The Worst Day Of The Year

Halloween is by far the worst day of the year for me.

Not only are the Fall days getting shorter, the weather colder, and the grass and trees around us deader, it seems like the spiritual shadows and darkness are stronger too.

Neighbourhood displays and children's costumes are getting increasingly cynical and sinister.

Deep spiritual truths - the spirit world, the demonic, death and hell - are made light of and, even celebrated.  Halloween is the epitome of spiritual darkness.

Whenever I go to Mexico I feel uncomfortable with the painted faces and skulls that are so popular in their expression of the Catholic faith, but in that context it's not a denial of the spiritual realm, but a confirmation thereof.  All Saints Day - tomorrow - is after all, a day when we celebrate the lives of the saints that have gone before us.

Here, where I live in this cesspool that is secularism, Halloween is at best complete ignorance about the spiritual world, and at worst a glorification of the demonic.

Final Vows

I spent the weekend at the monastery in Muenster, where I enjoyed the usual hospitality and community I've come to appreciate.  Actually, I made my final vows as a Benedictine Oblate there today.  See here for my initial vows.

It was a meaningful day.  Particularly because in this day and age where we often times look and yearn for community and yet seem unable to find it, I feel blessed that this humble group of monks and oblates welcome me a few times a year, offering a space to stay and reflect, a few meals, the Mass, and opportunities to learn and share valuable life lessons.

As always, we had an educational session on the final day of our gathering, and today I had the opportunity to share my experience of walking the Camino de Santiago in 2012.  It's an experience I will always remember, and certainly love taking about.  

Essentially, I made the following points:

The concept of pilgrimage is common to all people.  We are all on a spiritual journey, and as Christians we believe our spiritual journey is towards God.  As St. Augustine said: "Our hearts are restless until they find you, Lord."

Pilgrimages are a good place for prayer.  In my case, I prayed the Jesus Prayer throughout my journey: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner."  During the walk, I prayed not only for myself but for friends and family.

Pilgrimages are a good time for discernment.  I was discerning primarily about 2 matters: vocation (work, career), and relationships.  As a result of my discernment process during I moved to Saskatchewan. 

Community is an important aim of the Camino.  Like Spiritual Care practitioners, pilgrims on the road became intimate strangers easily, sharing their struggles and burdens with each other.  The bonds of fraternity seemed more visible, even tangible.

Pilgrimages are opportunities to practise simplicity of living.  Jesus speaks often of "traveling light", as we cannot take our earthly possessions with us when our time on earth is complete.  Walking long distances brings this point home, as the greater the weight we carry, the greater the physical demand and burden.

Tennis Membership

I took the plunge today and bought a basic tennis membership at a local indoor tennis centre.

It cost $250, and thankfully, I have benefits at work that will cover this expense.

The summer season is over now and the indoor season has begun in full force.  At the tennis centre we play doubles every Monday night.  I'm getting to know a few players and could see myself finding a hitting partner or two over the next few months so that I can begin improving on my game by practising regularly.  My forehand and backhand are in horrible shape.

Funny, every time I grab the racket and start playing I think about my days at the "bubble" in Abbotsford, and hitting the ball against "Murph", "Klassen", and of course, my brother Ted.  These memories are overwhelmingly positive, which is perhaps why I'm keen to get back into the game.

An Evening Of Paint

I went painting with some coworkers tonight.  It was at a local pub where you can sign up and drop in for an evening of painting.  Christine, Jayci, and Carla came along, and together we spent 2.5 hours painting and drinking a few glasse of wine.

This Time To Chief Whitecap

Just over a week ago we trekked through 15cms of snow for 17 kms at Douglas Provincial Park.

Today we endured cold temps, rain, and a blistering wind while hiking from Diefenbaker to Chief Whitecap Park.  Here are a few pics taken during the hike.

We covered about 12 kms.

Afterwards we went to the Berry Barn and had a hearty brunch.

Hiking In The Snow

Since arriving in Saskatchewan 3.5 years ago I've heard people gently warn me that snow could come pretty much anytime of the year, even in the summer, and certainly in shoulder months like May and October.  I guess they were right...

As Marco said to me upon seeing the snow 2 days ago: "Wow.  Snow in October.  That leaves no room at all for interpretation.  Winter is here."

We covered around 17kms.  Except for a couple areas where we weren't protected by the trees and the wind cut through, we were able to stay warm.  Unfortunately the signage on the trail wasn't always good, so we ended up taking an unnecessary detour that cost us an extra 3kms.  I didn't mind, really, but it was a bit stressful for one of the other hikers.

As I hope the pictures show, the scenery is subtly beautiful.  The white snow, contrasted by the  grey clouds, lake, and bare trees. 

Bought My Tickets!!!

I know, it's early, but I did it anyways.  I bought my tickets to ... Mexico!

Feb. 17 - Mar. 6.