4/9/08:

Francis Beaumier

Good morning and welcome to my common prayer on Sacramental Moments.  I first came in contact with the idea of sacramental moments during a Kairos retreat during my senior year at Marquette High School.  I was intrigued to learn that, unlike the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church, a “sacrament,” with a small “s” could be found in ordinary moments of our lives.  Dr. Wadell helped me return to this topic last spring during his Mission and Identity of the Church class.  Therefore, he will be one of the six speakers who will help you reflect on sacramental moments.  I like the idea of sacramental moments because I’m the kind of person that thrives on the small things of daily life.  A friendly “good morning” and a smile directed my way can be enough to get me through the morning.  Lively lunchtime companions can keep my spirits up for the rest of the afternoon.  I also think that the idea of a sacramental moment has universal appeal because finding God in our lives is something everyone is able to do.  Once we begin finding God in our daily lives, we are closer to finding God in all things, one of my favorite Jesuit ideals. 

During common prayer today, I invite you to focus on the lyrics of the music.  How do the songs “In this Place” and “Somos el Cuerpo de Cristo” demonstrate our need for sacramental moments and how we can be sacraments to one another?  As Justin Wrzesinski further introduces the theme, he will provide you with a few more reflection questions that you can ponder during the pauses today.  He will also provide sacramental moments from his own life.  The other speakers will present additional examples of seemingly ordinary moments that are sacramental moments in their lives.  Which examples presented do you most identify with?  Relax and let this Common Prayer be a sacramental moment for you.

One sacramental moment that sticks out in my mind is the opportunity I had to eat supper with Dan Robinson’s family.  In the presence of this peaceful, spirit filled family, you can really feel the presence of God emanating from each of the members. 

For a few more sacramental moments, I turn now to an email from my mom, who wanted to share with you some of her thoughts on this theme but was unable to drive up here today.  She writes, “I've seen God working many times in my life, but a few times are very prominent....my father kneeling to pray no matter how sick he was, even after chemotherapy,... my mother's victory over a very tough childhood ---bringing us up with special celebrations and working 18 hour days…. an adult student who was approached for money after spending her last....giving away half of her meal , a husband who kneels to pray no matter what ----morning and night, and now my children living their own faith. I pray that God continues to open my eyes to His wonder and keep my ears open to His word.”

Concluding Prayer (written by Fr. Salvatore Cuccia, O. Praem.) 

Loving God,
You reveal yourself to us not in extra ordinary events but in ordinary moments of our daily lives. 
Give us the wisdom and understanding, the knowledge and insight to recognize your presence
in the sacramental moments given to us today, tomorrow and forever.
We pray in Jesus's name.
Amen.