Youth Ministry

Hey Everyone,

So I've broken my pledge since lent to post something more regularly, but this time I have good reason! The Circle of Life! And no, it is not because of an extended marathon of the Lion King, which reminds me of this.  Awesome.

No, as much as I love Elton John, nothing matches the love that has flowed since the birth of my first child; beautiful Jacinta Mary-Luisa Leyne! Being a new parent has definitely been a world changing experience 8 days in, and undoubtedly is just the beginning. And THAT is precisely the best part to me. 

I mean finding out we were expecting in Fatima, Portugal, home to the three little shephards (Francesco, JACINTA, and Lucia) in the homeland of my wife's family was awesome. Having 9 months to marvel at life growing inside the womb, with kicks, pokes, and spins and hiccups providing wonder and awe and laughter will be cherished forever. To a wonderful experience of her birth on DIVINE MERCY Sunday and the feast day of St. Gemma, namesake of her grandmother another great experience. But what I relish the most - is what is, and what is to come. This last week has reminded me truly of God's unending mercy and life giving love. Moreover, the need for us to be amazed by the life giving moments around us all the time. How many times do I grumble each morning when its cloudy, snowing (especially in April!) or have negative thoughts throughout my day? How often do I consciously give thanks. I try for 5 times a day. Every morning I say a short prayer of praise and offering, one at night with my wife, and hopefully during 3 meals throughout the day. Sure, we could try to go all day and be awesome saints, but I just want to be better than I was yesterday. I think that's how we become saints, not by being perfect for 1 entire day, but being better than the day before.

The amount of new experiences one shares in new life is astounding! The first strolls, diaper changes, smiles, hiccups, first family photo, first meeting with Grandparents and cousins, it goes on and on. But how many more are in store! It only made me think of how I live my christian life personally and as a family.

The LORD needs not to work in great sweeping moments of miracles and apparitions all the time to show us his mercy and goodness. To live a faith dependent on them is not a deepening faith. Thomas was a faithful and good follower of Christ. But remember Christ's words that "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” John 20:29  - It is good for us to believe in our every day experiences; connecting them to what we have seen and heard growing up in the faith. What we hear and proclaim on Sunday we must recognize and celebrate throughout the week. 

I remember the first evening with Jacinta she was crying and so I took her and just held her, face to face for over two hours. Neither of us slept, but just stared into each other's eyes. In those silent moments, all I could do is praise God seeing the wonders of his work joined with our efforts. Bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh I kept thinking from scripture. I am so profoundly thankful for the grace to see the beauty that God wished to give to us and care for. It is my mission of thanks to care well, and bring her back to Heaven as beautiful as I found her so that one day I might hear; "well done good and faithful servant".

"But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name." John 20:31 

So, let us believe through what we experience each and every day. Try to take some quiet time each day to reflect where you are in that circle of life; and nurture that attitude of gratitude. It may be as marvelous as a new child, or as simple as a sunny day - the point is we give thanks. There is much to be concerned about these days in the world, the church especially and it pains me to the core. But that is why now more than ever the need to love and give thanks grows even greater. Do not cherish it alone in your hearts, but let us fill the world with headlines of GOOD NEWS of what God has done. 

After all Lent was 40 days, Easter is 50. Take that despair!