Think about those times in your life when you have felt inspired to something really great. Where does that inspiration come from?
The Holy Spirit. God inspires us to do great things with our lives.
----Matthew Kelly

Welcome to The Not So Perfect Catholic!

Disclaimer: I am not a theologian, just a Catholic empty-nester trying to figure it all out. The views on this blog are my own.

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Yesterday's Homily focused on the gospel (MK 4:35-41). Specifically the part about being still. When my boys were little, there were times when I just wanted some quiet...and for them to be still. There were times when I thought it would be nice to be a nun so I could have some peace & quiet.
It's important for us to have some quiet in our life: time to just be still and hear what God is saying to us. To further emphasize the gospel, this appeared in my email yesterday:

When was the last time you just sat with God in a quiet, empty church? Isn't it time for some carefree timelessness with God?

Just being still is one of the hardest things. I have so many things running through my mind, even when I try to be still and just be. There have been many times I've sat in the Adoration Chapel and tried to push things that need to be done out of my mind. Usually starting with prayer helps, but even then there are times when I'm so distracted that it's hard to even do that.
What do you do to quiet yourself so you can hear what God is trying to say to you?

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

As the 1st anniversary of my mother's death quickly approaches, I find myself thinking about her more than usual. Especially her seemingly unwavering faith. Not once did I see her not wanting to be at Mass. Not once did I see her miss Mass unless she was sick. This is why the 2nd Reading really spoke to me on Sunday:

"Brothers and sisters:
We are always courageous,
although we know that while we are at home in the body
we are away from the Lord,
for we walk by faith, not by sight.
Yet we are courageous,
and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord.
Therefore, we aspire to please him, 
whether we are at home or away.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
so that each may receive recompense,
according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil."

- - 2 Cor 5:6-10

The mustard seed gospel (MK 4:26-34) fit perfectly with my mom. She was always learning about her faith. She may not have had time when we were growing up, but once we were out of the house, my neighbor could see her early in the morning, reading the daily readings along with reflections. She was wise enough to know when to answer my questions about my faith, and when to let me figure it out on my own. 

During the Homily, the priest said that as we move into Ordinary Time, this is a time of growth. We have planted the seeds of faith, but it's up to us to do the work. And boy, do I have a lot of work to do!