Friday, December 31, 2010
I am Bombarded With Noise
“I hear noise outside of me and there is more noise going on within me. I am bombarded with noise. My mind wanders in a thousand different directions. My world has too much stimuli and marches past me in an ever-moving parade of sounds and images. I am drowning in the noise. My spirit is suffocating from the noise. Lord, set me free.” - Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Los Angeles
The Cry of Today
People are experiencing great yearnings to be fulfilled, satisfied, and whole, and the world is running out of answers for them.- Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles
“Lord, when can I come to you with a quiet heart?”
“I hear noise outside of me and there is more noise going on within me. I am bombarded with noise. My mind wanders in a thousand different directions. My world has too much stimuli and marches past me in an ever-moving parade of sounds and images. I am drowning in the noise. My spirit is suffocating from the noise. Lord, set me free.”
This prayer demonstrates the call of the Holy Spirit to deeper prayer, to a more profound interior life. Note the elements of the prayer. First of all, there is the enlightenment that one’s heart is not quiet. At the same time, there is an understanding that so much noise is not good. The prayer reflects a person who is aware of the need to reduce the stimuli bombarding the senses with their accompanying thoughts and feelings. It depicts a soul that is submerged in noise, suffocating from the noise.
This is the prayer of our present cultural milieu. It could be called, “The Cry of Today.”
Carmel’s call through truth echoes in the souls of many people throughout our world. People are seeing that the final product of all this consumerism is not so good. They are experiencing great yearnings to be fulfilled, satisfied, and whole, and the world is running out of answers for them. This is where Carmelite spirituality can be helpful to God’s people today. It explains, guides, and teaches all those who are ready to learn.
One of the things that Carmelite spirituality teaches is that the contemplative life arises from within the soul and needs a contemplative space. That’s why the prayer ends with, “set me free.” What is a contemplative space? It consists of an attitude, a choice, and a decision.
The Attitude: I need to change my approach to the quantity and quality of my life’s activities in order to weed out the busyness from my life.
The Choice: I will eliminate from my life unnecessary hectic, frantic activity and slow down, in as much as it is possible. I will choose a simpler lifestyle and build into it a contemplative space.
The Decision: I will pray every day. I will go to my contemplative space and listen only to God that I may come to know Him better and grow into a deeper relationship with Him. The interesting outcome of this is that I will actually get more done.
After adjusting attitude, making the choice and the decision, it is very helpful to read spiritual books. Read about the saints and learn how they “downsized” their life’s activities and made more time for God. As prayer deepens, turn to the Carmelite Saints who explain the various stages of prayer.
After reading, we, too, can say, like Edith Stein, “This is truth.”
Originally posted at Integrated Catholic Life
Without Silence, We Simply Cannot Hear What He so Desperately Wants to Avail to the Human Soul
Drowning and suffering in the noise is one of the many impediments to grace and interior peace, within the noise of life. And sometimes the 'noise' knows no audible sound but will plague your mind with a rendundant echo that pushes many to the edge of madness. Once the soul has been prepared and thus been nourished by silence, contemplatively speaking, the tranquility becomes a vital 'daily bread.' I am absolutely convinced that without silence, we simply cannot hear what He so desperately wants to avail to the human soul; which most importantly is more of Him. We can prattle in our thoughts without ever uttering a syllable. The greatest way to still one's self preparing for the silence that awaits, is to sit regularly before the exposed Presence of Him in the monstrance. Go to adoration, frequently and regularly, but turn off the phone, and leave the rosary beads, prayer cards, and books at home. Just you and Him. Let Him decorate your soul with silence. He can still an unquiet heart and mind. - Amy Ivsan
Let us Begin This Year Our Holy Battle
The palm of victory is reserved only for those who fight up to the end. Therefore let us begin this year our holy battle. God will assist us and crown us with eternal triumph. - Saint Padre Pio
The Holy Spirit Rests in the Soul of the Just
The Holy Spirit rests in the soul of the just like the dove in her nest. He hatches good desires in a pure soul, as the dove hatches her young. - St. Jean Marie Vianney
A Simple Intelligence
I leave you the syllogisms, the verbal traps and the subtle calculations...I leave you the art of which Aristotle had the secret. A simple and pure intelligence will soar, unaided by philosophy, and will reach the presence of God. - Jacopone da Todi
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Upon This Rock, I Shall Build My Church
We recall a striking scene from the Gospel of Matthew: Jesus and his disciples are passing through the region of Caesarea Philippi - a region known for its pagan religions. The Mater asks his disciples who they say that the Son of Man is. It was perhaps one of the first public opinion polls regarding Christianity. The results of such polls of mere personal opinions, then as now, are less than satisfying: "Some say John the Baptizer, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." These were conflicting and contradictory guesses and opinions that have none of the ring of authority and authenticity the human spirit needs in order to walk confidently in the dark night of faith. Then, one voice rang out, the voice of Simon: "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!" The response of the Lord is the definitive answer when it comes to answering the question, "Who founded the Church?": "Blest are you, Simon son of John! No mere man has revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. I for my part declare to you, you are 'Rock,' and on this rock I will build my church, and the jaws of death shall not prevail against it." Note who the "I" is: the "I" is a divine person, the subject of action is divine; God himself institutes the Church. The Church is not a mere human institution. Christ, the eternal Word, the Father's Son, institutes and builds his Church on the "Rock."- Fr. John Corapi in an excerpt from his book, "Ever Ancient, Ever New"
All through the Old Testament, "Rock" with an uppercase"R" refers to God himself. Then in the Gospel of Matthew referred to above, we see Jesus, the "Rock," because he is a divine subject of action, renaming Simon "Rock." Jesus, the real "Rock," is also referred to as the "bridegroom" or "groom" as well in Scripture. The Church is his "bride" (#796). We know, also from the Word, that in marriage, whether natural or supernatural, the "two become one flesh." Jesus and his church are one; bridegroom and bride are one. Hence, Christ is naming Peter "Rock", one with himself. There is no other "Rock" other than Christ absolutely speaking. However, the Rock, in a mystical marriage, unites his beloved bride, the Church, to himself. Simon is named "Rock", and whoever hears the Rock Peter is hearing the Rock who is Christ; whoever rejects the Rock who is Peter, rejects the Rock Christ and the One who sent him, the Father.
You cannot separate the Lord Jesus from his beloved body and bride, the Church. To reject the teaching of Peter and his successors the Roman pontiffs, together with the bishops who are united with the Holy Father in teaching the one faith which has been handed down faithfully from the apostles, is to reject the teaching of Jesus Christ, and the One who sent him, the Father (cf. Luke 10:16).
The Catholic Church can never fail ultimately, although her members can and do. The Church is far more than the sum of her human members, for if that were the case the Church would surely have fallen long ago. The most important member of the Church is her head, Christ the Lord (#792-795). The soul of the Church, the life-giving power, the animator and sanctifier of the Church, is the Holy Spirit. The head and soul of the Church is God; the Church will never fail. The storms of time and the tempests stirred up by earthly kings and rulers come and go; their crowns rise and fall, and roll in the dust but the Church goes on. Mere personal opinions come and go. Some say this, some say that, but mere personal opinion cannot move the Rock.
Head and body are one; bridegroom and bride are one. Those who attack the Church attack Christ. When Saul of Tarsus was persecuting the newborn church on his way to Damascus, he was knocked off his horse by the light who is Christ. "He fell to the ground and at the same time heard a voice saying, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' 'Who are you, sir?' he asked. The voice answered, 'I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting.'" Saul was "breathing murderous threats against the Lord's disciples," against the Church. Christ told him clearly that he was persecuting him, Jesus, the Lord. Christ and his church are one. To love Jesus truly, we must love his church.
In an age of violence and violent change, it is comforting to know that we are so intimately one with Christ, residing in his body and his bride, the Church. Transcending time and space, the Church is relevant to all people at all times and in all places. Indeed, to be rooted in the Rock, to be one with the Rock, keeps us from being swept away by the strife and storms of any time and any place.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Remember to Keep Holy the Sabbath Day
Remember to keep holy the sabbath day. Six days you may labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD, your God. No work may be done then either by you, or your son or daughter, or your male or female slave, or your beast, or by the alien who lives with you. In six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD has blessed the sabbath day and made it holy. - Ex 20:8-11
Archbishop Sheen on Meditation
Meditation is a more advanced spiritual act than "saying prayers"; it may be likened to the attitude of a child who breaks into the presence of a mother saying: "I'll not say a word, if you will just let me stay here and watch you. - Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
All Moved Interiorly by Grace Hasten to Adore Him
Jesus calls the poor and simple shepherds by means of angels to manifest Himself to them. He calls the learned men by means of their science. And all of them moved interiorly by grace hasten to adore Him. He calls all of us with divine inspirations and He communicates Himself to us with his grace. How many times has He not lovingly invited us also? And with what promptitude have we replied? - Saint Padre Pio
The Holy Father on Relativism in the World Today
Having a clear faith, based on the creed of the Church is often labeled today as fundamentalism. Whereas relativism, which is letting oneself be tossed and swept along by every wind of teaching, looks like the only attitude acceptable to today's standards. - Pope Benedict XVI
The Church Stands and Falls With the Liturgy
The Church stands and falls with the Liturgy. For that reason, the true celebration of the Sacred Liturgy is the center of any renewal of the Church whatsoever. - Pope Benedict XVI
God Cannot Be Found in Noise and Restlessness
We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls. - Blessed Mother Teresa
Monday, December 27, 2010
No Excusing Evil
Men do not differ much about what things they will call evils; they differ enormously about what evils they will call excusable. - G. K. Chesterton
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May God Fill You With Fire
May God fill you with fire and may that blaze spread through out the Church. - Fr. Corapi
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You Cannot Be Half a Saint
You cannot be half a saint; you must be a whole saint or no saint at all. - St. Therese of Liseux
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Saturday, December 25, 2010
Holy Family of Nazareth - True Model of a Christian Home
God our Father, in the Holy Family of Nazareth You have given us the true model of a Christian home. Grant that by following Jesus, Mary and Joseph in their love for each other and in the example of their family life, we may come to Your home of peace and joy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
Live Joyfully and Courageously
Live joyfully and courageously, at least in the upper part of the soul, amidst the trials in which the Lord places you. Live joyfully and courageously, I repeat, because the Angel who foretells the birth of our little Saviour and Lord, announces singing, and sings announcing that he brings tidings of joy, peace and happiness to men of good will. So that there is nobody who does not know that in order to receive this Child it is sufficient to be of good will. - Saint Padre Pio
He Has Become One of us, in Order to Draw All of us to Himself
The infinite distance between God and man is overcome. God has not only bent down, as we read in the Psalms; he has truly “come down”, he has come into the world, he has become one of us, in order to draw all of us to himself. This child is truly Emmanuel – God-with-us. - Pope Benedict XVI
Jesus Guides You Through The Desert
The Baby Jesus is the Star that guides you through the desert of this present life. - Saint Padre Pio
As The Bridegroom Rejoices in His Bride, So Will Your God Rejoice in You
Like a young man marrying a virgin, so will the one who built you wed you, and as the bridegroom rejoices in his bride, so will your God rejoice in you. - Isaiah 62
Friday, December 24, 2010
The Greatest Honor God Can Give a Soul
The greatest honor God can give a soul is not to give it much but to ask much from it. - Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Patience Obtains All
Let nothing trouble you. Let nothing frighten you. Everything passes. God never changes. Patience obtains all. Whoever has God, wants for nothing. God alone is enough. - Saint Theresa of Avila (PoesÃas 30)
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Those Who Convict The Evildoer Will Fare Well
To show partiality in judgement is not good. He who says to the wicked man, "You are just" - men will curse him; But those who convict the evildoer will fare well and on them will come the blessing of prosperity. - Proverbs 24:23-25
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The Lamp of The Wicked Will be Put Out
Be not provoked with evildoers, nor envious of the wicked; For the evil man has no future, the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
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Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Look Upon Suffering as a Great Happiness to Bear the Cross of The Lord
O you souls who wish to go on with so much safety and consolation, if you knew how pleasing to God is suffering, and how much it helps in acquiring other good things, you would never seek consolation in anything; but you would rather look upon it as a great happiness to bear the Cross of the Lord. - Saint John of the Cross
In Sorrow and Suffering, Go Straight to God with Confidence
In sorrow and suffering, go straight to God with confidence, and you will be strengthened, enlightened and instructed. - Saint John of the Cross
The Origin of Marriage is in God
Marriage, with its character as an exclusive and permanent union, is sacred because its origin is in God. Christians, in receiving the sacrament of marriage, share in God's creative plan and receive the graces they need to carry out their mission of raising and educating their children...to respond to the call to holiness. - Pope John Paul II
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Importance of Silence
The Father spoke one Word, which was his Son, and this Word he speaks always in eternal silence, and in silence must it be heard by the soul - Saint John of the Cross
Tower of Babel Syndrome
'Sola Scriptura' removes the Holy Spirit from Christianity and replaces it with each individual's interpretation of Scripture. Every 'Sola Scriptura' person I've ever met has believed himself or herself to be infallible when interpreting Scripture, even when debating Scripture with other 'Sola Scriptura' people. I call this the 'Tower of Babel Syndrome.' - Ross Earl Hoffman
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Habitual Happiness of the Christian
Let us try to get ready for the Holy Season by encouraging an atmosphere of Christian peace where we live and work, and by doing all we can in small ways to bring pleasure and affection to those around us. People need to be convinced that Christ has really been born in Bethlehem, and few things are more convincing than the habitual happiness of the Christian, even in the midst of pain and contradictions. - Passionist Nuns of Erlanger
Make Your Soul Open and Ready to be Blasted by Overflowing Love
Venial sins are washed away through the Eucharist, yes, but confessing them is also very good, it helps to uproot our habitual sins, making our soul all the more open and ready to be blasted by the overflowing love and life of Christ who fills us with his presences through the Eucharist. - Jason Piper
No Pope Has Ever Spoken in Favor of Communion in The Hand
If you support Communion in the hand, you are in opposition to at least the personal opinion of *every single Pope* that's gone on record in history on this issue. No Pope has ever spoken *in favor* of Communion in the hand, and it seems that the two longest-reigning post-Conciliar popes both had very strong opinions indeed against it. - The Catholic Thinker
http://www.catholicthinker.net/our-lady-of-akita-communion-o/
http://www.catholicthinker.net/our-lady-of-akita-communion-o/
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Life Exists From The Very Onset of Pregnancy
I am deeply troubled by my own increasing certainty that I have in fact presided over 60,000 deaths. There is no longer any serious doubt in my mind that human life exists from the very onset of pregnancy. - Abortionist Dr. Bernard Nathanson
Friday, December 10, 2010
I Side With the Church, Not Some Washed up Hippies
When Vatican II closed, it intended a hermeneutic of continuity. Over the past 50 years however, what we have seen has been a radical attempt to break from the 2000 year rich tradition of the Church. Pope Benedict XVI, has made it his mission to place the train back on the tracks again, re-introducing the rich traditions that many flung away after they misinterpreted Vatican II for political reasons.
Remember, Salvation is not a free for all. Jesus chose the 12 and gave them the expressed mission to save the world from itself. I side with the Church, not some washed up hippies from the 70's. Save the Liturgy, Save the world.
Advent 2011, here we come!
Janus Lockius
Remember, Salvation is not a free for all. Jesus chose the 12 and gave them the expressed mission to save the world from itself. I side with the Church, not some washed up hippies from the 70's. Save the Liturgy, Save the world.
Advent 2011, here we come!
Janus Lockius
Thursday, December 9, 2010
No Creature More Perfect Than Mary
The good God might have created a more beautiful world than this, but He could not have given existence to a creature more perfect than Mary. She is the tower built in the midst of the vineyard of the Lord. - Saint Jean Marie Vianney
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Be Assiduous in the Prayer of Adoration
In a world where there is so much noise, so much bewilderment, there is a need for silent adoration of Jesus concealed in the Host. Be assiduous in the prayer of adoration and teach it to the faithful. It is a source of comfort and light, particularly to those who are suffering. - Pope Benedict XVI
What Vatican II Was Really About
The Universal Call to Holiness is what Vatican II was really about, not the liturgical free-for-all that the corrupt liberal leaders in the Church have made it into. - Jason Alcantara
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Look Upon Every Temptation as an Invitation to Grow
Do not grieve over the temptations you suffer. When the Lord intends to bestow a particular virtue on us, He often permits us first to be tempted by the opposite vice. Therefore, look upon every temptation as an invitation to grow in a particular virtue and a promise by God that you will be successful, if only you stand fast. - Saint Philip Neri
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Keep Close to the Catholic Church at All Times
Keep close to the Catholic Church at all times, for the Church alone can give you true peace, since she alone possesses Jesus, the true Prince of Peace, in the Blessed Sacrament. - Saint Pio of Pietrelcina
Mary & The Holy Spirit
The only relationship closer than that of Mary and the Holy Spirit is the unity between the Humanity and Divinity of Christ! - Saint Maximilian Kolbe
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Avoid Foolish Controversies
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. - Titus 3:9
Don't Have Anything to do With Foolish and Stupid Arguments
Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. - 2 Timothy 2:23
An Unhealthy Interest in Controversies and Quarrels
He is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions. - 1 Timothy 6:4
He Will Never Abandon You
Place your heart gently in Our Lord's wounds. Have great confidence in His mercy for He will never abandon you. - Saint Padre Pio
Do Not Grumble
Do not grumble as some of them did, and suffered death by the destroyer...God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it. - 1 Corinthians 10:10, 13
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Defending The Cardinal Virtues
The act of defending any of the cardinal virtues has today all the exhilaration of a vice. - G. K. Chesterton
Cast Off The Works of Darkness And Put on The Armor of Light
And that, knowing the season, that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. The night is passed and the day is at hand. Let us, therefore cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. - Romans 13: 11, 12
Saturday, November 27, 2010
The Traditional Liturgy Orients The Soul to God
The traditional liturgy in fact gives acute expression to the Sacrifice of the Cross made present on the altar, orients the soul toward God, and witnesses our adoration of His Real Presence. Clearly the Mass should not be viewed as a theology lesson, but its prayers express a doctrine eloquent indeed, including the four finalities of the Holy Sacrifice: adoration, thanksgiving, propitiation, and petition. - Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, FSSP.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Extremism, in The Defense of Liberty, is No Vice
Extremism, in the defense of liberty, is no vice. - Goldwater
Communion of Saints
Communion of Saints.-- How shall I explain it? You know what blood transfusions do for the body? Well that is more or less what the Communion of Saints does for the soul. - Saint Jose Maria Escriva(The Way, 544)
We Want The Whole Thing Consigned to The Dust Bin of History
"You've been in office for ONE YEAR, and in that time, the whole ediface is beginning to crumble; there is Chaos, the money is running out, and I suppose I should thank you. You should perhaps be the pinup boy of the Euro Skeptic movement... but just look around this chamber this morning, just look at these faces: look at the fear, look at the anger. Paul Beroso (sp?) here looks like he's seen a ghost.
You know THEY ARE BEGINNING TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE GAME IS UP. but in their desperation to preserve their dream, they want to REMOVE ANY REMAINING TRACES OF DEMOCRACY FROM THE SYSTEM.
And it's pretty clear that NONE OF YOU have LEARNED ANYTHING!
You know, when you yourself...say that the EURO HAS BROUGHT US STABILITY, I suppose I could applaud you for having a sense of humour, but isn't this really just the BUNKER MENTALITY?!
You know, your fanatiscism is out in the open.
You talked about the fact that it was a LIE to believe that the NATION-STATE could exist in the 21st Century globalized world.
Well, that may be true in the case of Belgium who hasn't had a government in six months; but the rest of us, right across every member-state in this union, and perhaps this is why we see the fear in the faces, increasingly people are saying 'we don't want that flag', 'we don't want that anthem', 'we don't want this political class', 'we want the whole thing consigned to the dust bin of history'.
We had the Greek tragedy early on this year, and now we have the situation with Ireland. Now, I know that the stupidity and greed of Irish politicians has had a lot to do with this. They should never EVER have joined the Euro, they suffered with low interest rates, a false boom, and a massive bust.
But look at your response to them:
What they're [Ireland] being told as their government's collapsing, is that it would be inappropriate for them to have a General Election. In fact, Commisioner Rem here said that you have to agree with their budget first, before they would be allowed to have a General Election.
JUST WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU PEOPLE ARE?
You are very, very, dangerous people indeed. Your obsession with creating this 'Euro State' means that you're happy to destroy democracy.
You appear to be happy for millions and millions of people to be unemployed and to be poor. Untold millions must suffer so that your Euro dream can continue. But it won't work because it's Portugal next.
With their 325% of GDP, they're the next ones on the list. And after that, I suspect it'll be Spain; and the bailout for Spain would be 7 times the size of Ireland and at THAT moment, ALL of the BAIKOUT money has gone. THERE WON'T BE ANY MORE.
BUT ITS EVEN MORE SERIOUS THAN ECONOMICS.
Because if you ROB people of their identity,
if you ROB people of their democracy,
then ALL THEY ARE LEFT WITH is NATIONALISM and VIOLENCE.
I can only hope and pray that the Euro Project is destroyed by the market before that really happens."
Nigel Farage, MEP
UKIP (South East)
Co-President, EFD Group
European Parliament
Strasburg, 24 November 2010.
Youtube.com/europarl
Debate:
Conclusions of the European Council meeting on economic governance (28-29 October).
You know THEY ARE BEGINNING TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE GAME IS UP. but in their desperation to preserve their dream, they want to REMOVE ANY REMAINING TRACES OF DEMOCRACY FROM THE SYSTEM.
And it's pretty clear that NONE OF YOU have LEARNED ANYTHING!
You know, when you yourself...say that the EURO HAS BROUGHT US STABILITY, I suppose I could applaud you for having a sense of humour, but isn't this really just the BUNKER MENTALITY?!
You know, your fanatiscism is out in the open.
You talked about the fact that it was a LIE to believe that the NATION-STATE could exist in the 21st Century globalized world.
Well, that may be true in the case of Belgium who hasn't had a government in six months; but the rest of us, right across every member-state in this union, and perhaps this is why we see the fear in the faces, increasingly people are saying 'we don't want that flag', 'we don't want that anthem', 'we don't want this political class', 'we want the whole thing consigned to the dust bin of history'.
We had the Greek tragedy early on this year, and now we have the situation with Ireland. Now, I know that the stupidity and greed of Irish politicians has had a lot to do with this. They should never EVER have joined the Euro, they suffered with low interest rates, a false boom, and a massive bust.
But look at your response to them:
What they're [Ireland] being told as their government's collapsing, is that it would be inappropriate for them to have a General Election. In fact, Commisioner Rem here said that you have to agree with their budget first, before they would be allowed to have a General Election.
JUST WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU PEOPLE ARE?
You are very, very, dangerous people indeed. Your obsession with creating this 'Euro State' means that you're happy to destroy democracy.
You appear to be happy for millions and millions of people to be unemployed and to be poor. Untold millions must suffer so that your Euro dream can continue. But it won't work because it's Portugal next.
With their 325% of GDP, they're the next ones on the list. And after that, I suspect it'll be Spain; and the bailout for Spain would be 7 times the size of Ireland and at THAT moment, ALL of the BAIKOUT money has gone. THERE WON'T BE ANY MORE.
BUT ITS EVEN MORE SERIOUS THAN ECONOMICS.
Because if you ROB people of their identity,
if you ROB people of their democracy,
then ALL THEY ARE LEFT WITH is NATIONALISM and VIOLENCE.
I can only hope and pray that the Euro Project is destroyed by the market before that really happens."
Nigel Farage, MEP
UKIP (South East)
Co-President, EFD Group
European Parliament
Strasburg, 24 November 2010.
Youtube.com/europarl
Debate:
Conclusions of the European Council meeting on economic governance (28-29 October).
The Holy Bible is Like a Mirror Before Our Mind's Eye
The Holy Bible is like a mirror before our mind’s eye. In it we see our inner face. From the Scriptures we can learn our spiritual deformities and beauties. And there too we discover the progress we are making and how far we are from perfection. - Pope Saint Gregory
Let The Waters Rise...If You Want Them To
I am willing to go where You want me to. God, I trust You. There’s a raging sea right in front of me, wants to pull me in, bring me to my knees. So, let the waters rise...if You want them to. I will follow You. I will swim in the deep because You’ll be next to me. You’re in the eye of the storm and the calm of the sea. You’re never out of reach. God, You know where I’ve been, You were there with me then. You were faithful before, You’ll be faithful again...I’m holding Your hand. I will follow You. God, Your love is enough. You will pull me through. I’m holding onto You. God, Your love is enough. I will follow You. I will follow You. - Mike’s Chair
It’s When You Hold Me That I Start Unfolding
Who can hold the stars and my weary heart? Who can see everything? I’ve fallen so hard...sometimes I feel so far but not beyond your reach. I could climb a mountain, swim the ocean or do anything...but it’s when you hold me that I start unfolding and all I can say is Hallelujah, hallelujah. Whatever’s in front of me, help me to sing hallelujah. Hallelujah, hallelujah. Whatever’s in front of me, I’ll choose to sing hallelujah. The same sun that rises over castles and welcomes the day, spills over buildings into the streets where orphans play. And only you can see the good in broken things. You took my heart of stone and you made it home...and set this prisoner free. Hallelujah, hallelujah. Whatever’s in front of me, help me to sing hallelujah. Hallelujah, hallelujah. Whatever’s in front of me, I’ll choose to sing hallelujah. - Bethany Dillon
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thy Love is an Abyss The Depths of Which I Cannot Fathom
O my God, Thou knowest I have never desired but to love Thee alone. I seek no other glory. Thy Love has gone before me from my childhood, it has grown with my growth, and now it is an abyss the depths of which I cannot fathom. - Saint Therese
Diversity in Belief About God is Anti-God
Diversity in belief about God is anti-God. There is no such thing as multiple beliefs about God. God is one, not diverse. - Michael Voris
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Never Be Afraid of Loving the Blessed Virgin Too Much
Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did. – Saint Maximilian Kolbe
The Reason Why Christ is Unknown
The reason why Christ is unknown today is because His Mother is unknown. - Blessed Cardinal John Henry Newman
Being On Terms of Friendship With God
Mental prayer is nothing else but being on terms of friendship with God, frequently conversing in secret with Him. - Saint Teresa of Avila
The Catholic Church: Freedom's Defender
Eric Giunta: "I would also like to share one of my favorite passages from historian H. W. Crocker III's "Triumph: The Power and the Glory of the Catholic Church" -- A 2000 Year History":
"What was most at stake in the Reformation was freedom. The Catholic Church was freedom's defender, and not meely by defending Europe against the Turks. It was the Church that nurtured the artistic freedom of the Renaissance and the Baroque. It was the Protestants who smashed religious art as idolatry and sensualism. It was the Church that sponsored the literary freedom of the humanists, and the Protestants who condemned it as paganism. It was the Church that claimed to be a universal, independent, and superior court of appeals to the edicts of kings, while the Protestants made religion a department of government to be controlled by princes (in Germany), or the city council (in Geneva), or the monarch (in England and Scandinavia). There is, in fact, a much underappreciated libertarian streak within the Catholic Church. It was seen in Pope Gregory IX's alliance with republicans and the capitalist city-states of Italy against the emperor Frederick II; it was seen in Renaissance Catholicism, to the scandal of the Protestants; and it was seen most especially in the conflict between the Church and the Tudor dynasty in England."
"What was most at stake in the Reformation was freedom. The Catholic Church was freedom's defender, and not meely by defending Europe against the Turks. It was the Church that nurtured the artistic freedom of the Renaissance and the Baroque. It was the Protestants who smashed religious art as idolatry and sensualism. It was the Church that sponsored the literary freedom of the humanists, and the Protestants who condemned it as paganism. It was the Church that claimed to be a universal, independent, and superior court of appeals to the edicts of kings, while the Protestants made religion a department of government to be controlled by princes (in Germany), or the city council (in Geneva), or the monarch (in England and Scandinavia). There is, in fact, a much underappreciated libertarian streak within the Catholic Church. It was seen in Pope Gregory IX's alliance with republicans and the capitalist city-states of Italy against the emperor Frederick II; it was seen in Renaissance Catholicism, to the scandal of the Protestants; and it was seen most especially in the conflict between the Church and the Tudor dynasty in England."
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Communion in The Hand
Anyone who insists on receiving in the hand has lost both their Catholic identity and their reverence for the Blessed Sacrament – most probably through the fault of the Church. - Sedgwick
Monday, November 22, 2010
Defending and Promoting the Eucharist
While you are pondering the Church and its teachings, I hope you will take a moment to look at how each Church approaches the teachings and words of Christ. In particular, read John 6:48-68. It reads as follows"
"I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us (his) flesh to eat?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever." These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. Then many of his disciples who were listening said, "This saying is hard; who can accept it?" Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, "Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe." Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father." As a result of this, many (of) his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?" Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
The Eucharist is much more than a memorial service using grape juice and crackers. It is a sacrifice and a meal. The sacrifice comes in two forms: 1) us giving our whole selves to Christ and 2) the continuation of the sacrifice made by Christ of His flesh and blood. The meal is accepting the gift of holy food in the form of the body and blood of Christ.
Many Protestant Churches misinterpret John 6 and believe it is symbolic. The passage "It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life." often confuse people that do not understand that the terms "flesh" and "blood" are used two different ways in the passage. Initially, Jesus is speaking literally of His flesh and blood. This is what we now call the Eucharist. His use of flesh and blood in the last portion is moving to the familiar analogy between flesh (earthly things) and spirit (heavenly things). He is simply stating that His (literal) flesh and blood are of spirit (of heaven) while flesh (all earthly things) are of no use. He is simply telling us that His flesh and blood are spiritual food. Real food!
Most Protestant Churches teach the truth about Jesus, but do they teach the whole truth? Are you like one of the followers of Jesus who found this hard to believe? When considering the Catholic Church, remember these powerful words of Christ:
"Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you."
Shouldn't your answer be: "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
http://www.ourcatholicfaith.org/john6.html
Protestant Women Find Refuge in Catholic Church's Teaching on Sexual Morality
"The message was clear, and Catholics (though many would disregard the message) could not in good conscience claim that the use of artificial birth control was 'a grey area.'
Protestants, on the other hand, were all over the map regarding contraception. I consider it a good thing that scripture is our only source of divinely inspired special revelation, but admittedly, the Bible does not “update” (Well…at least it shouldn’t). When new ethical questions arise then, there is not an “infallible”, authoritative, universal structure of doctrinal dissemination to respond to the issue.
Application is left to individuals, pastors, and church leaders, who hopefully, will carefully apply the universal truths found in sacred scripture to the modern situation. However, even if pastors and theologians find the right application, their words are only prescriptive and do not automatically carry the weight of infallibility. “That’s just your interpretation,” we could say to the theologian who comes up with a disagreeable application."
Even among some of the most conservative Evangelical organizations, the message seems to go something like this: ”Human life is sacred, we are not 100% sure if birth control pills cause abortions, so pray for the Holy Spirit’s discernment.” In contrast, the message from Catholic authority and the aforementioned Protestant leaders goes like this, “Human life is sacred, we are not 100% sure if birth control pills cause abortions, so if in doubt, err on the side of life!”
I have the sneaking suspicion that the Holy Spirit would agree with the latter of the two sentiments." >> lol...THIS is what happens when a protestant honestly and humbly goes searching for truth. Her open mind is refreshing to me. I am glad she has found consolation and sound moral advice on life issues within the Catholic Church.
http://terramork.com/2010/05/12/confessions-of-a-socially-catholic-protestant-part-2/
Protestants, on the other hand, were all over the map regarding contraception. I consider it a good thing that scripture is our only source of divinely inspired special revelation, but admittedly, the Bible does not “update” (Well…at least it shouldn’t). When new ethical questions arise then, there is not an “infallible”, authoritative, universal structure of doctrinal dissemination to respond to the issue.
Application is left to individuals, pastors, and church leaders, who hopefully, will carefully apply the universal truths found in sacred scripture to the modern situation. However, even if pastors and theologians find the right application, their words are only prescriptive and do not automatically carry the weight of infallibility. “That’s just your interpretation,” we could say to the theologian who comes up with a disagreeable application."
Even among some of the most conservative Evangelical organizations, the message seems to go something like this: ”Human life is sacred, we are not 100% sure if birth control pills cause abortions, so pray for the Holy Spirit’s discernment.” In contrast, the message from Catholic authority and the aforementioned Protestant leaders goes like this, “Human life is sacred, we are not 100% sure if birth control pills cause abortions, so if in doubt, err on the side of life!”
I have the sneaking suspicion that the Holy Spirit would agree with the latter of the two sentiments." >> lol...THIS is what happens when a protestant honestly and humbly goes searching for truth. Her open mind is refreshing to me. I am glad she has found consolation and sound moral advice on life issues within the Catholic Church.
http://terramork.com/2010/05/12/confessions-of-a-socially-catholic-protestant-part-2/
The Truth About the Morning After Pill
The emergency contraceptive/morning-after pill has three possible ways in which it can work:
1. Ovulation is inhibited, meaning the egg will not be released;
2. The normal menstrual cycle is altered, delaying ovulation; or
3. It can irritate the lining of the uterus so that if the first and second actions fail, and the woman does become pregnant, the tiny baby boy or girl will die before he or she can actually attach to the lining of the uterus.
In other words, if the third action occurs, her body rejects the tiny baby and he or she will die. This is called a chemical abortion.
www.all.org
1. Ovulation is inhibited, meaning the egg will not be released;
2. The normal menstrual cycle is altered, delaying ovulation; or
3. It can irritate the lining of the uterus so that if the first and second actions fail, and the woman does become pregnant, the tiny baby boy or girl will die before he or she can actually attach to the lining of the uterus.
In other words, if the third action occurs, her body rejects the tiny baby and he or she will die. This is called a chemical abortion.
www.all.org
The Myth of Rampant Pedophile Priests
"My research of cases over the past 20 years indicates no evidence whatever that Catholic or other celibate clergy are any more likely to be involved in misconduct or abuse than clergy of any other denomination -- or indeed, than nonclergy. However determined news media may be to see this affair as a crisis of celibacy, the charge is just unsupported.
Literally every denomination and faith tradition has its share of abuse cases, and some of the worst involve non-Catholics. Every mainline Protestant denomination has had scandals aplenty, as have Pentecostals, Mormons, Jehovah´s Witnesses, Jews, Buddhists, Hare Krishnas -- and the list goes on. One Canadian Anglican (Episcopal) diocese is currently on the verge of bankruptcy as a result of massive lawsuits caused by decades of systematic abuse, yet the Anglican church does not demand celibacy of its clergy.
However much this statement contradicts conventional wisdom, the "pedophile priest" is not a Catholic specialty. Yet when did we ever hear about "pedophile pastors"?
Just to find some solid numbers, how many Catholic clergy are involved in misconduct? We actually have some good information on this issue, since in the early 1990s, the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago undertook a bold and thorough self-study. The survey examined every priest who had served in the archdiocese over the previous 40 years, some 2,200 individuals, and reopened every internal complaint ever made against these men. The standard of evidence applied was not legal proof that would stand up in a court of law, but just the consensus that a particular charge was probably justified.
By this low standard, the survey found that about 40 priests, about 1.8 percent of the whole, were probably guilty of misconduct with minors at some point in their careers. Put another way, no evidence existed against about 98 percent of parish clergy, the overwhelming majority of the group.
Since other organizations dealing with children have not undertaken such comprehensive studies, we have no idea whether the Catholic figure is better or worse than the rate for schoolteachers, residential home counselors, social workers or scout masters."
http://www.zenit.org/article-3922?l=english
Literally every denomination and faith tradition has its share of abuse cases, and some of the worst involve non-Catholics. Every mainline Protestant denomination has had scandals aplenty, as have Pentecostals, Mormons, Jehovah´s Witnesses, Jews, Buddhists, Hare Krishnas -- and the list goes on. One Canadian Anglican (Episcopal) diocese is currently on the verge of bankruptcy as a result of massive lawsuits caused by decades of systematic abuse, yet the Anglican church does not demand celibacy of its clergy.
However much this statement contradicts conventional wisdom, the "pedophile priest" is not a Catholic specialty. Yet when did we ever hear about "pedophile pastors"?
Just to find some solid numbers, how many Catholic clergy are involved in misconduct? We actually have some good information on this issue, since in the early 1990s, the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago undertook a bold and thorough self-study. The survey examined every priest who had served in the archdiocese over the previous 40 years, some 2,200 individuals, and reopened every internal complaint ever made against these men. The standard of evidence applied was not legal proof that would stand up in a court of law, but just the consensus that a particular charge was probably justified.
By this low standard, the survey found that about 40 priests, about 1.8 percent of the whole, were probably guilty of misconduct with minors at some point in their careers. Put another way, no evidence existed against about 98 percent of parish clergy, the overwhelming majority of the group.
Since other organizations dealing with children have not undertaken such comprehensive studies, we have no idea whether the Catholic figure is better or worse than the rate for schoolteachers, residential home counselors, social workers or scout masters."
http://www.zenit.org/article-3922?l=english
Catholic Homeschooling Resources
Supplement existing Studies or use for homeschool with the 'Faith And Life Series' by CUF/Accension Press Grades 1-8 The best there is! 9-12 and on through college - The Didache Series by Dr. Scott Hahn. - Markie Works
Some Practices of a Traditional Catholic
-No Communion in hand
-kneeling for Communion,
-Recieve Communion from priest/deacon only
-Pray the Rosary
-learn a little Latin
-No meat on all Fridays.
-Daily Mass
-Holy Hour
-Wear nice and modest clothes(women often wear mantillas or hats)
-Silence in the Church
-Geneflect facing the tabernacle
-no holding hands during the Our Father
-Family Rosary
-Tip off your hat when passing your parish
-Ask priest for a blessing on knees
-when a priest enters a room, all stand until he allows you to sit.
-Grace before meals
retrieved from Catholic Answers Forums. User: Iohannes
-kneeling for Communion,
-Recieve Communion from priest/deacon only
-Pray the Rosary
-learn a little Latin
-No meat on all Fridays.
-Daily Mass
-Holy Hour
-Wear nice and modest clothes(women often wear mantillas or hats)
-Silence in the Church
-Geneflect facing the tabernacle
-no holding hands during the Our Father
-Family Rosary
-Tip off your hat when passing your parish
-Ask priest for a blessing on knees
-when a priest enters a room, all stand until he allows you to sit.
-Grace before meals
retrieved from Catholic Answers Forums. User: Iohannes
Even if There Were no Heaven and No Hell I Would Still Love You
O Jesus, it is not the heavenly reward you have promised which impels me to love you; neither is it the threat of hell that will keep me from offending you. It is you, O Lord, it is the sight of you affixed to the Cross and suffering insults; it is the sight of your broken body, as well as your pains and your death. There is nothing you can give me to make me love you. For even if there were no heaven and no hell I would still love you as I do. Amen.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Apologetics Resources
ENTIRE WRITINGS OF THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS:
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/
THE COUNCILS OF THE CHURCH STARTING WITH NICEA
http://www.dailycatholic.org/history/councils.htm
THE HISTORY OF SCRIPTURE
http://www.drbo.org/church.htm
PAPAL ENCYCLICALS....JUST A FEW MAJOR ONES
http://www.papalencyclicals.net/
THE OLD CATECHISM....EASIER FOR BEGINNERS
http://www.catholicity.com/baltimore-catechism/
THE ENTIRE NEW CATECHISM
http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm
THE DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH
http://www.catholic.org/saints/doctors.php
THE LIVES AND MIRACLES OF OUR 10,000 SAINTS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH PRODUCED
http://www.catholic.org/saints/stindex.php
EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES
http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/engl_mir.htm
source: Margie Pro Sindelar
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/
THE COUNCILS OF THE CHURCH STARTING WITH NICEA
http://www.dailycatholic.org/history/councils.htm
THE HISTORY OF SCRIPTURE
http://www.drbo.org/church.htm
PAPAL ENCYCLICALS....JUST A FEW MAJOR ONES
http://www.papalencyclicals.net/
THE OLD CATECHISM....EASIER FOR BEGINNERS
http://www.catholicity.com/baltimore-catechism/
THE ENTIRE NEW CATECHISM
http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm
THE DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH
http://www.catholic.org/saints/doctors.php
THE LIVES AND MIRACLES OF OUR 10,000 SAINTS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH PRODUCED
http://www.catholic.org/saints/stindex.php
EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES
http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/engl_mir.htm
source: Margie Pro Sindelar
Our Lady is Trying to Gather the Troops
It is not by accident that we have faith. It is not by accident that we love to be with our Eucharistic Lord. God has given us so many graces in forming us. God wants to raise up an army that will transform this world and Our Lady is trying to gather the troops.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
No Foul Language
No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear. - Eph 4:29
I Have a Mustard Seed; and I am Not Afraid to Use it
I have a mustard seed; and I am not afraid to use it. - Pope Benedict XVI
Friday, November 19, 2010
Praying to the Saints - Old Testament
Old Testament
Gen. 20:17 - God responds to Abraham's intercession and heals Abimelech, and also his wife and slaves.
Gen. 27:29; Num. 24:9 - blessed be everyone who blesses you. If we bless others in prayer, we are also blessed.
Exodus 32:11-14, 30-34; 34:9; Num. 14:17-20; 21:7-9 - these are many examples of God's response to Moses' saintly intercession.
1 Sam. 12:23 - Samuel says that he would be sinning against God if he didn't continue to intercede for the people of Israel.
1 Sam. 28:7-20 – the deceased prophet Samuel appears and converses with Saul, which is confirmed by Sirach 46:13,20).
1 Sam. 28:7; 1 Chron. 10:13-14 - Saul practiced necromancy. He used a medium, not God, to seek the dead and was therefore condemned. Saul's practice is entirely at odds with the Catholic understanding of saintly mediation, where God is the source and channel of all communication, and who permits His children to participate in this power.
2 Chron. 30:27 - the prayers of the priests and Levites came before God's holy habitation in heaven and were answered.
Tobit 12:12,15 - angels place Tobit and Sarah's prayers before the Holy One. This teaches us that the angels are also our subordinate mediators. We pray to the angels to take up our prayers to God.
Job 42:7-9 - Job prayed for three friends in sin and God listened to Job as a result of these prayers.
Psalm 34:7 – the angel of the Lord delivers those who fear him.
Psalm 91:11 – God will give His angels charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.
Psalm 103:20-21; 148:1-2 – we praise the angels and ask for their assistance in doing God’s will.
Psalm 141:2 - David asks that his prayer be counted as incense before God. The prayers of the saints have powerful effects.
Isaiah 6:6-7 - an angel touches Isaiah's lips and declares that his sin is forgiven. The angel is a subordinate mediator of God who effects the forgiveness of sins on God’s behalf.
Jer. 7:16 - God acknowledges the people's ability to intercede, but refuses to answer due to the hardness of heart.
Jer. 15:1 – the Lord acknowledges the intercessory power of Moses and Samuel.
Jer. 37:3 - king Zedekiah sends messengers to ask Jeremiah to intercede for the people, that he might pray to God for them.
Jer. 42:1-6 - all the people of Israel went before Jeremiah asking for his intercession, that he would pray to the Lord for them.
Baruch 3:4 - Baruch asks the Lord to hear the prayers of the dead of Israel. They can intercede on behalf of the people of God.
Dan. 9:20-23 - Daniel intercedes on behalf of the people of Israel confessing both his sins and the sins of the people before God.
Zech. 1:12-13 - an angel intercedes for those in Judea and God responds favorably.
2 Macc. 15:12-16 – the high priest Onias and the prophet Jeremiah were deceased for centuries, and yet interact with the living Judas Maccabeas and pray for the holy people on earth.
Margie Prox Sindelar
Gen. 20:17 - God responds to Abraham's intercession and heals Abimelech, and also his wife and slaves.
Gen. 27:29; Num. 24:9 - blessed be everyone who blesses you. If we bless others in prayer, we are also blessed.
Exodus 32:11-14, 30-34; 34:9; Num. 14:17-20; 21:7-9 - these are many examples of God's response to Moses' saintly intercession.
1 Sam. 12:23 - Samuel says that he would be sinning against God if he didn't continue to intercede for the people of Israel.
1 Sam. 28:7-20 – the deceased prophet Samuel appears and converses with Saul, which is confirmed by Sirach 46:13,20).
1 Sam. 28:7; 1 Chron. 10:13-14 - Saul practiced necromancy. He used a medium, not God, to seek the dead and was therefore condemned. Saul's practice is entirely at odds with the Catholic understanding of saintly mediation, where God is the source and channel of all communication, and who permits His children to participate in this power.
2 Chron. 30:27 - the prayers of the priests and Levites came before God's holy habitation in heaven and were answered.
Tobit 12:12,15 - angels place Tobit and Sarah's prayers before the Holy One. This teaches us that the angels are also our subordinate mediators. We pray to the angels to take up our prayers to God.
Job 42:7-9 - Job prayed for three friends in sin and God listened to Job as a result of these prayers.
Psalm 34:7 – the angel of the Lord delivers those who fear him.
Psalm 91:11 – God will give His angels charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.
Psalm 103:20-21; 148:1-2 – we praise the angels and ask for their assistance in doing God’s will.
Psalm 141:2 - David asks that his prayer be counted as incense before God. The prayers of the saints have powerful effects.
Isaiah 6:6-7 - an angel touches Isaiah's lips and declares that his sin is forgiven. The angel is a subordinate mediator of God who effects the forgiveness of sins on God’s behalf.
Jer. 7:16 - God acknowledges the people's ability to intercede, but refuses to answer due to the hardness of heart.
Jer. 15:1 – the Lord acknowledges the intercessory power of Moses and Samuel.
Jer. 37:3 - king Zedekiah sends messengers to ask Jeremiah to intercede for the people, that he might pray to God for them.
Jer. 42:1-6 - all the people of Israel went before Jeremiah asking for his intercession, that he would pray to the Lord for them.
Baruch 3:4 - Baruch asks the Lord to hear the prayers of the dead of Israel. They can intercede on behalf of the people of God.
Dan. 9:20-23 - Daniel intercedes on behalf of the people of Israel confessing both his sins and the sins of the people before God.
Zech. 1:12-13 - an angel intercedes for those in Judea and God responds favorably.
2 Macc. 15:12-16 – the high priest Onias and the prophet Jeremiah were deceased for centuries, and yet interact with the living Judas Maccabeas and pray for the holy people on earth.
Margie Prox Sindelar
Praying to the Saints - New Testament
Specific Instructions to Mediate and Examples of Subordinate Mediation
New Testament
Matt. 5:44-45 - Jesus tells us to pray for (to mediate on behalf of) those who persecute us. God instructs us to mediate.
Matt. 17:1-3; Mark 9:4; Luke 9:30-31 – deceased Moses and Elijah appear at the Transfiguration to converse with Jesus in the presence of Peter, James and John (these may be the two “witnesses” John refers to in Rev. 11:3). Nothing in Scripture ever suggests that God abhors or cuts off communication between the living in heaven and the living on earth. To the contrary, God encourages communication within the communion of saints. Moses and Elijah’s appearance on earth also teach us that the saints in heaven have capabilities that far surpass our limitations on earth.
Matt. 26:53 – Jesus says He can call upon the assistance of twelve legions of angels. If Jesus said He could ask for the assistance of angel saints, then so can we, who are called to imitate Jesus in word and in deed. And, in Matt. 22:30, Jesus says we will be “like angels in heaven.” This means human saints (like the angel saints) can be called upon to assist people on earth. God allows and encourages this interaction between his family members.
Matt. 27:47,49; Mark 15:35-36 – the people believe that Jesus calls on Elijah for his intercession, and waits to see if Elijah would come to save Jesus on the cross.
Matt. 27:52-53 - at Jesus' passion, many saints were raised and went into the city to appear and presumably interact with the people, just as Jesus did after His resurrection.
Mark 11:24 - Jesus says that whatever we ask in prayer, we will receive it. It is Jesus, and also we through Jesus, who mediate.
John 2:3 - Jesus knew the wine was gone, but invites and responds to Mary's intercession. God desires our lesser mediation and responds to it because He is a living and loving God.
John 2:5 - Mary intercedes on behalf of those at the wedding feast and tells them to do whatever Jesus tells them. Because Mary is our perfect model of faith, we too intercede on behalf of our brothers and sisters.
John 2:11 - in fact, it was Mary's intercession that started Jesus' ministry. His hour had not yet come, yet Jesus responds to Mary's intercession. Even though He could do it all by Himself, God wants to work with His children.
Acts 12:7 – an angel strikes Peter on the side and wakes him up, freeing him from prison. The angel responds to Peter’s prayers.
Rom. 15:30 - Paul commands the family of God to pray for him. If we are united together in the one body of Christ, we can help each other.
2 Cor. 1:11 - Paul even suggests that the more prayers and the more people who pray, the merrier! Prayer is even more effective when united with other's prayers.
2 Cor. 9:14 - Paul says that the earthly saints pray for the Corinthians. They are subordinate mediators in Christ.
2 Cor. 13:7,9 - Paul says the elders pray that the Corinthians may do right and improve. They participate in Christ's mediation.
Gal. 6:2,10 - Paul charges us to bear one another's burdens, and to do good to all, especially those in the household of faith.
Eph. 6:18 - Paul commands the family of God to pray for each other.
Eph. 6:19 - Paul commands that the Ephesians pray for him. If there is only one mediator, why would Paul ask for their prayers?
Phil. 1:19 - Paul acknowledges power of Philippians' earthly intercession. He will be delivered by their prayers and the Holy Spirit.
Col. 1:3 - Paul says that he and the elders pray for the Colossians. They are subordinate mediators in the body of Christ.
Col. 1:9 - Paul says that he and the elders have not ceased to pray for the Colossians, and that, by interceding, they may gain wisdom.
Col. 4:4 - Paul commands the Colossians to pray for the elders of the Church so that God may open a door for the word. Why doesn't Paul just leave it up to God? Because subordinate mediation is acceptable and pleasing to God, and brings about change in the world. This is as mysterious as the Incarnation, but it is true.
1 Thess. 5:11 - Paul charges us to encourage one another and build one another up, in the body of Christ. We do this as mediators in Christ.
1 Thess. 5:17 - Paul says "pray constantly." If Jesus' role as mediator does not apply subordinately to us, why pray at all?
1 Thess. 5:25 - Paul commands the family of God to pray for the elders of the Church. He desires our subordinate mediation.
2 Thess. 1:11 - Paul tells the family of God that he prays for us. We participate in Christ's mediation because Christ desires this.
2 Thess. 3:1 - Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray for Him, Silvanus and Timothy so that they may be delivered.
1 Tim. 2:1-3 - Paul commands us to pray for all. Paul also states that these prayers are acceptable in the sight of God.
2 Tim. 1:3 – Paul says “I remember you constantly in my prayers.”
Philemon 22 - Paul is hoping through Philemon's intercession that he may be able to be with Philemon.
Heb. 1:14 – the author writes, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?”
Hebrews 13:18-19 - the author strongly urges the Hebrews to pray for the elders so that they act desirably in all things.
James 5:14-15- James says the prayer of the priests over the sick man will save the sick man and forgive his sins. This is a powerful example of men forgiving sins and bringing a person to salvation with the sacrament of the sick.
James 5:16 - James instructs us to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another so that we may be healed.
James 5:17-18 - James refers to God's response to Elijah's fervent prayer for no rain. He is teaching us about the effectiveness of our earthly mediation.
1 John 5:14-15 - John is confident that God will grant us anything we ask of God according to His will.
1 John 5:16-17 - our prayers for others even calls God to give life to them and keep them from sinning. Our God is a personal and living God who responds to our prayers.
3 John 2 - John prays for Gaius' health and thus acts as a subordinate mediator.
Rev. 1:4 – this verse shows that angels (here, the seven spirits) give grace and peace. Because grace and peace only come from God, the angels are acting as mediators for God.
Rev. 5:8 - the prayers of the saints (on heaven and earth) are presented to God by the angels and saints in heaven. This shows that the saints intercede on our behalf before God, and it also demonstrates that our prayers on earth are united with their prayers in heaven. (The “24 elders” are said to refer to the people of God – perhaps the 12 tribes and 12 apostles - and the “four living creatures” are said to refer to the angels.)
Rev. 6:9-11 – the martyred saints in heaven cry out in a loud voice to God to avenge their blood “on those who dwell upon the earth.” These are “imprecatory prayers,” which are pleas for God’s judgment (see similar prayers in Psalm 35:1; 59:1-17; 139:19; Jer. 11:20; 15:15; 18:19; Zech.1:12-13). This means that the saints in heaven are praying for those on earth, and God answers their prayers (Rev. 8:1-5). We, therefore, ask for their intercession and protection.
Rev. 8:3-4 – in heaven an angel mingles incense with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne of God, and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God. These prayers “rise up” before God and elicit various kinds of earthly activity. God responds to his children’s requests, whether made by his children on earth or in heaven.
Margie Prox Sindelar
New Testament
Matt. 5:44-45 - Jesus tells us to pray for (to mediate on behalf of) those who persecute us. God instructs us to mediate.
Matt. 17:1-3; Mark 9:4; Luke 9:30-31 – deceased Moses and Elijah appear at the Transfiguration to converse with Jesus in the presence of Peter, James and John (these may be the two “witnesses” John refers to in Rev. 11:3). Nothing in Scripture ever suggests that God abhors or cuts off communication between the living in heaven and the living on earth. To the contrary, God encourages communication within the communion of saints. Moses and Elijah’s appearance on earth also teach us that the saints in heaven have capabilities that far surpass our limitations on earth.
Matt. 26:53 – Jesus says He can call upon the assistance of twelve legions of angels. If Jesus said He could ask for the assistance of angel saints, then so can we, who are called to imitate Jesus in word and in deed. And, in Matt. 22:30, Jesus says we will be “like angels in heaven.” This means human saints (like the angel saints) can be called upon to assist people on earth. God allows and encourages this interaction between his family members.
Matt. 27:47,49; Mark 15:35-36 – the people believe that Jesus calls on Elijah for his intercession, and waits to see if Elijah would come to save Jesus on the cross.
Matt. 27:52-53 - at Jesus' passion, many saints were raised and went into the city to appear and presumably interact with the people, just as Jesus did after His resurrection.
Mark 11:24 - Jesus says that whatever we ask in prayer, we will receive it. It is Jesus, and also we through Jesus, who mediate.
John 2:3 - Jesus knew the wine was gone, but invites and responds to Mary's intercession. God desires our lesser mediation and responds to it because He is a living and loving God.
John 2:5 - Mary intercedes on behalf of those at the wedding feast and tells them to do whatever Jesus tells them. Because Mary is our perfect model of faith, we too intercede on behalf of our brothers and sisters.
John 2:11 - in fact, it was Mary's intercession that started Jesus' ministry. His hour had not yet come, yet Jesus responds to Mary's intercession. Even though He could do it all by Himself, God wants to work with His children.
Acts 12:7 – an angel strikes Peter on the side and wakes him up, freeing him from prison. The angel responds to Peter’s prayers.
Rom. 15:30 - Paul commands the family of God to pray for him. If we are united together in the one body of Christ, we can help each other.
2 Cor. 1:11 - Paul even suggests that the more prayers and the more people who pray, the merrier! Prayer is even more effective when united with other's prayers.
2 Cor. 9:14 - Paul says that the earthly saints pray for the Corinthians. They are subordinate mediators in Christ.
2 Cor. 13:7,9 - Paul says the elders pray that the Corinthians may do right and improve. They participate in Christ's mediation.
Gal. 6:2,10 - Paul charges us to bear one another's burdens, and to do good to all, especially those in the household of faith.
Eph. 6:18 - Paul commands the family of God to pray for each other.
Eph. 6:19 - Paul commands that the Ephesians pray for him. If there is only one mediator, why would Paul ask for their prayers?
Phil. 1:19 - Paul acknowledges power of Philippians' earthly intercession. He will be delivered by their prayers and the Holy Spirit.
Col. 1:3 - Paul says that he and the elders pray for the Colossians. They are subordinate mediators in the body of Christ.
Col. 1:9 - Paul says that he and the elders have not ceased to pray for the Colossians, and that, by interceding, they may gain wisdom.
Col. 4:4 - Paul commands the Colossians to pray for the elders of the Church so that God may open a door for the word. Why doesn't Paul just leave it up to God? Because subordinate mediation is acceptable and pleasing to God, and brings about change in the world. This is as mysterious as the Incarnation, but it is true.
1 Thess. 5:11 - Paul charges us to encourage one another and build one another up, in the body of Christ. We do this as mediators in Christ.
1 Thess. 5:17 - Paul says "pray constantly." If Jesus' role as mediator does not apply subordinately to us, why pray at all?
1 Thess. 5:25 - Paul commands the family of God to pray for the elders of the Church. He desires our subordinate mediation.
2 Thess. 1:11 - Paul tells the family of God that he prays for us. We participate in Christ's mediation because Christ desires this.
2 Thess. 3:1 - Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray for Him, Silvanus and Timothy so that they may be delivered.
1 Tim. 2:1-3 - Paul commands us to pray for all. Paul also states that these prayers are acceptable in the sight of God.
2 Tim. 1:3 – Paul says “I remember you constantly in my prayers.”
Philemon 22 - Paul is hoping through Philemon's intercession that he may be able to be with Philemon.
Heb. 1:14 – the author writes, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?”
Hebrews 13:18-19 - the author strongly urges the Hebrews to pray for the elders so that they act desirably in all things.
James 5:14-15- James says the prayer of the priests over the sick man will save the sick man and forgive his sins. This is a powerful example of men forgiving sins and bringing a person to salvation with the sacrament of the sick.
James 5:16 - James instructs us to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another so that we may be healed.
James 5:17-18 - James refers to God's response to Elijah's fervent prayer for no rain. He is teaching us about the effectiveness of our earthly mediation.
1 John 5:14-15 - John is confident that God will grant us anything we ask of God according to His will.
1 John 5:16-17 - our prayers for others even calls God to give life to them and keep them from sinning. Our God is a personal and living God who responds to our prayers.
3 John 2 - John prays for Gaius' health and thus acts as a subordinate mediator.
Rev. 1:4 – this verse shows that angels (here, the seven spirits) give grace and peace. Because grace and peace only come from God, the angels are acting as mediators for God.
Rev. 5:8 - the prayers of the saints (on heaven and earth) are presented to God by the angels and saints in heaven. This shows that the saints intercede on our behalf before God, and it also demonstrates that our prayers on earth are united with their prayers in heaven. (The “24 elders” are said to refer to the people of God – perhaps the 12 tribes and 12 apostles - and the “four living creatures” are said to refer to the angels.)
Rev. 6:9-11 – the martyred saints in heaven cry out in a loud voice to God to avenge their blood “on those who dwell upon the earth.” These are “imprecatory prayers,” which are pleas for God’s judgment (see similar prayers in Psalm 35:1; 59:1-17; 139:19; Jer. 11:20; 15:15; 18:19; Zech.1:12-13). This means that the saints in heaven are praying for those on earth, and God answers their prayers (Rev. 8:1-5). We, therefore, ask for their intercession and protection.
Rev. 8:3-4 – in heaven an angel mingles incense with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne of God, and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God. These prayers “rise up” before God and elicit various kinds of earthly activity. God responds to his children’s requests, whether made by his children on earth or in heaven.
Margie Prox Sindelar
Thursday, November 18, 2010
We Will Wear You Down by Our Capacity to Suffer
We shall match your capacity to inflict suffering by our capacity to endure suffering... Throw us in jail... But be assured that we will wear you down by our capacity to suffer. - Martin Luther King Jr
Judgement: Shedding Light
Anyone ever say to you 'don't judge me!' or 'stop judging?' You should know that "Authentic judgement is a good thing. Authentic judgement is indispensable to the health of the individual and the health of a society...[judgement is] a truth telling that is honest, clear and direct, that sheds light on things in such a way that good and evil appear as what they really are. That's judgement. - Fr. Robert Barron
Be Careful not Commit Rash Judgement
Respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury. He becomes guilty:
- of rash judgment who, even tacitly, assumes as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbor;
- of detraction who, without objectively valid reason, discloses another's faults and failings to persons who did not know them;279
- of calumny who, by remarks contrary to the truth, harms the reputation of others and gives occasion for false judgments concerning them.
2478 To avoid rash judgment, everyone should be careful to interpret insofar as possible his neighbor's thoughts, words, and deeds in a favorable way:
Every good Christian ought to be more ready to give a favorable interpretation to another's statement than to condemn it. But if he cannot do so, let him ask how the other understands it. And if the latter understands it badly, let the former correct him with love. If that does not suffice, let the Christian try all suitable ways to bring the other to a correct interpretation so that he may be saved.280
2479 Detraction and calumny destroy the reputation and honor of one's neighbor. Honor is the social witness given to human dignity, and everyone enjoys a natural right to the honor of his name and reputation and to respect. Thus, detraction and calumny offend against the virtues of justice and charity. - Catechism of the Catholic Church
- of rash judgment who, even tacitly, assumes as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbor;
- of detraction who, without objectively valid reason, discloses another's faults and failings to persons who did not know them;279
- of calumny who, by remarks contrary to the truth, harms the reputation of others and gives occasion for false judgments concerning them.
2478 To avoid rash judgment, everyone should be careful to interpret insofar as possible his neighbor's thoughts, words, and deeds in a favorable way:
Every good Christian ought to be more ready to give a favorable interpretation to another's statement than to condemn it. But if he cannot do so, let him ask how the other understands it. And if the latter understands it badly, let the former correct him with love. If that does not suffice, let the Christian try all suitable ways to bring the other to a correct interpretation so that he may be saved.280
2479 Detraction and calumny destroy the reputation and honor of one's neighbor. Honor is the social witness given to human dignity, and everyone enjoys a natural right to the honor of his name and reputation and to respect. Thus, detraction and calumny offend against the virtues of justice and charity. - Catechism of the Catholic Church
Who is Going to Save our Church? It is up to the People.
Who is going to save our Church? Not our Bishops, not our priests and religious. It is up to the people. You have the minds, the eyes, the ears to save the Church. Your mission is to see that your priests act like priests, your bishops like bishops and your religious act like religious - Archbishop Fulton Sheen
Like the Twigs of Plants, the Young are Easily Influenced
Moreover the strongest support is provided not only to protect the young from evil, but also to rouse them and attract them more easily and gently to the performance of good works. Like the twigs of plants, the young are easily influenced, as long as someone works to change their souls. But if they are allowed to grow hard, we know well that the possibility of one day bending them diminishes a great deal and is sometimes utterly lost. - Saint Joseph Calasanz
If I Love Jesus, I Ought to Resemble Him
If I love Jesus, I ought to resemble Him; If I love Jesus, I ought to love what He loves, what He does, what He prefers to all else: humility. How may we acquire this virtue? Neither logic or reflection will help us any; thinking nice thoughts about it or taking heroic resolutions would lead us to believe we had already acquired it, and we would content ourselves with that. We must examine our actions to see if we not sought our own interest in them. Let us repeat often, "Jesus, so humble of heart, make our hearts like unto thine." - Saint Peter Eymard
Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi
Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi - what I pray impacts what I believe, what I believe impacts how I live. This is why it is not ok for Father Doubting Thomas to change the prayers in the Mass and just say whatever he wants because that impacts the faith of the people. We all know that if you impact the worship of God, you can subvert the faith from the inside. You don't have to try and ruin it from the outside with outside criticisms. You deny them the heart of the Gospel...what is the heart of the teaching of the Church? The source, the summit of our faith is Jesus in the Eucharist. - Gabriel Castillo
Forever He Will Lead us and Guide us
Here is God, our God, here he remains for ever; and for ever he will lead us and guide us. - Psalm 48
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Private Interpretation
I suppose more people would like me to declare that I preach the Bible and nothing but the Bible. I attempt to do that, but honesty compels me to say that the best I can do is to preach the Bible as I understand it. - Protestant pastor A. W. Tozer (The Tozer Pulpit, vol. 2, Christian Publications, Camp Hill, PA, [1994], 10–11).
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
They do Not Admit That the Eucharist is the Flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ
They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they do not admit that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ... - Saint Ignatius of Antioch, 'Letter to the Smyrnaeans,' paragraph 6., 80-110 AD
Fear Not, For I am With You
Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. - Isaiah 41:10
Monday, November 15, 2010
Grant That I May Ever Cast my Care on Thee
In the hour of trial, Jesus, plead for me
Lest by base denial I depart from Thee
When Thou seest me waver, with a look recall
Nor for fear or favor suffer me to fall
With forbidden pleasures would this vain world charm
Or its sordid treasures spread to work me harm
Bring to my remembrance sad Gethsemane
Or, in darker semblance, cross-crowned Calvary
Should Thy mercy send me sorrow, toil and woe
Or should pain attend me on my path below
Grant that I may never fail Thy hand to see
Grant that I may ever cast my care on Thee
Lest by base denial I depart from Thee
When Thou seest me waver, with a look recall
Nor for fear or favor suffer me to fall
With forbidden pleasures would this vain world charm
Or its sordid treasures spread to work me harm
Bring to my remembrance sad Gethsemane
Or, in darker semblance, cross-crowned Calvary
Should Thy mercy send me sorrow, toil and woe
Or should pain attend me on my path below
Grant that I may never fail Thy hand to see
Grant that I may ever cast my care on Thee
Logic is to Democrat, as Sanity is to Mental Patient
Logic is to Democrat, as sanity is to a mental patient. Just a little out of reach. - Nicholas McLeod
Campaign Contribution Double Standards
I've never been able to understand why a Republican contributor is a 'fat cat' and a Democratic contributor of the same amount of money is a 'public-spirited philanthropist'. - Ronald Reagan
The Lord Knows the Way of the Righteous
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff which the wind drives away. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. - Psalm 1:1-4, 6
Take all, be King of all, and Let us Love Each Other Always; I am Thine Forever
When the communicant is free from venial sin, Jesus acts powerfully within him, unimpeded by any obstacle. He stays long. The soul acquires an astonishing refinement of feeling; it no longer accounts itself anything but is henceforth simply one with Jesus. It says to Him: 'Take all, be King of all, and let us love each other always; I am Thine forever.' - Saint Peter Julian Eymard
I Wish and Intend to do Everything in Union With the Most Pure Intentions of Jesus and Mary
Eternal God, behold me prostrate before your immense majesty, humbly adoring you. I offer you all my thoughts, words, and actions of this day. I offer them all to be thought, spoken, and done entirely for love of you, for your glory, to fulfill your divine will, to serve you, to praise you, and bless you. I wish and intend to do everything in union with the most pure intentions of Jesus and Mary. - Saint John Leonardi
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Either You Will be Religious or You Will be Damned
Either you will be religious or you will be damned. What is a religious person? This is nothing other than a person who fulfils his duties as a Christian. - St. Jean Marie Vianney
Friday, November 12, 2010
Government: Doing Less With More
Corporations: doing more with less; government: doing less with more.
If Your Brother Sins, Go and Show Him His Fault in Private
If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. - Matthew 18:15
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Great Furnace of Love
Rouse yourself to cheerfulness in the Lord. Every trial will pass. When you find yourself disturbed, enter into the Heart of Jesus in spirit, into that great furnace of Love. Let that fire totally penetrate you and burn you with holy Love. Trust in Him. - St. Paul of the Cross
If All Catholics Lived Their Faith, Everyone Would be Catholic
If all Catholics lived their faith, everyone would be Catholic. - Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
Remember, there was a time when we too were ignorant, disobedient and misled
Remind your people that it is their duty to be obedient to the officials and representatives of the government; to be ready to do good at every opportunity; not to go slandering other people or picking quarrels, but to be courteous and always polite to all kinds of people. Remember, there was a time when we too were ignorant, disobedient and misled and enslaved by different passions and luxuries; we lived then in wickedness and ill-will, hating each other and hateful ourselves.
But when the kindness and love of God our saviour for mankind were revealed, it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves; it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us, by means of the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit which he has so generously poured over us through Jesus Christ our saviour. He did this so that we should be justified by his grace, to become heirs looking forward to inheriting eternal life. - Titus 3:1-7
But when the kindness and love of God our saviour for mankind were revealed, it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves; it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us, by means of the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit which he has so generously poured over us through Jesus Christ our saviour. He did this so that we should be justified by his grace, to become heirs looking forward to inheriting eternal life. - Titus 3:1-7
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A Child Must Die
It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish. - Blessed Mother Teresa
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
I Desire the Bread of God Alone
I have no desire for corruptible food nor for the pleasures of this life. I desire the bread of God, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ. - St. Ignatius of Antioch (107 A.D.)
If You Love Until it Hurts, There Can be no More Hurt
I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love. - Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
Monday, November 8, 2010
St. Thomas Aquinas on Eucharistic Ministers
As the consecrating of Christ's body belongs to the priest, so likewise does the dispensing belong to him. - St. Thomas Aquinas (i.e., no Eucharistic ministers)
Only Consecrated Hands Should Touch the Blessed Sacrament
Out of reverence for this [Blessed] Sacrament, only consecrated hands should touch it. - St. Thomas Aquinas on Holy Communion. (i.e., no Eucharistic Ministers)
Walk ye in Jesus Christ the Lord
As therefore you have received Jesus Christ the Lord, walk ye in him. - Colossians 2:6 Latin: "sicut ergo accepistis Christum Iesum Dominum in ipso ambulate"
Prudent Assessments, in Dialogue with Experts, Uninhibited by Idealogical Pressure
Pope Benedict XVI on Global Warming: It is important for assessments in this regard to be carried out prudently, in dialogue with experts and people of wisdom, uninhibited by ideological pressure to draw hasty conclusions.
Prerequisite to a Happy Marriage: a Joyful Single Life
Before we can be happily married, we need to learn the art of being happily single.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Observance of Silence is an Assurance of Spiritual Victory
Silence has a definite value in the spiritual warfare. Its observance is an assurance of victory. Generally speaking, it is accompanied by distrust of self and confidence in God, a greater desire for prayer, and facility in practicing virtue.
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Friday, November 5, 2010
By Deviating From the Moral Law Man Violates His Own Freedom
The exercise of freedom does not imply a right to say or do everything. It is false to maintain that man, "the subject of this freedom," is "an individual who is fully self-sufficient and whose finality is the satisfaction of his own interests in the enjoyment of earthly goods." Moreover, the economic, social, political, and cultural conditions that are needed for a just exercise of freedom are too often disregarded or violated. Such situations of blindness and injustice injure the moral life and involve the strong as well as the weak in the temptation to sin against charity. By deviating from the moral law man violates his own freedom, becomes imprisoned within himself, disrupts neighborly fellowship, and rebels against divine truth. - CCC
As Christians, Our Power Doesn't End at the Polls
Faith can move mountains and that's why we need to pray for reform in government. We have more power than we realize and it doesn't end at the polls on election day. - Michael Fanelli
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Limited Access to the Sacrament of Penance
Multiple “performances” of the liturgy are available all weekend with morning, matinee and evening shows all designed to work around your busy schedule – no advance reservation required, walk-ins welcome. If you’re lucky, along with an ad-libbing MC (formerly known as a priest), in some cases, they might even throw in some clowns or “liturgical dances” for your “theological” entertainment. But need someone to hear your confession? Not likely. Besides, once you do get in for your face-to-face wrap session (after all, Confessionals with partitions are so pre-Vatican II) with Father Friendly, he’ll probably tell you your sins aren’t really considered sins anymore, so don’t worry, be happy! - Steve Schultz
Many People Have No Idea What is Required to be Properly Disposed to Receive Holy Communion
Who knows how long it has been since 95% of some congregations have been to confession? And yet they blithely troop up and stick out their hands. We have a disastrous situation these days with the use/availability of the sacrament of penance. Many people have no idea what is required to be properly disposed to receive Holy Communion. - Father Z.
There is Not a Person in This Room I Would Not Sacrifice my Life For
If it's about the lives of my men and their safety, I'd go through Hell with a gasoline can. There is not a person in this room I would not sacrifice my life for. - Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Allen B. West (newly elected Congressman of FL District 22)
Molon Labe
“Far left liberals demand we lay down our Country. My response is just as Spartans King Leonidas responded - “Molon Labe” - “Steadfast and Loyal!” - Lt. Col. Allen West
I Absolutely Can’t Stand Him
(On Barack Obama) “I can’t stand the guy. I absolutely can’t stand him.” - Lt. Col. Allen West
Lt Col. West has a Masters Degree in Political Science from Kansas State University, has a very impressive and honorable military career; he completed a 1 ½ year combat tour of duty in Iraq, and a 2½ year combat tour of duty in Afghanistan building the Security Institutions and the National Army of Afghanistan. In support of the United States goals in Iraq, Lt. Col. West was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, and many other medals for his patriotic service.
Lt Col. West has a Masters Degree in Political Science from Kansas State University, has a very impressive and honorable military career; he completed a 1 ½ year combat tour of duty in Iraq, and a 2½ year combat tour of duty in Afghanistan building the Security Institutions and the National Army of Afghanistan. In support of the United States goals in Iraq, Lt. Col. West was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, and many other medals for his patriotic service.
I Don’t See Myself as African American, I See Myself as an American.
I don’t see myself as African American, Black American. I see myself as an American. - Lt. Col. Allen West
Lt Col. West has a Masters Degree in Political Science from Kansas State University, has a very impressive and honorable military career; he completed a 1 ½ year combat tour of duty in Iraq, and a 2½ year combat tour of duty in Afghanistan building the Security Institutions and the National Army of Afghanistan. In support of the United States goals in Iraq, Lt. Col. West was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, and many other medals for his patriotic service. He is the newly elected Congressman of District 22 in South Florida (praise God).
Lt Col. West has a Masters Degree in Political Science from Kansas State University, has a very impressive and honorable military career; he completed a 1 ½ year combat tour of duty in Iraq, and a 2½ year combat tour of duty in Afghanistan building the Security Institutions and the National Army of Afghanistan. In support of the United States goals in Iraq, Lt. Col. West was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, and many other medals for his patriotic service. He is the newly elected Congressman of District 22 in South Florida (praise God).
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Holy Silence
The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace. - Blessed Mother Teresa
If Things Go Well, Let's Rejoice. If Things Go Wrong, Let's Rejoice.
If things go well, let’s rejoice, blessing God, who makes them prosper. And if they go wrong? Let’s rejoice, blessing God, who allows us to share the sweetness of his Cross. - St. Jose Maria Escriva
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Election Day Prayer
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour and glad to do thy will. Be close to us during this crucial historic period of national discernment. Let thy will be done in America tonight and forever. Amen.
November is Here
How do you call yourself a moderate and vote for people who reject the rule of law? How do you call yourself compassionate and vote for people who want taxpayer funding for the slaughter of innocent unborn babies sleeping peacefully in their mother's wombs? How do you call yourself reasonable and vote for people who are spending us into oblivion? Real life is about choices. November is here. - L. L. Brown IV
God did not decree death from the beginning; he prescribed it as a remedy.
Death was not part of nature; it became part of nature. God did not decree death from the beginning; he prescribed it as a remedy. Human life was condemned because of sin to unremitting labour and unbearable sorrow and so began to experience the burden of wretchedness. There had to be a limit to its evils; death had to restore what life had forfeited. Without the assistance of grace, immortality is more of a burden than a blessing. - Saint Ambrose
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The Sweetest Charm of Female Excellence
Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of her honor. - Webster's Dictionary 1828
All the Evil in the World is Due to Lukewarm Catholics
The evil that has been allowed to spread in the Church is the problem. That is why that insane baby killer is sitting in the White House. Because the Church did not speak up like it should have. This is why there is a Congress running wild, destroying your futures and your children's futures, and your children's children's future and saddling this country with a ridiculous debt...and all doing it in the name of God...Justice...Peace?! This is happening because the Church did not do what it is supposed to be doing. All the evil in the world is due to lukewarm Catholics. - Michael Voris
Our Blessed Lord Founded One Church: The Catholic Church
There is no such thing as “other Churches.” We, the Catholic Church, are not one of a number of denominations. Protestant ecclesial communities are denominations, we are not. We are the original Church that goes back to Jesus Christ Himself, founded on Peter… [You] cannot equate Protestant groups with the Catholic Church. Our Blessed Lord founded ONE Church and it is the Catholic Church, everything else is an ecclesial community. - Michael Voris
The New Mass is “Fabricated Liturgy.” - Pope Benedict XVI
The new Mass is “fabricated liturgy.” We abandoned the organic, living process of growth and development over the centuries and replaced it – as in a manufacturing process – with a fabrication, a banal on-the-spot product. – Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI)
Can it be That the Pews are Filled with People who Don't Know What They are Doing?
One reads that large numbers of Catholics do not understand or accept the teaching of the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Can it be that the pews are filled with people who don't know what they are doing? I have heard homilies on the real presence so tentative it is unlikely they would enlighten or strengthen the faith. But copies of the Catechism are available in bookshops everywhere, even in greeting card shops. Maybe tongue-tied pastors ought to buy a copy for every parishioner. What will turn things around is the growing practice of exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. At Notre Dame, a group of undergraduates has established this practice in one of the hall chapels, supplementing the Friday afternoon Eucharistic adoration in Sacred Heart Basilica.
It may well be that liturgical changes, scheduled and unscheduled, have drained the Mass of its awe and reverence. My wife, never easy prey to nostalgia, recently attended a Tridentine Mass and was reminded what it felt like to pray in church. Romper room music and bushels of bonhomie don't prepare one to receive Jesus in the sacrament, delivered with a mindless smile by an extraordinary eucharistic minister who might as well be offering cheese samples at the supermarket. With so little sense of the real presence being exhibited during the sanctuary mob scene that precedes communion, it is perhaps less surprising that belief has seeped away. - Ralph McInerny
InsideCatholic.com | The Eucharist and Culture | Feature | Articles
It may well be that liturgical changes, scheduled and unscheduled, have drained the Mass of its awe and reverence. My wife, never easy prey to nostalgia, recently attended a Tridentine Mass and was reminded what it felt like to pray in church. Romper room music and bushels of bonhomie don't prepare one to receive Jesus in the sacrament, delivered with a mindless smile by an extraordinary eucharistic minister who might as well be offering cheese samples at the supermarket. With so little sense of the real presence being exhibited during the sanctuary mob scene that precedes communion, it is perhaps less surprising that belief has seeped away. - Ralph McInerny
InsideCatholic.com | The Eucharist and Culture | Feature | Articles
Pope John Paul II Speaks to President George W. Bush About the Culture of Life
Through a vibrant culture of life, America can show the world the path to a truly humane future, in which man remains the master, not the product, of his technology. - Pope John Paul II
Friday, October 29, 2010
If you Give Government the Power to Supply you all of Your Needs, Then you Give Government the Power to Take Everything Away
If the government has the power to supply all of your needs, then it also has the power to take everything away from you. It's not rocket science. - Micahel Fanelli
Our Constitution was Made Only for a Moral and Religious People
Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. - John Adams
If Angels Could be Jealous of Men
If angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion - St. Maximilian Kolbe
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The Lord has Turned all our Sunsets into Sunrises
The Lord has turned all our sunsets into sunrises. - St. Clement of Alexandria
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Some Virgins Are Nothing But Tavern Women
Some virgins are nothing but tavern women. - St. Jerome
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If you are Discouraged it is a Sign of Pride Because it Shows you Trust in Your Own Power
If you are discouraged it is a sign of pride because it shows you trust in your own power. Your self-sufficiency, your selfishness and your intellectual pride will inhibit His coming to live in your heart because God cannot fill what is already full. It is as simple as that. - Blessed Mother Teresa
Determining Life
The unborn baby's heart starts beating at 20 days and the brain gives off brainwaves at 40 days. If these factors are used by the law to determine death, why can't they be used to determine life?
The Truth is Like Medicine
The truth is like medicine. It is sometimes difficult to take, but it does wonders when it kicks in.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
So Hidden in Christ
A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her. - Maya Angelou
We are too Timid to Endure Responsibilities
Most modern freedom is at root fear. It is not so much that we are too bold to endure rules; it is rather that we are too timid to endure responsibilities. - G.K. Chesterton
If a Man Lies With a Male as With a Woman, Both of Them Have Forfeited Their Lives
If a man commits adultery with his neighbor's wife, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall be put to death. If a man disgraces his father by lying with his father's wife, both the man and his stepmother shall be put to death; they have forfeited their lives. If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall be put to death; since they have committed an abhorrent deed, they have forfeited their lives. If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them shall be put to death for their abominable deed; they have forfeited their lives. If a man marries a woman and her mother also, the man and the two women as well shall be burned to death for their shameful conduct, so that such shamefulness may not be found among you. If a man has carnal relations with an animal, the man shall be put to death, and the animal shall be slain. If a woman goes up to any animal to mate with it, the woman and the animal shall be slain; let them both be put to death; their lives are forfeit. - Leviticus 20:10-16
None Will Miscarry or be Barren in Your Land
Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span. - Exodus 23:25-26
The Thing he did Displeased the Lord
And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother. And the thing which he did displeased the Lord: wherefore he slew him also. - Genesis 38:9-10
Strive to Enter Through the Narrow Gate, For Many, I Tell You, will Attempt to Enter but Will not be Strong Enough
Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” - Luke 13:22-30
Strive to Enter Through the Narrow Gate, For Many, I Tell You, will Attempt to Enter but Will not be Strong Enough.
Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.
Let Them Discourse of the Glory of Your Kingdom
...Let your faithful ones bless you. Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom and speak of your might.
The Word of God Penetrates Even to Dividing Soul and Spirit
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12
Through Humble Contrite Prayer You Lose Nothing but Gain Much
Know that as often as you come to me, humbling yourself and asking My forgiveness, I pour out a super abundance of Grace on your Soul, and your Imperfection vanishes before My Eyes, and I see only your love and your humility. You lose nothing but gain much. - Jesus to the soul
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Unmarried Man is Anxious About the Affairs of the Lord, How to Please the Lord; but the Married Man is Anxious About Worldly Affairs, how to Please his Wife, and his Interests are Divided
Fundamentalists will tell you that celibacy has no basis in the Bible whatsoever, saying that Christians are called to "Be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28). This mandate speaks to humanity in general, however, and overlooks numerous passages in the Bible that support the celibate life. In 1 Corinthians, for example, Paul actually seems to prefer the celibate life: "Are you free from a wife? Do not seek marriage...Those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that...The unmarried man is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to please the Lord; but the married man is anxious about worldly affairs, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided" (7:27-34). This is not to say that all men should be celibate, however; Paul explains that celibacy is a calling for some and not for others by saying, "Each has his own special gift from God, one of one kind and one of another" (7:7).
The Happiness you have a Right to Enjoy has a Name and a Face: it is Jesus of Nazareth, Hidden in the Eucharist
Dear young people, the happiness you are seeking, the happiness you have a right to enjoy has a name and a face: it is Jesus of Nazareth, hidden in the Eucharist. Only He gives the fullness of life to humanity! - Pope Benedict XVI
Consoled by the Presence of the Angels and Saints
He who is in the habit of devoutly hearing holy Mass shall in death be consoled by the presence of the angels and saints, his advocates, who shall bravely defend him from all the snares of infernal spirits. - Revelation of Christ to St. Mechtilde
If God had Something More Precious, He Would Have Given it to us
There is nothing so great as the Eucharist. If God had something more precious, He would have given it to us. - Saint Marie Jean Vianney
If we Really Understood the Mass, we Would Die of Joy
If we really understood the Mass, we would die of joy. - Saint Jean Marie Vianney
The Heavens Open and Multitudes of Angels Come
The heavens open and multitudes of angels come to assist in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. - St. Gregory
As Valuable as the Death of Jesus on the Cross
The celebration of the Mass is as valuable as the death of Jesus on the cross. - St. Thomas Aquinas
The Mass is the Most Perfect Form of Prayer
The Mass is the most perfect form of prayer. - Pope Paul VI
May Each Second of Each Passing Hour be Acts of Love for Your Tabernacles
O my Jesus, I want that each pain I feel, each beat of my heart, each breath I take in, each second of each passing hour may be acts of love for your Tabernacles - Blessed Alexandria Maria da Costa
Jesus, I Give You my Hand, Please Don't Let go of me
Jesus, I give You my hand as I stumble through the hard places of my life. Please don't let go of me, even if at times I seem to pull away from You. Help me know that You are close and that You always offer me the gifts of growth and healing that I need in these hard times. I may need to seek help from others to find my way and to learn from the stresses in my life. Please work through these people to guide me. - Joan Guntzelman
The Last Best Hope of Man on Earth
We'll preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we'll sentence them to take the last step into a thousand years of darkness. - Ronald Reagan
The Lord Will Guide You Continually
The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places. - Isaiah 58:11
We Do Not Belong to the Night or to Darkness
It is not as if you live in the dark, my brothers, for that Day to overtake you like a thief. No, you are all sons of light and sons of the day: we do not belong to the night or to darkness. - 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5
Monday, October 25, 2010
Be Forgiving of one Another, as God in Christ Forgave You
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32
Delight is in the Law of the Lord
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. - Psalm 1: 1, 2
No Immoral or Impure Man, or one Who is Covetous has any Inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God
But immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is fitting among saints. Let there be no filthiness, nor silly talk, nor levity, which are not fitting; but instead let there be thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure man, or one who is covetous (that is, and idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. - Ephesians 5: 3-5
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Truth is a Discovery of the One Who Never Fails Us
Truth is not an imposition. Nor is it simply a set of rules. It is a discovery of the One who never fails us; the One whom we can always trust...seeking truth we come to live by belief because ultimately truth is a person: Jesus Christ...authentic freedom is not an opting out. It is an opting in - nothing less than letting go of self and allowing oneself to be drawn into Christ's very being for others. - Pope Benedict XVI
Existence is Like a Gift Given From Cause to Effect
Existence is like a gift given from cause to effect. If there is no one who has the gift, the gift cannot be passed down the chain of receivers, however long or short the chain may be. If everyone has to borrow a certain book, but no one actually has it, then no one will ever get it. If there is no God who has existence by his own eternal nature, then the gift of existence cannot be passed down the chain of creatures and we can never get it. But we do get it; we exist. Therefore there must exist a God: an Uncaused Being who does not have to receive existence like us—and like every other link in the chain of receivers. - Dr. Peter Kreeft
All the Power that You Think You Posses, You Really Posses None of it
Don't you realize that you cannot make your own heart beat? Don't you realize that all the power that you think you posses, you really posess none of it. It is The mercy of God that sustains you...even while you hate Him. - Gianna Jessen (Abortion Survivor)
The Creator of The Heavens Obeys a Carpenter
He Who is the beginning and the end, the ruler of the angels, made Himself obedient to human creatures. The creator of the heavens obeys a carpenter; the God of eternal glory listens to a poor virgin. Has anyone ever witnessed anything comparable to this? Let the philosopher no longer disdain from listening to the common laborer; the wise, to the simple; the educated, to the illiterate; a child of a prince, to a peasant. - St. Anthony of Padua
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Christ Commands Perfection
Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. - Jesus Christ
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Reputation vs. Humble Practice of Virtue
We ought to have charity for all men but familiarity with all is not expedient. Sometimes it happens that a person enjoys a good reputation among those who do not know him, but at the same time is held in slight regard by those who do. Frequently we think we are pleasing others by our presence and we begin rather to displease them by the faults they find in us. - Imitation
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The Humble Live in Continuous Peace, While in the Hearts of the Proud are Envy and Frequent Anger
Do not think yourself better than others lest, perhaps, you be accounted worse before God Who knows what is in man. Do not take pride in your good deeds, for God's judgments differ from those of men and what pleases them often displeases Him. If there is good in you, see more good in others, so that you may remain humble. It does no harm to esteem yourself less than anyone else, but it is very harmful to think yourself better than even one. The humble live in continuous peace, while in the hearts of the proud are envy and frequent anger. - Imitation
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Friday, October 22, 2010
The Proud are Those Who Have Not the Holy Spirit
Those who have the Holy Spirit cannot endure themselves, so well do they know their poor misery. The proud are those who have not the Holy Spirit. - Saint Jean Marie Vianney
Lead me to the Cross Where Your Love Poured Out
Lead me to the cross where Your love poured out. Bring me to my knees, Lord I lay me down. Rid me of myself, I belong to You. Lead me, lead me to the cross. - Chris and Conrad
For Your Nearness, Lord I Hunger. For Your Nearness, Lord I Wait
For Your nearness, Lord I hunger. For your nearness, Lord I wait. Hold me ever closer, Father, with such a Love I can’t escape. For Your nearness I am hoping. For Your nearness Lord, I long. I have no need of any other. I have found where I belong. - Meredith Andrews
How Great is the Happiness of the Devout Soul that Feasts Upon You at Your Banquet
O Most sweet Lord Jesus, how great is the happiness of the devout soul that feasts upon You at Your banquet, where there is set before her to be eaten no other food but Yourself alone, her only Lover, most desired of all that her heart can desire! - Imitation of Christ
You Can Have all This World, Just Give me Jesus
In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus. You can have all this world, just give me Jesus. - Jeremy Camp
Gain More in a Quarter of an Hour of Prayer Before the Blessed Sacrament Than in all Other Practices of the Day
Realize that you may gain more in a quarter of an hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament than in all other practices of the day. - Saint Alphonsus Liguori
Your Entire Glory in Heaven: Dependent on How You Carried Your Cross
Your entire glory in heaven will be dependent on how you carried your cross. - Mother Angelica
When God Loves, All He Desires is to be Loved in Return
Love is sufficient of itself; it gives pleasure by itself and because of itself. It is its own merit, its own reward. Love looks for no cause outside itself, no effect beyond itself. Its profit lies in the practice. Of all the movements, sensations and feelings of the soul, love is the only one in which the creature can respond to the Creator and make some sort of similar return however unequal though it be. For when God loves, all he desires is to be loved in return. The sole purpose of his love is to be loved, in the knowledge that those who love him are made happy by their love of him. - Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
Now, Turn Back and Search For Him Ten Times as Hard
As by your will you first strayed away from God, so now turn back and search for him ten times as hard; for as he brought down those disasters on you, so will he rescue you and give you eternal joy. - Baruch 4:28-29
You are the Song I Sing; I’ll do Anything for You
Lord, it’s hard to know You. I don’t always see Your plan...but holiness is calling me...so take me as I am. You are my everything, You are the song I sing; I’ll do anything for You. Teach me how to pray, to live a life of grace; I’ll go anywhere with You. Jesus, be my everything. Lord, I get so tired of the struggle within. I settle in complacency and I’m weighed down in my sin. So lead me past emotion, ‘cause they change with the wind. I want to be a true disciple and to daily choose Your hand. - Matt Maher
They Do Not Give a Thought to Their Poor Soul, Which Must be Happy or Miserable for all Eternity
Oh, how bitterly shall we regret at the hour of death the time we have given to pleasures, to useless conversations, to repose, instead of having employed it in mortification, in prayer, in good works, in thinking of our poor misery, in weeping over our poor sins; then we shall see that we have done nothing for Heaven. Oh, my children, how sad it is! Three-quarters of those who are Christians labor for nothing but to satisfy this body, which will soon be buried and corrupted, while they do not give a thought to their poor soul, which must be happy or miserable for all eternity. - Saint Jean Marie Vianney
If You Want God to Hear Your Prayers, Hear the Voice of the Poor
If you want God to hear your prayers, hear the voice of the poor. If you wish God to anticipate your wants, provide those of the needy without waiting for them to ask you. Especially anticipate the needs of those who are ashamed to beg. To make them ask for alms is to make them buy it. - Saint Thomas of Villanova
You Cannot Have God for Your Father if You Don’t Have the Church for Your Mother
You cannot have God for your Father if you don’t have the Church for your Mother. God is one and Christ is one, and His Church is one. - Saint Cyprian
What the Soul is in the Body, Let Christians be in the World
What the soul is in the body, let Christians be in the world. - Saint John Chrysostom
Through Mary, Jesus came to us; Through Her We Should Go to Him.
Through Mary, Jesus came to us; through her we should go to him. If we are afraid of going directly to Jesus, who is God, because of his infinite greatness, or our lowliness, or our sins, let us implore without fear the help and intercession of Mary, our Mother. She is kind, she is tender, and there is nothing harsh or forbidding about her, nothing too sublime or too brilliant. When we see her, we see our own human nature at its purest. She is not the sun, dazzling our weak sight by the brightness of its rays. Rather, she is fair and gentle as the moon, which receives its light from the sun and softens it and adapts it to our limited perception. - St. Louis de Montfort
Perfection Consists in One Thing Alone, Which is Doing the Will of God.
Perfection consists in one thing alone, which is doing the will of God. For, according to Our Lord’s words, it suffices for perfection to deny self, to take up the cross and to follow Him. Now who denies himself and takes up his cross and follows Christ better than he who seeks not to do his own will, but always that of God? Behold, now, how little is needed to become as Saint? Nothing more than to acquire the habit of willing, on every occasion, what God wills. - St. Vincent de Paul
The Best Proof of Genuine Love: Sanctification
You husbands and fathers say you love your wives and children. OK, I am going to take you seriously. Now if you love them really (that is, for their genuine welfare and not simply for what you can get from them, or whether they do or do not return your love as you would like it to be returned) - I repeat, if you love them really, then prove it in the best way possible: become a saint, get rid of your faults, love totally. The best proof of genuine love is found in the example of an exemplary life: a tremendous spur to their eternal enthrallment, and yours as well. - Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M.
No Tongue can Express the Greatness of the Love Which Jesus Christ Bears to Our Souls
No tongue can express the greatness of the love which Jesus Christ bears to our souls. He did not wish that between Him and His servants there should be any other pledge than himself, to keep alive the remembrance of Him. - St. Peter of Alcantara
He Has Marked You With His Seal to be Set Free
Guard against foul talk; let your words be for the improvement of others, as occasion offers, and do good to your listeners, otherwise you will only be grieving the Holy Spirit of God who has marked you with his seal for you to be set free when the day comes. Never have grudges against others, or lose your temper, or raise your voice to anybody, or call each other names, or allow any sort of spitefulness. Be friends with one another, and kind, forgiving each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ. - Ephesians 4:29-32
Hold Fast to the Traditions
Hold fast to the traditions that we have taught you, both by word of mouth and by letter.” - 2 Thess. 2:15
United in Love
Be united in your convictions and united in your love, with a common purpose and a common mind. There must be no competition among you, no conceit; but everybody is to be self-effacing. Always consider the other person to be better than yourself, so that nobody thinks of his own interests first but everybody thinks of other people’s interests instead. - Philippians 2:2-4
The Lord Will Guard Your Life
The Lord will guard you from all harm; the Lord will guard your life. The Lord will guard your coming and your going both now and for ever. - Psalm 121
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Lord's Eyes are Drawn to the Humble and Contrite
Thus says the Lord: With heaven my throne and earth my footstool, what house could you build me, what place could you make for my rest? All of this was made by my hand and all this is mine – it is the Lord who speaks. But my eyes are drawn to the man of humbled and contrite spirit, who trembles at my word. - Isaiah 66:1-2
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
An Abomination in the Eyes of the Father
I repeat, My child, that much discipline will be needed. The manner of clothing that We see being permitted by the parents to be worn by their children is an abomination in the eyes of the Father. They are sinful, they are degrading and they lead others into sin. Cover your bodies for they are temples of the Holy Spirit. - Our Lady of the Roses 1974
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Discussion of Worldly Affairs is a Great Distraction
Shun the gossip of men as much as possible, for discussion of worldly affairs, even though sincere, is a great distraction inasmuch as we are quickly ensnared and captivated by vanity.
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My Only Joy in Him
I felt the desire of loving only God, of finding my joy only in Him. Often during my communions, I repeated these words of the Imitation: "O Jesus, unspeakable sweetness, change all the consolations of this earth into bitterness for me" - St. Therese
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No Peace in the Carnal Man
True peace of heart, then, is found in resisting passions, not in satisfying them. There is no peace in the carnal man, in the man given to vain attractions, but there is peace in the fervent and spiritual man. - Imitation
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Impossible to Please God and the World
Besides, what love for God can be felt by anyone who is thinking and breathing nothing but the love of pleasures and of creatures? You will admit that it is impossible to please God and the world. That can never be. - St. Jean Marie Vianney
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Monday, October 18, 2010
The Proud Are Those Who Have Not The Holy Spirit
Those who have the Holy Spirit cannot endure themselves, so well do they know their poor misery. The proud are those who have not the Holy Spirit. - St. Jean Marie Vianney
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Holiness Means Intimacy With The Lord
Holiness means none other than union with God; a greater intimacy with the Lord, more sanctity. - St. Jose Maria Escriva
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Friday, October 15, 2010
Sins of the Flesh
More people go to hell for sins of the flesh than for any other reason. - Our Lady of Fatima, 1917
Immodesty Offends The Lord
Certain fashions are being introduced that offend Our Lord very much. - Our Lady of Fatima, 1917
Heaven Has Entrusted You With These Children
O Christian mothers, if you knew what a future of anxieties and perils, of ill-guarded shame you prepare for your sons and daughters, imprudently getting them accustomed to live scantily dressed and making them lose the sense of modesty, you would be ashamed of yourselves and you would dread the harm you are making of yourselves, the harm which you are causing these children, whom Heaven has entrusted to you to be brought up as Christians. - Pope Pius XII
To Immodest Women
"You carry your snare everywhere and spread your nets in all places. You allege that you never invited others to sin. You did not, indeed, by your words, but you have done so by your dress and your deportment. When you have made another sin in his heart, how can you be innocent? Tell me, whom does this world condemn? Whom do judges punish? Those who drink poison or those who prepare it and administer the fatal potion? You have prepared the abominable cup, you have given the death dealing drink, and you are more criminal than are those who poison the body; you murder not the body but the soul. And it is not to enemies you do this, nor are you urged on by any imaginary necessity, nor provoked by injury, but out of foolish vanity and pride. - St. John Chrysostom
Style Must Never be a Proximate Occasion of Sin
Yet, no matter how broad and changeable the relative morals of styles may be, there is always an absolute norm to be kept...style must never be a proximate occasion of sin. - Pope Pius XII
Glorify God in Your Body
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
The Good of Our Soul is More Important Than the Good of Our Body
The good of our soul is more important than the good of our body; and we have to prefer the spiritual welfare of our neighbor to our bodily comforts. If a certain kind of dress constitutes grave and proximate occasion of sin, and endangers the salvation of your soul and others, it is your duty to give it up. - Pope Pius XII
The Beauty of the King's Daughter is From Within
The less beauty the soul has, the more it needs to decorate the body. Excessive luxury of dress and vain display of external beauty are signs of the nakedness of the soul. The beauty of the King's daughter is from within. - Fulton Sheen
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
May the Last Beat of My Heart be a Loving Hymn Glorifying Your Unfathomable mercy
O Christ, let my greatest delight be to see You loved and Your praise and glory proclaimed, especially the honor of Your mercy. O Christ, let me glorify Your goodness and mercy to the last moment of my life, with every drop of my blood and every beat of my heart. Would that I be transformed into a hymn of adoration of You. When I find myself on my deathbed, may the last beat of my heart be a loving hymn glorifying Your unfathomable mercy. Amen. - St. Faustina
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Monday, October 11, 2010
Embrace Infirmities With Joy
If bodily weakness renders us unable to practice corporal austerities, let us at least learn...to embrace with joy the infirmities with which Almighty God visits us. If borne with patience, they will conduct us to perfection better than voluntary works of penance. St. Syncletica used to say, that 'as corporal maladies are cured by medicine, so the diseases of the soul are healed by the infirmities of the body.' - Saint Alphonsus De Ligouri
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"Penance, penance, penance!"
"Penance, penance, penance!" These were the words of the angel at Fatima, calling the world to begin doing penance once again. Indeed, the call to penance and conversion has been the constant appeal of Marian apparitions throughout history, but especially within the past hundred years, which have seen more apparitions than any other century in Christian history. As Our Lady of Fatima implored from us; "Sacrifice yourselves for sinners, and say many times, especially when you make some sacrifice: O Jesus, it is for love of You, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary." Thus we see that penance and mortification not only have a sanctifying effect on the individual, but also on the Church as a whole. The more a person's life is patterned after the life of our Redeemer--Who's greatest work entailed the greatest sacrifice--the more he will make up what is lacking in the body of Christ, as Saint Paul tells us. Our Lord instructs Saint Faustina in this regard; Jesus to Saint Faustina: "You will save more souls through prayer and suffering than will a missionary through his teachings and sermons alone.'"
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