Christianity is not a voice in the wilderness, but a life in the world.
It is not a idea in the air but feet on the ground, going Gods way.
It is not an exotic to be kept under glass, but a hardy plant to bear twelve months of fruits in all kinds of weather. Fidelity to duty its roots and branch.
Nothing we can say to the Lord, no calling Him by great or dear names, can take the place of the plain doing of His will.
We may cry about the duty of eating bread with Him in His kingdom, but it is wasted bread and rootless hope, unless we plant and plow in His kingdom here and now.
To remember Him at His table and to forget Him at ours, is to have invested in bad securities.
There is no substitute for plain, everyday goodness. ~Author Unknown~
My younger son and I love the television show "Monk." In this week's episode, Mr. Monk was talking with Randy Disher about how even when everyone pokes fun at him and gives him a hard time, Randy is always good natured. Randy explained that years earlier on a case, he saw a bumper sticker that read:
"CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY."
As the show went on, Mr. Monk...obsessively, obsessively compulsive...took this advice to heart...and...even after getting bad news...literally danced out of a courtroom and almost did a Fred Astaire on a bench in the hallway...all the while repeating: "I choose to be happy."
Yesterday was my 49th birthday. I always enjoy it more when a birthday falls on a weekend, because in my house that means we celebrate ALL weekend long...a veritable holiday weekend for the birthday boy or girl.
It isn't grand or expensive...just three days of doing the favorite things and eating the favorite foods of the birthday person.
In this case...ME!
And so, it was...God...family...barbecue...the arcade...relaxation...and, a triple chocolate birthday cake from my favorite bakery.
All weekend long, I kept hearing Mr. Monk repeating: "I choose to be happy." That simple phrase, became the mantra for my birthday weekend between my younger son and I.
The past few years at my house have been difficult:
illness...anger...helplessness...death...sadness...irrationality...threats...drama...and the ultimate realization that there are always those among us, who...no matter what we may say or do...cannot love or respect us...because, they simply have not yet learned how to love or respect themselves.
Today, as I begin my 50th year on earth...I am adopting Mr. Monk's motto for this next part of my life:
"I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY!!"
To paraphrase Mother Teresa: it is never between me and THEM...it is...and...always has been...and...always will be...between me andGOD!
If you greet sunrise with God in your heart and a prayer on your lips, there is a better chance that your day will reflect God's love, mercy and justice, and you will be better able to treat others the way God would. —~ From: When Did I See You Hungry? ~
There are four things that you cannot recover in life:
(1) The Stone...........after it's thrown
(2) The Word...............after it's said
(3) The Occasion......after it's missed
and
(4) The Time............after it's gone.
So, keep God in YOUR heart...a prayer always on YOUR lips...and...a smile for EVERYONE YOU meet!
Not only will YOU become a blessing to those around YOU...YOU will be bountifully blessed in return!!
Heart of my own heart...whatever befall...still be my vision...oh Ruler of all!
Today, our catechists will join with me to "kick off" our Catechetical Year. We will come together for prayer and plans.
There are the weekly classes to discuss, as well as, Sacrament Preparation, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation, retreats, Christmas Pageant, Stations of the Cross, Seders, Hunger Banquets, Chinese Auction, walk-a-thon, service projects, parachute making, gatherings, potluck dinners, Catholic Jeopardy, VBS, soccer camp...and, on...and, on...and on.
Our year will be chockful of opportunities to talk...and...learn...and...grow...as well as...opportunities to walk the talk.
There is much promise in the air!
One of the handouts I will distribute...this morning and evening...at the meetings...lists the Twelve Virtues Of A Good Teacher as described by Saint John Baptist de La Salle...Patron Saint of teachers:
GRAVITY
SILENCE
HUMILITY
PRUDENCE
WISDOM
PATIENCE
RESERVE
GENTLENESS
ZEAL
VIGILANCE
PIETY
GENEROSITY
As I distribute this handout, my prayer for our catechists, myself, and all catechists worldwide is this:
Lord Jesus, send us your Spirit...fill us with the gifts You know we need...to help us open the hearts...and...minds...and...souls...of those entrusted to our care...to the beauty and wonder...that is only found in relationship...through You and the Holy Spirit...with our Father in Heaven.
Yesterday, our Catechetical Year began with Parent/Child Meetings for our Level 1 children. I love working with the little ones. After a brief talk and prayer with the parents and children, we bring the children upstairs where I gather with them around the Baptismal Font in the vestibule. After we discuss why we bless ourselves with Holy Water upon entering church, we line the children up in pairs at the inner doors of the church and I ask them what they see.
Of course, the first thing they see is "the big table." As I explain that we call that table the altar, I tell the children that when we come to mass it is just like when we have a fancy dinner at home. At home, the food we eat strengthens our body. At mass, the food we receive strengthens our soul. And, like that fancy party, when mom's best table cloth comes out, candles may be lit, and flowers may be put on the table...at church, too we have a fancy tablecloth, special candles, and flowers. Mass, is the fancy party where we celebrate Jesus...and...our friendship with Him.
Still, as we stand by the entrance, I point out the gold box on the wall behind the altar. I tell the children that in the Catholic faith we use many BIG words to describe things. I explain that I think we use such big words to try to show the "big-ness" of God. I tell them that the gold box is called a Tabernacle...a big word that means..."little house." And, in that "little house" is Jesus. And, we know He is always there because the little red candle by the Tabernacle is always lit. I explain that Jesus is present there in the form of the host...the small hosts that have been blessed at mass...and a larger one that is always there, too.
I tell them that when we enter a church we must do so in a special...quiet...way to show that we know that God...Jesus...is there. One of my young helpers leads the way into the church and demonstrates for the children how they must genuflect when they reach their row...their pew. I then send the children in...two by two...to quietly, and reverently take their seats.
Once we are all inside, I ask the children if they have any questions about the things they see. The Level 1 boys and girls yesterday were exceptional. They asked about the "trophies" in the case. I have to admit, the bottles of holy oils in the cabinet...do...look like "trophies" from a distance. And, they are in a way "trophies" of our faith. When "-trophy" is used as a suffix it means " a condition of nutrition or growth." How smart was the child who called the holy oils used in Baptism, Confirmation, and the Anointing of the Sick..."trophies!"
One little girl asked why Jesus was nailed to that cross. I explained that Jesus came to teach us a new way. He was a king but not one with a palace...gold...or...jewels. As people began to follow him, the kings with the palaces, gold, and jewels got worried because they thought Jesus was going to take their place. They didn't understand. I pointed out the tapestry of the Stations of the Cross on the far wall, and explained how Jesus was arrested, carried His cross, fell, nailed to the cross and died.
But, that the story did not end there, that God raised Jesus from the dead and that proved that everything He had said was true...that love is the true treasure...and...that Jesus rising from the dead, and God's great love for us is what we celebrate at the party...the mass...each and every Sunday!
Before the parents came upstairs, the children asked about the stained glass windows and what they depicted, and, we ended with a prayer for the new year followed by an Our Father. At that point, the children got up to go with my young helper to get a better look at the window of the Good Shepherd and receive their gift...a children's mass book.
As she walked over to the window with the other boys and girls...the little six year old girl in pink, who had asked about Jesus on the cross...looked over her shoulder at me and said, "I still don't understand why they had to kill Him! Couldn't they have just asked Him to sit down and explain it all a little better?"
Out of the mouths of babes!
So, my dear friend, co-worker, brother, sister, mother, father, aunt, uncle, cousin...neighbor...my challenge to YOU today is this:
Rather than crucify that person YOU are having issues with...
Why don't YOU take the advice of my little friend in pink?
Ask them to sit down with YOU...and...explain it all a little better!
How important it is to avoid being upset by the trials and troubles of this life, for these things always tend to contract the heart rather than opening it up to trust God. ~ Quiet Moments With Padre Pio ~
May God bless all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
May God bless all those who lost their lives due to health complications from exposure on 9/11.
May God bless all those men and women still suffering from health complications linked to that fateful day.
May God bless their families and friends who grieve or care for them.
May God bless our Nation...and...our World.
May God help us to always keep our hearts open...through even the most horrific events we must endure...now and forever.
Let us ask the Virgin Mary, always to keep alive in us this faith impregnated by love, which made her, the humble girl of Nazareth, Mother of God and model for all believers. ~ Pope Benedict XVI ~
The other day, I received the following e-mail from my cousin whose son and daughter-in-law...both...are in service to our country:
Have you ever seen one of our military walking past you and wanted to convey to them your thanks, but weren't sure how, or it felt awkward? Recently, a gentleman from Seattle created a gesture which could be used to express your thanks and has started a movement to get the word out. Please everybody take just a moment to watch...The Gratitude Campaign...and then forward it to your friends!
THEN START USING THE SIGN!
While I was on YouTube, I found the following video in the same line-up as The Gratitude Campaign...
This has been a difficult year for so many of us...death, economic woes, family hardships, illness...and, on...and, on...and, on. Yet, even as we lament the hard times, we must never lose sight of the good that is around us always and everywhere.
Both these videos started me counting my blessings:
The butterfly that greeted me as I left my home yesterday afternoon to go to work (that's it in the picture above, taken when it settled on it's purple perch).
The majesty of God in the stunning sunsets (that's a picture I took of one on the post entitled The Feast of the Transfiguration) I see each evening as I take Horseblock Road home from Auntie Dee's house after collecting the mail.
My husband and sons who stand side by side with me through the good times...and...the less than good times.
My friends who lift my spirits...even as they extend a shoulder to cry on.
Our pastor, deacon, and so many parishioners who pray for me each and every day.
My babies...you probably call them dogs :)...who greet me with unconditional love each and every time I enter the house...even if I have only been gone a moment...to get something from the car!
My cousins...with whom I have reconnected...who send me prayers, blessings, and wonderful inspiring e-mails like the one above.
The waves on the ocean that remind me of the strength and awesomeness of God.
Food on the table...and...good friends around it.
The kindness of strangers.
The excitement of the children, and the fun we had during VBS last week.
My God-given life...talents...and...gifts.
The freedoms I enjoy, in a country secured by the strength and intelligence of men and women...like my cousin's children...who sacrifice for me!
How about YOU?
Been a bad year?
So bad...that YOU haven't been able to see the good, all around YOU?
Why not take a moment...and...count YOUR blessings?
And, then...
DANCE!!!
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.~ Melodie Beattie ~
To help Veterans right here on Long Island go to: VETERANSROCK.COM
I received this beautiful story in my e-mail today. It came from Dr. Jon at PetPlace.com.
It is proof of what God can accomplish...through us...when we just open our hearts to let Him!
"Our 14-year-old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4-year-old daughter, Meredith, was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to Heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:
Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in Heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her, you will know that she is my dog.
I really miss her.
Love,
Meredith
We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to 'God/Heaven'. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to Heaven.
That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.
Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed to Meredith in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope.
On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in Heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart.
Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in Heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.
Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and send it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.
I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.
By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love,
God"
Who needs YOU to share God's love with them today?
For help in caring for your pet visit: PETPLACE.COM!
I wish this couple all God's Blessings on their recent marriage...and, I do find the video fun...even, as I happily note it was not done in a Catholic Church...BUT, I can't help thinking this performance would have been better suited as the entrance to the reception...rather than the entrance in a church! Am I out of line?
One's dignity may be assaulted, vandalized and cruelly mocked, but it cannot be taken away unless it's surrendered! ~ Michael J. Fox ~
So...Don't...Surrender...Your...Dignity!
Don't Surrender To...
Abuse
Addiction
Entitlement
Threats
Illness
Overspending
Jealousy
Hate
Greed
Bullying
Fear
Ego
Unbridled Passions
Rather...Submit...Your...Very...Being!
Submit to the Holy Spirit...
To the dignity and peace that can only be found within YOURSELF
Within YOUR heart
Within YOUR soul
Within YOUR relationship with our Heavenly Father...as mediated through Christ...and...guided by the Holy Spirit!
Despite what the world tells us...
Dignity and peace do not come from what others do...or...say about...or...to us!
IF THEY DID...what a roller coaster ride our life would be...as we rode the wave of compliments...and fell into the pit of complaints...over and over...many times...every single day!
Dignity and peace do not come from external things...fancy cars...fancier houses...closets full of clothes and shoes...vacations across the world...fame...fortune...things...and more...things.
IF THEY DID...all those sporting that onerous bumper sticker: "Whoever dies with the most toys...WINS," would be happy and at peace...rather than working more and more hours...at more and more jobs...even at times...grasping at that which is not theirs...in the vain attempt to sustain the unsustainable.
Just pick up a newspaper, a magazine, or turn on the television...the story is there for all to see...happening to all too many...all too often...all the time!
Christ surrendered HIS dignity...that we should keep ours...as royalty...sons and daughters of the KING! That is the only thing we possess...freely given by God...that will survive our death...and...all eternity.
So, as Catholic Christians, our bumper sticker should read, "Whoever dies with the dignity and peace of their soul intact...WINS!"
How are...YOUR...dignity and peace doing today?
Have...YOU...surrendered them to another's abuse...threats...or...jealousy?
Have...YOU...surrendered them to illness...or...fear?
Have...YOU...surrendered them to the opinion of another?
Have...YOU...surrendered them in...YOUR...own over-developedsense of entitlement...overspending...or...greed?
Have...YOU...surrendered them in the race for MORE?
As long as...YOU...are breathing...YOU...can reclaim...YOUR...dignity and peace...YOUR...very SOUL!
The question is...
Do...YOU...have the...FAITH...necessary to...submit...to the Holy Spirit...in order to do so?
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:13 ~
I don't know about you, but I talk about God all the time...to anyone...anywhere.
He is a part of me...He is the very air I breathe. He is closer to me than my sons...my husband...my friends.
It is just a natural thing, for me to tell people I will pray for them, in whatever circumstance happens to be under discussion.
Don't get me wrong, I am not a bible-thumper...I do not go door-to-door handing out prayer cards...I do not stand on street corners with a placard...but, God does come up, at some point, in many of my conversations outside of the parish.
I've begun to notice, however, that my faith appears to make others uncomfortable.
And, I don't understand WHY!?!
Cases in point:
Last year, when I brought my aunt for her first surgery, I escorted her to pre-op. When the doctor came to explain everything they would be doing, I told him, I would be praying for them...the doctors and my aunt...during surgery.
That stopped him right in his tracks!
This past March, when my aunt was again in the hospital, I received a telephone call, early one morning, from the surgeon who was going to perform the procedure. He kindly explained everything he would be doing...how long it would be taking...and...what the prognosis would be. I thanked him and told him I would be praying, for both he and my aunt, during the operation.
That stopped him right in his tracks!
Last week, one of my dogs went in for surgery. The doctor called to tell me exactly what he would be doing...what the dangers were...and...that she had a 50-50 chance of survival. I told him I would be praying for him and my baby.
That stopped him right in his tracks!
Yesterday, I received the monthly telephone call from the bereavement arm of hospice. The lady is very kind...she asked how I was doing. I told her: "I seem to be surrounded by cancer and death at the moment. I would probably be drowning, right now, if I didn't have God."
There was an awkward pause on the other end of the line...a tentative chuckle...good wishes...and the promise that I would receive another call next month.
Why do people, living in a country established under GOD...living under independence declared in GOD's Name...with the motto: "In GOD We Trust"...squirm when...GOD...is mentioned?
Or worse, when you simply say you will pray for them?
I just don't get it!
When I speak my mind on any other subject, I do not witness this uncomfortable reaction from others.
I am not trying to convert anyone...I am not trying to get anyone to drink any kool-aid...I am merely expressing myself...in what is a very natural way...for me!
How about YOU?
Do YOU believe in GOD?
Do YOU speak about Him outside of prayer, home, and church?
OR,
Does it make YOU uncomfortable when others speak of GOD?
If so, WHY is THAT?
Only YOU know the answer!
For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. ~ Mark 8:38 ~
Several years ago, a friend gave me a wall hanging attributed to Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Apparently, the original hangs in Mother Teresa's Home For Children in India. The last line says it all!
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
I received this in my e-mail the other day. Unfortunately, the author is unknown. I hope it speaks to you the way it did to me:
A professor begins his school year with a lecture to the students, "Let me explain the problem science has with religion."
The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
"You're a Christian, aren't you, son?"
"Yes sir," the student says.
"So you believe in God?"
"Absolutely."
"Is God good?"
"Sure! God's good."
"Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?"
"Yes."
"Are you good or evil?"
"The Bible says I'm evil."
The professor grins knowingly.
"Aha! The Bible!"
He considers for a moment.
"Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?"
"Yes sir, I would."
"So you're good."
"I wouldn't say that."
"But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't."
The student does not answer, so the professor continues.
"He doesn't, does He? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?"
The student remains silent.
"No, you can't, can you?" the professor says.
He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.
"Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?"
"Errr yes," the student says.
"Is Satan good?"
The student doesn't hesitate on this one. "No."
"Then where does Satan come from?"
The student falters. "From God"
"That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?"
"Yes, sir."
"Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?"
"Yes."
"So who created evil?"
The professor continued, "If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil."
Again, the student has no answer.
"Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?"
The student squirms on his feet.
"Yes."
"So who created them?"
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question.
"Who created them?"
There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized.
"Tell me," he continues on to another student.
"Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?"
The student's voice betrays him and cracks.
"Yes, professor, I do."
The old man stops pacing.
"Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?"
"No sir. I've never seen Him."
"Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?"
"No, sir, I have not."
"Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelled your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?"
"No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't."
"Yet you still believe in him?"
"Yes."
"According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?"
"Nothing," the student replies.
"I only have my faith."
"Yes, faith," the professor repeats. "And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith."
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of his own.
"Professor, is there such thing as heat?"
"Yes," the professor replies. "There's heat."
"And is there such a thing as cold?"
"Yes, son, there's cold too."
"No sir, there isn't."
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested.
The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain.
"You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that.. There is no such thing as cold, otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it."
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
"What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?"
"Yes," the professor replies without hesitation. "What is night if it isn't darkness?"
"You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?"
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester.
"So what point are you making, young man?"
"Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed."
The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time.
"Flawed? Can you explain how?"
"You are working on the premise of duality," the student explains. "You argue that there is life and then there's death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it. Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?"
"If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do."
"Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?"
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.
"Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?"
The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.
"To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean."
The student looks around the room.
"Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?"
The class breaks out into laughter.
"Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelled the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir. So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?"
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.
Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers.
"I guess you'll have to take them on faith."
"Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life," the student continues.
"Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?"
Now uncertain, the professor responds, "Of course, there is. We see it every day. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil."
To this the student replied,
"Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light."
The professor sat down.
In reality, there is only one sin: turning away from God. And there is simply one conversion: returning to God's love. ~ John Dear on Peace ~
On March 23, 2009, more than 200 dancers were performing their version of "Do Re Mi", in the Central Station of Antwerp. With just two rehearsals they created this amazing stunt! It was a promotion for a Belgian television program. They are looking for someone to play the leading role in the musical "The Sound of Music".
Amazing what 200 people can do with just two rehearsals when they come together for a common cause!
It is the same in our lives of faithful service.
We have all heard the phrase: "Many hands make light work."
What is it YOU are being called to DO FOR GOD??
WHO can help YOU?
Have YOU asked them, yet?
What are YOU waiting for?
The time is NOW, the world needs YOUR Ideas... YOUR Hopes...YOUR Dreams!
If God calls you to it, He will guide you through it!
Have FAITH: in God...in YOURSELF...and, in God's Trust In YOU!
I received this in my e-mail last night. I don't know from where it originated...but, it touched me enough to share it today with YOU!
A stranger came by the other day with an offer that set me to thinking. He wanted to buy the old barn that sits out by the highway. I told him right off he was crazy. He was a city type, you could tell by his clothes, his car, his hands, and the way he talked. He said he was driving by and saw that beautiful barn sitting out in the tall grass and wanted to know if it was for sale. I told him he had a funny idea of beauty.
Sure, it was a handsome building in its day. But then, there's been a lot of winters passed with their snow and ice and howling wind. The summer sun's beat down on that old barn till all the paint's gone, and the wood has turned silver gray. Now the old building leans a good deal, looking kind of tired. Yet, that fellow called it beautiful.
That set me to thinking. I walked out to the field and just stood there, gazing at that old barn. The stranger said he planned to use the lumber to line the walls of his den in a new country home he's building down the road. He said you couldn't get paint that beautiful. Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and scorching sun, only that can produce beautiful barn wood.
It came to me then. We're a lot like that, you and I. Only it's on the inside that the beauty grows with us. Sure we turn silver gray too...and lean a bit more than we did when we were young and full of sap. But the Good Lord knows what He's doing. And as the years pass He's busy using the hard weather of our lives, the dry spells and the stormy seasons to do a job of beautifying our souls that nothing else can produce. And to think how often folks holler because they want life easy!
They took the old barn down today and hauled it away to beautify a rich man's house. And I reckon someday you and I'll be hauled off to Heaven to take on whatever chores the Good Lord has for us on the Great Sky Ranch.
And I suspect we'll be more beautiful then for the seasons we've been through here...and just maybe even add a bit of beauty to our Father's house.
May there be peace within you today. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
And...I do sincerely Thank God for my wonderful friends who care about me even though I show signs of weathering!
I have been carrying, and will continue to carry, the cost of "securing" my aunt's house on top of my own bills until this probate mess is ruled on. Not being independently wealthy or a famous movie star, there is good reason I don't own more than one home:
I CAN'T AFFORD IT!!
In order to "secure" the house, I must pay the electric and telephone bills to keep the security camera and burglar alarm working. I must collect the mail and keep records of all the bills that I am paying and the ones that the estate will pay once the probate judge makes his ruling. The cats must be fed and cleaned, the lawn mown, and all of this must be done two towns over from where I live, so I am keeping my corner gas station in business, as well.
It's a lot for one person, especially a person still grieving and asking: "What if I had only..." whatever...over and over, day in and day out.
This I know for sure...through it all, God is guiding and supporting me.
His love and concern come through crystal clear every time my cousin calls me to check in and make sure I'm still hanging in there.
His love and concern come through crystal clear every time my friends call or drop by to take my mind off my troubles.
His love and concern came through crystal clear today, when I called the electric company to see how we could decrease the bills on my aunt's house.
Just about everyone on Long Island complains about our electric company. Not me, Not anymore. I met an angel over the telephone today, and I have a new appreciation for our oft maligned utility company.
The lady I spoke with listened as I explained the situation and immediately went into action. She told me my aunt was on a budget plan and, that since the usage has decreased over the last few months, that the first thing she was doing was taking the house off the budget plan. Right away, that decreased the bill by over twenty-five dollars.
Then, she told me she would generate another bill and, when I received it I should call and ASK FOR HER (Yes, she gave me her name! I did not miss the coincidence that her last name is the same as the name of a Catholic College in the next county, which in turn was named for a beloved Archbishop!), and she would make a payment plan that would keep the electricity on, but not strangle my own finances in the meantime.
This wonderful woman then said that she understood the pressure of the situation I am in and, she would not be making the situation any more difficult! She offered her condolences and that, is when I lost it and began to cry.
She said it was okay, and then she told me: "I'm going to say this and I mean it: have a nice afternoon, make yourself a cup of tea, it'll help!"
I thanked her, hung up the telephone, and sobbed.
I'm going to go make that cup of tea now, but not before I remind us all to recognize God and his angels all around us!
When the chips are down, those who are of God are the ones helping us hold it together....the rest of them...well, we all know who sent them!
I was so busy counting the number of passes made, I missed the 800 pound gorilla (alright...much smaller man in a brown bear costume!) in the room.
How many times are we like that with God?
We know that God is present always and everywhere...in each of us made in His image, in the whole of creation, and in the very air we breathe.
Yet, how many times as we go through our day, do we miss opportunities to: Greet Him...Thank Him...Praise Him...Ask His Assistance...Open Our hearts To Him...Open Our Very Lives To Him?
Probably many more times then we would care to admit!
Did you notice the sunrise this morning?
GOD WAS THERE!
Did you hear the birds singing outside your window?
GOD WAS THERE!
Did you kiss your spouse as you took your leave of each other, for another day of work and errands?
GOD WAS THERE!
Did you see how high the grass has grown?
GOD WAS THERE!
Did you call your child over and over again to hurry and wake up so he wouldn't be late for school?
GOD WAS THERE, TOO!
Did you lose your patience with someone and give them a piece of your mind?
GOD WAS EVEN THERE!
He is with you every second of every day...watching over you...guiding you...supporting you...loving you.
Why not take a little time today and enjoy the peace that comes with the awareness that God is with YOU in this moment...the next minute...the next hour...the next 4 hours...tomorrow...next week...next year...your entire life.
God is always here with you...watching and waiting for you to become aware of His Presence.
What are YOU waiting for?
Talk to Him...enjoy the peace He offers...bask in the glow of the love only He can perfectly bestow upon you.
He already knows you better than you know yourself...let Him in...He will teach you wonderful things about yourself, others, and the entire world!
Still waiting?
Do it NOW!
Do it OFTEN!
God is in the center of YOUR world...open your heart and meet Him!
Once you take that first step, the next ones will fall right into place!
From Saint Patrick's Breastplate:
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.
There is such peace in knowing that You see what is truly in our hearts and souls.
Thank you for always loving us, even as some have abandoned us based merely on appearance.
Happily, You always stand with us; sending Your Son, Jesus Christ to shower us in the truth, even while others sometimes buffet us with misplaced anger and lies.
Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to give us courage as we speak the truth ~ boldly and passionately ~ always and everywhere.
Lovingly, You send good friends to replace bad family relationships.
We are grateful, Lord, for the joy and the sorrow, one to learn how to rejoice, the other to learn compassion.
Thank you for everything, Father, the good, the bad, and the horrible, all of it makes us who we are; and always, with Your Grace, helps us to grow closer to You.
Heavenly Father, I place in Your loving hands everything I am, have, and may become, use me however, wherever, and whenever You may need me to do Your Will...today, tomorrow, and forever.
Love, Your Child
AND SO...
What Would Be In YOUR Love Letter To Our Father???
A pilgrim on the journey... following some, side by side with others, and leading still more.
MA in Theology;
Eighteen Years in Catechesis; Nine Years as DRE in a Catholic Parish.
I've learned to pray it...let it go...and wait...not always the answer I want...but, always...ALWAYS...the answer I need.
Dear Lord,
We pray that the Blessed Mother wrap her mantle around your priests and through her intercession strengthen them for their ministry.
We pray that Mary will guide your priests to follow her own words:
"Do whatever He tells you (John 2:5).
May your priests have the heart of Saint Joseph, Mary's most chaste spouse.
May the Blessed Mother's own pierced heart inspire them to embrace all who suffer at the foot of the cross.
May your priests be holy, filled with the fire of your love, seeking nothing but your greater glory, and the salvation of souls.
Amen.
Saint John Vianney,
Pray For Us.
PRAYER TO THE APOSTLE PAUL
Glorious St. Paul, most zealous Apostle, martyr for the love of Christ, give us a deep faith, a steadfast hope, a burning love for our Lord; so that we can proclaim with you, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Help us to become apostles serving the Church with a pure heart, witnesses to her truth and beauty amidst the darkness of our days. With you we praise God our Father: “To Him be the glory, in the Church and in Christ, now and forever.” Amen.
Saint Paul, Pray For Us.
PROCEDURE FOR THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
1. Greet the priest.
2. While making the Sign of the Cross say: "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been (length of time) since my last confession."
3. List your sins. Use this link to help you examine your conscience beforehand: Examination of Conscience
4. When you are done say: "For these and all the sins of my past life I am truly sorry."
5. Listen for Father's advice and your Penance.
6. Pray The Act of Contrition (see below).
7. Wait for Absolution.
8. Make the Sign of the Cross as Father blesses you.
9. Thank, Father and go do your Penance.
10. Bask in the glow of renewal and peace!
Act of Contrition
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered and died for us. In His name, my God have mercy. Amen.
I. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you." Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of...... (here name your request) Our Father....Hail Mary....Glory Be.... Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
II. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you." Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of.......(here name your request) Our Father...Hail Mary....Glory Be To the Father....Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
III. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away." Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of.....(here name your request) Our Father....Hail Mary....Glory Be to the Father...Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours.
Say the Hail, Holy Queen and add: St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.
-- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Divine Mercy Novena
I fly to Your Mercy, Compassionate God, Who alone are good. Although my misery is great and my offenses are many, I trust in Your Mercy because You are the God of Mercy, and it has never been heard of in all ages, nor do Heaven or Earth remember, that a soul trusting in Your Mercy has been disappointed.
(State your intentions)
Jesus, Friend of a lonely heart, You are my haven.You are my peace.You are my salvation.You are my serenity in moments of struggle and amidst an ocean of doubts. Amen.
Miraculous Medal Novena
Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
O God, who did instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you. (Pray 3 times.)
O Lord Jesus Christ, who have vouchsafed to glorify by numberless miracles the Blessed Virgin Mary, immaculate from the first moment of her conception, grant that all who devoutly implore her protection on earth, may eternally enjoy Your presence in heaven, who, with the Father and Holy Spirit, live and reign, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who for the accomplishment of Your greatest works, have chosen the weak things of the world, that no flesh may glory in Your sight; and who for a better and more widely diffused belief in the Immaculate Conception of Your Mother, have wished that the Miraculous Medal be manifested to Saint Catherine Laboure, grant, we beseech You, that filled with like humility, we may glorify this mystery by word and work. Amen.
MEMORARE
Remember, O most compassionate Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your assistance, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, we fly unto you, O Virgin of Virgins, our Mother; to you we come; before you we kneel sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in your clemency hear and answer them. Amen.
NOVENA PRAYER
O Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of Our Lord Jesus and our Mother, penetrated with the most lively confidence in your all-powerful and never failing intercession, manifested so often through the Miraculous Medal, we your loving and trustful children implore you to obtain for us the graces and favors we ask during this Novena, if they be beneficial to our immortal souls, and the souls for whom we pray.
(Here make your request.)
You know, O Mary, how often our souls have been the sanctuaries of your Son who hates iniquity. Obtain for us also a spirit of prayer and self-denial that we may recover by penance what we have lost by sin and at length attain to that blessed abode where you are the Queen of angels and of men. Amen.
AN ACT OF CONSECRATION TO OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL
O Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate, we dedicate and consecrate ourselves to you under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. May this Medal be for each one of us a sure sign of your affection for us and a constant reminder of our duties toward you. Ever while wearing it, may we be blessed by your loving protection and preserved in the grace of your Son. O most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Savior, keep us close to you every moment of our lives. Obtain for us, your children, the grace of a happy death; so that, in union with you, we may enjoy the bliss of heaven forever. Amen.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you. (Pray 3 times.)
Novena To The Immaculate Heart of Mary
O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear our prayer. As your children, we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially:
(state your intention).
We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your gentle care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help all of us, Holy Mother, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever.
Amen.
SAINT JOSEPH NOVENA
Feast of St. Joseph Novena Dates March 10-18, Feast Day March 19
O good father Joseph! I beg you, by all your sufferings, sorrows and joys, to obtain for me what I ask.
(Here make your request)
Obtain for all those who have asked my prayers, everything that is useful to them in the plan of God. Be near to me in my last moments, that I may eternally sing the praises of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Amen.
Pray: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be
Novena To St. Jude
Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that He bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly
(Make Your Request Here)
and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen
PRAYER
May the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, and loved in all the tabernacles until the end of time. Amen.
May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised and glorified now and forever. Amen
St. Jude pray for us and hear our prayers. Amen.
Blessed be the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Blessed be the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Blessed be St. Jude Thaddeus, in all the world and for all eternity. Amen.
Pray Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
CHAPLET OF SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father...
[Say one Our Father and three Hail Marys after each of the following nine salutations in honor of the nine Choirs of Angels]
1. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen.
2. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim may the Lord grant us the grace to leave the ways of sin and run in the paths of Christian perfection. Amen.
3. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Thrones may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen.
4. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominations may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and overcome any unruly passions. Amen.
5. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues may the Lord preserve us from evil and falling into temptation. Amen.
6. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers may the Lord protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen.
7. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Principalities may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen.
8. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works in order that we may attain the glory of Heaven. Amen.
9. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted in the life to come in Heaven. Amen.
Say one Our Father in honor of each of the following leading Angels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael and our Guardian Angel.
Concluding Prayers:
O glorious prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King and our admirable conductor, you who shine with excellence and superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil, who turn to you with confidence and enable us by your gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day.
Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ, that we may be made worthy of His promises.
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who, by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, has appointed the most glorious Archangel St. Michael Prince of Your Church, make us worthy, we ask You, to be delivered from all our enemies, that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by him into Your Presence.
This we ask through the merits of Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen.
PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -by the Divine Power of God - cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits, who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.
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