de nuestros muchos veranos en la playa viéndolos a ellos caminar mano en mano por la arena. Cuando mi abuelo llegaba del trabajo en el taller, ya su cena estaba preparada. En mi vida no me acuerdo de un instante de ver a mis abuelos pelear sobre la mas minima cosa. Mi abuela siempre le decía mentiritas piadosas para ocultarle lo que costaba algo pero mi abuelo no le importaba. Ella era la reina de su corazón y ella lo cuidaba como un rey. Y esa entrega de amor matrimonial se derramaba sobre el resto de la familia. </p><p>El ejemplo mas grande de la entrega de mi abuela a su familia ocurrió un año y medio después de mi nacimiento cuando mi abuelo le pidió que dejara su trabajo de factoría para cuidarme a mi y a mi hermana que estaba en camino. No solamente eso, sino que abrieron las puertas de su casita en la orilla de Coral Gables para que mis padres aun todavía muy jóvenes pudieran criar a su familia en esa pequeña casita mientras mi abuelos se retiraron al pequeño espacio que mi abuelo y mi padre convirtieron un hermoso apartamento. Ese apartamente era el lugar de refugio para mis hermanos y yo cuando nos metíamos en problemas o cuando queríamos algo de comer. Mi abuela nos recogía a los tres todos los días de la escuela y nos preparaba la merienda. Y todos los fines de semana en los veranos nos íbamos para los Cayos con mi abuela manejando y esos viajes eran inolvidables con mi abuela haciéndonos chistes que no puedo repetir en la iglesia.</p><p>Ser abuela era los mas importante para ella. Mi hermana era “la princesa”, mi hermano era “el enano malo” y yo era simplemente como ella me repitió hace una semana: “Manolo del alma mía.” ¿Cuantas veces yo me ponía necio con ella cuando al terminar de prepararme el desayuno ella se sentaba solamente para mirarme comer? “Abuela no me (fastidies) mas y déjame comer en paz.” Ella ponía los ojos en blanco y me ignoraba porque ver a su nieto mayor comer era su delirio.</p><p>Cuando yo decidí entrar en el seminario, la única que se opuso era mi abuela. Ella quería bisnietos de mi. Pero cambio su manera de pensar bien rápido cuando ella se convirtió en “la abuela del Padre Manny.” Dos anécdotas rápidas sobre mis años de seminario y mi abuela: Cuando fui admitido al seminario, yo estaba de misiones en México y tuve que bajar del monte al pueblo para llamar a Miami para ver si había sido admitido. Mis padres estaban en los Cayos y mi abuela salio al teléfono. Ella inmediatamente empezó a preguntarme lo que quería de comer cuando regresara a Miami. Yo la trate de interrumpir varias veces y al fin logre preguntarle, “Abuela, espera, ¿me admitieron en el seminario?” Y ella con su chispa contestó, “Sí, pero eso no es importante, ¿quieres potaje de chicharo o frijoles colorados?” La segunda la compartí con el Obispo Estévez este domingo. El dia que me tocaba empezar mi internado en Santa Agueda, mi abuela llego con mi abuelo tres horas antes para verme pensando que yo ya había llegado. El Padre Estévez en este tiempo miro a esta vieja perdida afuera de la rectoría y salio para ver si necesitaba ayuda. Ella simplemente le contesto, “¿Donde esta Manny? Yo SOY la abuela de Manny.” Este episodio todavía la causa rizas al Obispo. Pero reflexionando anoche en el regalo mas grande que me dio mi abuela, fuera de todas las comidas que me hizo y después de mi madre por supuesto, fue el regalo de mi Cubanía. Desde niño me inculco no solamente un respeto y amor a este pais libre que les abrio las puertas a mi familia cuando necesitaban refugio, pero un amor especial a la tierra que la vio nacer. Por eso al cumplir yo los tres años ella me enseño el himno nacional cubano. Por eso ella me guio de la mano hace 30 años para pisar la tierra mas bella que Dios creo. Gracias a ella yo siento ese orgullo cubano en lo mas profundo de mi ser. Fue ella que inculco en mi sangre esos versos de Martí:</p><p>“Yo quiero cuando me muera,</p><p>sin patria pero sin amo,</p><p>tener en mi tumba un ramo</p><p>de flores y una bandera…cubana!”</p><p>Mi hermana era la niña de sus ojos. Esa rubia de ella era su vida y siempre trataba de vestirla como princesa. Ella siempre me decía que tenía que cuidar y defender a mi hermana en todo momento. El cuento que mi abuela mas contaba de mi hermana era como mi hermanita pequeña siempre iba a la cama de los abuelos y no a la de sus padres cuando se despertaba por la noche. Un dia la puerta al apartamento de mis abuelos estaba trancada y mi hermana se fue en la oscuridad de la noche por el patio de la casa a la puerta del patio que daba al cuarto de mis abuelos. Mi abuela oyó a una manito tocar en la puerta de cristal y una voz de niña gimiendo media dormida, “Abuela, abuela.” Mi abuelo brinco de la cama y abrió las persianas para ver la nieta rubia en sus pajamas y su trapito pidiendo que la dejaran entrar. Yo creo que mi abuela siempre le tenia eso guardado a mis padres. Y nunca olvidare la cara de mi abuela el día que mi hermana se casó como brillaba de orgullo. Las dos tenían el mismo carácter: cabezonas con corazones de oro.</p><p>Y mi hermano era su enano malo. Ella siempre contaba como él a los dos años se encaramó en el techo de la casa o como a los cuatro años agarro una bicicleta y empezó a montarla por todos lados. Ella siempre lo defendía y siempre le daba refugio. Y cuando mi hermano le dio el regalo de su primer bisnieto mi Abuela se convirtió en “Abuela Yeya.” Sus dos bisnietos eran la chispa que la espabilaba en su enfermedad.</p><p>Mi mamá era su regalo al mundo. Mamí replico el ejemplo de Abuela perfectamente como madre, abuela y esposa. Como hija no había nadie con mayor entrega a su madre en estos últimos meses. Y aunque mamí era su unica hija mi abuela insistía que ella tenia un hijo en mi padre. Ella adoraba a su yerno, que diga, a su hijo y le decía hasta hace el otro dia que lo tenía pisado. </p><p>Es que son tantos los recuerdos y tantos los cuentos. Si la comida era su obsesión, hablar de Cuba y de su querido Jaruco era su pasión. Ella era la que mantenía los lazos unidos entre una familia separada por 90 millas de mar. Mi abuelo la dejaba ir a Cuba con frecuencia porque sus sobrinos y sobrinas necesitaban de ella. Y esa entrega no solamente se la extendía a sus familiares sino a todos los amigos de mis padres. Ella era la Abuela de todos. Tantas veces que mis padres regresaban a la casa tarde con sus amigos y mi abuela se levantaba para hacerles unos chatinos y café cubano.</p><p>Y regresamos a la comida y como ella se entregaba a los demás através de ella como lo hizo Cristo. Mi mamá escogió un evangelio hoy, un verso mejor dicho, que describe a mi querida abuela perfectamente, “No hay amor mas grande que dar la vida por sus amigos (Juan 15:13).” Ella nos a dejado un legado de amor que será difícil de duplicar. Cuando adobemos el lechón de Noche Buena, cuando nos friamos un bistec empanizado o unos chatinos, cuando veamos un capuchino y cuando nos comamos unos chicharrones…siempre nos recordaremos de nuestra querida Abuela porque no solamente le gustaba comer, le gustaba saborear la comida. ¿Cuántas veces nos dio perdida en un buffet? Yo siempre le decía, “Abuela, si tu te mueres con un chicharrón en la boca, yo te entierro con una sonrisa.” Por eso con ella, todo quedó cumplido. Y ahora nos toca tratar de imaginarnos esa escena inconcebible del Señor sirviéndole un banquete a esta gorda como lo describía el profeta Isaías. No se porque no se me va la de la mente la imagen de mi abuela diciéndole al Señor con plena confianza y con mayor respeto, “Chico, siéntate tú y yo te sirvo a ti.”</p>Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-65001993048580392012020-11-26T09:21:00.000-05:002020-11-26T09:21:05.060-05:00100 Thanks 2020<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">100 Thanks 2020<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Yes, it’s been a very challenging year (the word “challenging” may be a bit charitable), but on Thanksgiving Day we still look around and see so many blessings and things for which we should be thankful.<span> </span>St. John Paul II once said: “<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124;">Let us remember the past with <b>gratitude</b>, live the present with enthusiasm, and look forward to the future with confidence.”<span> </span>Tonight, we gather with our families in person, and in some cases via Zoom, to give thanks to the Almighty for this past year.<span> </span>We all know that this was a very trying year, but we must still find room in our hearts to be thankful.<span> </span>I remember compiling this list 6 years ago a little more than a week after my brother had passed away.<span> </span>Even in tragedy, before the greatness of our benevolent God, there is still room for gratitude as look forward to the future with confidence in God’s goodness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">So, as I do every year, here are the 100 things that I am thankful for in 2020:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Nurses<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Doctors<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The hospital workers that we don’t see that do the really dirty work that no one wants to do<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The good men and women who have been standing in the heat since March at testing sites to test people who come in their cars<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sanitation workers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Delivery workers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Postal employees<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">First responders<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scientists<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">A new normal<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The attendance at Mass creeping up ever so slightly with each passing week<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">That so many people realized this year that they couldn’t live without receiving the Eucharist<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who are taking the Lord to the elderly<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The realization that our lives got too complicated and can be so much simpler<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">What’s next?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Christmas<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Celebrating Christmas like we’ve never celebrated it before <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Incarnation <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Papal Midnight Mass Homilies<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">21.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The joyful and very much missed and now welcomed sound of children playing at recess<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">22.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Unexpected, deep conversations with teenagers at recess<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">23.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Unexpected visits<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">24.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Unexpected phone calls from lost sheep<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">25.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Unexpected and blissful silence of my neighborhood at night during lockdown<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">26.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The number of children that are riding bicycles again through our neighborhood reminding me of my childhood<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">27.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Families going for long walks<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">28.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Compadres<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">29.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Monthly dinners<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">30.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fire trucks<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">31.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The cancer bell<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">32.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Christmas angels that deliver toys to children in hospitals on Christmas morning<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">33.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Smiles on children’s faces when you walk through the halls of Children’s Hospital<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">34.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Smiles on their nurses faces<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">35.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The hope that one day soon we will see more smiles behind facemasks (not too sure about the clear facemasks they’re peddling now)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">36.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Having a congregation in front of me when I preach<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">37.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Long confession lines<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">38.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Unlocked church doors<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">39.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sharing Jesus with the world<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">40.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">That despite challenges and restrictions we can still preach the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">41.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Technology that didn’t exist a few years ago<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">42.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">That first person who walked through the church doors when we reopened<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">43.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Those couples that stuck it out and got married during lockdown and did not postpone their wedding despite having only ten people in attendance and not having a reception <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">44.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The couples that thankfully continue to persist in receiving the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony despite restrictions because they care more about the sacrament and less about the party and the superfluous <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">45.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Patience<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">46.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The thirst for wisdom<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">47.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">New Bibles with lots of notes and commentaries<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">48.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">That moment of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament at the end of the day<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">49.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The absence of distractions so I can spend more time in prayer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">50.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The rediscovery of Carmelite Spirituality<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">51.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">52.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The joy of Christ that they share with the world<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">53.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">All Religious Brothers and Sisters<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">54.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Seminarians and postulants and their willingness to say yes at such a young age<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">55.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Long walks in silence around my neighborhood at dusk<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">56.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The welcomed sight of a baseball diamond<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">57.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The longing to hear the crack of a bat as a ball flies out of a ballpark<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">58.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The welcomed return of sports last summer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">59.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The unexpected journey of the Heat to the NBA Finals<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">60.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The expected journey of the Marlins to the Postseason<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">61.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rosa Negra<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">62.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The hope that comes with a new quarterback and the joy that a bearded veteran provides<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">63.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The throwback uniforms of the Dolphins (which should be permanent)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">64.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Karaoke Nights<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">65.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“You’ll Be Back”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">66.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Reading 8<sup>th</sup> Grade Thanksgiving Lists<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">67.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Compiling 8<sup>th</sup> Grade Thanksgiving Lists<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">68.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The gift of music that allows us to pray twice<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">69.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The beauty of a church that helps us bridge the chasm between the ordinary and the transcendent<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">70.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The homeless couple that I met last night who reminded me that I am called to serve the poor<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">71.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The members of our Armed Forces<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">72.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Old kids who now serve our country in the armed forces<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">73.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Parish and School Fair<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">74.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Father, what’s in that coffee cup?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">75.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sliding down a carnival slide with nuns<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">76.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The prayers of my parishioners<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">77.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The constructive criticism of my parishioners<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">78.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The overabundant generosity of my parishioners who kept bringing their priests food during lockdown<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">79.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Online giving that has kept us afloat this year<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">80.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The “normalness” of January and February<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">81.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Small businesses<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">82.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">That beautiful apartment in the Keys right on the water where I spent a week in July<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">83.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The serenity of the sun setting on a calm, glassy sea<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">84.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The many “bull sharks” I caught this summer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">85.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">D.C. in January for the March for Life<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">86.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Finally walking with my brother’s brothers and sisters in the Miami Half Marathon<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">87.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Actually completing the Half Marathon and getting a really cool medal<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">88.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Eucharistic Processions<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">89.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">That Urbi et Orbi Blessing in an empty St. Peter’s Square in March<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">90.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Connecting with so many former students via Facetime during lockdown and the long, honest conversations that ensued<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">91.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Giving and receiving Spiritual Direction<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">92.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">My parents and their 46+ years of marriage<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">93.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">My siblings both here and above<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">94.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">My nephews<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">95.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">My millions of cousins<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">96.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The grace of reconciliation and being forgiven<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">97.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The joy of the priesthood that I want to share with every soul<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">98.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The sublime gift of the Eucharist and the undeserved honor of being able to consecrate<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">99.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sitting on my front porch and gazing at our beautiful church in the evening with the setting sun making its holy walls glow<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">100.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Being able to go home this evening and gather with my family to simply give thanks<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmkv0WOn8R7JySE87LVLDWiRVDi4ogqsE7JZAMrMDXdX5rN4znL3PEdBfVNAyl_rI7ran4okAyBfPXFFhmkqiWC9v_5Km_RZQl1Z2vih623bO7UMSQLqrzXDEa21ccdiUEovWmNyvrKo/s2048/B08EDC91-7C78-4120-9B9D-F4EB78907D48.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmkv0WOn8R7JySE87LVLDWiRVDi4ogqsE7JZAMrMDXdX5rN4znL3PEdBfVNAyl_rI7ran4okAyBfPXFFhmkqiWC9v_5Km_RZQl1Z2vih623bO7UMSQLqrzXDEa21ccdiUEovWmNyvrKo/s320/B08EDC91-7C78-4120-9B9D-F4EB78907D48.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style>Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-54502397129766976022019-11-28T09:28:00.000-05:002019-11-28T09:28:13.891-05:00100 Thanks 2019<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Fifteen years ago, I started an exercise with my 8<sup>th</sup> grade students that soon became a hallmark of my observance of Thanksgiving Day: write down in no particular order, and in a prayerful and sometimes playful way, the 100 things I was thankful for. <span> </span>My students would write theirs during class or spend more time pondering it and sometimes going really deep at home.<span> </span>I would take all their lists and compile a list of 100 things from what they gave me to share with them this week.<span> </span>Over the years, these lists have been helped me peer into the hearts of my kids a little deeper as they’ve written insightful, meditative and sometimes very hilarious things.<span> </span>It is one of the highlights of my year with any 8<sup>th</sup> grade class.<span> </span>And then when I’m done pouring over their lists (I have 90 eighth graders this year so it took a little longer), I then proceed to write out my list which is parts reflective, repetitive, and yes, goofy.<span> </span>In other words, it <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>reflects who I am.<span> </span>Some years it has been harder to write out this list than others, but the reminder is always there: a Christian should always have a grateful heart and have at least 100 things to be thankful for on Thanksgiving Day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My mother<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My father<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My sister<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My brother<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My brother in law<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My nephews<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Their Catholic education<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My oldest nephew’s “too much like his father for his own good” attitude<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My second nephew’s inquisitive, “prove it” attitude<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My youngest nephew’s “I’m cooler than you and you know it” attitude<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My way too many to count cousins<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My extended family<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My priesthood<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Church of the Little Flower<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Immaculate Conception<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Five glorious, grace filled, life altering years as pastor of Immaculate<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Her glorious bell tower (with its now named bell: Teresita)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Hialeah<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Realizing how many lives a pastor can touch and how those lives touch me<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The rooster that used to wake me up (along with the leaf blower)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">21.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Backyards on a Friday night<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">22.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Unfiltered conversations<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">23.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Knowing how precious each moment is spent with friends<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">24.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->What happened to the poker games?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">25.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Fantasy football draft parties (without the board!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">26.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sunday night movie nights<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">27.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Karaoke (and singing the same songs over and over again)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">28.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Coral Gables<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">29.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Walking back into your childhood<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">30.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The canopy of trees creating a maze of natural tunnels<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">31.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Looking out my window every morning and seeing the majestic dome of our church<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">32.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Celebrating Mass where spiritual giants once did<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">33.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Incensing the altar while the choir sings Handel’s Messiah<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">34.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->A church full of children singing in unison<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">35.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Homilies delivered to those same children to illustrate to us adults how much those children can teach us of how far removed we are from the innocence needed in our spiritual lives <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">36.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->St. Theresa Catholic School<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">37.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->94 years of history in those hallways<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">38.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Teachers, teachers and more teachers (past and present) wo are the real heroes<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">39.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->So many, oh, so many wonderful, joy-filled children<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">40.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Getting to know an entirely new group of amazing kids<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">41.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Reading their thanksgiving lists<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">42.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Memories of the amazing kids I left behind<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">43.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Vacation Bible School<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">44.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Parking lot parents (at least they care enough to send their children to Religious Education)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">45.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When those parking lot parents bring their family to Mass<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">46.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Unexpected cameos from family and friends at Mass<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">47.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Brother priests<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">48.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The support of a stellar staff<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">49.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Visits from goddaughters<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">50.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Carmelite sisters<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">51.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Their constant prayers<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">52.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The penance they do for priests for which I will never be able to adequately thank them for<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">53.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cloistered Carmelites<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">54.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Almost finished monasteries<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">55.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The gift of rediscovering the wisdom of St. Thérèse of Lisieux<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">56.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i>Ego sum lux mundi<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">57.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My slow, gradual and liberating retreat from Facebook and Instagram<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">58.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Not feeling the need to be constantly connected<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">59.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Those five days I spend on retreat where I get to turn my phone off<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">60.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Less screen time<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">61.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->More prayer time<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">62.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That small and beautiful Blessed Sacrament chapel at the end of the hallway from my room<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">63.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The little things I usually take for granted<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">64.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->A healthy left ankle<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">65.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Reliable cell service<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">66.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Crossing Anastasia Avenue every morning and making it to the other side in one piece<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">67.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The police officers that patiently direct traffic every morning and afternoon<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">68.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Firefighters and first responders<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">69.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Lunch in the Gables with my best friend<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">70.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Unexpected meals with old friends<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">71.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Baptizing the kids of my kids<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">72.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Presiding at the weddings of my kids<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">73.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Presiding at a wedding of a couple who “gets it” (and when their families “get it” too)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">74.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Those who dedicate themselves to preparing couples for Holy Matrimony<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">75.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When those couples come back to do the same<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">76.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When the temperature dips below 70<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">77.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The overabundance of chocolate chip cookies in my room (well, before I ate them)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">78.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The absurd wisdom of “The Office” (“Sometimes I’ll start a sentence and I don’t even know where it’s going.”)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">79.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Stanger Things because it shows how well we did the friendship thing back in the 80s<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">80.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“Goonies never say die”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">81.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The escapism of Seinfeld because sometimes you just need nothing<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">82.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->(This is the section I usually reserve for our local sports teams, smh, but oh wait…)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">83.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Being in the arena for that One Last Dance<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">84.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->To the generous souls that allowed me to witness that One Last Dance<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">85.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->To the friends of those souls who I’ve danced with for over 17 years and allowed me to be part of their families<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">86.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Kids in New York<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">87.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Kids in California<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">88.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Unexpected phone calls or texts<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">89.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Finally learning to let go but leaving the door open just in case<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">90.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->A good film<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">91.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Finally seeing the brilliance of Les Misérables on stage<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">92.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Charleston, South Carolina and it’s majestic oyster towers and almost sinful brunches<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">93.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Marching for life every January in D.C.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">94.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The people I offer Mass for every day<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">95.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The people that pray for me<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">96.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The gift of silence especially at Mass<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">97.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Going through old photos and simultaneously smiling and being moved to tears<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">98.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->To quote one of my 8<sup>th</sup> graders from their list: “Knowing that disappointment and hardships never last.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">99.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Knowing that I am exactly where God wants me to be<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->100.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The people who constantly tell me even as recently as yesterday: “Thank you for being our pastor.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Happy Thanksgiving!</div>
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Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-51197434412885745282018-11-22T09:54:00.000-05:002018-11-22T09:58:26.287-05:00100 Thanks 2018<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 15.693333625793457px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Yesterday my mother sent me a text of some notes she had taken from a class of a priest who was very close to me who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. This priest was explaining the reasons why we're happy as Christians: because we're children of God, because we're loved by God, in whom God delights, and where God wants to dwell. These are not only reasons why we're happy but reasons to be thankful on this Thanksgiving Day. Once you realize that you are God's beloved child in whom he delights and dwells then you spend your life constantly giving thanks. This is the reason for this annual Thanksgiving List. This is the reason why I have given it to my 8th graders for 15 years now. As children of God, we must always have a grateful heart as we look around and see the MANY blessings he has bestowed on us throughout this year. Yes, there are always trials that we are not thankful for, but looking back we see how those bumps in the road helped us grow closer to the One who loves us eternally. So on this Thanksgiving Day, we pause with our family and friends to bow our heads and give thanks to our gracious and loving God for all his blessings and reflect on a few (or a hundred or so) of the things that we are thankful for.</div>
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Happy Thanksgiving!</div>
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The 100 Things I Am Thankful For This Thanksgiving<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Eucharist<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My Priesthood<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Immaculate Conception<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My family<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My cousins<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Those who claim to be my cousins<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Godchildren<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My way too big family<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My way too big “family”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My parish<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My school<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My parishioners<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My school children<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My students<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My former students who will always be “my kids”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Answered prayers<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“Youth Group Leaders” (yes, there are a lot of things in quotes this year so just go with it)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Satisfied<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Friendsgiving<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cancers in remission<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">21.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Newborn babies<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">22.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Peaceful and happy deaths (those exist)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">23.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Priests who have been called home who were models of holiness<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">24.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Father Oscar’s reasons why we’re happy:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Because we’re children of God<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Because we’re loved by God<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->In whom God delights<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Where God wants to dwell<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">25.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The never-ending pursuit to be holy<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">26.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The challenges of being a pastor of souls because they make me seek out holiness all the more<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">27.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Prodigal children<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">28.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Long talks with those prodigal children<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">29.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Picking up a conversation where you left off that you started many moons ago<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">30.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Office<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">31.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Carrying on a conversation with your best friend using nothing but The Office gifs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">32.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The theater! “There’s nothing like a show on Broadway…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">33.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Overture!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">34.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The West Wing Thanksgiving Episode “Shibboleth”: Pilgrim Detectives!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">35.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Friends Thanksgiving Episodes: “All right, where’s that turkey?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">36.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly!” (name the show)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">37.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“What’s next?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">38.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->El Salvador<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">39.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Chumpes<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">40.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Lago de Coatepeque<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">41.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Jumping into a volcanic lake<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">42.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Group pictures<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">43.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Volcanoes<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">44.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Hawaii<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">45.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Friends who invite you to go on vacation with them!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">46.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The silence of heroes in Pearl Harbor<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">47.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Kauai<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">48.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Kauai roosters<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">49.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Horseback rides on the beach<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">50.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Indiana Jones Cave!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">51.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Ne Pali Coast<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">52.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Helicopter Rides<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">53.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Water slides<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">54.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Elevators!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">55.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Perfectly fried tater tots at breakfast buffets<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">56.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Throwing Maui’s stupid hook into the ocean (or wherever we threw it)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">57.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Casting a fishing line into the Pacific Ocean<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">58.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Catching a fish from the Pacific Ocean<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">59.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Those small, ordinary moments that turn out to become extraordinary<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">60.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“Los momenticos”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">61.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Asheville<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">62.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Casting a fishing line into a pond in the foothills of the Appalachians <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">63.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Catching a fish from said pond<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">64.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Mass in the mountains<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">65.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When you hit that rare but perfect note in a homily<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">66.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Direct flights<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">67.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Ah ha! moments (or moments of epiphany if you will)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">68.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->33149<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">69.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Da Boyz<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">70.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Actually doing Carpool Karaoke (video not available)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">71.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“The Lord giveth. The Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">72.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The March for Life<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">73.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Walking the National Mall in silence at dusk<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">74.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Any temperature between 55 and 70 degrees<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">75.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Uber<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">76.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Dumplings from a Hialeah Chinese Restaurant<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">77.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Molina’s moros<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">78.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Trigo’s batido de trigo<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">79.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Brother priests<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">80.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Watching parishioners become brother priests<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">81.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Carnival!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">82.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Watching the kids run to the rides on Carnival Friday<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">83.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->A packed Church on Sunday, any Sunday<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">84.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Holy Week<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">85.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Holy Week dinners<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">86.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The washing of the feet<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">87.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Good Friday processions<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">88.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My yearly climb to put the white cloth around the church crucifix<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">89.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Finding that perfect quiet spot on campus to pray<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">90.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Walking with my parishioners in their joys and in their sorrows<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">91.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Memories of my ministry with the Dolphins<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">92.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Opening Day with Dad (no matter how bad the team is)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">93.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sitting on the beach with my father, staring at fishing rods without having to say a word<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">94.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Rushing to the beach on summer evenings with my mother to catch the sunset<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">95.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The countless rosaries my mother offers for me<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">96.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My sister taking over my office because, well, she’s my sister<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">97.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My smile when I’m talking with my sister on the phone and I know I’m not gonna get a word in<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">98.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My oldest nephew being so much like my brother<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">99.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My middle nephew’s inquisitiveness and uncanny similarities to his uncle<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">100.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My youngest nephew’s imagination and train filled world<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">101.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“A Million Dreams”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">102.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The unwavering faith that God forgives me and that his mercy is everlasting<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">105.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The things I’ve been meaning to write down all week but forgot</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->106.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Being able to write this list for a 15<sup>th </sup>year and thank God on this Thanksgiving Day<o:p></o:p><br />
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Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-4541079407121888112018-10-21T09:49:00.001-04:002018-10-21T09:55:42.947-04:00The Real Missionary<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Twenty-eight years ago, I met a
quiet 11 year old girl named Juana. I was on my first missionary trip to rural
Mexico, and Juana was to serve as our guide through the farm lands that we had
been assigned to visit. She was the 3rd of 9 children of the family who lived
at the foot of the hill of the small church we were staying in for those 18 sweltering
July nights as we preached the gospel to the good people of a village called
Monte Adentro. Every night we offered a catechesis in the church and every
night some would travel as far as 2 or 3 miles by foot, sometimes bare foot, to
come and hear the nightly catechesis. When the lessons and liturgy were over, they would
return to their homes in the dark of the night hoping that the clouds would
dissipate so that the stars would illuminate their way home and they wouldn’t
have to waste the battery of their old flashlights. In the morning, Juana would
take us out to their farms where we would visit these good people living in the
poorest of conditions. She rarely spoke. We would just follow her and when we
arrived at a farm she would tell us who lived there...and that’s it. When we
returned at midday to the church, Juana would go back home and resume her
chores: drawing water from the nearby well, sweeping her house, looking after
her many rambunctious little brothers, and helping her pregnant mother with her
newborn sister because her 16 year old sister had eloped the night that we had
arrived. Juana never spoke of it. She never spoke much of anything except
living the gospel with her actions at such a young age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Juana has to be 39 years old now,
and I still remember how she taught me how to be a missionary without uttering
a word. Preach the gospel always, St. Francis said, if necessary use words.
Juana didn’t need them. She guided us through muddy pastures, under barbed
wired fences, across a very dangerous highway, and took us to visit some sick
and dying people that no 11 year old should be exposed to. But she carried
herself with the quiet dignity that I could only compare to the Virgin Mary who
rarely spoke as well. Juana had no aspirations to leave her village even though we all wanted to adopt her and bring her to the States. She just
went about her days doing good works. I spent three summers with her family. As
she got older she acquired a bit more spunk, and even joined the other missionaries
in ribbing me which was a pastime during those high school summers which are
probably the happiest summers of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Juana, her family, and the people
of that village taught me the meaning of the words of today’s gospel: “whoever
wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first
among you will be the slave of all.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Being a missionary and taking the gospel to the poor played such an
important part in my discernment to be a priest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These holy people were certainly not the
greatest nor the first in the eyes of the world, but their faith was so
tangible, so unwavering, and so alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They weren’t very expressive and didn’t show much emotion, but they
truly saw any missionary that walked into their village as an emissary from God
himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a word for that:
angels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my fellow missionaries and I
were far from being angels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember
every summer there was a venting session about 10 days into the trip because by
that time we were getting on each other’s nerves, but it didn’t detract from
our goal of sharing the Good News.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
always said that we would go on missions for selfish reasons because we always
received more from these holy, simple people than anything we could possibly
give them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Being a missionary is indeed an
essential part of being a Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
this World Mission Sunday, we pray for missionaries throughout the world that
sacrifice so much for the sake of the gospel, some even putting their lives at
risk to bring Christ to the darkest corners of the earth putting even their own lives in peril.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may not be called to go off to
foreign countries, but we are definitely called to be a missionaries wherever
we go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should always carry the
presence of Christ with us and do so quietly, but powerfully like that little
girl Juana who I encountered all those years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our witness is what allows us to change the
world: by being the least among our brothers and sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We definitely did not change
Monte Adentro in so much as Monte Adentro changed us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We experienced a slice of heaven every time
we visited, and we’ve been trying to bring that slice back home with us ever
since.</span><br />
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Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-60101072923495650192018-09-16T22:08:00.000-04:002018-09-16T22:08:48.622-04:00Picking Up Your Cross<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">About 6 years ago when I was assigned to St. Gregory, we had a big hospital a couple of blocks away which we were charged to visit when someone called for a priest. It was always a toll to be responsible for a hospital and knowing your day could be thrown for a loop if the hospital cell phone went off, but I have beautiful memories of ministering there. On one particularly day in the late afternoon I was walking over from our parochial school to the rectory. I was tired. It had been a long day, and it wasn’t remotely over. To this day sometime between the time school ends and the evening work of the parish begins, I like to squeeze in some quiet time in the late afternoon to gear up for that night’s ministry. On that particular day, it was not meant to be. I was exhausted, and I was headed into our residence to disconnect for a short while from the parish but our receptionist handed me a message. Someone had died over at the hospital and the nurse called asking for a priest. At that moment, I must confess, two very selfish thoughts crossed my mind, “why didn’t they call before the person died,” and “why were you giving me the message if I’m not on call?” The priest who was on call had already left on another sick call, so I was on deck. It never ceases to amaze me that when the Lord calls me at the most inopportune moments (i.e. when I selfishly don’t want to do things) the more grace he sends my way and the more grace I witness through no particular action of my own. It’s all Him. I got in the car and drove over to the hospital not knowing the details of the situation that I was going to confront. I walked into the ICU and the nurse introduced me to the mother of the patient. The mother? Yes, the mother of a 27-year-old young man who had died. (The particulars of his death are not important; the fact that a mother lost her son unexpectedly is.) Through her tears, this mother explained to me what had happened and she could barely get her words out. It was a heart-breaking scene and even though she didn’t know me and even though she wasn’t even Catholic, as I would discover, she grabbed me, embraced me, and just starting sobbing. She asked me to go in and say a prayer for her son. I offered the prayers as this mother caressed her child much like Mary did hers. I’ve been in many hospital rooms, ICU’s and ER’s, but this particular scene is still raw, still unnatural, and yet in some odd way filled with the Lord’s presence despite the tragic circumstance. I don’t remember what I said. I do remember that they thanked me, the nurse who called thanked me, and as I was walking out of the hospital I started kicking myself because at first I did not want to go. My selfishness almost deprived me of such a most grace-filled moment.: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Yes, out of necessity I was pressed into action that day, but to truly follow Christ and be Christ for others, we must constantly deny ourselves to allow him to do his good work in us. To profess faith in Jesus, like Peter did, means that we have to back that faith up with action. St. James makes that quite clear in the second reading. Faith without works is dead. We cannot proclaim Christ as Lord if we don’t deny ourselves DAILY and carry our crosses. This is not an either/or proposition. We cannot have one without the other. Faith and works go hand in hand. I couldn’t have been a minster of grace to that mother if I wouldn’t have taken a deep breath, offered my exhaustion to God, and carried the cross that was handed to me. And here’s the kicker: that tragic scene at the hospital would’ve brought down anyone without faith. It gave me a second wind for the day. When you see the hand of God tangibly working through the good works you do, you just want to do more. When you see what a graced filled life you can live when you deny yourself and start putting God and the other first, you start looking for crosses to pick up. Today our Lord is calling you to put the needs of others before yours. There are poor people in the streets. Pick them up. There are sick people that need visiting. Pick them up. There are brothers and sisters who mourn. Pick them up. There are women that are contemplating an abortion. Pick them up. There’s a young person who may feel lost. Pick them up. There are many Catholics who are questioning their faith or the Church because of the scandals. Pick them up. There are so many crosses around us that need picking up. But there’s one cross that the Lord has given to you. One cross that is only for you. Only you can carry it (with His help of course) and only you can identify the purpose of this cross. And when you find that cross that is particularly your own which may seem too heavy to carry, just know that His grace will suffice, the rewards will be heavenly, so do not be afraid: deny yourself, approach that cross, and pick it up! </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-11488812730540371642018-09-09T19:23:00.000-04:002018-09-09T20:32:38.006-04:00Are You Listening To Me?<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<span class="" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">"And immediately the man's ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed..." (Mark 7:35) <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="" style="color: #1d2129;"><br class="" /><span class="" style="background-color: white;">Let's get this out of the way right at the top: women think that men don't listen. You hear this a lot when couples are arguing, but priests aren't immune from this either. I come from a family of very talkative women, and all you have to do is ask any of them the simple question, "How are you?" and you will get a very lengthy response which is inevitably followed up by the question, "Are you listening to me?" Cause you see, since they have monopolized the conversation and haven't allowed you to utter a word, they don't think you're listening to them. Ok, maybe I'm trivializing communication between men and women just a tad, but it is extremely important in any relationship. The question of whether or not we're listening, as annoying as it may be, is actually a valid one because if we aren't listening we cannot respond. Such is the case with our relationship with the Lord, he has so much to tell us, so much to for us to do, but we turn a deaf ear and only listen to the parts that will not cause us to drastically alter our lives.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"> </span><span class="" style="color: #1d2129;"><br class="" /><span class="" style="background-color: white;">In the gospel today, the people bring a deaf mute to Jesus. The Lord places his fingers in the poor man's ears and touches his tongue and says, "Be opened!" The man's ears are opened, and he begins to speak as well. Upon hearing the Word of God, the former deaf mute is compelled to respond to that Word. The question the gospel presents to us today is: do we listen and consequently respond to God's Word? The problem is that like in any relationship, we turn a deaf ear when we don't want to listen. We think that when we come to mass we've heard it all before especially when it's a gospel we've heard countless times. During homilies, we smile and laugh when the priest says something we agree with, but play deaf and dumb whenever he challenges us with something radical or life changing. Here's the thing, the Word of God is not static. It is very much alive and has something new for us every single time we hear it. We cannot block out those things we do not want to hear or do not want to deal with. Christ is telling us to be open to whatever he has in store for us. Be open to the promptings of his Spirit. Be open to embrace the challenge of his Divine Word. Once we listen, we are able to respond. The Word applies to every aspect of our lives and applies equally to every one. Today we must admit that we are at times deaf to what the Lord wants to tell us and ask him to open our ears, our minds, and our hearts to joyously accept his will in our lives. </span></span><br />
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Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-5864467003268880222018-09-02T13:20:00.000-04:002018-09-02T13:20:26.540-04:00Back to Basics<div class="aolmail_MsoNormal" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 12pt; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It occurs to me that the times we are currently experiencing in the universal Church demand a so-called “back to basics” approach. I have yet to encounter a person who has told me that they are leaving the Catholic Church because of the current scandals. Quite the contrary, I’ve seen people who have put out into the deep waters that Christ calls us to in search of that elusive holy life. I’ve seen and read about people who want to get more involved in their Church and rediscover the beauty of their faith. They are finding the religion that St. James speaks of in today’s second reading. And this is where the back to basics approach comes in. St. James tells us: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world (James 1:27).”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Even if we haven’t left our religion during this summer, we have no doubt questioned it, its precepts and its leaders. St. James defines pure religion as caring for the other, in this case, those most vulnerable during the time of the first Christians: the orphan and the widow. Then James sums it up by beautifully stating something that I and so many preachers have been hammering home the last few weeks: our call to be holy. We are to keep ourselves “unstained by the world.” And this is key particularly after a week in which we have seen such a fractured Church: a Church that has been divided into left and right as if political parties ran it. It calls to mind Don McLean's musical lyric: “I saw Satan laughing with delight.” The devil is rejoicing seeing a splintered Church, a Church that is doubting its leaders, dabbling in conspiracy theories as if we were living in an Oliver Stone film, and running from the very reason Christ brought the Church into existence: to love those who need to be loved with the love of God that has been poured out into our hearts and to be a light for all nations.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Satan can laugh all he wants but the music has not died. Despite our best efforts to destroy the Church from within (and I’m talking about bishops and priests here), the work of the Church continues. Mass is still being celebrated. The poor are still being fed. Our children are still being educated to be disciples. The sick and the widows are still being visited, and the orphans, well, we can do much better in that department if only our government would let us, but I digress. Faith in Christ is growing stronger in the face of adversity and we are being transformed from being mere hearers of the words to being actual “doers of the word.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This is why I said last week in my homily that the future of the Church is found in the pews. You must take leadership of the Church because you ARE the Church. We priests and our bishops need to be taken down a few pegs and start washing feet again. Clericalism is a diabolical sin that has plagued the Church for way too long and it only serves to separate us the clergy from being true servants to the people of God. There was a brilliant essay penned yesterday by George Weigel who is a magnificent Catholic writer in which he concludes “that the Church is being called to a great purification through far more radical fidelity to Christ, to Catholic teaching and to Catholic mission. Bishops who have failed in their responsibilities as teachers, shepherds and stewards have typically done so because they put institutional maintenance ahead of evangelical mission. Keeping the institutional Catholic machinery ticking as smoothly as possible, by compromises with truth and discipline if necessary, was deemed more important than offering others friendship with Jesus Christ and the sometimes hard truths the Church learns from Christ.” </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It truly is time to get back to basics and pursue a religion that is pure and undefiled. It is a time to return to the basic evangelical love and mercy of Christ which made us fall in love with this extraordinary faith. It is time for the laity to take up the mantle of leadership within our Church and help us restore the beauty of Catholicism.</span></div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-8397226731190677822018-08-29T17:24:00.001-04:002018-08-29T17:24:27.337-04:00Message to Parishioners in Wake of Church Scandals<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><em>No, your eyes are not deceiving you, after much prayer and some nudging from very important people in my life, I have decided to start writing and sending out my homilies again. I will slowly start easing back into it (don't be surprised if I miss a week or two here and there), but I firmly believe that in the times that we are living in and with the scandals that are besieging the Church, I cannot remain silent...at least online. I have preached about the scandals head on over the last two Sundays and on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15 which was the day after the Pennsylvania Grand Jury released their report. On August 15, I called what is going on in our Church by name: this is quite simply the work of the Evil One who is delighting at seeing our beloved Church in crisis. How else to explain the horrific details outlined in that report, or the massive cover up around former-Cardinal McCarrick, or the details outlined Archbishop's Viganó's swown testimony? Bishop Robert Barron probably put it best when he called all of these tragic events "a demonic masterpiece." There has been a lot infighting in the Church, which also delights Satan, when we must be united in penance and prayer, and this infighting is making us lose sight of what is most important: we must never lose sight of the innocent victims of these violent crimes who must always be first in our prayers. We cannot possibly imagine what they have suffered and are still suffering: the loss of innocence, the lose of faith. So like St. Peter trying to walk on the sea during the storm, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Spend time before the Blessed Sacrament. Go to Mass more often. Go to Confession more often. Offer penance and fasting for the sins committed. We are ONE Church. We are a Holy Church. Yes, we are a Church made up of sinners, but as I describe in the letter to my parishioners below, Christ will purify us during this time so that we might be holy in his sight. Let us commend the victims, the holiness of God's people and the holiness of our priests and bishops to the maternal care of our Blessed Mother. May she protect us as we journey through this valley of tears.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Message to the Parishioners of Immaculate Conception Parish (9-2-2018)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">My dear friends,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">The last few weeks have brought a lot of sadness, anger, and confusion when it comes to the scandals that are currently plaguing the Catholic Church. If you are angry, you have every right to be. If you feel betrayed, you certainly have been. As a parish, we have experienced this before, and once again we will overcome it because our faith in Jesus Christ must be unwavering during these perilous times. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">There was a wonderful collection of verses in last week’s second reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians that really stood out: “...Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. (Eph 5:25-27)”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are no doubt going through a period of extreme cleansing as a Church, and we must pray that the Lord make us holy and without blemish. Holiness is our universal call as baptized Christians, but in these moments it must be more than a calling. Holiness can no longer be a goal that we must strive for as Christians but rather a necessity that we must embrace in the face of the storms that are besieging Holy Mother Church. We have no choice anymore but to be holy as our Lord is holy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">The sins committed by a few have affected so many; especially God’s little ones, those he favors, those he calls us to imitate if we wish to enter the kingdom. These sins cry out to God and because we are one Church, we pray for the victims of these heinous crimes and pray for those who covered them up that they may do just penance. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is a time of penance for us as a Church. Think of it as a summertime Lent. One thing that has not gone unnoticed are the long lines at our confessionals the last few weeks. There is a genuine desire among us to seek what is good, what is holy, and to rid ourselves of the filth of sin. And we must also rededicate ourselves to prayer at Mass and before the Blessed Sacrament. This week we will have that opportunity. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">This Thursday, September 6th, we have been invited as a parish to celebrate one of the Novena Masses for Our Lady of Charity at La Ermita de la Caridad. Our school children have been invited to sing to the Blessed Mother and the priests of our parish have been invited to celebrate the Mass. There is no better time for us as a community to go to the feet of our Blessed Mother to ask her to protect her Son’s Church. We are calling on all our parishioners to do a pilgrimage this Thursday to La Ermita to celebrate this special Mass at 8pm. Prayer moves mountains and we need the Lord’s help to move the mountainous obstacles that are preventing us as a Church from being holy and without blemish. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">God bless you all,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Father Manny</em></span></span></div>
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Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-59115540290937317922017-11-23T09:25:00.000-05:002017-11-23T09:26:29.645-05:00100 Thanks (2017)<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: justify;">It’s
been a while since I posted something in this space, but how could I not post
my annual list of 100 things for which I am thankful?</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">The Christian heart must always be a grateful
heart.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Giving thanks is what we should
be doing, in good times and bad times, because ultimately we are giving thanks
to a God who not only sent His only Son into the world, but His Son suffered
and died for us to give us the gift of eternal life.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Last night I tweeted that I am always in awe
of people who even with a broken heart muster the strength to give thanks.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Yes, the cynic would look at the current
state of the world and ask what could we possibly give thanks for?</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Well, I found 100 things and reasons and I
could probably write many more because this Thanksgiving, throughout the ups
and downs that has been 2017, my heart is full of gratitude, and here are just
100 reasons why:</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
underserved gift of my priesthood which is an adventure that even 15 years in
continues to surprise and leave me in awe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My
big, beautiful, crazy, at times maddening, but wouldn’t change them for the
world family and all the crazy cousins that come with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My
mother’s prayers who have helped me through those dark nights of the soul.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My
father’s wisdom and strength that are the rock that we all lean on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My
sister’s persistence and heroism in raising a family, moving them this past
year, putting my nephews in two different school, and still have time to love
my brother in law unconditionally through ten years of marriage.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My
oldest nephew who made me cry in a baseball game when I found out he had made
the honor roll at Belen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My
second nephew who likes to explain things in great detail to me and for that
top button on that shirt that he refuses to unbutton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yup, just like his uncle: don’t mess with my
routine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My
third and youngest nephew who is the coolest cat in any room and whose laugh
and smile lights up that room and all those who are blessed to be in his
presence.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My
dearest friends who have grown up with me, know me, counsel me, correct me, and
allow me to be part of their extraordinary lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
crosses that I carry (ok, I must confess that I “borrowed” this from one of my
8<sup>th</sup> grader’s lists because it was so inspiring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crosses we bear become less burdensome
the moment we embrace them as our Lord embraced his.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Holy
Sacrifice of the Mass because I get to be at the center of when heaven is
wedded to earth in this divine exchange that I pray unceasingly that my people
would comprehend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->For the
people that comprehend and indeed are in awe of the magnitude of the Divine
Mysteries we celebrate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The faith
of the people of God who lift up my faith daily.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
prayers of the people of God who carry me through the rough days.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
generosity of the people of God who always respond to those in need sometimes
without even being asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
maternal protection of the Virgin Mary because as my confessor always reminds
me: “You don’t think you’d be made pastor of a church named for Our Lady and
she’s just going to abandon you!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
abiding presence of the Holy Spirit who constantly pinch hits for me when I
can’t get up to bat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Being able
to go to confession (at least) once a month to cleanse my heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Being able
to hear my peoples’ confessions and unshackle them from the slavery of sin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Spending
those last precious minutes with a soul who is about to depart from this world
and preparing them for eternal life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">21.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Being able
to witness so many young couples embrace and truly comprehend the Sacrament of
Matrimony (they far outweigh those who do not get comprehend).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">22.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Having
those same couples bring their newborn children to me so that I can baptize
them with the waters of everlasting life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">23.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That rush
of adrenaline (and the Holy Spirit) that fills me in those few seconds right
before I start preaching a homily.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">24.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Standing
in front of a classroom to just teach.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">25.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The lists
just like this one that my 8<sup>th</sup> graders have been writing and I’ve
been reading for the last 14 years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">26.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Those days
that I look at my calendar and see “no meetings” where I can just go out and be
a priest and not an administrator.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">27.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sitting in
a preschool classroom and allowing myself to be swept up into a world of pure
imagination.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">28.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Seeing the
relief on students’ faces when I walk into a classroom because I just
momentarily saved them from taking a test.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">29.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
sacrifices that so many parents make to provide their children with a Catholic
education.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">30.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sitting
with my CCD confirmation students to just talk about “stuff.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">31.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->My annual
retreat where the best part is turning off my phone for five days so I can only
listen to God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">32.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Being able
to celebrate the great mysteries of the Holy Triduum without worrying about the
details because I have the greatest group of MCs this side of the Vatican.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">33.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Being able
to welcome new Catholics into this great family during every Easter Vigil.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">34.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The grand
silence of Good Friday that draws us deeper into the mystery of our redemption.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">35.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
washing of the feet on Holy Thursday that reminds me each and every year that
this is why I became a priest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">36.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Being able
to celebrate Mass this year at the birthplace of Christ in Bethlehem.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">37.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Finally
taking my mother to the Holy Land.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">38.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sailing on
the Sea of Galilee with my father and wishing we were both in St. Peter’s boat
going fishing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">39.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Going up
to Jerusalem and finally setting foot in the holy city like so many pilgrims
before me (my Lord included).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">40.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Spending
time standing in complete silence in a corner of the Upper Room letting myself
be overwhelmed by everything that happened in that sacred space: the Last
Supper, the washing of the feet, Jesus’ first appearance to his disciples, the
coming of the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could I
not be overwhelmed?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">41.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Literally
carrying a cross on the Via Dolorosa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not as heavy as our Lord’s but still heart wrenching if even for a
minute to feel a fraction of the pain that he felt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">42.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Walking into
the Holy Sepulcher and finding it…empty!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">43.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Once again
sitting in front of St. Peter’s Basilica and just gazing up at the majesty of
this glorious church.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">44.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Walking
through the medieval streets of Assisi with a gelato in hand and feeling total
peace.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">45.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Feeling
even greater peace going down the hill to San Damiano and hearing those
beautiful winds coming from the valley below still saying after 8 centuries:
“Francis, rebuild my church.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">46.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Once again
getting to personally see and hear from the Successor of St. Peter, Pope
Francis.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">47.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Walking
the streets of Rome as if I was a citizen of the Eternal City.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">48.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Driving
through the hills and mountains of Umbria and feeling at home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">49.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That bumpy
but satisfying feeling when your plane finally touches down in Miami after a 10
hour transatlantic flight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">50.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Spending
five memorable days on a Disney Cruise with my sister, my cousins and my nieces
and nephews.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">51.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Rediscovering
after 16 years that when you enter a Disney ship or resort, you basically
become a kid again. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">52.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Flying the
Millennium Falcon with my oldest nephew and spending quality time just the two of
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me and my brother’s boy!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">53.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
bordering on gluttony food extravaganza that awaits you on any cruise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I may have been in a food coma at some
point.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">54.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Miraculous
bag limit yellow tail catches in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with good
friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">55.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Jumping
into the turquoise waters of the Atlantic after a hot morning of fishing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">56.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Having
breakfast in way too small diners in the Florida Keys.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">57.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Discovering
a little place called Mangrove Mike’s and more importantly discovering that
they serve something called the “Breakfast Tater Tot Tower” (tater tots loaded
high and topped with two eggs-any style-and your choice of having it smothered
with cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">58.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Also
discovering another place that serves French Toast made of croissants. (we’ve
reached the food and funny portion of the list, folks).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">59.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The smell
and taste of fresh caught yellow tail fried to perfection.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">60.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sitting
down with good friends to eat and realizing that we don’t need phones, TV, or
movies to entertain us when a good conversation is always much more fun and
enriching.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">61.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“Another
Day of Sun” with “Someone in the Crowd” that leads to “A Lovely Night” in a “City
of Stars” (that movie was robbed!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">62.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
heroism of the Jesuit Missionaries in Japan as told by a legendary director in
a movie simply called “Silence”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">63.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Shibboleth<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">64.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Watching a
West Wing Thanksgiving episode the night before Thanksgiving and still carrying
hope for America.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">65.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Turnover
Chain Turnover Chain Turnover Chain Turnover Chain Turnover Chain Turnover
Chain Turnover Chain Turnover Chain Turnover Chain Turnover Chain<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">66.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
unexpected, unbelievable, undeniable return of THE U!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">67.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sitting in
Hard Rock Stadium during the Notre Dame game and actually feeling, if only for
a fleeting second, as if I was back in the Orange Bowl for another magical
night game.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">68.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sitting in
the right field bleachers on a brisk October night in Yankee Stadium to witness
a thrilling comeback by the Yankees in the American League Championship Series<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">69.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->All Rise!
Watching Aaron Judge hit a gargantuan home run to start that Yankee rally that
simultaneously caused everyone in the right field bleachers to throw their
beers up in the air in jubilation (hey, I got a cool Yankee hoodie out of
this!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">70.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Taking my
father to the Major League All Star Game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While it wasn’t the great game I experienced in the Bronx, we can now
say that we attended the Mid Summer Classic that we watch on TV every year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">71.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Derek
Sanderson Jeter…I think. Look, it can’t get any worse than it’s been the last
15 years…can it? (He continues to be my favorite baseball player of the last 25
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just pray that he’s just as
good as an owner, but not off to the greatest of starts.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">72.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Electricity,
hot water, WiFi, DirectTv: because when you go through a hurricane, and we were
so blessed it didn’t hit us head on, you learn to appreciate the simplicity of
turning on a light switch and a light actually turning on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">73.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Quiet
nights during the aftermath of the hurricane when you had nothing to distract
you from counting your blessings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">74.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The sweat
of so many people that helped clean up our parish grounds to get our church
ready for Mass the Sunday after the hurricane.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">75.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That nice
cold glass of lemonade in the middle of a hot late summer afternoon between
cutting down trees or blowing leaves out of the parking lot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">76.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Chainsaws
that really work and men (and nuns) who know how to really use them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">77.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Karaoke
nights where I don’t know whether I’m singing well or if people are just lying
to me to not hurt my feelings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">78.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Spaghetti
dinners with my parishioners because it’s a family dinner with basically my
entire parish family.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">79.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The joy of
a perfect weather carnival weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">80.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The work
put in by so many good people over so many long hours to make it the perfect
carnival weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">81.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Seeing so
many former students come to the carnival to tell me they miss being home at
Immaculate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">82.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Taking an
endless parade of selfies with all those former students.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">83.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Just
Dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just Dance. (My First, My Last, My Everything)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">84.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cinnamon
dipped beignets from the Powdered Doughnut accompanied by Bacon wrapped Fried
Oreos<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">85.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Speaking
of doughnuts, how can I forget to mention the Maple Glazed Bacon Donut from the
Salty Donut (thank you UberEats). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">86.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sitting in
a freezing dunk tank watching the joy of little children and not so little
children taking turns in dunking their pastor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">87.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Hosting a
retreat earlier this year and hosting a Mass once a month for families of
children with special needs and discovering what I already knew: they are truly
part of God’s perfect design.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">88.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Helping
autistic children receive the sacraments against all odds because I know deep
in my heart that they comprehend God better than I ever will.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">89.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Carrying
on a group chat over several years and not being bothered when somebody texts
at a late hour because they’re in a different time zone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">90.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Going back
to the place I once called home and being received with the same love that a son
receives when he returns.y<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">91.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The truth,
and sometimes truth that hurts but I need to hear, from my former students from
back in the day that have my trust to speak and tell me what’s really on their
minds. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">92.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That no
matter how far these kids travel in life or how many lofty goals they achieve,
they still check in on me and love me unconditionally.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">93.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That they
still move me to tears when I see them achieve their lofty goals.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">94.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->That I’m
now witnessing their marriages and baptizing their children.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">95.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Outrunning
thunderstorms in a really fast boat on Biscayne Bay with friends that are more
like family.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">96.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“I have
learned that being with those I love is enough.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">97.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“Failure
waits for those who stay with the same success of yesterday”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">98.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“Rejoice
with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">99.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“It is
easier for the earth to exist without the sun than without the Holy Sacrifice
of the Mass!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">100.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“And
whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving!<br />
<br /></div>
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Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-38246792220582127602017-05-18T15:36:00.002-04:002017-05-18T16:12:15.615-04:00Why I Took a Break from Writing<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It started off as a simple
exercise.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">About 11 years ago when I was
assigned to be the Vocations Director for the Archdiocese, I started going
around from church to church every Sunday to preach about priestly vocations
and the importance of praying for vocations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At the same time I also served as the Master of Ceremonies for one of
our auxiliary bishops, so there were weekends when I would not preach. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Bishop
Noonan and visiting different churches in the tri-county area, I really missed
preaching on Sundays to my parishioners on the readings of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So in an effort to stay sharp, every weekend
I would write a brief homily as if I was going to preach it to one of the two
parishes that I had served at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometime in
2006, I started emailing these homilies to a few friends. Late that year, I
started posting my homilies on (ready for this?) Myspace of all places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon the email list got longer, I moved from
Myspace to Facebook like everyone else, and by the time I returned to parish
life in January 2009, I was writing, or better yet transcribing my homilies
every single week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">More often than not, here is how
the process would go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rarely write my
entire homily before I preach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually
start thinking and praying about what I want to preach about in the middle of
the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By Friday or Saturday, I have
4 or 5 things that I want to mention in my homily that I jot down on a post it
note and I put it in my pocket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By
Sunday morning I (usually) know what I want to communicate during those
precious 7-10 minutes during Mass that I get to share the Word of God with my
parishioners. I seldom take the post it note out of my pocket unless there’s a
quote on it that I don’t want to butcher, and then when I start preaching, it’s
all up to the Holy Spirit from there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Every Sunday night around 9pm, I
would sit down in my room with my laptop with only that post it note as my
reference and I would transcribe what I preached that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only on very few occasions would I write down
the entire homily before I actually preached it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really enjoy writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really enjoy communicating the Good News of
Jesus Christ through the different social mediums at our disposal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me it’s like a journal of my priestly journey
of faith and how I communicate that faith to the people of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So I did this every Sunday night,
except when I was on vacation or out of town, for 10 years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know how many homilies I have
written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have on occasion peeked back
and looked at what I wrote in 2006 or 2007 and cringed at what I had
transcribed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I would wonder if
this weekly Sunday night routine was an exercise in vanity, but the comments I
have received over the years have been so uplifting and not surprisingly, some
of those positive comments are in response to homilies that I don’t think are
that good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just another proof that the
Holy Spirit is in charge when I stand in my church to preach or sit in front of
a keyboard to type.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Last June, I started to feel rust
and started to get weary from my Sunday evening routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a lot easier to do when I wasn’t a
pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On June 5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> of last
year, I wrote a very personal and heartfelt homily to my students who were
about to graduate from 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> grade and by extension to all the
students I have ever taught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still
remember preaching that homily about coming home and staying home with my heart
in my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I put it in writing
later that evening and shared it with a few friends, I realized that it was one
of those rare homilies that I was (almost) completely satisfied with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I posted it, and thought to myself, “if
that’s the last homily I ever post, that’s fine with me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, one of the primary reasons I posted
my homilies in the first place was to reach out to those who have wandered far
from the Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever I would sit
down and write, I would always have my kids in the back of my mind praying that
they would read what were essentially love letters from God to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">That mini-sabbatical lasted barely
two months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people on my email list
asked me to keep on writing which I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But the New Year rolled around, and I started noticing that at least the
written version of my homilies didn’t have the same spirit they once had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was doing this more out of duty than out of
passion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So after returning from the
March for Life in January, I wrote one final homily for the closing Mass of a
retreat we hosted for families with children with special needs…and then I stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not want this labor of love to be a
routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some friends pleaded with me to
keep writing, but this time I stood firm because I needed the break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the past few months, the homilies I have
preached in my parish have been more heart to hearts with my parishioners as we
endeavor to grow closer to Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
have been probably the most personal homilies I have ever given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are homilies that “you just gotta be
there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This doesn’t mean that I won’t
return to this medium again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact,
one of the reasons I decided to write these lines was because on Tuesday I got
an email from our editor in the Archdiocese that she was going to publish that
homily I mentioned earlier from June of last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The power of the written word is not lost on
me especially when that power is amplified because I am writing about the Living
Word of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I could have you all
in my pews every single Sunday, but I implore you to listen to the words of
your priests in your parishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes I
know that some are more eloquent than others, but listen because the Lord is communicating
to you through these chosen ones of His.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is more power in a homily heard and experienced during the
celebration of the Eucharist than in any words that I can possibly write to you
on Sunday nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So for now, “I’m on a break” from
writing…not from preaching the gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray
for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And above all, pray for your priests!</span></div>
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Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-47384722243617300552017-02-05T13:03:00.002-05:002017-02-05T13:03:22.865-05:00The Shining City<div class="MsoNormal">
“A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yesterday, we were
honored to host a retreat here in our parish for families of disabled
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is the homily that I
preached at the closing Mass on Saturday evening.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
A
week ago at exactly this moment, I was walking with my youth group leaders down
a hill after a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National
Cemetery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’ve ever been there, you
know that most of the cemetery overlooks Washington, D.C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we walked down the hill, with the setting
sun painting the sky with all sorts of magnificent colors, I looked down on
D.C., and saw how the sun was reflecting off the great monuments and memorials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our nation’s capital was bathed in a glowing
light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The U.S. Capitol dome reflected
the dimming sunlight and it seemed like the Washington Monument was an entirely
different color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I saw this wondrous
display unfold, I could not help but recall President Reagan’s farewell address
when he called our country the “shining city on a hill.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a phrase he often used that he lifted
from an early pilgrim named John Winthrop who lifted it from today’s gospel
reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Winthrop left England in
1630 to settle in this new land, he said:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We shall be as a city upon a hill, the eyes of all people are upon us."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Jesus
call us the light of the world in today’s gospel, and he reminds that we aren’t
just a city on a hill, but a city set on a mountain that cannot be hidden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And like Winthrop said, the eyes of all
people are upon us, not because we are American, but because we are Christians,
because we carry the light of Christ in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately in today’s society, Christians
aren’t encouraged to cast their light on the world just as the fading sunlight
was shining down on our beautiful capital last Saturday evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Society would prefer that our light remain
hidden, that we practice our Christianity in secret, that we keep it to
ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet this in an option that
our Lord does not give us: “your light must shine before others.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It cannot be hidden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Light by it’s very nature cannot be hidden
anymore than we can keep the sun from rising in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rays of the sun overpower the darkness at
twilight and soon that light floods the entire sky.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Each
of your children is a light that shines brightly in your homes and in our
churches. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their disability is viewed by
the world as an “imperfection” when they are quite clearly made perfect by God
because his standard of perfection is much higher than what the world considers
to be perfect. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Pope Francis said last
summer during the Jubilee for the Sick and the Disabled: “It is thought that
sick or disabled persons cannot be happy, since they cannot live the lifestyle
held up by the culture of pleasure and entertainment. In an age when care
for one’s body has become an obsession and a big business, anything imperfect
has to be hidden away, since it threatens the happiness and serenity of the
privileged few and endangers the dominant model… Yet what an illusion it is
when people today shut their eyes in the face of sickness and disability!
They fail to understand the real meaning of life, which also has to do
with accepting suffering and limitations. The world does not become
better because only apparently “perfect” people live there – I say “perfect”
rather than “false” – but when human solidarity, mutual acceptance and respect
increase. How true are the words of the Apostle: “God chose what is weak
in the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor 1:27)!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That last verse used by the Holy Father was
from last Sunday’s second reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
world wants to hide the light of these children while the Lord and his Church
embraces them and loves them as you have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Together, they are the true shining city because they reflect the love
of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I said earlier during the
opening talk of the retreat: I truly believe that children and children with
disabilities understand God better than I do…and I’m a priest.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The
example of these children who speak of the glory of God with their magnificent
smiles should remind us that our spiritual lives should be childlike: “He is
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should remind us that we are called to
take that glorious light that was given to us at our baptism and let that light
shine before all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot keep that
light hidden anymore than we can keep these children hidden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll say it again: hiding the light of Christ
is not an option our Lord gives us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are a shining city on a mountain set forth for all the world to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not be ashamed of your faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not hide the light in your hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let all the world see that we are all members
of this luminous Body of Christ, and that whether we are young or old, walking
straight or bound to a wheelchair, possess great intellect or grasp only the
simple, we are all part of God’s perfect design.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-48732780907777127172017-01-15T19:35:00.000-05:002017-01-15T19:35:00.176-05:00Testify: Jesus is Lord!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">“Now
I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God." (John 1:34)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">This morning at Mass, we are
honored to have with us the young people who will be representing the
Archdiocese, representing us all, at the National March for Life in Washington,
D.C. in just 10 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
courageous young men and women who will brave cold temperatures (they marched
in a blizzard last year), so that they could raise their voices for those who
have no voice: the unborn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will
testify, just as John the Baptist did in today’s gospel, to the Truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will testify that Jesus is Lord and that
as a nation we have forgotten that he is the Lord of us all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their courage and their conviction should
inspire us this morning as we listen to God’s word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their testimony should prompt us to ask the
question: how do I testify that Jesus is Lord of my life?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">As John proclaimed in the
desert, every word and action of ours should proclaim that Jesus is Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because we are Christians, because we are witnesses
of the power of God’s love, everything we do should speak of His love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John saw Jesus coming toward him and he said
the words that the priest says right before we receive Holy Communion: “Behold
the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is in our midst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is present here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we go forth from Mass, Jesus is present in
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we proclaimed during Christmas,
Jesus came to touch us, to save us, to redeem us, to renew us, to re-create us,
and to give us his Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the
Spirit of courage that should embolden us to proclaim the Good News.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need witnesses to the Truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need witnesses who courageously raise
their voices to say Jesus is Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
though these young people will march primarily in silence with maybe a rosary
being said, their presence on the National Mall and on the steps of the Supreme
Court speaks volumes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet the world will
mostly ignore them because the world does not recognize nor wants to pay
attention to the Truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Let me give you a concrete
example: two weeks ago I was blessed to see the movie “Silence.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you haven’t heard of this film, and I
don’t blame you because it really hasn’t been promoted and you’ll understand
why in a second, this is a film of two Jesuit missionary priests who travel to
Japan in the 17<sup>th</sup> century to find a priest who had disappeared and
to minister to the Christian faithful who practiced their religion in secret
because Christianity was outlawed in Japan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The movie speaks to the unwavering courage of these priests but more so
of the peasant Japanese who testified that Jesus is their Lord to the point
that it may cost them their life along with the lives and well being of their
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a powerful film, an ode to
the true witnesses of the faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet has
been scarcely nominated for any major awards, and you would think this film
would be heralded because it has acclaimed actors and is directed by probably
the most heralded and most influential director of our generation: Martin
Scorsese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet it is a film about
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a film that is unabashedly
about Jesus Christ and his followers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
took Scorsese 20 years to get this film financed and made because the world
does not want to hear about the courage of the witnesses of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet we hand the Oscar for Best Picture last
year to a film that tore down Catholicism. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">The world doesn’t want to
hear from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world wants you to
practice your Christianity in secret preferably behind the walls of this church
and no further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure Hollywood can
preach to us about what we should be doing and thinking but heaven forbid we
should speak up for Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever an
actor speaks about his or her faith, the news is relegated to religious papers
or websites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever an athlete or
coach is interviewed after winning a game and he or she praises and gives
thanks to Jesus Christ, whether it’s sincere or not, you should see the
backlash that they get on social media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just this past Monday, the coach of the champions of college football
repeatedly said after the game that none of this could have happened without
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said this three times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember when Tim Tebow was ridiculed some
years back for writing biblical verses on the eye black on his face during
games, for kneeling in prayer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those
verses sent people scurrying for their Bibles, but it would be soon ridiculed
and outlawed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One Sunday after a game
against the New York Jets, I did what I always do and went to midfield to join
the few prayers who knelt to pray after the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tim Tebow was right next to me and we knelt
and held hands in prayer with the other players as cameras went into a frenzy
around us to catalog this curious occurrence: a famous athlete kneeling in
prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a curiosity to some, an abomination
to others, but heroic to those of us who follow the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we finished the prayer, I shook Tim’s
hand and thanked him for all he has done to witness to the world that Jesus is
Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Our world is in need of more
witnesses to Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our world
needs us to testify that Jesus is indeed Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And we need to be unabashedly unapologetic when we do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not have the luxury or the time to
apologize or be embarrassed for being Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember that Jesus said that if we deny him
before others then he would deny us before the Father (cf. Matthew 10:23). We
need to speak with a loud voice like John the Baptist did to proclaim that the
Lamb of God is present in our world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
I conclude by asking you a very simple question: how do you testify to the
world that Jesus is Lord?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div>
Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-77123434273744427642017-01-08T22:41:00.000-05:002017-01-08T22:41:02.921-05:00Searching<div class="MsoNormal">
“Where is the newborn King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Right before I sat down to write this homily, I got called
to visit a dying parishioner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My homily
was about searching for the Divine, particularly about the search of the Magi,
and here I was standing before a child of God who was about to encounter the
Divine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of us are on a life long
search for the transcendent, and this soul, so close to death, was about to
come face to face with the same God that the Magi encountered in Bethlehem under
that star.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We spend our lives waiting to encounter God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spend our lives searching for joy, peace,
fulfillment, and more often than not we go searching in all the wrong
places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Magi no doubt searched until
the day the star appeared and it is that search, and that openness to that
search, that ultimately leads them to finding the Christ Child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The beginning of this New Year affords us the opportunity to
take up that search anew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps we
have been stuck in neutral (or reverse) when it comes to our spiritual
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps we have abandoned the
search all together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today’s Solemnity
of the Epiphany is a wake up call to seek out the living God who comes to make
all things new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of us has a longing
for the transcendent, for something new, and all our answers lie here in this
manger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, sin squashes that
search for something beyond us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Epiphany
by its very definition means a sudden revelation or insight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we open our eyes to see this sudden
revelation and behold that we don’t have to search for very long to find the
living God, our lives are immediately transformed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This past Thursday, in his Epiphany homily Pope Francis
concluded: “<span style="color: #522601; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The Magi
experienced longing; they were tired of the usual fare. They were all too
familiar with, and weary of, the Herods of their own day. But there, in
Bethlehem, was a promise of newness, of gratuitousness. There something new was
taking place. The Magi were able to worship, because they had the courage to
set out. And as they fell to their knees before the small, poor and vulnerable
Infant, the unexpected and unknown Child of Bethlehem, they discovered the
glory of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #522601; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">It
is indeed a New Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are indeed
tired of the old and familiar and are longing for something new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our search ends here at the manger as it did
for the Magi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the Holy Father said,
may we have the courage to “set out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
friend of mine tweeted last night, “Do not ask God to guide your footsteps if
you’re not willing to move your feet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We must ask the Holy Spirit for the gift of courage to be able to seek
out the God who calls us to newness of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The star of Bethlehem has indeed risen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>May we follow that star like the Magi and be transformed into something
new that reflects the very glory of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #522601; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwsqITGehnkm-lFG3beVnD-RBJMe_HC_sSpHC5I5QBwFPHkEbIVVHVD8fMatLwpz7STB0OJzhUedEf1oZjlpq3d176gXJtd5IqIzUrMCapn6eacqUIgePiw9iS0mbO01JA3rhXUuatew/s1600/pic-2-xmas-star-crscriptoriusrex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwsqITGehnkm-lFG3beVnD-RBJMe_HC_sSpHC5I5QBwFPHkEbIVVHVD8fMatLwpz7STB0OJzhUedEf1oZjlpq3d176gXJtd5IqIzUrMCapn6eacqUIgePiw9iS0mbO01JA3rhXUuatew/s400/pic-2-xmas-star-crscriptoriusrex.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #522601; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-72073918729028144782016-12-25T10:09:00.000-05:002016-12-25T10:09:38.084-05:00Liberated by a Child<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">“You
have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you
as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that
burdened them,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">the
pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed…” (Is
9:2-3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We gather in darkness for this Midnight Mass, and the
darkness that envelopes this night is symbolic of the darkness that looms over
the world that the light of Christ comes to conquer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All this month as went through Advent, I kept
hearing from people: “I can’t wait for this year to be over.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s as if the same dark cloud that
constantly follows poor Charlie Brown has been following us all year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People calling that loved ones or they
themselves are sick, in hospitals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
Christmas was approaching, people were not, well, rejoicing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when I sat down with these readings this
morning to pray over them, the second and third verse of the first reading from
the prophet Isaiah jumped out at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
have been wandering around burdened by sin, by the darkness of the world, by
the news on television, by turmoil in our own families, and we just haven’t had
the chance to let in even a sliver of light from up above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well that ends tonight, for we gather to behold a Virgin and
her husband adoring a newborn baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the silence of that holy night, the light of the manger overpowers any darkness
and brings us hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t have to
wait for the New Year to start anew, for this child calls us to something new
tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All our cares have vanished,
all our burdens seem lighter, and darkness is overcome by the light from
Bethlehem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notice the shepherds in the
fields that first Christmas night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were afraid when the angels appeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were out in the fields with the flocks to protect them and probably
thought any noise was a threat to the sheep entrusted to their care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet the first thing the angel says to them is
“do not be afraid.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No need to worry or
be anxious, for something extraordinary has happened: our God has come to save
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has become a little child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as the angel told Joseph: “he will save
his people from their sins.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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So tonight we gather to embrace hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We gather to embrace this child who has come
into our lives to save us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We gather to
rejoice because light has conquered darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Lord has “smashed” whatever burden we may be carrying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when we leave those burdens and that
darkness behind, what are we left with?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are left in silence contemplating this transcendental scene: “an
infant wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Pope Francis said in Midnight Mass last
year: "So when we hear the story of the birth of Christ, let us be silent
and let the Child speak." In becoming a baby, our God becomes helpless to
free us from our helplessness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
the wonder of Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many times
I’ve been in a hospital when family and friends have babies and I see how those
babies change lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now this baby, this
divine child, comes to change all lives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Darkness is no more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Light has come! We are filled with
abundant joy for “today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-9727757869254091422016-12-04T21:33:00.002-05:002016-12-04T21:33:43.819-05:00And a Little Child Will Guide Them<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard
shall lie down with the young goat; the calf and the young lion shall browse
together, with a little child to guide them.” (Isaiah 11:6)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nothing much makes sense in today’s readings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was meditating on them this week, I was
reminded of the Netflix TV show “Stranger Things” and the whole concept of “The
Upside Down.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to explain
the concept any further to not spoil this really cool show, but in the readings
today things appear to be upside down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
have wolves and lambs and calves and lions coexisting peacefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning I was preaching to the children
and I was reading this passage to them of these animals together, and after
each pairing of animals I would ask if they could coexists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some little ones kept repeating that they
would “fight”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They used the word fight
about three times to describe the relationship between predators and prey, which
saddened me that our children were so accustomed to violence in our world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Lord comes as the Prince of Peace (a
messianic title also used by Isaiah) to usher in an era of peace, to restore
creation to what God had intended it to be in the book of Genesis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
So how do we get there? John the Baptist, the great figure
of Advent, appears in the desert in today’s gospel and the first word he utters
is “repent!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked the children if
they knew what “repent” means and one little boy told me: “it’s turning away
from sin…it’s turning away from the dark side to the light.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(The Dark Side!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine my delight with a Star Wars
reference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This inevitably led to about
three minutes of discussion with the children about the redemption of Darth
Vader which was totally unplanned and awesome, but that’s what you do in children’s
homilies: you let little children guide you!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So John asks us to repent and to make straight the path of the
Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why make straight?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem with the path from our hearts to
God’s divine will is that this path is much like Red Road here in Hialeah: too
much construction and too many obstacles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Red Road just three blocks from here is a headache to traverse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine those obstacles impeding our Lord
from entering our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thing is
that Jesus won’t force his way into our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have to make straight his path, we have to remove the obstacles, and
we are the ones that need to repent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember that in the nativity, people sought out Jesus, and this is
where we are this Advent.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus comes to make all things new and it begins with our
hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see all these animals
peacefully coexisting in this beautiful passage from Isaiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The commentary from this passage says: “The
peace and harmony even among carnivores and their natural prey in this
description suggest a paradisiac aspect of the reign of the new king.
(NAB)”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We long for that kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the kingdom that John announces in the
gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it is up to us to follow
through on our prayer in the Our Father when we say “thy kingdom come.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the beauty of Christmas as we seek out
Jesus is that we’re not looking for strong and mighty kings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All we’re looking for is a Little Child to
guide us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDJk5cFCbEBX4vIw8Srt6UOzgbpw_0OIFNVhvEu7ddQ1PsqVsrkFPWfK9YLCGhODnV7HMnJEOBhOuA4_Al2m_509CayW8p0RBMsl8sFSznUc60WtPL6grbfefq0bGn4UV1LbnTwwon70/s1600/childlead4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDJk5cFCbEBX4vIw8Srt6UOzgbpw_0OIFNVhvEu7ddQ1PsqVsrkFPWfK9YLCGhODnV7HMnJEOBhOuA4_Al2m_509CayW8p0RBMsl8sFSznUc60WtPL6grbfefq0bGn4UV1LbnTwwon70/s400/childlead4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-72850789820422881892016-11-27T22:01:00.001-05:002016-11-27T22:01:47.240-05:00A New Advent<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
“<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">For our salvation is nearer
now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand.”
(Romans 13:11-12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Something
or rather someone is coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something
new is happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Advent literally means
“coming” in Latin, and we begin this Advent with something new, something
unexpected, something that is affecting many of us and that we’re still trying
to make sense of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around 12:45am on
Friday night/Saturday morning, I knew I had to scrap my homily for this weekend
because something had changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt
like this massive cloud that had been hovering over my family for five decades
had finally been lifted, and we were finally given room for hope. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
A
little background:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my grandparents and
parents fled Cuba during the Freedom Flights in the summer of 1968.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They went through many hardships, and left many
loved ones behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have family members
from Havana to the eastern province of the island that I have never met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was born 7 years later, my
grandparents and parents instilled in me three great loves: love of God, love
of Cuba, and love of this country who took them in with open arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the love of Cuba came stories of what
they left behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see pain in my
grandparents’ eyes when they talked about their homeland and the tyrant who
forced them to leave the land of their birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hope gave way to resignation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Faith was always present, but I’ll never forget an animated conversation
my two grandfathers and my father were having 30 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were talking about this man who had
taken so much from them, and my father reached the conclusion that the Cuba
they left behind no longer existed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
was 30 years ago. One by one, my four grandparents started dying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each time I lamented that they never returned
to see their homeland free especially my maternal grandmother who worked so
hard to keep our family here and there united even with 90 miles of shark
infested waters that separated us; waters that one of my cousins traversed in a
raft during two weeks in which we didn’t know if she was dead or alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And like my grandparents, I buried so many
patriots who longed to see their homeland free.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
So
how did I feel during those early Saturday morning hours?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I felt empty that my grandparents weren’t there for that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t celebrate that a man was dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept thinking about my grandparents and all
the victims of this man who have suffered so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been waiting for this day my whole life
thinking that I would feel unrestrained joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What I felt was relief, I guess, that this dark cloud was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The hope that should fill every Christians but a hope that I felt was
fleeting for our people for far too long.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
We
begin this Advent, this preparation of the coming of the Lord Jesus, with this
new feeling of hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hear the prophet
Isaiah today talking about the mountain of the Lord being established as the
highest mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the things
the Christian should dream about with Christ by our side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dreaming that the impossible may soon become
possible suddenly does not seem so insane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So we put the darkness behind us and walk towards Christ’s wondrous
light as the wise men did two millennia ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Salvation for us, and I firmly believe, salvation for my people “is
nearer now than when we first believed” as St. Paul tells us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Night is advanced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day is close at hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ is coming to reign in our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He does not come to oppress but to liberate
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He comes to show us the way to the
Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as the gospel reminds us, we
must be awake for at an unknown hour the Son of Man will come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it is with the end of times, and so it is
when our time comes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for one man,
his time has come, and as it will be for all of us, he must be judged by our
Lord and not by us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In
the meantime, we embrace the dawn that is fast approaching. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Night is advanced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Day is close at hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pray for all those who have suffered over
the last half-century, for all those imprisoned, drowned, assassinated, beaten,
or incarcerated souls and for all those families that have been divided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As our Archbishop reminded us in his homily
last night, the Virgin of Charity, the patroness of Cuba unites us all and
stays close to her people and brings them closer to the heart of her son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is the model of hope as we dare to hope again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And finally, she is the one who teaches us
that great Advent prayer which takes on new meaning this day:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-20676377838245417352016-11-24T09:23:00.002-05:002016-11-24T09:26:23.257-05:00100 Thanks 2016<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria";">100 Thanks 2016<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "cambria";">So much to be thankful for
this year that I don’t think 100 was enough.</span><span style="font-family: "cambria";">
</span><span style="font-family: "cambria";">The Lord has been good to us, and because of his goodness we should
always have a grateful heart.</span><span style="font-family: "cambria";"> </span><span style="font-family: "cambria";">As always,
here are the 100 things I am thankful for this year:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
Lord</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
Lord calling me to the priesthood</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
Lord allowing me to joyfully serve for almost 15 years as a priest</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
Immaculate family</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Being
pastor to such a remarkable parish</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
mother who prays for me</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
father who continues to teach me</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
sister who continues to allow me to spoil her</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
brother who looks down on me from above and I know prays for his big brother</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
brother in law simply because he loves my sister</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
oldest nephew who has his father’s looks but his uncle’s wit ;)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
middle nephew who I think is smarter than I am</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
youngest nephew who I KNOW is smarter than I am</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Everyone
who prays for me</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">All
my many, many, many, many, many cousins</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
best friend</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">All
my friends</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
Friday night crew</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
brother priests</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Pope
Francis and his call for mercy, mercy, and more mercy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
school</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
students</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">The
health of a precious little girl called Zoey who continues to shine with God’s
love and joy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Having
to say “hello” 50 times when I walk down the hallway when I hear “Hi Father
Manny” said 50 times from my students who walk by me</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Friday
religion classes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">8</span><sup style="font-family: Cambria;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "cambria";">
grade Thanksgiving lists</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Reading
the 8</span><sup style="font-family: Cambria;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "cambria";"> grade Thanksgiving list at Mass the day before Thanksgiving</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Pre-school
playgrounds</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Teachers
and their enduring patience</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Secretaries</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Business
Managers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Carnival
Committees</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Carnival
Committee meetings during Carnival</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Seeing
my carline become a massive tailgate party during Carnival</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Super
Bowl tailgates</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Fourth
of July fireworks tailgates</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">America:
the ever evolving dream and great project</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Democracy
with all its beauties and warts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Our
military and first responders who protect us</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Having
spent five season as the Team Priest of the Miami Dolphins</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">New
York</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Yankee
Stadium</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Broadway</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Former
students on a Broadway Stage</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Former
students performing in the Macy’s Parade (two years in a row!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Former
students who live in New York and make time to have dinner with me</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Former
students who make me travel for their weddings (I complain and then have a
great time)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Former
students who are old enough now to offer me advice and wisdom</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">The
Florida Keys</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Kountry
Kitchen breakfasts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Florida
Keys Sunsets</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Florida
Keys Fishing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Captiva</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Captiva
fishing from the beach</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Rome
Sweet Home</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Walking
through the Holy Doors of all four Papal Basilicas this Holy Year</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Tablaos
in Barcelona</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Pata
Negra</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">That
Chapel in Montserrat</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Baths
in Lourdes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Walks
in Nice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">The
color of the water in Monaco</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">San
Damiano</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">The
peace of Assisi</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Beholding
the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">The
view of the Adriatic Sea from Monte Sant’Angelo</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Facebook
Live from Europe</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">The
unexpected long walk from the Vatican to St. John Lateran</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">The
voice of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square during the Angelus</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Lunch
in the Borgo Pio</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Gelato
in the Piazza Novona</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">The
pain of the Scala Santa</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Actually
sleeping on a Transatlantic flight</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">The
anticipation to walk in the Lord’s footsteps in the Holy Land next summer</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">The
Canonization of Mother Teresa</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Dancing
partners</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">That
my sister still doesn’t let me lead</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Leonard
Cohen’s Hallelujah</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">My
music director playing Rhapsody in Blue…in its entirety…on the piano…from
memory</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Newborn
babies</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Baptizing
those newborn babies</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Watching
those babies grow up to receive First Communion from my hands</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Watching
those babies grow up to be Confirmed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Waiting
for the day when I get to witness the marriage of a child I baptized</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Or
witness them become a priest or religious…now that would be something</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">The
intersection of Island and Mariner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">The
friends that I call family that I don’t see often enough but still hold close
to my heart</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Second
moms on an island somewhere not too far away who I haven’t seen enough this
year</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">That
they still pray for me</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">That
their children still seek my counsel</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Spending
those last few hours with a dying child of God who is moments away from
eternity</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Commending
their souls to the Father</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Rescuing
a soul from the depths of sin through the Sacrament of Confession</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Being
rescued myself by God’s infinite mercy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">That
God still loves us in spite of our sinfulness</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">That
perfect moment of silence after receiving Communion at Mass</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">That
after almost 15 years of being a priest, I still get nervous before each Mass</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">That
the Spirit is always with me to guide me, inspire me, and embrace me</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">That
Mother Mary looks over me</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "cambria";">That
I am undeservedly a priest of Jesus Christ who gets to bring Him to you and you
to Him</span></li>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria";">Happy Thanksgiving!</span></div>
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Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-34858473819314835862016-11-20T17:50:00.003-05:002016-11-20T17:50:30.849-05:00One Last Act of Mercy<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">“Amen,
I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Today
on the Solemnity of Christ the King, the Year of Mercy comes to its
conclusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an exceptional year
of grace that the Holy Father gifted us with, and we end it by hearing about
one of the most exceptional acts of mercy our Lord ever did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All year long, Pope Francis has been guiding
us and challenging us to be a more merciful church, so before we meditate on
this gospel passage, I want to outline the pope’s best tweets from the Year of
Mercy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each on its own could fill a Holy
Hour with meditation:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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-God’s
mercy toward us is linked to our mercy toward our neighbor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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-It is not
enough to experience God’s mercy in one’s life; whoever receives it must also
become a sign and instrument for others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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-God never
tires of offering His forgiveness each time we ask for it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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-Mercy can
truly contribute to the building up of a more humane world.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
-An easy
prayer to say every day: “Lord, I am a sinner: come with your mercy”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
-Mercy
does not just mean being a “good person” nor is it mere sentimentality. It is
the measure of our authenticity as disciples of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
-A
merciful heart has the courage to leave comforts behind and to encounter
others, embracing everyone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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-No one
can be excluded from the mercy of God. The Church is the house where everyone
is welcomed and no one is rejected. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
-Mercy is
the path uniting God with man, for it opens the heart to the hope of an eternal
love<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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-Even in
the worst situation of life, God waits for me, God wants to embrace me, God
expects me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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That last quote goes to the very heart of today’s
gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you think of a worse
situation than what the repentant thief found himself in on that first Good
Friday?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t know what he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t know how grave his crime was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t even know if he did any good in his
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But right there, on his cross,
next to the crucified Lord, none of that mattered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the worst moment of his life, he turned to
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there, even as he was dying,
as he struggled for every precious breath, Jesus assured the repentant thief
that he would soon be in paradise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
is nothing more powerful than the mercy of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It turns thieves into saints.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We celebrate Christ as King today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We worship him not on a golden throne but on
the throne of the cross because it is precisely at his most vulnerable moment
that our Lord was truly powerful: a King who forgives, a King who thirsts for
us, a King who gives his life for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The true measure of power is not in how we rule but in how we
serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we bring this Year of Mercy
to a fitting conclusion gazing up at the cross at our Lord and King. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And perhaps our prayer this day is a prayer
of mercy like that of this blessed thief:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-3665072700247519482016-11-14T15:22:00.001-05:002016-11-14T15:25:09.212-05:00Tough Guys & Wimps: What Kind of a Catholic Are You?<em>Yesterday, I touched on many of the themes below, but it was an extremely personal homily between me and my parishioners in light of the times we are living. These readings are extraordinary, and I think it's a good time to revisit a homily I preached 6 years ago on the life of a remarkable priest that is on the path to canonization.</em><br />
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"You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives." (Luke 21:17-19)<br />
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At first glimpse, today's gospel can be and has been misinterpreted by some as a blueprint for how the end of the world will go down. We live in a culture that needs to have everything timed and scheduled, so it would be nice to know when Jesus plans to make his triumphant return. Many preachers will mistakenly point to the wars, insurrections, famines, and earthquakes that have taken place around the world recently and say that this is exactly what Jesus was talking about in today's gospel when predicting the end of the world. Well...not exactly. Jesus also says: "but it will not immediately be the end. (Lk 21:9)" All these events have been occurring around world for the last 2000 years and still we await the return of Jesus. In other words, don't read too much into natural or man-made catastrophes, as tragic as they are, they are not precursors to the apocalypse. Just be prepared to stand up for Christ and be prepared to be persecuted for his sake. That is something that Jesus does promise in today's gospel for those who are faithful to him. We will be mocked, persecuted, and hated all because of Him. The question is: Do we live our faith in such a way that we risk being persecuted for our beliefs? Are we up for this challenge?<br />
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Yesterday morning I started reading the biography of a fascinating Jesuit priest: Father Walter Ciszek. Fr. Ciszek was a Polish-American born in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania in 1904 and as a teenager had a reputation as a bully and a street tough. Throughout his life, you could see patterns of him doing things that people told him he could not do. So when he was 14 and told his father that he wanted to be a priest, his father laughed it off. But young Walter entered the seminary anyway. He wanted to maintain his toughness, so he would wake up at 4:30 a.m. just to go on a five mile run and swim in the lake in November when it was barely above freezing. As he would later write: "I still couldn't stand to think that anyone could do something that I couldn't do." Down the line, I guess diocesan priesthood was too easy so three years shy of ordination he made up his mind to become a Jesuit and he did. At the time, Pope Pius XI was all too aware that we were losing Russia to atheism so he turned to the Jesuits for missionaries to go into Russia to tend to the people. Ciszek was sent to Rome to study Russian and learn to say Mass in the Russian rite and he was finally ordained in 1937. But he couldn't enter Russia so he went as close as he could which lead him to Poland. When the Germans invaded Poland, Russia came to him when the Red Army came from the east and he saw it as an opportunity amidst the tragedy of the Nazi invasion to travel into Russia with all the refugees headed east. He finally entered Russia under a fake name and a fake backstory and ended up in the Ural Mountain town of Chusovoy where he worked in a lumber yard and and celebrated Mass secretly in the woods. But the KGB and secret police eventually figured out who he was, arrested him, and accused him of being a Vatican Spy. He was subjected to cruel and unspeakable torture as he tried to stick to his cover story, but he was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in Siberia where he would learn to minister to his fellow prisoners in the harshest of conditions. He ended up in a town 10 degrees north of the Arctic Circle shoveling coal into freighters. The guards would not distribute winter clothes until the temperature dropped to 30 degrees below zero. But through all this torture, Ciszek maintained his toughness. He went five years without celebrating the Eucharist until he met another priest. The prisoners would crush raisins to make wine, they would use the back of a watch as a paten for the bread, and a shot glass as a chalice. He found incredible joy in finally being able to celebrate the Eucharist and he would smuggle communion to the prisoners, hear their confessions, and even would give retreats in order to keep the men's spirits up. The sheer audacity of Fr. Ciszek's fearless approach to ministry could be seen when he celebrated Mass on one occasion right in the commandant's quarters when it had been cleared for the day. This priest feared nothing. Once his sentence in the GULAG was complete, he was sent out to a small town in Siberia where he set up shop to continue doing the very thing he was arrested for: ministering as a priest. He worked in a factory where the people would cover for him so he could go about his ministry and set up a very successful mission. When the secret police discovered what he was doing after they infiltrated a Midnight Mass, they kicked him out of town and he proceeded to set up another mission in another town within two months. When he was kicked out of there, he did it in a third town. This was a priest that would not let anything or anyone or any sort of persecution or torture stand in the way of his priestly ministry. Finally in 1963, he was taken by the secret police to Moscow where he was part of a prisoner exchange for two Soviet spies the U.S. had been holding and he came back to America where his sisters and the Jesuits had spent 25 years thinking that he was dead. He lived out the remainder of his years in the U.S and died in 1984. His home diocese is now promoting his cause for canonization for his heroic virtues. (To read a good, quick 10 minute synopsis of his life, click here: <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ciszek.org%2FAbout_Ciszek.html&h=_AQEyAOB8&s=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.ciszek.org/About_Ciszek.html</a>)<br />
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Here was a true Christian who did not cower in the face of persecution. In fact it only made him stronger. Have we ever been persecuted for our faith? Or better yet: Do we live our faith in such an overt way that we run the risk of being persecuted for our morals, beliefs, and fidelity to Christ? Fr. Ciszek did not care what happened to him and he lived in Soviet Russia during the height of the Cold War. We live in a country that allows us to practice our faith freely, but do we express it freely? When confronted with the toughness and audacity of Father Ciszek's life, I look at our Catholic community, including myself and come to the same conclusion that King Julian came to when he saw the domesticated lion, zebra, hippo, and giraffe in the cartoon Madagascar: "They're just a bunch of pansies." It's a harsh assessment about Catholics in general, I know, but do we live out our faith in a bold way that merits any other assessment? The example of this tough as nails priest should embolden us to take our faith to the next level. If Evangelicals are getting in people's faces with the message of Jesus Christ, why can't we? It's like we live our lives embarrassed or ashamed to be Catholic when we should walk around with our heads held high because we have been given this glorious gift of our faith that allows us to come encounter Christ in the Eucharist every Sunday. We must all work towards the goal of shedding this wimpy practice of our faith and start working towards a more proactive practice of Catholicism. As St. Paul told the Thessalonians in today's second reading: "if anyone [is] unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. (2 Thes 3:10)" You want to sit at Christ's table? It's time to roll up your sleeves and start living out the faith we profess in the Creed we recite every Sunday. We need more Fr. Ciszek's who are "tough as nails" Catholics that boldly live out their faith despite what the world throws at them. This is what the Church, what the world is crying for as it quickly declines into secularism where God has no place and our faith becomes irrelevant. Who will stand up? Who will dare live their faith in such a way that they risk being persecuted for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ?<br />
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Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884135617338986757.post-29629137931627270972016-10-30T20:13:00.000-04:002016-10-30T20:13:23.262-04:00The Gaze of Jesus<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">“But
you have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook people's
sins that they may repent.” (Wisdom 11:23)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">You
never know when God’s mercy will embrace you, you never know when you will feel
the need to receive God’s mercy right away, and, as a priest, you never know
when you will be called upon to dispense God’s mercy through confession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It happens to priests all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we least expect it, someone will grab us
for confession. We can be working on something, walking through a hospital, an
airport, or even relaxing on a beach when someone will grab us to ask us to
hear their confession (yes, the beach confession has happened).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On this Priesthood Sunday, as priests we are
reminded that we are Ministers of Mercy in a unique way through the Sacrament
of Reconciliation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That so many times
people will stop us before Mass, after Mass, or whenever or wherever they can
find us to ask for forgiveness and we need to be ready to hear their confession.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Today
God’s mercy hits the tax collector in the gospel in an unexpected way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was just intending to pass through
town when he looks up and sees small Zacchaeus in a sycamore tree trying to get
a glimpse of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the moment
where God’s mercy strikes:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the gaze of
Jesus, then the invitation of Jesus to abide in your home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This tax collector was simply “seeking to see
Jesus.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gospel writer doesn’t tell
us Zacchaeus’ intentions or his reasons for wanting to see the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But whatever his motives were, whatever was
in his heart, even if it was simple curiosity to see Jesus, it was enough to
catch the Lord’s attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All Jesus
needs is the tiniest of openings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
Zacchaeus comes out of the tree, he hears the grumblings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hears the chatter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How can Jesus be with this sinner?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even through the gossip of others, God’s uses
this sin to draw out something greater in Zacchaeus’ acts of repentance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will give half of what he has to the poor
and pay back anyone he has extorted 4 times over!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So Jesus enters his life, he experiences his
mercy and we immediately see the results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Today salvation has come to this house,” Jesus tells him, “because this
man too is a descendant of Abraham.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
see when Jesus looked up into that tree, he didn’t see a tax collector, he
didn’t see a sinner, what he saw was a child of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beauty of God’s mercy is that it looks
past our faults, our imperfections and our sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It embraces us always because we are his
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now if we could only apply
that same mercy to each other…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">We
hear the people grumbling in the gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They don’t like that Jesus had treated such a sinful man in this
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t have rooms in their
hearts for mercy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like last week,
we see division.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week we saw the
gulf that separated the Pharisee and the tax collector and this week we see the
gulf between Zacchaeus and the people that were looking on and grumbling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They only saw in Zacchaeus a thief and a tax
collector.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus saw a child of God in
need of mercy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we could only treat
each other with more mercy, more respect, more like Jesus treated this tax
collector, and how Zacchaeus, in turn, started treating everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spend so much time demonizing those who
are sinners or that simply don’t agree with us that we fail to see that ALL of
us are children of God and that ALL of us are in need of his mercy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we could only see each other with the gaze
of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Father Manny Alvarezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02999911569466547286noreply@blogger.com