I could have told you that.

Notice the story on my sidebar: Research finds chocolate may improve mood.

Researchers found that those with higher-order neurotic personality and atypical depression were more likely to crave chocolate.

Oh well.

Also,

Previous studies have shown that people with atypical depression tend to crave carbohydrates.

Uh oh. Guilty as charged.

And,

One study showed that a mineral supplement known as chromium picolinate could reduce the carbohydrate cravings experienced by those with atypical depression.

Might be worth a try. I'll bet chocolate tastes better, though.

Happy Birthday!

Birthday wishes go out today to Kevin Rhodes, Bishop of Harrisburg.

He turns 50 today.

(Yes, he is young for a bishop.)

God says eat your veggies!

Some "food for thought" from today's first reading:

Please test your servants for ten days.
Give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.

Then see how we look in comparison with the other young men who eat from the royal table.

After ten days they looked healthier and better fed
than any of the young men who ate from the royal table.

~From Daniel Chapter 1

Today, this is often called a "detoxification diet" and is thought to be a way to rid the body of unhealthy toxins taken in by our gluttonous lifestyle.

Christ the King

Today is the feast of Christ the King and the final Sunday before Advent.

Hat tip to O.F.M. Cap.

Thank you, Lord.

Presentation of the Virgin Mary

Today is a feast I didn't know we commemorated in the Church--the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple. While not in Scripture, tradition has long held that in thanksgiving for her birth, Mary's parents, Joachim and Anne took her to the temple when she was three years old to be educated there. (I've also read that this took place when Mary was 12.)

This is also a possible explanation for Mary's perpetual virginity--that as a woman dedicated in the Temple at a young age, Mary was promised to God, hence her question to the Angel at the Annunciation: "How can this be, since I do not know man?"

Some scholars point to the existence of the Essenes, a Jewish sect which flourished from a few centuries before Christ to about a century after, which espoused voluntary poverty, celibacy and asceticism, as proof that the possibility of an order of celibate women who lived in the temple around the first century could have existed.

In fact, there is a theory that Anna in Luke 2:36-38, was one such woman, and, perhaps, recognized the young Mary as having grown up among the women of the temple when she brought Jesus in for His own presentation and circumcision, 8 days after His birth.

Hat tip to Fr Dwight Longenecker.

Diamond Wedding Anniversary

I know the rest of you have television and have probably seen this. I don't though, so I occasionally search on YouTube for things. This is a clip from ABC about the 60th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. It is an amazing milestone.

The Dignity of Old Age

Today's Old Testament reading from Maccabees describes 90 year old Eleazar as

a man now advanced in age and of noble presence...worthy of his years and the dignity of his old age and the gray hairs which he had reached with distinction.

Those words just stuck out to me today and I wanted to post them. We are being increasingly blessed in this society to have our elderly with us for longer than we have in the past.

Creation or Creator?

Once again, Holy Scripture "hits one out of the ballpark" in today's reading. It is amazing how little men change as the centuries go by.

For all men who were ignorant of God were foolish by nature; and they were unable from the good things that are seen to know Him who exists, nor did they recognize the craftsman while paying heed to His works;

but they supposed that either fire or wind or swift air, or the circle of the stars, or turbulent water, or the luminaries of heaven were the gods that rule the world.

If through delight in the beauty of these things men assumed them to be gods, let them know how much better than these is their Lord, for the author of beauty created them.

And if men were amazed at their power and working, let them perceive from them how much more powerful is He who formed them.

For from the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator.

Yet these men are little to be blamed, for perhaps they go astray while seeking God and desiring to find Him.

For as they live among His works they keep searching, and they trust in what they see, because the things that are seen are beautiful.

Yet again, not even they are to be excused;

for if they had the power to know so much that they could investigate the world, how did they fail to find sooner the Lord of these things?

~Wisdom 13: 1-9

Today, centuries after Christ, people are still mistaking the creation for the Creator. People are still putting their trust in "stars (and) luminaries" without recognizing the One who created them.

People are still seeking God, as today's reading from the Book of Wisdom tells us--now, I think, more than ever. People are hungering for the Lord. What people are afraid of, though, is submitting to His authority. It is easier to get perceived "power" from objects that we feel we can control, than to submit our lives, the lives of our loved ones, and indeed our very selves to God's true power.

Are we praying only for the purpose of "getting" or do we submit our will to that of the Almighty? Are we praying only for the peaceful feelings it gives us, or are we obeying the Lord's call day by day, even when we do not feel it?

If Christ Himself prayed "Thy Will be done" and cried out "My God, My God, Why do You abandon Me?" how much more, then, should we be faithful to the Creator of all things when we do not feel Him near?

Isolation

I heard a sermon on EWTN this morning while driving to work. The priest told a story of an exorcist (yes, there are still such things in the Church) who was performing an exorcism on a 19 year old girl. The priest asked the evil spirit who was possessing her, what relationship two people who were enemies while alive, would have in Hell.

The demonic spirit replied, "How stupid you are! There are no relationships here. People are completely wrapped up in themselves, constantly regretting and mourning the sins they have committed. It is like a cemetery."

I couldn't help but think of how easy it is for us as human beings to isolate. I think many of us in this modern culture even believe that isolation is the key to happiness. Apparently not. It is the gateway to Hell in more ways than one.

Isolation is such a temptation in this life and a great curse to those of us who struggle with mental illness. We must press on, however, We must "fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith." That includes reaching out and continuing to live our faith in the garden of humanity in which God placed us.

(The illustration is Van Gogh's, A Public Garden with People Walking in the Rain)

Preparing Spiritually for Christmas

Tomorrow marks 40 days prior to the Nativity of Our Lord. In the Eastern Church, this is a period of fasting known as the Nativity Fast or St. Phillip's Fast.

There are various means by which Christians in the Eastern traditions practice this preparatory period before the Feast of the Birth of Christ. It is suggested that, at minimum, the faithful should eat less and abstain from meat (and possibly dairy and oil) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during this period. Some abstain from these foods during the entire period and some add fasting (defined as not eating from midnight until noon) as well.

Have a counter-cultural Christmas
Christianity is indeed a counter-cultural way of life. The culture of the world tells us that beginning after October, life is all about focusing on consumerism and gluttony. Are you a Christian? Pray for God's strength to resist the temptation to buy into this world's attitude toward this Holy season. Be a witness to the world.

Going vegan during Advent is a great way of becoming conscious of what and how much we consume. Are we truly preparing for the birth of Jesus in our hearts, or are we stuffing our hunger for Christ? Are we relying on food to give us peace, or are we running to the Heart of Jesus for comfort?

This season is a traditional time for thinking of others. Starting around now, many churches and organizations begin collecting food and other goods for the poor. Fasting and abstaining from certain foods, while giving to some of these good causes serves to heighten our awareness of the great need of many across the world, as well as the great excess that most of us in the West enjoy. Be sure to give of your time, talent and treasure to the poor during this time.

Let's make this season about focusing on our love for Christ and preparing for His birth in our hearts. Fast from extra sleep in order to get up a bit earlier to make morning Mass. Pray morning and evening prayer or pray the Rosary (especially the Joyful Mysteries.) Meditate on the day's Scripture readings. Start a prayer/meditation/Scripture journal. Say the Jesus Prayer (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner) repeatedly throughout the day.

Prepare to receive Christ in a special way this Christmas.

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

This is the car of the future!

Ok. Now that gas is over $3 a gallon again, and climbing, I want *this* car!

Hat tip to Cute Overload.

Don't drive faster than your guardian angel can fly.

I have a story to tell you. The other night, dh and I were coming home from Church, following each other in separate cars. I was in front, in my car, and he was following behind me in his car.

I admit I was going too fast down a country road on our way home when I heard a horn beep. I realized sheepishly that I was indeed going too fast, and thought, "How like dh--he's warning me to watch out for deer."

I hadn't completely formed the thought, when a deer *did* step out into the road and I slowed WAY down, just in time to avoid hitting it.

Afterwards, my dh said, "You did great back there--you slowed right down where you knew there'd be deer."

I said, "Didn't you beep at me to warn me?"

He said he hadn't.

Hmmmm....I wonder what kind of car my guardian angel drives.

St. Michael

The Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of St. Michael the Archangel on this day. It also happens to be my husband, Michael's, birthday. St. Michael is one of the Archangels mentioned in Scripture (Dan 10:13, 21)(Rev. 12:7). His name, in Hebrew: מיכאל‎, Micha'el or Mîkhā’ēl; Greek: Μιχαήλ, Mikhaíl; Latin: Michael or Míchaël; Arabic: ميكائيل, Mikha'il, means "Who is like God" and his role is seen as the protector of Israel and of the Church.

St. Michael is a powerful protector and the prayer to St.Michael can be a powerful one when you are feeling under attack.

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host —
by the Divine Power of God —
cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

English Vocabulary Lovers Unite to Wipe Out Hunger!

Like English vocabulary? Ok, don't like English vocabulary but want to learn some? Ok, don't like English vocabulary and don't want to learn some, but would you be willing to try to feed the hungry?

FreeRice.com lets you play a multiple choice English vocabulary game and feed the hungry at the same time. For each word you get right, they donate 10 grains of rice to help end world hunger.

Right now, I'm up to 600 grains.

You go, girl!!

Eighty-one year old Queen Elizabeth II of England has been voted one of the world's most glamorous women by Vogue magazine. Apparently, the accolade was not given to her majesty merely for her access to expensive apparel.

"She is as glamorous in her brogues and headscarf in Balmoral as she is wearing the crown jewels."

It's a Twin Thing

Peter Sullivan Cirioli was born last Sunday morning at 1:32am. After thirty-four more minutes passed, his twin sister, Allison Raye Cirioli was born. BUT, because of the time change that took place at 2:00am that day, her birth was recorded as having taken place at 1:06am, 26 minutes prior to her brother. So, she is both 34 minutes younger and 26 minutes older than her brother.

Their mother, Laura Cirioli has decided not to get in the middle of what is likely to be a lifetime "discussion" between the two.

"I don't want to get into the middle of it,” Jason, their father, said.

Get out of the car!!

UPDATE: Snopes says this story isn't true, but it's still funny.

I have transcribed this account exactly as it appears from a forum I frequent.

(This is a supposedly true account recorded in the police log of Sarasota, FL.)

An elderly Florida lady did her shopping, and upon returning to her car, found 4 males in the act of leaving with her vehicle.

She dropped her shopping bags and drew her handgun, proceeding to scream at the top of her lungs, "I have a gun and I know how to use it! Get out of the car!"

The 4 men didn't wait for a second threat. They got out and ran like mad.

The lady, somewhat shaken, then proceeded to load her shopping bags into the back of the car and got into the driver's seat. She was so shaken, she could not get her key into the ignition.

She tried and tried, and then realized why. It was for the same reason she had wondered why there was a football, a Frisbee, and two 12 packs of beer in the front seat.

A few minutes later, she found her own car parked four or five spaces farther down.
She loaded her bags into the car and then drove to the police station to report her mistake.

The sergeant to whom she told the story couldn't stop laughing.

He pointed to the other end of the counter where four pale men were reporting a carjacking by a mad, elderly woman described as white, less than 5 feet tall, glasses, curly white hair, and carrying a handgun.

No charges were filed.

The moral of the story? If you are going to have a senior moment...make it memorable!

Todays' Scripture

What a challenging first reading today! (Romans 12:5-16ab) Saint Paul says to the Romans, that it is not enough just to exercise your gifts--it is not enough just to follow the rules of Christianity. One must go the extra mile and live the Christian life with gusto and joy.

How is that done? With "the grace given to us" by God. It is not enough to prophesy--we must be "in proportion to the faith." It is not enough to contribute--we must do so "in generosity." It is not enough to lead--we must do so "with diligence." It is not enough to do acts of mercy--we must do them "with cheerfulness".

Our faith is not merely rules for their own sake. Our faith is living the Love of our God made man so all will experience His Love for themselves for all eternity.

Do not grow slack in zeal,
be fervent in spirit,
serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope,
endure in affliction,
persevere in prayer.

Renew your own faith, so that you may serve Christ through serving others. Read Scripture, pray, go to Mass, say the Rosary, meditate on God's burning and unending love for you, His creation. Do this daily. Only by hiding in the heart of Christ and feeding on His strength, can we have the strength to do His will and show His Love to His creation.
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, heal me.
Blood of Christ, drench me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
Good Jesus, hear me.
In Your wounds shelter me.
From turning away keep me.
From the evil one protect me.
At the hour of my death call me.
Into Your presence lead me,
to praise You with all Your saints for ever and ever.
~Amen.

All Soul's Day

Today is All Soul's Day, traditionally a day to remember those who have gone before us, especially those who have passed away in the past year.

In my family, my great Aunt Isabelle, who was in her 90's passed away, as well as my cousin's husband, Malcolm, who was in his 80's. My mother's dear friend, Betty died about a month or so ago. She was 80. Also, very recently, my mom's sister, June, passed away. She was 74.

Today is also the 20th anniversary of my father's death. He died on November 2, 1987. He was 57.

So, lets take a minute to remember all those who have died, especially recently.

Eternal Rest grant unto them,
O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.

Requiem aeternam dona eis,
Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Requiescant in pace.

Amen.

All Saints' Day

Today is All Saints' Day. Saints are truly our brothers and sisters in Christ. They have gone before us and have "fought the good fight" and "finished the race" (2 Timothy 4:7). Remember, Saints are fallible human beings just like ourselves who depended totally on God and ran to Him for everything.

We are all called to be saints, although most of us will never be recognized officially as such by the Church. But, being a saint is not something for "them" and not for "us." Being a saint is a requirement for us to enter into God's glory in Heaven.

Also, being a saint is not something that ceased with the Middle Ages. There are saints walking the earth right this minute. There are people who have died fairly recently, who are on their way to being recognized as saints by the Church, for example the late Pope John Paul II, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta. They were people who lived through modernity just as we do, and yet, reached out to God and lived heroic and holy lives no matter the cost.

It is impossible for me to mention each saint on this day set aside to remember them. There is a saint for every person, a saint for every difficulty and for every joy. Look to them for inspiration and guidance and ask them to pray for you in your journey to Heaven.