Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Day 28 of Lent

Right now I am reading about the events that took place at Fatima Portugal, over 90 years ago.

The message of Fatima, in my opinion, is the message of the Gospel in capsule form. Our Lady confirmed to the three shepherd children: that sin offends God, that the daily recitation of the Rosary is essential to growth in holiness, that hell is a reality, that offering God our daily duties, sacrifices and crosses can help save sinners and how in the end her Immaculate Heart will triumph.
This is Heaven's peace plan for the world!

The message delivered by Our Lady of the Rosary at Fatima, should remind us that the life we lead here on earth will determine where we spend eternity.

God bless!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Day 27 of Lent

There is a culture war being waged against the disciples of Christ!

It's amazing to me, and even shocking, how those who profess to be followers of Christ have no issues regarding the books they read, the movies they watch, etc...

At this moment in history the culture we live in cannot be considered Christian friendly. The toxic moral waste that is spreading throughout society is sucking Christ's light right out of the hearts and minds of his disciples. This in turn is transforming many into apostles of mediocrity, rather than apostles of zeal and fire.

I don't believe there is an easy remedy to this problem, but possibly a good place to start is studying and praying the Apostles Creed!

God bless.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Day 26 of Lent

4th Sunday of Lent -

At Mass today, I heard the beautiful parable of the Prodigal Son. This parable is a constant reminder of how much God love's me and how merciful He is. I truly am blessed to have such an awesome Father.

Our God is a merciful God!

God bless!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Day 25 of Lent

From being wet and cold yesterday, this Saturday offers blue skies and semi-warm temperatures.
It's a glorious day, but it is still Lent!

One topic that has come to the forefront of my thoughts today has been that of, "truth versus lying." The eighth commandment warns us about "misrepresenting the truth in our relations with others." Since God is the source of all truth, "we His children are called to live in the truth."


Jesus Himself said, "I am the way, the truth and the life."
To live in Jesus and have Jesus live in us, we must be people of "truth." It is easy to lie and the more one lies, the easier it becomes.

I must remember that one of the titles, Jesus gives satan, is the "father of lies." To lie is to participate in satan's game plan. Its that simple!

To live in the light of Christ, is to live in His truth.
Jesus, bless me with the grace to tell the truth.

God bless!

Friday, March 12, 2010

Day 24 of Lent

Its Friday and the weather man was right - wet and breezy.
During my lunch break I spent a bit of time reflecting upon the holy wounds of Jesus.

These wounds which shone like the bright sun when Jesus visited St. Margaret Mary in the 17th century, are flames of charity which reveal Christ's love for humanity.

The wounds made by the nails that were driven through Jesus' hands and feet, fastening Him to the cross, are doorways to holiness. Within these wounds you will find strength and virtue as well as a shield to repel the flaming arrows of the evil one.

I don't think many Catholics meditate or pray to the Holy Wounds these days, maybe it is considered outdated or old fashioned, but I guarantee you those who think so are totally off. The Holy Wounds are a spiritual treasure, full of power and light. Offered to the Father, the Holy Wounds rain upon sinful humanity the pardon and mercy of the Most Holy Trinity.

"Eternal Father, we offer you the wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ, to heal those of our souls."
"My Jesus pardon and mercy, through the merits, of Thy Holy Wounds."

God bless!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Day 23 of Lent

I am currently reading a book on the life of St. Martin de Porres, published by TAN books.

Though I have only read the first 40 pages, I am amazed at St. Martin prayer life. On the one hand it seems so unreal, but on the other hand it is truly beautiful and holy.

I can see numerous similarities between Martin's prayer life and the prayer life practiced by St. Peter Claver.

One aspect of Martin's prayer life that stands out, and also stood out when I read the life of Peter Claver, is the nightly vigils they kept. Both saints slept very little because they spent hours praying during the quiet of the night into the early morning. Both saints were also blessed with the grace of contemplative prayer where they would be so wrapped up in God's love, that they were oblivious to what was happening around them.

Like the morning, praying at night is a awesome time to pray. What an great witness St. Martin is to the transforming power and glory of prayer.

God bless!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Day 22 of Lent

Christ crucified can teach us many lessons about the spiritual life. One lesson in particular that the crucifixion can teach us is the value of "patience."

Our Lord, never lost His patience while He hung upon the cross, suspended between Heaven and earth. He was always in control!

While suffering the most humiliating and painful death, Jesus cried to the Father: "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do." He told the good thief, "Today, you will be with me in paradise." He also said to His mother and the beloved disciple, "behold your son, son behold your mother."

If Jesus could be patient throughout His crucifixion, why cant I within my home, my workplace and my social surroundings?

God bless!