Is that a Rhetorical Question?

Some days are just SO frustrating...especially those ones when the chattiness just does. not. stop.

(But, in speaking with my other teacher friends, I realize I am not alone, so then I feel much better about myself and life.)

However, I read an article that I had found on Pinterest, and I got a little disheartened that I'd used at least half of the phrases that it says to cut out. S***

As I think about the point this article is trying to make, I see the impact such rhetorical language has in my own classroom - it feeds into the need of my students to show power and get attention (the wrong kind).

Well, at least that's a positive step - realizing that I need to make a change. (Not that, by any means, do I consider this blog the Bible, but I think it makes a valid point.)

Let's see if I can make some changes to be less rhetorical tomorrow...

Give me your tired, your weary...

Tonight at evening Mass I was taken aback when, during the spoken-from-the-heart intercessions that all are encouraged to share, there were many intentions for people who are hurting and broken. I was surprised because on the outside, everyone around here always seems to be smiling and positive. I was surprised because no one ever seems truly sad.

And then I was reminded of the words of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: "You ask me whether I am in good spirits. How could I not be so? As long as Faith gives me strength I will always be joyful!"

These intentions I witnessed were offered at Mass, the very foundation of our livelihood and faith. No wonder these people carry on (and carry on so with joy) - their eyes are completely on God. How beautiful, how true.

Thank you, God, for this special insight today. May my eyes remain directed towards You above all else. Amen.

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Unrelated but worthwhile reading (2 short articles of note):

A) Cardinal Dolan on recent immigration issues

B) "The Virtue of Unread Books"

JOY - Rooting Ourselves in the Gospel

I read a really timely article today on The Religion Teacher (which, by the way, if you teach middle/high school religion, this site (and membership) is for you):

Teaching with the Joy of the Gospel

The article conveys the sentiment of rooting ourselves in the Gospel message (of joy) better than I could ever hope to. So, rather than reading something mediocre I could post here tonight, I direct you straight to the article - it's worth the read, especially as we near the end of the school year and get ready to rejuvenate over the summer. 

Trust me.

Saints without cassocks

This article follows my post from yesterday quite nicely: "Where are all the saints without cassocks?"