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!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Day 20 of Lent
This morning, to my delightful surprise, I noticed that it was the feast day of St. John of God.
John lived a very interesting life. He served in the army, was a shepherd, sold catholic books and religious items and even spent time in a mental institution. In fact, he did not discover his true vocation until he was in his forties.
John's religious vocation took the form of helping the poor and sick in the city of Granada. Whenever I think of St. John, I think of (Jn. 13:3-16), where Jesus washes the feet of His disciples.
Like Jesus, John washed away the poverty and the sickness of those whom society rejected. He cared for, and loved, the sick and suffering in imitation of Jesus.
If there is one lesson St. John of God can teach me it is this: to stop thinking about myself and instead, to start thinking about my neighbor..
God bless!
John lived a very interesting life. He served in the army, was a shepherd, sold catholic books and religious items and even spent time in a mental institution. In fact, he did not discover his true vocation until he was in his forties.
John's religious vocation took the form of helping the poor and sick in the city of Granada. Whenever I think of St. John, I think of (Jn. 13:3-16), where Jesus washes the feet of His disciples.
Like Jesus, John washed away the poverty and the sickness of those whom society rejected. He cared for, and loved, the sick and suffering in imitation of Jesus.
If there is one lesson St. John of God can teach me it is this: to stop thinking about myself and instead, to start thinking about my neighbor..
God bless!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Day 19 of Lent
In today's Gospel Jesus tells a parable of the fig tree.
In this parable, the owner of the vineyard wants to cut down the fig tree because it is barren, it is not producing figs. But the "vine dresser" steps forward and intercedes for the fig tree by telling the owner he will care for it and help it bear fruit.
Long ago a priest once told me that he recognized in this parable, Christ as the "owner", and the Blessed Virgin Mary as the "vine dresser."
We should never forget the role that Our Lady/Mother plays in our salvation. She intercedes for us, and does her very best to cultivate virtue and holiness within our hearts and souls so that we, unlike the fig tree, may bear fruit for the Kingdom.
During this Lenten season I have tried, and will continue to try, to turn to Our Lady, begging her to help me repent and believe in the Gospel.
God Bless!
In this parable, the owner of the vineyard wants to cut down the fig tree because it is barren, it is not producing figs. But the "vine dresser" steps forward and intercedes for the fig tree by telling the owner he will care for it and help it bear fruit.
Long ago a priest once told me that he recognized in this parable, Christ as the "owner", and the Blessed Virgin Mary as the "vine dresser."
We should never forget the role that Our Lady/Mother plays in our salvation. She intercedes for us, and does her very best to cultivate virtue and holiness within our hearts and souls so that we, unlike the fig tree, may bear fruit for the Kingdom.
During this Lenten season I have tried, and will continue to try, to turn to Our Lady, begging her to help me repent and believe in the Gospel.
God Bless!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Day 18 of Lent
Recently, I finished reading a book on "prayer." Though the majority of the book was a beautiful meditation on the Our Father, which is the greatest of prayers next to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the author responded to questions people normally have about the life of prayer.
One question he responded to, dealt with the relationship between work and prayer. In my opinion the author made a valid argument against those people who believe that daily labor or even the apostolate can substitute for authentic prayer.
It is very easy to fill our day with endless activities while neglecting to pray. This is one reason why many people who are engaged in apostolic activity or just the ordinary grind of daily life, lose steam and find themselves drifting far from the faith and far from God.
To grow closer to God and to set our hearts aflame with love for Jesus and neighbor one must spend ample time each day in prayer. Of course for many of us this is not easy, but then again who ever said being a disciple of the Lamb of God would ever be easy.
God bless!
One question he responded to, dealt with the relationship between work and prayer. In my opinion the author made a valid argument against those people who believe that daily labor or even the apostolate can substitute for authentic prayer.
It is very easy to fill our day with endless activities while neglecting to pray. This is one reason why many people who are engaged in apostolic activity or just the ordinary grind of daily life, lose steam and find themselves drifting far from the faith and far from God.
To grow closer to God and to set our hearts aflame with love for Jesus and neighbor one must spend ample time each day in prayer. Of course for many of us this is not easy, but then again who ever said being a disciple of the Lamb of God would ever be easy.
God bless!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Day 17 of Lent
Today is the first Friday of the Month, a day which is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Early tomorrow morning I am scheduled to participate in Eucharistic adoration. I have been going to Eucharistic adoration for several years now and I am always looking forward to spending time with Jesus, even though I must admit that getting up in the early (am) can be a bit rough at times.
On Friday's, whether its Lent or not, I tend to make my daily reflection on the Crucifixion. There are many dimensions of the spiritual life that issue forth from Christ's suffering and death on the cross. The one dimension that I am drawn to, that never grows old, is that of charity.
With outstretched arms Christ bids all souls to come to Him and experience His love and mercy. The cross impels me to love God and neighbor and to recognize that love is not about feelings, but instead, love is about sacrifice.
God bless!
Early tomorrow morning I am scheduled to participate in Eucharistic adoration. I have been going to Eucharistic adoration for several years now and I am always looking forward to spending time with Jesus, even though I must admit that getting up in the early (am) can be a bit rough at times.
On Friday's, whether its Lent or not, I tend to make my daily reflection on the Crucifixion. There are many dimensions of the spiritual life that issue forth from Christ's suffering and death on the cross. The one dimension that I am drawn to, that never grows old, is that of charity.
With outstretched arms Christ bids all souls to come to Him and experience His love and mercy. The cross impels me to love God and neighbor and to recognize that love is not about feelings, but instead, love is about sacrifice.
God bless!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Day 15 of Lent
While visiting several of my favorite Catholic websites today, I came across an article that dealt with the chief exorcist of Rome, Fr. Gabriel Amorth. From what I read, Fr. Amorth, who recently published a book of his memoirs, wrote about satanic sects residing within the Vatican and how some priests, monsignors and cardinals were involved in these sects.
Of course this news item caught my attention and from what I read has caught the attention of many others. Whether the revelations are true or not, I do hope Fr. Amorth is mistaken about satanic cults existing within the Vatican, this story is a powerful reminder that 1) satan exists, and 2) no one is exempt from his attacks.
We should remember what St. Peter wrote, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
God bless!
Of course this news item caught my attention and from what I read has caught the attention of many others. Whether the revelations are true or not, I do hope Fr. Amorth is mistaken about satanic cults existing within the Vatican, this story is a powerful reminder that 1) satan exists, and 2) no one is exempt from his attacks.
We should remember what St. Peter wrote, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
God bless!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Day 14 of Lent
The Second Vatican Council reminds the laity that they are a pilgrim people who are traveling toward the heavenly city!
Unfortunately, I am often guilty of forgetting that my true home is not here on earth, but rather is in Heaven. With the hustle and bustle of daily life I lose sight of the fact, that I am a pilgrim whose destination is not the next town or country, but my Father's heavenly home.
This Lenten journey 2010, has slowly opened my eyes to the realization that I cannot get so caught up with the events of daily life, as hard as that may be, but rather need to remind myself that my time on earth is a time of preparation for eternity with God.
God bless!
Unfortunately, I am often guilty of forgetting that my true home is not here on earth, but rather is in Heaven. With the hustle and bustle of daily life I lose sight of the fact, that I am a pilgrim whose destination is not the next town or country, but my Father's heavenly home.
This Lenten journey 2010, has slowly opened my eyes to the realization that I cannot get so caught up with the events of daily life, as hard as that may be, but rather need to remind myself that my time on earth is a time of preparation for eternity with God.
God bless!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Day 13 of Lent
There is nothing new to report today. It was a quiet Monday on the spiritual front!
Like all journey's there always seems to be days that are uneventful or just plain ordinary, and today was one of those days.
I am still trying to incorporate a little more silence into my prayer life. It's hard when time constraints seem to be a real issue. What can one do, except try! Silence is important and necessary. Prayer is not just about talking to God, but is also about listening to Him.
One word that I have encountered several times since Lent began is the word, "fidelity." Fidelity means, "the quality of being faithful." I have had to ask myself, and will continue to ask myself during Lent, whether my fidelity to Jesus Christ is authentic or needs improvement.
God bless!
Like all journey's there always seems to be days that are uneventful or just plain ordinary, and today was one of those days.
I am still trying to incorporate a little more silence into my prayer life. It's hard when time constraints seem to be a real issue. What can one do, except try! Silence is important and necessary. Prayer is not just about talking to God, but is also about listening to Him.
One word that I have encountered several times since Lent began is the word, "fidelity." Fidelity means, "the quality of being faithful." I have had to ask myself, and will continue to ask myself during Lent, whether my fidelity to Jesus Christ is authentic or needs improvement.
God bless!
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