Author: Melanie

(July 1, 2016)

Our YES is a commitment that forms our integrity.

What does our YES really mean? Can we be easily swayed to change into a ‘maybe’ or ‘no’? Does it carry any weight?

For those that are really discerning the sacrament of marriage, your YES means everything. You’re committing to a lifetime of renewing that YES to your future spouse.

So if your YES can become a maybe or no today, then it in fact means nothing. We need to properly discern whenever we are asked to do something, help a friend or to serve. We have to consider if we can complete the task at hand, can commit the time and necessary resources. Our YES cannot be a half effort either, or lukewarm. Our YES is a commitment that forms our integrity. Even if things become hard or overwhelming, we have to be able to stand firm and not give up. It is committing that you will put in your best effort and it through to the end. So if your YES is empty in the small things, then it will be meaningless in the bigger decisions in life.

(June 24, 2016)

The formula seems easy enough: be kind, recycle, smile and help others etc. Philanthropic actions often seem worth it, however on some days we can question if we really are making a difference. Recently we heard about the club massacre in Orlando, or the ongoing wars in the Middle East and the increasing unnecessary poverty margins.

The news and media can make it seem as if there is no hope, and that the scales are continually weighed down. You can start to rethink any time you’ve volunteered, the good acts you’ve accomplished or all the prayers you’ve offered up. But I believe our efforts are two-fold:

1. In trying to change the world, all our small actions in turn change ourselves into better people.

2. All the small actions do add up. Even the smallest act of kindness can inspire one person and change a heart. This begins a ripple effect on others, where the summation of our small efforts can create change on a whole and for the greater good.

(June 16, 2016)

” Heaven is the true end goal that we are striving for. We can only hope to earn a reserved seat at His banquet.”

“What is the meaning of life?” “What is my purpose?” “What was the point?” It always comes full circle, these age old questions. Some spend their whole lives trying to understand and discern the answers. Perhaps it’s searching for ones passion, leaving behind a legacy or these questions are just an afterthought from the day to day.

So really, what IS the point of our existence? This question was recently posed to me by a good friend. Three reflections came to mind:

• Heaven is the true end goal that we are striving for. We can only hope to earn a reserved seat at His banquet.
• If I’m still here on earth, then there is still work to be done for His glory and for others.
• God has still given me time and opportunities to make up for my past misgivings.

At least personally, life can really be summed up in those 3 simple points. Yes, there will always be ups and down. But we’re still here and have a chance to love more. A chance to earn that reserved seating.

When we hear this title we think of someone that grants our wishes and looks out for our well being. As a child, I thought of my aunt like this. Not only was she my aunt, she was also my Godmother. I would see her every few years and she would treat me and sister out or give us money before saying goodbye at the end of the trips. Over the years, visits became less frequent and but it was her life advice that stayed with me.

This past weekend, I took the news hard that she died from congestive heart failure. Upon further reflection, I realized the impact she made on my life choices. Growing up, I was afraid of many things and taking risks. However, it was during one visit she told me about her adventures. I was in awe of her stories. She was already in her 70s but she had traveled to almost every country in the world and would continue to do so as long as her health would allow. She challenged me to do the same with my life. She encouraged me to take risks and explore the world. That I needed to start when I was younger, and not wait like her until she was 50 to start travelling. She believed I needed to enjoy life when I was still young enough to do the things she no longer could.

She celebrated life and lived it to the fullest. I will always cherish the advice she gave me all those years ago, and continue to share it with others even until today. She gave me the courage to pursue the unknown and explore the world and other cultures as she did. To truly live life fiercely, love fully and without fear. To give generously, be faithful and to embrace the time God has given me.

As early as I can remember, there was never a question as to what I would be doing the first Friday of every month. As a child and well into my teens, there was never an exception to this. No matter the excuse or sickness, I was expected to attend first Friday vigil without fail. Although there were times I resented my parents for this, I would grow to know Jesus more and understand this devotion.

However, after moving out and attending college, this devotion waned and eventually took a back seat and other priorities took place. Years passed and I would make an effort when available to attend first Friday, but never consistent enough to complete the 9 Fridays again.

Starting the first Friday of this year I was able to attend mass, on the solemnity of Mary. I made a commitment that day to complete my 9 Fridays this year and make it a priority. As of today, I’ve completed 6 thus far. In doing so, today I found myself in front of the blessed sacrament feeling at home. Through the benediction, and the familiar words of ‘O Salutaris’ I felt at peace. It brought me back to my childhood and all the Fridays I spent growing to love this devotion. That no matter the trials or oppression I experienced, that God was always there and adoration was a place I could find peace. That Christ has truly sustained me and will continue to be my source of joy and strength.

Yesterday evening I attended a funeral mass for my friend’s mother. She died suddenly last Thursday evening from an aneurysm at the age of 65. I’ve only met his mother on a few occasions but went to the mass out of support for my friend. The day before the mass, I was advised by another friend to wear white or pink as per the family’s request. I thought to myself that it was an odd request as usually I’ve worn black or dark clothing as per the Canadian standard.

When I arrived with my friends at the parish, it was beautiful to see a sea of white opposed to standard formal black. My friends and I decided to sit a little further back from the crowd since we assumed the majority were family members. I took a quick glance around and didn’t see anyone I recognized. However during the homily, the priest mentioned the deceased was a member of CFC. Later during a eulogy given by a Tita, it was mentioned she was a household head and loved member of the community. By the end of the mass it was apparent how involved she was in CFC and how she impacted her chapter. What struck me the most was the overwhelming support all the present CFCs gave to her family. That CFC isn’t just a faith based community, but extended family. It was another reason for myself to love the community further and continue in serving at a greater capacity.

Often times we believe we can do everything ourselves. We rely on our own strength, time, energy and patience in our everyday lives whether it’s work, school or in service. However, there will always be times when our own strength is simply not enough. This can especially be true in service. Even after pouring hours into organizing/coordinating documents, planning and logistics you’ll always be asked to do more and give more of yourself, time and efforts. It’s at these moments that we can grumble in our service or throw in the towel. However, our other option is understanding that we need Him and the only way to carry-on is through His grace. The toughest part of serving can be when you are exhausted, have a full plate of responsibilities and things don’t go according to plan. It can feel overwhelming, but it’s by God’s grace that we can instead say thank you for the opportunity to praise Him and ask for further strength. These are the chances we have to trust Him and His plans. It is not always what we do in service, but the attitude we carry that God cares about. It is an opportunity to reflect God in ourselves to others.