Well, I managed to lector today without screwing up anything. It is a minor miracle. In Wyoming, I lectored at Masses for more than 2 years and didn't screw up, even when it was at Bishop Ricken's 25th anniversary! But, for some reason, since I've been here, I've been off my rhythm. In fact, after a crushingly embarrassing mistake (which I was probably the only one to notice) two months ago, I almost quit. But today was seamless. Thank God! It was the Ascension, and so, particularly important to get it right. Sigh of relief.

Father Tim today spoke about the Ascension - and how, until Christ ascended to the Father, the apostles didn't really "get" what he was talking about. Of course, we are preparing for Pentecost next week. But it is so essential at times that someone leave so that we can grow - when we are on our own, we truly show what we have learned. He talked about how we so often don't really live our lives, that we just skate along, skimming the surface. He used the example of a family on the beach that just showed up essentially for a photo shoot with grandma, not to enjoy being on the beach. Sometimes, we just have to sit and be quiet and enjoy a moment and absorb our surroundings. I know that photography can sometimes be an impediment to true enjoyment, but for me, it enhances my enjoyment. I think it is because I intend to record what is happening, and less to control what is happening.

Father talked about a book I'd like to read. It is on economics - I believe the title is Consumed - and it is about the issue of using compulsive behaviors like shopping, (blogging?), texting, watching tv, playing video games, to avoid living a real life. I think the premise behind the book is that this is being deliberately inculcated into us by advertising so we'll keep on buying things that fuel our economy, for example, technology upgrades we don't need (gee, I really want a blackberry, although I barely use my PDA the way it is intended. I should look at myself in this.)

He pointed out that, through google, we have the entire world's information at our fingertips. And what is the largest item searched? Brittany Spears, Paris Hilton, Harry Potter. That's pretty sad.