December 21

Light of the World Catholic Church, Littleton, Colorado

A reading of the holy Gospel according to Luke 1:39-45

Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.  When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.  And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.  Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

As Catholics, most of us pray Luke 1:42 every day.  How wonderful to find these words in their context, from the mouth of Elizabeth - in a loud voice, having had her child leap in her womb at the sound of Mary's greeting.  

Yesterday one of my friends posted this video on facebook.  I absolutely loved it and wanted to post it here.  I went to Igniter Media and found I needed to pay $14.95 for it.  I opted to link to it instead.  Call me cheap, that's OK.  

Last evening, in less than an hour sitting at my computer, I spent nearly a thousand dollars.  I finally just entered my credit card to join the professional organization I need to belong to - but have not wanted to pay the fee for.    I purchased my son's Christmas presents online - and paid for 2 day shipping to get them here on time.  I was so thrilled that my son, the formerly confirmed bachelor, now married and the adoring father to his little baby girl, Lilah Rose, asked for old Christmas movies in Blu Ray.  No shoot 'em up violent films, or vulgar tasteless comedies, but Miracle on 34th Street, the old Christmas Carol with Alastair Sim, and It's a Wonderful Life - they will be gifted in answer to his request.  

Then, since I am a runner who has not been running, I registered for a half-marathon on May 1.  I need to run.  For my physical well-being as well as my mental health.  I need to run.  Since my marathon (26.2 miles) in October, I have logged not many miles.  I have had no motivation.  My coach has been telling me to never be without a registered race out there on the horizon.  So, now I have one.  And since it is a couple hour drive from Denver, I have also reserved a room at a fancy-schmancy hotel in that town for two nights.  There were no simple rooms left for that weekend, so I was FORCED to get an upgraded room.  Darn!   I am excited about the race, it is one I have wanted to do for a couple of years, but it is always full by the time I decide to register for it.  At this time, it is over 80% full.  I think I just squeezed in!

As I have trained for half-marathons, triathlons, and my one marathon, I have wondered how this could possibly be pleasing to God.   The only rationale I can come up with is that God gave me this body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, and I am supposed to take care of it.  Not worship it, not make it my God, but take care of it as a gift from God, and as a holy receptacle of the Holy Spirit.  My body needs to run.  I am old, and I am a pitiful runner, but it is what makes me function well - and then perhaps I can serve him well.  I hope.  

Thank you for your kind comments yesterday.  You have encouraged me to continue - and I appreciate that.

Deo Gratias!