He is down off that cross...He has risen from that tomb

for some this was just another Sunday. for others, it was anything but. in fact, the most miraculous and glorious mystery was epitomized today as Christians across the globe celebrated their Savior's victory over death and fulfillment of His messianic promise. celebration of Christ's Resurrection is not just reserved to Easter Sunday. it is meant for every day, every moment, every encounter. what I believe we should reflect upon this Easter and every subsequent one is His gift and the price He paid for it. if we're already doing this, well then, keep doing it. it cannot hurt; it can only make us stronger. for if we don't know-and don't desire-what it is that we are striving for (i don't know about you, but i sure as heck want eternal salvation), then what's the point? Resurrection Sunday reminds us of the fact that even if you hold onto a sliver of hope, you hold onto a piece of the promise. oh and if that isn't comforting enough, know that God is on your side offering his hand for you to grab whenever you are ready to do so.

holy mAdNeSs

this is my favorite time of the year. the snow is beginning to melt (except in cleveland) and the birds are migrating north once again. let's not forget the boys of summer are more than half-way through their training. then, of course, there is another field of 64 college basketball teams from all over the country who have earned their right to DANCE. as i pick and choose which #12 seeds will go deep into the tourney and hope and pray that my final four picks will surive the first two rounds, i realize how great (and nerve-racking) it would be to actually coach/play on that stage. i also begin to consider how easily fans of basketball can become religiously glued to the tv set over these next two weeks of march mayhem, and i think to myself that i do not want to be one of them. of course, it would be nice to catch a few of the earlier games over a beer or two with my father/friends, but to miss the holiest week of the year and the greatest miracle that ever was would be truly disgraceful. this is why my family is coming to town and keeping me focused on the important things in life rather than letting my time slip away worrying and focusing on all the wrong things. all in all, i don't want to MISS IT. that IT is what you make of it...happy holy week

leaps and bounds

there are few occurrences that happen every four years (i.e. the Olympic games, the US presidential election, and of course leap year). four many of us the wait is too long; four others we could have benefited from a little extra prep time. either way it is important to recognize that these seemingly-long hiatuses actually work to our favor. four those who were born on February 29th (insert year), this fortuitous event allows you to drink from the fountain of youth (i immediately thought of the movie Jack when i was considering this phenomenon) and to be acknowledged during some ice-breaking games, like two trues and a lie or tell us something interesting about yourself to name two. those who cannot stand the current president (my hand is raised) have four whole years to tally how many poor decisions were made and evaluate the ditch that our country finds itself in. to those who love the olympics and the games are coming to a city near you (Chicago 2016...you'll find me holding an Irish flag downtown), buy your ticket now! in closing this entry and this month of February, it is interesting to note that in the 5th century, St. Bridget proposed to St. Patrick on this date and as a result, it has become tradition that women can only petition their male lovers once every four years. ladies, you have about 30 minutes remaining (and your next chance won't be until 2012!). 

twenty three

there comes a time in every man's life when he looks into the mirror and sees an aging face, weathered hair, a wrinkled forhead, and a scruffy chin. but just when he realizes that his life is speeding up too fast, he then considers all that he has experienced and lived through. take, for example, his twenty third birthday bash at American Flatbread restaurant in downtown Burlington. surrounded by three young ladies (a common theme in this man's life), this old man couldn't be any more content with his party of four. Paris, a seven year old girl who loves to draw, ask difficult questions, and laugh hysterically, accompanied this man's sister and college friend at the dinner table. the four of them spent time breaking "bread," sipping Shirley Temples, and playing games like MASH and poll the audience. everyone laughed, stared, smiled, and thought deeply about how great this night truly was. Even as this old man blew out the candles on his apple pie a la mode, he knew that this birthday was a special one and one that he would remember for quite some time. thank you.

juan

there's this man i've met who i think is pretty awesome. his name is juan and he is very holy. he attends mass just about every day and lights up to whoever he greets. his english is spotty at best and usually pats you on the back after shaking your hand. he epitomizes humility and makes His Lord proud. i've learned a lot from juan these last few months and i hope you have someone like juan in your life too.

absolution

a new year has begun filled with new beginnings and new experiments and new friends and new habits and new ways of learning how to get back HOME...

ringing in the new year...

i have made a few observations over the course of the last 365 days, which can reasonably be supported:

1.) men and women (if given enough time and grace) can live together
2.) i am no longer lactose intolerant, but i do have some undiagnosed form of acid reflex (after a few caramel chocolate chip brownies and Jake's famous cheesy supreme, it doesn't take too much more convincing)
3.) this may be the greatest time to be a new england/boston sports fan (n.b. for the first time in my life, i'm living someplace other than the east coast)
4.) i am becoming more and more like my father (this doesn't scare me, but in some respects, it gives me cause for concern)
5.) trains are well-constructed vehicles that offer some terrific benefits; however their one drawback is that they take a long time to stop (especially when tracker trailers try to beat them across a railroad crossing)
6.) just because you are a teacher doesn't mean you can teach
7.) to satisfy some people you have to meet deadlines
8.) when you start losing your memory, you become comic relief
9.) you can't truly listen to someone unless you look them in the eye
10.) summer camp may be the closest thing to heaven that we have in this life
11.) there's no greater gift than the gift of friendship

i wish all of my readers/respondents a blessed and great 2008!