Chuck's Blog

St. Francis de Sales

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:47:00 GMT

St. Francis de Sales is the Patron Saint of journalists. Being a broadcast journalist, I am finding St. Francis to be a source of great inspiration. One of those Saints these days who seems front and center in my life!

I was reading something he said the other day about his journey of faith. He said all he needs is his rosary, his breviary, and his pen. How simple and what power in the simplicity of that! What do we need on our journey of faith in our respective missions to serve the Lord? Whatever it is, let's all decide to keep is simple. Amen +++

Sunrises

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:19:00 GMT

The middle weeks of July and summer is now firming up its grip on the days before us. Hot, humid, muggy. As I headed out for a four-mile run this morning, a gentle breeze made the morning rather delightful. The sun began its upward climb and the blue sky became bluer - the white clouds, whiter.

I had been thinking about sunrises quite a lot the past few months. There is no way of proving it, but it seems highly probably that from the beginning of time no sunrise anywhere has ever been duplicated exactly the same. Just like the day beginning now, it has never been duplicated. Every tomorrow will also be different, which says to me that each day - this day and all of our tomorrows - are, indeed, gifts. Gifts to be opened with care and then lived to the fullest.

So, the choices we make, the actions we take, the words we speak on this day can either give live...or take life. Let's take the gift of this day and work to give life to everyone we meet and every situation we encounter. It's a day unlike any other - a true gift from God. Thank you, Lord. Amen +++

Faith, Hope and Love

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:45:00 GMT

Faith, hope and love - the three theological virtues. I was reading the other day and for the life of me cannot remember who said it. But, it was a great insight about "only love would remain." Scripture tells us that God is love. On that day we finally meet Him face to face, we will not need faith. Our faith will have been justified. And, we will not need hope, because our hope will have been realized.

That leaves only love. Then love is all we have and all we need. We will see and know and experience Love...God alone, the way God intended from the beginning.

We will have it all - the Truth and Love of God Almighty. Amen+++

"Don't Drink the Holy Water"

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:28:00 GMT

"Don't Drink the Holy Water" - that's the title of Fr. Joe Kempf's latest book and DVD series with his big furry friend, Big Al. Our production company, the Salt River Production Group, has the great privilege of producing it for Fr. Joe and Liguori Publications. The videography is complete. Editing is underway. The release date is scheduled for early Fall.

We hear so often about the lack of catechesis. But, Fr. Joe and his team of workers at Gospel Values is out to help change that. The program is a series of 20 prayers helping children understand what the Catholic Church teaches about the Mass.

The first prayer is called Sunday is a Special Day. This is an excerpt.

Sunday is a special day
To stop; to love; to pray.
You call us to the Mass, dear God
The best part of our day

For more information, check out Fr. Joe's website: www.welovebigal.com. Also, Liguori Publications is the publisher and distributor for the book and the DVD series. This is the website for Liguori: www.liguori.org.

As Fr. Joe, Big Al, and all the children like to say at the end of each prayer...Amen, Amen, Amen. +++

The Shroud

Thu, 20 May 2010 14:17:00 GMT

As I was praying this morning and contemplating the Shroud of Turin and our recent visit to Torino (as they say over there), one of those questions I like to ask myself suddenly was front and center again. Actually it's a question a friend of mine used to ask me a lot.

Here it is! Is Jesus Christ who He says He is? Of course, there is a follow up. If our answer is yes, then what are we doing so our world may believe that? So, today...let's all spread a little hope. Smile at someone. Give a word of encouragement to someone who needs that today. Take time to pray a little longer for someone in need. The world may not see you doing anything special. But, you will know...and so will Our Lord.

The Holy Shroud - Day 2

Tue, 18 May 2010 15:27:00 GMT

The more I have time to think about the Shroud of Turin, the more amazing it becomes. As we begin our efforts to produce a documentary series on the Shroud through our production company, the Salt River Production Group, the facts of what experts know about this piece of linen are extraordinary.

Botanists for years have been looking closely at the flower images found on the Shroud. Did you know the images can be identified as specific flowers found only in one region of the world at one time of the year? That would be Jerusalem in the Spring. That still doesn't resolve the flawed Carbon 14 dating from the 1988 tests, but I still find that one fact to be astounding. Another ray of hope for us who believe Jesus is the Christ and died for us.

The Holy Shroud

Mon, 17 May 2010 15:19:00 GMT

It has been almost a full week, since we returned from Turin, Italy. The Holy Shroud...or La Santa Sindone, as the Italians would say...is on public display for another couple of weeks. We were three to begin some preliminary research at an International Shroud Conference outside of Rome and do some videography of the Shroud, while it was open to the public in Turin.

Officials there said about 50,000 people a day were standing in line for up to two hours to view the Shroud and see firsthand the burial cloth of Jesus. While we were in Turin, the total number of people to view the Shroud topped the one million mark.

The image of the body of Christ itself is stunning. Every detail of the Passion of Christ we read in the Gospel accounts is written in the images found on the Shroud. For me, it is a great source of hope and reassurance in the God who loved (and loves) us so much that He would die for us. All to fulfill His promise of redemption...of salvation...of life everlasting. Faith, hope, and love...the theological virtues...all found right there in the Holy Shroud of Turin.

What is a bit amazing to me is that there are still many who question the authenticity of the Shroud. The controversial Carbon 14 dating tests in 1988 have cast much doubt on the Shroud and its first century origins. Those tests 22 years ago, which dated the Shroud to the Middle Ages, now appear to have been flawed. I think what surprises me is how easily some dismiss the Shroud as a fake. Some people we met leaving the Cathedral in Turin still weren't sure. Friends of mine seem to scoff at the possibility this might be the burial cloth of Jesus.

So, I am curious...what do you think? Based on what you know, is the Shroud of Turin the piece of linen that wrapped the dead body of Jesus in the tomb near Calvary and now witnesses to His resurrection? What do you think?

Trusting the Lord in the Rapids of Our Lives

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:19:00 GMT

I was praying and thinking (meditating) about the title of this website. Life in the Rapids! Suddenly it was as though the Lord were speaking again.
    "You're life is in the rapids, My son. I am your stronghold, your fortress. Always there...always with you. All you have to do is trust. When life is difficult and uncertain, trust in me.
    "The calm waters are safe. Tranquil. Easy. But, not much of an adventure. It is only in the rapids of your life where you learn of turbulence and trust...trouble and trust...tests and trust.
    "The sometimes raging, seemingly chaotic rapids of your life may take your breath away. Your fears can choke you. Courage, my son, your life is in the rapids. And, I am always there with you...always.
    "So, trust me. It's about building character...molding you...shaping you to trust in Me...always."
Amen +++

The Real Presence of Christ

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:41:00 GMT

One of our Inner Life listeners emailed us last week wondering about her faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. From the beginning the Catholic Church has professed what is called the Real Presence; namely that the Consecrated Host contains the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. It, of course, takes faith to believe that. The 6th Chapter of the Gospel of John outlines clearly what Jesus said about this to his followers. The Catechism of the Catholic Church also teaches us about this reality.

In corresponding with our listener, I forwarded a video, which I hope helped what she called "her unbelief." I thought I would share it with you, as well. My hope is that it will help you understand this teaching, deepen your faith, and help any unbelief you may have. +++

Spirit of Boldness - Part II

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:44:00 GMT

When I get into zones of anxiety and the chaos and pressures of the world seem to be taking the upper hand, I often to turn to this quote from St. Francis. It reminds me to be not afraid of things like taking risks and trusting the Lord will continue to do His part.

For me it seems to be an everpresent challenge to quit wallowing in the lukewarm waters of my life and the moral mediocrity that goes along with it. Enjoy.

“Somehow in middle age, many people lose their nerve; they begin to feel that the dream upon which they have based their lives is an illusion. Ours is an anguished age in which the old myths have lost their power and the very virtues which sustained us are warring among themselves. What before was pure and holy is now filled with the impurity of doubt; what before seemed wise and prudent seems now a form of escape…Our prayer does not work, because we are afraid to act, to respond to the voice of God crying out for help in the poor and despised, the broken, wounded angels we meet upon our way.

“In short we have succumbed to fear and wear God as a mask of respectability that justifies our doing nothing, except provide for our security and build protective walls behind which we live the illusion of virtue. We are trying so hard to be safe that we have forgotten how to be human, how to risk, how to dare to live in conflict with the God whose arms alone can wrestle us into life.”

St. Francis of Assisi (writing about seeking God in the ‘caves’ of his life)

Spirit of Boldness

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:49:00 GMT

I find myself the last few days praying for the spirit of boldness. I want to be more courageous. Who doesn't, right?

But, for the last couple of days any fortitude or courage I may have had seem to be shrinking. Life now seems filled more with anxiety and uncertainty than peace and calm. Isn't the Easter season supposed to be one filled with hope and confidence? Well, where did they go to? How did they vanish into a world of worries and what-ifs? Don't you just hate when that happens?

So, today has become a day of prayer...a time to step back away from the demands of the world and focus on what's most important. Which is what? God's will and plan to love the people He has placed in my life. If you're like me, you know when that happens, all those fears and uncertainties get pushed back down our priority lists. Funny how life feels much better, when we can do that.

I have a great quote from St. Francis I will share tomorrow. It's about losing our nerve and succumbing to fear. Meantime, if you are reading this and want to respond with your own efforts to be more courageous, I would love to hear from you. Your stories always give me hope...and I think I could use a little of that today.

More tomorrow. +++

Don't Leave It On the Desk! - A Reprise

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:41:00 GMT

I received an email over the weekend wondering if I was the author of an article I posted about six months ago on this blog. The short answer is no. It was something I posted after it was sent to me via email. So, the author, as far as I know, is unknown. But, reading it again last evening...Easter Sunday night, I thought it might be quite appropriate to post it again. So, one more time! Emjoy!

There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States. Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course their freshman year, regardless of his or her major. Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.

This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team and was the best student in the professor's class.

One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. “How many push-ups can you do?”

Steve said, “I do about 200 every night.”

“200? That's pretty good, Steve,” Dr. Christianson said. “Do you think you could do 300?”

Steve replied, “I don't know... I've never done 300 at a time.”

“Do you think you could?” again asked Dr. Christianson.

“Well, I can try,” said Steve.

“Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it,” said the professor.

Steve said, “Well... I think I can... yeah, I can do it.”

Dr. Christianson said, “Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind.”

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. These weren't the normal kinds of donuts. They were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.

Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, “Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?”

Cynthia said, “Yes.”

Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, “Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?”

“Sure!” Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk. Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, “Joe, do you want a donut?”

Joe said, “Yes.” Dr. Christianson asked, “Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?”

Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut. Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship. The professor asked, “Scott do you want a donut?” Scott's reply was, “Well, can I do my own push-ups?” Dr. Christianson said, “No, Steve has to do them.” Then Scott said, “Well, I don't want one then.”

Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, “Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?” With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups.

Scott said, “HEY! I said I didn't want one!” Dr. Christianson said, “Look, this is my classroom, my class, my desks and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it.” And he put a donut on Scott's desk.

By this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow. Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, “Jenny, do you want a donut?”

Sternly, Jenny said, “No.”

Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, “Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?”
Steve did ten. Jenny got a donut. By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say, “No!” and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.

Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely. Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.

Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set. Steve asked Dr. Christianson, “Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?”

Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, “Well, they're your push-ups. You can do them any way that you want.” And Dr. Christianson went on. A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, “NO! Don't come in! Stay out!”

Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, “No, let him come..” Dr. Christianson said, “You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?”

Steve said, “Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut.” Dr. Christianson said, “Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?” Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. “Yes,” he said, “give me a donut.”

“Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?” Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down. Dr Christianson finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing. There was not a dry eye in the room.

The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, “Linda, do you want a doughnut?” Linda said, very sadly, “No, thank you.”

Professor Christianson quietly asked, “Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?” Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda. Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan and said, “'Susan, do you want a donut?” Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. “Dr. Christianson, can I help him?”

Dr Christianson, with tears of his own, said, “No, Steve has to do it alone. I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes.”

“Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?” As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor. Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said, “And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, said to the Father, 'Into thy hands I commend my spirit.’ With the understanding that Jesus had done everything that was required of him, he yielded up his life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten.”

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile. “Well done, good and faithful servant,” said the professor, adding, “Not all sermons are preached in words.” Turning to his class, the professor said, “My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God spared not his only begotten son, but gave him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept God’s gift to us, the price has been paid.”

Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?

Amen +++

Fr. Dan Farley

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:02:00 GMT

A few weeks ago I had the good fortune of spending an afternoon with Fr. Dan Farley at his parish in the Diocese of LaCrosse. Another inspiring few hours, as we talked about his priesthood and battle with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease.

I have been reading a new book called "Interior Freedom" by Fr. Jacques Philippe. Some great, great insights about suffering.

"The worst pain of suffering lies in rejecting it. To the pain itself we then add rebellion, resentment, and the upset this suffering arouses in us. The tension within us increases our pain. But when we have the grace to accept a suffering and consent to it, it becomes at once much less painful. 'Peaceful suffering is no longer suffering," said the Cure' of Ars, St. Jean-Marie Vianney."

Fr. Dan is teaching all of about peaceful suffering and how it no longer has any control over us. God bless Fr. Dan Farley.

Redemptive Suffering

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:47:00 GMT

Fr. Casey Beaumier, SJ provided some interesting insights into redemptive suffering on yesterday's Inner Life. Fr. Casey is one of our regular Spiritual Directors. After we were off the air we traded some emails with Fr. Casey and one of our listeners. This is a final thought he had and I thought it might be of some help in our understanding of the mystery of suffering and how it can be redemptive.

Our goal isn't necessarily to be "more like Christ" though suffering, but "to look more to Christ" in our suffering. When we look to the Lord in our everyday challenges, we experience his solidarity and the generosity of his heart, which is always available to us as a source of lifting us in love. It is through the assurance of his presence in our lives in such moments that we encounter his strength.

Amen +++

Building Castles in Spain

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:08:00 GMT

The Lenten journey continues and for me one Saint keeps popping up in my life. It is a bit amazing that I keep "running into" St. Francis de Sales, who happens to be the Patron Saint of Journalists. He jumped into my life again the other day, when I was reading Envoy Magazine. (A great Catholic publication, by the way, from Catholic apologist and author Pat Madrid!)

Turns out one of the articles featured St. Francis. One quote in particular struck me. It has to do with the Lord calling us to do what's in front of us. As I like to point out to others and myself, part of who we are wants to make headlines. Be noticed. Be revered. Be bigger than we are. Of course, the Lord tells us not to do that. Humble ourselves. Deny ourselves. Love others first.

Hmmm...seems He always has the better and best idea! So, this is what St. Francis had to say in a letter to a good friend.

"Persevere in overcoming yourself in the little, everyday frustrations that bother you; let your best efforts be directed there. God wishes nothing else of you at present, so don't waste your time doing anything else. Don't sow your seeds in someone else's garden; just cultivate your own as best you can; don't long to be other than what you are. Direct your thoughts to being very good at that and to bearing the crosses, little or great, that you will find there. Believe me this is the most important and least understood point in the spiritual life. We all love what is according to our taste; few like what is according to their duty or to God's liking. What is the use of building castles in Spain when we have to live in France? This is my old lesson, and you grasp it well; but tell, my dear, whether you are putting it into practice?"

So, let's put that into practice and do what's in front of us. In the end, that's all God is asking of us. Amen +++