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Written by Chris Padgett
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Friday, 19 September 2008 |
Under pressure? About this time many students start to feel the pressure of school expectations, sporting obligations, and family responsibilities. This hectic momentum can be very time consuming. For some, the reality of loosing control appears to be certain, and this can be overwhelming. Just looking at the "To Do" list can produce anxiety, yet for some, this increased pressure can have productive effects. It seems there are a few who thrive on difficult moments and crazy schedules. Even these enduring individuals, at some point, have a breaking point. What is the point of this reflection? Simply put, you can't always do everything on your own and in your own strength. This is hard to admit. You may not be willing to tell others around you that things are too overwhelming, but the fact remains, most of us are not super-powered. These moments of increased pressure can just be too much, and unfortunately many have given up and embraced hopelessness.
That being said, I really wanted to encourage you on this day when we remember the Sorrowful Mother. She knows what it is like to feel pressure. The reality of walking with Jesus isn't pretending that we aren't feeling the difficulties of our day, nor is it about obsessive will power that robs us of the opportunity to notice the beauty around us. In our weakness Jesus is strong. When we feel weak and heavy burdened, Jesus wants us to find true rest in him. Think of Mary, who shared the mission of her Son from the very beginning. She knew how important it was to journey towards the cross, and along the way Mary felt sorrow but didn't abandon hope. Realize that you are not alone today in your difficulty. Please be assured that Mary is pouring the graces upon you even now. For some, it may be that you can't do every sport the school offers. You may have to adjust your priorities so that you are not burdened down by too heavy of a schedule. That is for you and your family to decide. What I am confident of though, is that you are blessed and brought into Christ's love, and this truth is enough to give you endurance when the pressure is on. You have been blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing! Don't give in to the pressure, rather, find yourself resting in your Lord. |
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Written by Chris Padgett
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Monday, 09 June 2008 |
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There is a common theme within the sports world: you play to win! Even if it is a middle school baseball game, the kids want to win. And of course any professional athlete is driven by the desire to be number one. They sacrifice family, friends, and their bodies in order to be the recipient of the trophy or bragging rights of being on top. This is no small matter. Sports play a big part in many young people's lives too, even if they aren't good enough to make the varsity or jv team. Wearing the teams colors, attending the games, and the constant sport's banter are in many places the difference between popularity and acceptance or alienation. Being a fan of a sport's team is no small matter either. I have seen the intensity in the eyes of those who are Cubs fans and certainly not White Sox fans. You don't cheer for the Jets if you are into the Giants. You get the point! St. Paul even mentions to us the need to put everything we have into the ultimate race. Greater than the prize that fades, is the gift of eternal life Christ gives to those who run the spiritual race. So while many are upset that the Redwings beat the Penguins this year, are facing discouragement at the Lakers being down two games in the NBA finals, the real question should probably be: how are we doing in the race that is before us? Are we running to win? Are we pursuing Christ as if he were the pearl of great price? Is He the one we cheer for, or are we ashamed of being identified with Him? It is a good day to live for Christ. We have a lot of opportunities to truly make a difference. Play to win! |
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Written by Chris Padgett
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Saturday, 26 April 2008 |
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Celebrating when we are going through difficult times is never easy. Can you imagine the struggles Mary faced on a regular basis? The looks and not so subtle comments could certainly get old, yet Mary exemplified the "joy of the Lord" which was her strength. We are told to give thanks in everything because this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us. Today, I just want to encourage you to be Eucharistic. We do have a lot to be thankful for, even if our feelings haven't caught up with the facts. You are breathing for starters! Let your life be like Our Lady's as you live gratitude even amidst turmoil. You are going to make it! |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 26 April 2008 )
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Written by Chris Padgett
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Friday, 25 April 2008 |
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We have one chance to live this life in a way that will have eternal ramifications. It is not always the most comforting feeling to weigh our progress thus far, especially since most of us are far too aware of our failures and insecurities. That God wants us to do great things with this time we have been given, is probably understandable to most, but putting it into practice is quite another thing. Really, we are unable to be heroic based on our merits, skills, talents, and good looks. The real living we are called to participate in, allows for our oddities and awkward moments. Jesus is okay with our humanity, but calls us to walk in His grace. This coupling of the mortal dancing with the immortal is certainly not easy to comprehend. Suffice it to say, that your discouragement with your inabilities is not a factor when it comes to Christ and His love for you. The blood and flesh you carry about so heavily is an opportunity to reflect in time, what is unfathomable. Somehow God allows us to catch a better glimpse of Him through our stumbling and bumbling. How odd?! So, life the life with a sense of joy. You are not given up on, nor are you too far from His love. Jesus is captivated with you! |
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