Many of you have read those brief quizzes on” Have you ever?”
Isn’t life about what have you done with this precious gift God has given us? Most of us are such creatures of routine. When you wake up in the morning, do you thank God for bringing you to this day and ask for his guidance? For some, it is grab that coffee and think “oh well another day” instead of how can I make the most out of this time. Could the glass half full, versus the glass half empty theory play into your life? Let’s take the plunge into something new and create a new chapter in our life. St Junipere Sera, a Franciscan, left his native home of Mallorca, Spain and lived out Jesus words “Follow Me!” (Mathew 8:22) His motto was “Keep Moving Forward.” He traveled to the unknown territory, which is now known as California to convert native people of the “new world.” He founded many missions including San Juan Capistrano.
While reading those “Have You Ever” quizzes, be it “have you been to”, or "have you done these”, I realize the boat may have sailed for my bungee jumping off a bridge in Australia, but - there is certainly a need to add more things to my bucket list. We are never too old to experience new things.
What about our own challenge here at St. Mark? What is the moment that brought you the most joy so far in your life? What is on your bucket list that you hope to do? What is something you hope to do for others? God wants us to be joyful! Let’s bring some joy to others. Even a warm smile or friendly hello can make someone else’s day! Recently, during the reading of the Prayers of the Faithful, the lector brought great joy to one of our parishioners, when she read the name of his recently deceased wife. It was a true - “Have You Ever Moment!"