I Chose Marriage

June 14, 2018 marks 15 years of marriage for Justin and I.

Many emotions swirl around this heart of mine as I reflect on the last 15 years of marriage, 18 years together. The tears that well up in my eyes when looking over pictures from the last years are heavy with joy, love, hardship, blessing, fear, accomplishment, celebration. 

I chose marriage. No, not really. It chose me. And I fought it with my whole being. I was terrified. Some days I still am. Marriage is a crazy adventure. Marriage is hard hard work. Marriage is an act of faith in the Holy Trinity (more than one Holy Trinity if you get my drift.)

At some point about half way through these 15 years, I stopped fighting it. I can't put my finger on when that was. It was gradual but I began to revel in the plan that God has for Justin and I.  Trusting in God's plan has proved to be way better than I could have ever imagined.

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When I was in grad school, my sacraments professor was clear as a bell: in the Sacrament of Marriage spouses draw each other closer to Christ. You must regularly partake of the Eucharist to nourish the bonds of marriage.

Just Do It

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Justin is the best adventurer partner for me. When I reflect on the man that God chose for me, I am struck with wonder and awe. Justin is an example of how God's plans for us are so much bigger and better than we could ever imagine. Justin, putting it pure and simple, is a man of deep faith. All that he is as husband and father are drawn from the well of faith. 

Thank you, Jesus!

Flag Day, 2003.

The beginning of the Parenting Adventure! 11 years ago!

August 1, 2017.

Our first Camping Trip!

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Year 14 has been a great year!

Starved Rock for Gracie's 10th Birthday

Smokey Mountain National Park

Happy 40th Justin!

Christmas at the Art Institute

Ah! Roma!

Atop St. Peters Basilica

Happy 40th Birthday to Me!

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Space Center Houston

Graue Mill for Mothers Day

Gracie's Easter Journey

Back during the first week of Advent, us Wozniaks were exploring the jaunts of St. Benedict. The first place that we visited was the Monasterio di San Benedetto in Subiaco. This is the sight of the Sacro Speco - the Sacred Cave of St. Benedict. Below is the picture  of the building that was attached to the side of Subiaco, a mountain. We explored through winding halls with chapels attached along the way. It is a place that by its construction and air demands sacred silence. Benedict is definitely present there. We were in hot pursuit - in silence- of the Sacro Speco. Gracie and I stopped off in one of the chapels. In a whisper, I asked Gracie, "why do you think that St. Benedict wanted to pray in a cave?" She responded, "I guess he wanted to be closer to Jesus in the tomb."

Fast forward to the Triduum - the Liturgy that begins on Holy Thursday with the Celebration of the Last Supper and ends on Holy Saturday with the Easter Vigil. Holy Thursday Gracie asked, "Is this the day Jesus washes feet?"  Good Friday, "This is the day we kiss the crucifix." And for the Easter Vigil, with much excitement, "This is the day Jesus turns on the lights!" While she was looking forward with a delightful anticipation, when we got to church for the Vigil that anticipation turned to restless anxiety. 

"Mom, it's very dark in here."  "I know where the light switches are, can I please go turn on the lights." "Jesus can't turn on the lights, he isn't even here." "When are the lights going to come on." "Mommy, I am scared."

We were in the thick of the Triduum Journey. There we were in the dark. We were in the tomb with Jesus. I imagine that the delightful anticipation turned restless anxiety is much of what the apostles must have felt in those Triduum Days. Gracie was feeling it. I was privileged to observe it. Once again, she is my teacher.

On May 10, Gracie received her First Eucharist. I am positive that through the Triduum experience that Jesus was preparing her for this most special moment.  As this Easter Season draws to a close, I am deeply aware of the new life that Christ Jesus gives us each day through the wonders and musings of our children. We just have to be poised to listen. 

Liturgy = Our Work

‎"When we go to mass, we do not go there only to commemorate Jesus; we go there to find him, to receive him. He is present there, He lives. And He will never leave us." 

- Maria Montessori

 

*liturgy -  via Medieval Latin, from Greek leitourgia,  from leitourgos  minister, from leit-  people + ergon  work

 

When I was in grad-school, my Sacraments professor said much that stuck with me. He was one of those teachers that was so passionate about what he taught that you couldn't help but be affected for a long time thereafter. One  tidbit that he has left with me was the profoundness of our participation in Liturgy.

 

The Last Supper, Death and Resurrection happen outside of time. They are always going on. When we arrive at the Celebration of the Eucharist our work is the participation in these timeless events. We gather together at a table, the table of the Last Supper. We are not simply taking part in the acting out of these events. We are tapping into that timelessness that is our reality as Catholics. Jesus is there, present to each one of us in this meal that He, himself set for us with a food that will sustain and transform us if we let it. 

 

After receiving the Eucharist one day, I was surveying the congregation. It hit me, all of us (I think my parish seats 1,500 people) have been participating in this immenseness of Christ. All of us have received Christ. All of us are now Christ-bearers. We have been given an incredible gift of the chance to be transformed and to transform. 

 

So by participating in Liturgy our work becomes to let Christ transform us and to let Christ transform others through us. Part of this work is also the realization that my neighbor is also a Christ-bearer. So how do I realize Christ in my neighbor? How do I help or hinder them in their tranformative work?