An Open Mind

In 1830, Our Lady asked Sister Catherine Laboure to have a medal made according to certain specifications. We now know this as the Miraculous Medal.

A Professor Hamilton, an anthropologist, the most popular teacher at Harvard University, a world authority on the history of man, tells of an early incident in his life.  At the age of five, his father took him to the local museum.  There, for the first time, he saw a dinosaur, and at that moment, his whole life work fell into place.

An open mind can be equated with a field not yet seeded for harvest.  Whatever seed goes into this fertile ground will bring forth a bumper crop of wheat, corn, barley or soy bean.  An open, inquisitive mind presents an excellent growing place for the best ideas life can bring us.  No limits to growth with this attitude!

In the story above, the young boy’s mind lay open to new, fascinating ideas.  The sight of the giant dinosaur triggered a whole flurry of questions about this beast and the world the animal moved in.  In the years ahead, the youngster would grow up to teach about this monster in one of the great Universities of the world.

Is there a better way to live?  This can always be a meaningful and fruitful question for bringing good ideas into one’s life.  Do I have to be fearful so much of the day?  Why am I carrying this hatchet of resentment in my heart week after week?  Is there a different way to live . . . a better way . . . my favorite question always!

What if I didn’t have this ever present feeling of insecurity?  What if I confidently looked upon myself as a loving and lovable person?  What if I realized that I have many talents, as yet hidden, and not yet developed?  Let our minds be magnets for new ideas!

If people approach life and its happenings with an openness and a willingness to change, they could latch on to new, productive ways of living.  One good idea can change our whole life style!  Am I convinced that I have to power to add to the beauty and joy of my life?

What if I determined to be a peacemaker at home and wrap everybody there in a warm embrace of love and concern?  What am I doing with my life?  Expose the children to different visions of life by taking them to museums, expositions and zoos.

In a troubled relationship, the most tragic words are: “There’s nothing wrong with me.  I don’t need to change.”

                        Fr. George Mc Kenna

Reflections Of A Mother

My Mother on her Wedding Day!

(I’ve always enjoyed this piece from an unknown author)
I gave you life, but cannot live it for you.
I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.
I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it.
I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.
I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.
I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.
I can advise you about your friends, but I cannot choose them for you.
I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.
I can tell you the facts of life, but I cannot build your reputation.
I can tell you about drink, but I cannot say “no” for you.
I can warn you about drugs, but I cannot prevent you from using them.
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I cannot achieve them for you.
I can teach you about kindness, but I cannot force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make you moral.
I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in God’s family.
I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can teach you about Jesus, but I cannot make Jesus your Lord.
I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.

Happy Mother’s Day To ALL!!

Thank you for all the extra “hits” and all the wonderful prayers and wishes on the anniversary of my Ordination!
Fr. George Mc Kenna