The Gospel reading for today: "The Transfiguration" was very profound and uplifting, but what really hit me was the reading from St. Paul's letter to the Phillipians, Chapter 3.
St. Paul writes about the enemies of the cross and how their "shame is their glory." When I heard that line, I could not help but think about people who are proud of their sinful lives. These same people boast about their sins as though God did not exist or that what they have done is in no way immoral.
The doorway to salvation is the cross. People forget that Good Friday comes before Easter Sunday. The same people who embrace their shame as their glory could be classified as enemies of the cross. And if they are enemies of cross they surely cannot be friends of the resurrection.
Our Lady of Fatima, requested that we pray for the conversion of poor sinners. During this Lenten season I will make an extra effort to pray for sinners especially those who boast of their sinfulness.
God bless!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Day 11 of Lent
Today I will go to confession.
This morning I made a thorough examination of conscience, using as my guide the 10 commandments and 7 deadly sins. Even though two weeks has elapsed since I last went to confession, sins have a tendency to pile up, if you know what I mean.
Last night, my wife and I finished watching the movie, "Collision." We both enjoyed this BBC drama. In my opinion the theme of the movie was how one person's decision to act or decision not to act can cause a chain of events that affect the lives of others.
Is this not how sin works? So many people believe that sin is personal. They don't see how the sins they commit, affect others. When you commit sin it is like taking a stone and throwing it into the middle of a pond. Once the stone hits the water it causes a ripple effect. This same principle applies to sin.
Let us stop fooling ourselves and realize that sin affects not only ourselves, but others and even more importantly affects Jesus, who died on the cross for our salvation.
God bless.
This morning I made a thorough examination of conscience, using as my guide the 10 commandments and 7 deadly sins. Even though two weeks has elapsed since I last went to confession, sins have a tendency to pile up, if you know what I mean.
Last night, my wife and I finished watching the movie, "Collision." We both enjoyed this BBC drama. In my opinion the theme of the movie was how one person's decision to act or decision not to act can cause a chain of events that affect the lives of others.
Is this not how sin works? So many people believe that sin is personal. They don't see how the sins they commit, affect others. When you commit sin it is like taking a stone and throwing it into the middle of a pond. Once the stone hits the water it causes a ripple effect. This same principle applies to sin.
Let us stop fooling ourselves and realize that sin affects not only ourselves, but others and even more importantly affects Jesus, who died on the cross for our salvation.
God bless.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Day 10 of Lent
I woke up this morning hoping against all hope that it was Saturday, but soon realized, as I shut off my alarm, that it was only Friday and I had to get up and get ready for work.
Every morning, after I get dressed and take a few large gulps of coffee to wake up, I pray the "morning offering." There are various versions of the offering that many Catholics use, but my favorite is the traditional morning offering, used by the "Apostleship of Prayer" which I am proud to be a member of. The prayer goes:
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, and the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our bishops and of all Apostles of Prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month.
Every morning, after I get dressed and take a few large gulps of coffee to wake up, I pray the "morning offering." There are various versions of the offering that many Catholics use, but my favorite is the traditional morning offering, used by the "Apostleship of Prayer" which I am proud to be a member of. The prayer goes:
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, and the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our bishops and of all Apostles of Prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month.
This beautiful prayer sustains me throughout the day and reminds me that everything I do, if done with the right attitude and disposition, will not only give glory to God, but help me become a saint.
If you do not pray the "morning offering" or some version of it, I recommend that you begin today. It will not only please Jesus, but will help you grow in the love and mercy of God.
God bless!
If you do not pray the "morning offering" or some version of it, I recommend that you begin today. It will not only please Jesus, but will help you grow in the love and mercy of God.
God bless!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Day 9 of Lent
My morning meditation focused on eternity!
One day St. Teresa explained to her nuns that, "we have but one soul, and if that is lost , all is lost,..." It is a hard truth to accept that once a soul steps into the realm of mortal sin, it not only becomes consumed by darkness, but has lost the chance at eternity with God, unless of course one repents and receives absolution through the sacrament of reconciliation.
One of the meditations that I reflect on periodically, calls me to recognize that all lives follow two paths, the first path leads to Heaven while the second path leads to Hell. This meditation is founded upon the words of Christ, who said, "Enter the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." (Mt. 6:13-14)
In my opinion, focusing on eternity helps me understand the simple truth that "only" two roads exist, one will lead me to the beautific vision while the other to despair and darkness.
God bless!
One day St. Teresa explained to her nuns that, "we have but one soul, and if that is lost , all is lost,..." It is a hard truth to accept that once a soul steps into the realm of mortal sin, it not only becomes consumed by darkness, but has lost the chance at eternity with God, unless of course one repents and receives absolution through the sacrament of reconciliation.
One of the meditations that I reflect on periodically, calls me to recognize that all lives follow two paths, the first path leads to Heaven while the second path leads to Hell. This meditation is founded upon the words of Christ, who said, "Enter the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." (Mt. 6:13-14)
In my opinion, focusing on eternity helps me understand the simple truth that "only" two roads exist, one will lead me to the beautific vision while the other to despair and darkness.
God bless!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Day 8 of Lent
Today the Lord taught me a valuable lesson! What did I learn? I learned that less is better than more.
When it comes to prayer, I have the tendency to bite off more than I can chew. In other words, I want to pray a great deal without taking into consideration that my vocation and mission in life is not that of a monk or hermit.
Prayer is not about quantity, but quality!
Through several events, I wont bore you with the details, Jesus taught me that I should not take stock of how many prayers I say or meditations I make, but to make sure that when I do say my prayers and make my meditations I do so - slowly, attentively and reverently.
God bless!
When it comes to prayer, I have the tendency to bite off more than I can chew. In other words, I want to pray a great deal without taking into consideration that my vocation and mission in life is not that of a monk or hermit.
Prayer is not about quantity, but quality!
Through several events, I wont bore you with the details, Jesus taught me that I should not take stock of how many prayers I say or meditations I make, but to make sure that when I do say my prayers and make my meditations I do so - slowly, attentively and reverently.
God bless!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Day 7 of Lent
During my lunch break I went to the local Church and spent some time with Jesus.
The Church, which is on the small side, although not too small, was empty, which is usually the case when I visit Our Lord.
As I said my prayers and remained quiet in the presence of Jesus, I became aware of how privileged I was to be in the presence of the second person of the Holy Trinity. I know, at times, I take Jesus for granted, especially when visiting Him during the day. When entering a Church, I must be more aware of Who resides in the tabernacle and recognize what an awesome grace it is to spend time with the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
God bless!
The Church, which is on the small side, although not too small, was empty, which is usually the case when I visit Our Lord.
As I said my prayers and remained quiet in the presence of Jesus, I became aware of how privileged I was to be in the presence of the second person of the Holy Trinity. I know, at times, I take Jesus for granted, especially when visiting Him during the day. When entering a Church, I must be more aware of Who resides in the tabernacle and recognize what an awesome grace it is to spend time with the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
God bless!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Day 6 of Lent
Since beginning my Lenten blog I have not given an update as to how I am living out my spiritual map, traveling over the 7 mountains I listed on Ash Wednesday.
Though I cannot take any credit for it, by God's grace, I am doing well. Over the past six days I have daily: made the stations of the cross, prayed the five Sorrowful mysteries, read the Gospel account - in small doses - of the Passion, and have also done my best to make a good examination of conscience.
Since listing the 7 spiritual mountains, I have been also been praying over the seven sorrows that pierced Our Lady's Immaculate Heart and have daily reflected upon the seven last words of Christ.
Of course my reflections and prayers are brief, nevertheless they are slowly helping me recognize how much Jesus and His Mother Mary love me and how I am called to live a life of fidelity, faith and charity.
God bless!
Though I cannot take any credit for it, by God's grace, I am doing well. Over the past six days I have daily: made the stations of the cross, prayed the five Sorrowful mysteries, read the Gospel account - in small doses - of the Passion, and have also done my best to make a good examination of conscience.
Since listing the 7 spiritual mountains, I have been also been praying over the seven sorrows that pierced Our Lady's Immaculate Heart and have daily reflected upon the seven last words of Christ.
Of course my reflections and prayers are brief, nevertheless they are slowly helping me recognize how much Jesus and His Mother Mary love me and how I am called to live a life of fidelity, faith and charity.
God bless!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Day 5 of Lent
Today is the 1st Sunday of Lent!
Like every Catholic who went to Mass today, or even last night, we heard the Gospel account of how Christ, before beginning His public ministry, was tempted in the desert by satan. The homily I heard was very good, the celebrant focused on the theme of faith/trust in God. Unfortunately, he never once referred to the Gospel story that was proclaimed nor made reference to the enemy of souls, nor temptation.
I guess more can be deduced from what is not said, than what is said.
In my opinion, every Catholic needs to be reminded that satan is a reality and not a figment of the medieval imagination. Satan is the father of lies and a murderer from the beginning. His whole game plan is focused on preventing souls from entering Heaven. By acknowledging the existence of satan and recognizing his mission we can take steps to remain friends with God and keep the "enemy" at bay.
I want to wish my new nephew, Frank, a Happy Birthday!
My prayer for you is:
May the holy angels watch over you.
May the Immaculate Heart of Mary, guide you.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy upon you.
And may St. Peter Damien, intercede for you.
Amen!
Like every Catholic who went to Mass today, or even last night, we heard the Gospel account of how Christ, before beginning His public ministry, was tempted in the desert by satan. The homily I heard was very good, the celebrant focused on the theme of faith/trust in God. Unfortunately, he never once referred to the Gospel story that was proclaimed nor made reference to the enemy of souls, nor temptation.
I guess more can be deduced from what is not said, than what is said.
In my opinion, every Catholic needs to be reminded that satan is a reality and not a figment of the medieval imagination. Satan is the father of lies and a murderer from the beginning. His whole game plan is focused on preventing souls from entering Heaven. By acknowledging the existence of satan and recognizing his mission we can take steps to remain friends with God and keep the "enemy" at bay.
I want to wish my new nephew, Frank, a Happy Birthday!
My prayer for you is:
May the holy angels watch over you.
May the Immaculate Heart of Mary, guide you.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy upon you.
And may St. Peter Damien, intercede for you.
Amen!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Day 4 of Lent
Today was a very special day because my eight year old daughter received the sacrament of reconciliation for the very first time. In May she will make her first communion.
As the children lined up to go to confession, I looked at the other parents sitting in the pews waiting anxiously. I wondered how many of the parents went to confession on a regular basis? Both my wife and I go at least once a month, I more frequently since I am the greater sinner. My wife and I definitely try to make the sacrament of reconciliation a priority in our spiritual lives.
I had a thought... In order to encourage more parents to go to confession regularly why not require them to go to confession prior to their children. Not only would it open the door for parents to receive God's mercy and love in a special way, but it would allow them to stand out as witnesses to the importance and relevance of this beautiful sacrament.
God bless!
As the children lined up to go to confession, I looked at the other parents sitting in the pews waiting anxiously. I wondered how many of the parents went to confession on a regular basis? Both my wife and I go at least once a month, I more frequently since I am the greater sinner. My wife and I definitely try to make the sacrament of reconciliation a priority in our spiritual lives.
I had a thought... In order to encourage more parents to go to confession regularly why not require them to go to confession prior to their children. Not only would it open the door for parents to receive God's mercy and love in a special way, but it would allow them to stand out as witnesses to the importance and relevance of this beautiful sacrament.
God bless!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Day 3 of Lent
Today at work, my department, remembered a co-worker who passed away a year or so ago from cancer.
This day of remembrance also helped me reflect upon the first "reality" of what we Catholics would traditionally call the "Last Four Things," death.
If there is one thing in this world that is a sure bet, it is that each one of us will one day die. As Our Good Lord said, "no one knows the day nor the hour," therefore we should always be ready to meet God face to face.
One principle that has helped me prepare for death, is to live my day as though it were my last. As I have discovered, it is not an easy principle to put into practice, but on those rare occasions when I have, I tend to pray more devoutly, perform my daily duties with greater patience and resignation and practice a greater degree of charity.
Of course I have a long way to go before I can put this principle into motion on a regular basis, so maybe I should use this Lenten season as a spring board to consistently get into the habit of living my day as though it were my last?...
This day of remembrance also helped me reflect upon the first "reality" of what we Catholics would traditionally call the "Last Four Things," death.
If there is one thing in this world that is a sure bet, it is that each one of us will one day die. As Our Good Lord said, "no one knows the day nor the hour," therefore we should always be ready to meet God face to face.
One principle that has helped me prepare for death, is to live my day as though it were my last. As I have discovered, it is not an easy principle to put into practice, but on those rare occasions when I have, I tend to pray more devoutly, perform my daily duties with greater patience and resignation and practice a greater degree of charity.
Of course I have a long way to go before I can put this principle into motion on a regular basis, so maybe I should use this Lenten season as a spring board to consistently get into the habit of living my day as though it were my last?...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Day 2 of Lent
Our God is a God of surprises and blessings!
This morning at work my supervisor approached me and handed me a beautiful medal of John Paul II. He received the medal when visiting St. Peter's square and later that same day the Pope blessed it. What a wonderful and awesome gift!
Of course I thanked my supervisor for the medal, which I am currently wearing around my neck, and pondered the spiritual significance behind it. After considerable reflection, I came to the conclusion that Jesus wants me to use John Paul II as another guide, beside St. Alphonsus Ligouri, for my Lenten journey.
I have now placed John Paul II, along with St. Alphonsus, upon the 4th mountain. As a wise man once said, "the more the merrier!"
Today, St. Alphonsus reminded me that Jesus' love for me is so great, that he offered Himself up to the Father for my redemption and salvation.
See you all tomorrow...
This morning at work my supervisor approached me and handed me a beautiful medal of John Paul II. He received the medal when visiting St. Peter's square and later that same day the Pope blessed it. What a wonderful and awesome gift!
Of course I thanked my supervisor for the medal, which I am currently wearing around my neck, and pondered the spiritual significance behind it. After considerable reflection, I came to the conclusion that Jesus wants me to use John Paul II as another guide, beside St. Alphonsus Ligouri, for my Lenten journey.
I have now placed John Paul II, along with St. Alphonsus, upon the 4th mountain. As a wise man once said, "the more the merrier!"
Today, St. Alphonsus reminded me that Jesus' love for me is so great, that he offered Himself up to the Father for my redemption and salvation.
See you all tomorrow...
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Ash Wednesday
Day 1 -
In today's liturgical readings, the Church, reminds me of the three pillars of Lent:
1) Almsgiving
2) Fasting
3) Prayer
Of course they would be the three things I have most difficulty with, but with God's grace nothing is impossible!
During my lunch break I went to a local parish and visited Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
I asked the Lord to grant me a spiritual map to use as a guide during my Lenten journey, the map I received consisted of seven mountains --
Mountain number 1: pray the sorrowful mysteries each day.
Mountain number 2: make the stations of the cross.
Mountain number 3: read the Passion narrative from the Gospels.
Mountain number 4: have St. Alphonsus Ligouri be my guide.
Mountain number 5: Live in the present moment, not in the past and not in the future.
Mountain number 6: Have a special devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows.
Mountain number 7: Make a good examination of conscience every night.
So there you have it. My spiritual map for Lent.
More to follow...
In today's liturgical readings, the Church, reminds me of the three pillars of Lent:
1) Almsgiving
2) Fasting
3) Prayer
Of course they would be the three things I have most difficulty with, but with God's grace nothing is impossible!
During my lunch break I went to a local parish and visited Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
I asked the Lord to grant me a spiritual map to use as a guide during my Lenten journey, the map I received consisted of seven mountains --
Mountain number 1: pray the sorrowful mysteries each day.
Mountain number 2: make the stations of the cross.
Mountain number 3: read the Passion narrative from the Gospels.
Mountain number 4: have St. Alphonsus Ligouri be my guide.
Mountain number 5: Live in the present moment, not in the past and not in the future.
Mountain number 6: Have a special devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows.
Mountain number 7: Make a good examination of conscience every night.
So there you have it. My spiritual map for Lent.
More to follow...
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
40 days of Lent with Brian
Spiritual Fragments --
For the next 40 days, starting tomorrow - February 17th - Ash Wednesday - I will daily jot down reflections, spiritual insights, happenings and everything in between about my spiritual journey through the season of Lent.
God bless and see you tomorrow!
For the next 40 days, starting tomorrow - February 17th - Ash Wednesday - I will daily jot down reflections, spiritual insights, happenings and everything in between about my spiritual journey through the season of Lent.
God bless and see you tomorrow!
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