Sunday Sermon, Sinners and Some Sweet Stuff

“In life I would much prefer to be sinned upon than the sinner. It is easier, vous comprenez? With the clear conscience one sleeps very well. The sinner may deny it… but in his heart he knows. He does not deserve to be happy.”
― Nikki Sex, Karma
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Today’s Gospel was from The Gospel is from St. Matthew 4:1-11. Father told us how after Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the desert, the devil tempted him in three ways, but Jesus resisted temptation and remained faithful. The devil doesn’t tempt us when we are strong, but waits until we are weak, hungry, thirsty and exhausted. My interpretation is that it’s pretty easy to be good, honest and faithful when everything is going well, but it takes a special person and all your strength to stay on the right path when everything is going wrong.

Sometimes I feel that a sermon is speaking directly to me. With the help of my family, many friends and faith, I have been able to stay strong. Unconditional love amazingly can get you through anything. A clear conscience helps too. (Karma- you get what you deserve.)

Now, for the sweet stuff. After Mass, I met some friends at Snug on the Square for breakfast. It was gloomy morning, but by afternoon, the sun peeked out and warmed up the air and everyone’s spirits. I usually hang out at Sweet Spot bakery afterwards, having a cup of tea and a chat with Miss Kathy, the owner and good friend. It was just about closing time, so she asked if id like some cinnamon rolls to take home. I don’t eat too many sweets, but I said if she had anything she’d like to share, I’d take it over to my senior art friends friends.Well, she packed up two big boxes filled with cupcakes and cookies.

I stopped at Towne Creek on my way home, rang a few bells, and invited the ladies down for an impromptu tea party. My quick ten minute drive-by turned into a 2 1/2 hour gabfest. I even ate a huge peanut butter cookie. (I was weak and the temptation was too much- little sermon joke.) We still had several extra cupcakes even after everyone took one home for an evening snack, so I knocked on a few doors and offered cupcakes and brownies to other residents. (Thanks Miss Kathy and Miss Elizabeth.)

That was some pretty sweet stuff! I came home and went for a double long walk around the neighborhood.
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Yep, I had a good Sunday. “In life I would much prefer to be sinned upon than the sinner.”

Sunday: Signs and Sinners

Problems are not stop signs, they are guide lines.
Robert H. Schuller
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Every Sunday morning I call mom before she goes to church, and I always say, “Pray for us sinners.” Now that I’m going to church on Sunday mornings too, I do a little of my own praying for us sinners. So, I think we’re covered.

I’m a firm believer of signs, and who knows where the signs come from, but if we believe, well, then we make them happen. After 9 o’clock Mass this morning, I walked around the vestibule and observed the families milling around. There was a nice energy, an electricity of a sort. It felt like a sign, something special. I stepped back inside to take a photo of the crucifix that had mesmerized me during the service.

I decided to treat myself to a late breakfast at my favorite place on the Square. I checked my messages before getting into the car and found that my friend, Linda had called to invite me to join her for lunch. Even better. She met me at Snug and we had a leisurely lunch and chat. Later, I found…not a lucky penny…but a lucky dime. Another sign, and ten times better than a penny. When I find my lucky coins, I take it as a sign that everything will be ok.

My lucky dime.

Now, this is an actual sign. The sign reads SNUG, but it really means a very fun, happy place. When I got home, the sun was shining and it was a gorgeous day, about 86 degrees, and I was moved to change, put on my tennis shoes and go for a long walk. A great Sunday.

So, life is full of signs, we just need to see them. AND, life is full of sinners, so we have to pray for them…some more than others.