Burned Cookie Bits

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 In 1993 I listened to forty homilies at the long retreat in Guelph. All but five are forgotten, but I want to tell you about the one that impacted me m It was delivered by an older American Jesuit priest, who had been deepening his understanding of the IgNation Exercises.

Growing up in a large family. J.told the story of how when his mother baked cookies, she would allow her kids to have the burned bits on the cookie sheet after they came out of the oven.

   He said that in a prayer session, he thought about difficult times in his own life when he felt life was especially hard. He remembered his mother offering him the left over part that would not be collected in the cookie jar.

In contemplating suffering he had a conversation with Jesus, when he heard Him say: “give me the burned bits.” I have often thought of this myself when an event seems unfair, harsh, or unreasonable, and I can’t do much to change it. Jesus says: “give me the burned bits.”

 

John Montague earned his Master of Divinity from Regis College, University of Toronto. He is an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. He has a Master of Social Work, and, until his retirement, provided counselling to individuals, couples, and families. For seventeen years he organized a Day of Reflection for Catholic parents of lesbian daughters, gay sons, and transgendered children.

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4 Comments
  • Friederika Priemer
    Posted at 06:19h, 25 July Reply

    Thanks, dear John Montague, for this charming post! I shall remember it in difficult situations! Blessings!

  • Peter+Bisson
    Posted at 06:46h, 25 July Reply

    Thank you John!

  • Vicky+Chen
    Posted at 08:51h, 25 July Reply

    This is one delightful writing that will ingrain in my mind and heart. Thank you!

    Dare I say that our dear Pope Francis is picking up the burned cookie bits for us?

  • suzanne+renaud
    Posted at 17:26h, 25 July Reply

    Thank you!

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