Thursday, December 31, 2009
Catholics Come Home
Catholics Come Home: "Coming home has never been easier. We are family. Welcome home."
Trouble and Peace
“Jesus said we have both peace and trouble together. Peace is not the absence of trouble; peace is the relationship we have with Jesus Christ, which deepens while we are going through trouble.”
Father Michael Scanlan, TOR
The Truth About Trouble, Servant Books
Father Michael Scanlan, TOR
The Truth About Trouble, Servant Books
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
When People Question Your Motives
"As soon as worldly people see that you wish to follow a devout life they aim a thousand darts of mockery and even detraction at you. The most malicious of them will slander your conversion as hypocrisy, bigotry, and trickery. . . .
"Philothea, all this is mere foolish, empty babbling. These people aren't interested in your health or welfare. 'If you were of the world, the world would love what is its own but because you are not of the world, therefore the world hates you,; says the Savior. We have seen gentlemen and ladies spend the whole night, even many nights one after another, playing chess or cards. Is there any concentration more absurd, gloomy, or depressing than this last? Yet worldly people don't say a word and the players' friends don't bother their heads about it.
"If we spend an hour in meditation or get up a little earlier than usual in the morning to prepare for Holy Communion, everyone runs for a doctor to cure us of hypochondria and jaundice. People can pass thirty nights in dancing and no one complains about it, but if they watch through a single Christmas night they cough and claim their stomach is upset the next morning. Does anyone fail to see that the world is an unjust judge, gracious and well disposed to its own children but harsh and rigorous towards the children of God?
"We can never please the world unless we lose ourselves together with it. It is so demanding that it can't be satisfied. "John came neither eating nor drinking," says the Savior, and you say, "He has a devil." "The Son of man came eating and drinking" and you say that he is "a Samaritan."
"It is true, Philothea, that if we are ready to laugh, play cards, or dance with the world in order to please it, it will be scandalized at us, and if we don't, it will accuse us of hypocrisy or melancholy. If we dress well, it will attribute it to some plan we have, and if we neglect our dress, it will accuse of us of being cheap and stingy. Good humor will be called frivolity and mortification sullenness. Thus the world looks at us with an evil eye and we can never please it. It exaggerates our imperfections and claims they are sins, turns our venial sins into mortal sins and changes our sins of weakness into sins of malice.
"'Charity is kind,' says Saint Paul, but the world on the contrary is evil. "Charity thinks no evil," but the world always thinks evil and when it can't condemn our acts it will condemn our intentions. Whether the sheep have horns or not and whether they are white or black, the wolf doesn't hesitate to eat them if he can.
"Whatever we do, the world will wage war on us. If we stay a long time in the confessional, it will wonder how we can have so much to say; if we stay only a short time, it will say we haven't told everything. It will watch all our actions and at a single little angry word it will protest that we can't get along with anyone. To take care of our own interests will look like avarice, while meekness will look like folly. As for the children of the world, their anger is called being blunt, their avarice economy, their intimate conversations lawful discussions. Spiders always spoil the good work of the bees.
"Let us give up this blind world, Philothea. Let it cry out at us as long as it pleases, like a cat that cries out to frighten birds in the daytime. Let us be firm in our purposes and unswerving in our resolutions. Perseverance will prove whether we have sincerely sacrificed ourselves to God and dedicated ourselves to a devout life. Comets and planets seem to have just about the same light, but comets are merely fiery masses that pass by and after a while disappear, while planets remain perpetually bright. So also hypocrisy and true virtue have a close resemblance in outward appearance but they can be easily distinguished from one another.
"Hypocrisy cannot last long but is quickly dissipated like rising smoke, whereas true virtue is always firm and constant. It is no little assistance for a sure start in devotion if we first suffer criticism and calumny because of it. In this way we escape the danger of pride and vanity, which are comparable to the Egyptian midwives whom a cruel Pharaoh had ordered to kill the Israelites' male children on the very day of their birth. We are crucified to the world and the world must be crucified to us. The world holds us to be fools; let us hold it to be mad.
St. Francis de Sales
Introduction To The Devout Life
"Philothea, all this is mere foolish, empty babbling. These people aren't interested in your health or welfare. 'If you were of the world, the world would love what is its own but because you are not of the world, therefore the world hates you,; says the Savior. We have seen gentlemen and ladies spend the whole night, even many nights one after another, playing chess or cards. Is there any concentration more absurd, gloomy, or depressing than this last? Yet worldly people don't say a word and the players' friends don't bother their heads about it.
"If we spend an hour in meditation or get up a little earlier than usual in the morning to prepare for Holy Communion, everyone runs for a doctor to cure us of hypochondria and jaundice. People can pass thirty nights in dancing and no one complains about it, but if they watch through a single Christmas night they cough and claim their stomach is upset the next morning. Does anyone fail to see that the world is an unjust judge, gracious and well disposed to its own children but harsh and rigorous towards the children of God?
"We can never please the world unless we lose ourselves together with it. It is so demanding that it can't be satisfied. "John came neither eating nor drinking," says the Savior, and you say, "He has a devil." "The Son of man came eating and drinking" and you say that he is "a Samaritan."
"It is true, Philothea, that if we are ready to laugh, play cards, or dance with the world in order to please it, it will be scandalized at us, and if we don't, it will accuse us of hypocrisy or melancholy. If we dress well, it will attribute it to some plan we have, and if we neglect our dress, it will accuse of us of being cheap and stingy. Good humor will be called frivolity and mortification sullenness. Thus the world looks at us with an evil eye and we can never please it. It exaggerates our imperfections and claims they are sins, turns our venial sins into mortal sins and changes our sins of weakness into sins of malice.
"'Charity is kind,' says Saint Paul, but the world on the contrary is evil. "Charity thinks no evil," but the world always thinks evil and when it can't condemn our acts it will condemn our intentions. Whether the sheep have horns or not and whether they are white or black, the wolf doesn't hesitate to eat them if he can.
"Whatever we do, the world will wage war on us. If we stay a long time in the confessional, it will wonder how we can have so much to say; if we stay only a short time, it will say we haven't told everything. It will watch all our actions and at a single little angry word it will protest that we can't get along with anyone. To take care of our own interests will look like avarice, while meekness will look like folly. As for the children of the world, their anger is called being blunt, their avarice economy, their intimate conversations lawful discussions. Spiders always spoil the good work of the bees.
"Let us give up this blind world, Philothea. Let it cry out at us as long as it pleases, like a cat that cries out to frighten birds in the daytime. Let us be firm in our purposes and unswerving in our resolutions. Perseverance will prove whether we have sincerely sacrificed ourselves to God and dedicated ourselves to a devout life. Comets and planets seem to have just about the same light, but comets are merely fiery masses that pass by and after a while disappear, while planets remain perpetually bright. So also hypocrisy and true virtue have a close resemblance in outward appearance but they can be easily distinguished from one another.
"Hypocrisy cannot last long but is quickly dissipated like rising smoke, whereas true virtue is always firm and constant. It is no little assistance for a sure start in devotion if we first suffer criticism and calumny because of it. In this way we escape the danger of pride and vanity, which are comparable to the Egyptian midwives whom a cruel Pharaoh had ordered to kill the Israelites' male children on the very day of their birth. We are crucified to the world and the world must be crucified to us. The world holds us to be fools; let us hold it to be mad.
St. Francis de Sales
Introduction To The Devout Life
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
My Favorite Bumper Sticker
I haven't found this one yet, but I heard from someone who has. In large letters it says: "Pray For Obama." Then in small print it has the Bible reference Psalms 109:8, which reads:
"Let his days be few; and may another take his office."
Amen to that!
"Let his days be few; and may another take his office."
Amen to that!
Christmas Day Miracle
You know you're here for a reason when something like this happens. If you're tired of reading about terrorists and child molesters, give this a read. What a beautiful story.
Friday, December 25, 2009
In The Midst Of My Darkness
"'In the midst of my darkness and shame, you broke through the veil and called out my name. So strong and yet so mild, I wasn't sure how to approach. Only pure Love could come in such form, but I had no gift to give Him besides my raging storm. He looked at my gift and with a gentle smile He did say, 'While I may not bring it to an end, in the midst of it all, I will always with you stay.''
Esther Bonds
Esther Bonds
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Our Little Drummer Boy
Isaac loves to drum on things and lately he has shown a lot of musical aptitude. He climbed up on this dining room chair and played me a concert with two sticks and the back of the chair complete with wild drummer moves that would have put Phil Collins to shame. You go boy! Just remember to always play for Jesus.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Imitation of Christ
“The imitation of Christ is the highest type of virtue. Christ walked in love among us for thirty-three years and ‘went about doing good’. He offered Himself willingly and lovingly, not under compulsion, in order to secure our welfare. ‘Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God.’ Christ’s sacrifice destroyed the evil of our sin. The Father was pleased with the fragrant incense of the oblation of Calvary. There is no limitation to our Lord’s love for us. To die, if necessary, for those we love, is the greatest proof of love, and Jesus gave His life for us.”
Lawrence G. Lovasik
The Hidden Power of Kindness, Sofia Institute Press
Lawrence G. Lovasik
The Hidden Power of Kindness, Sofia Institute Press
Monday, December 21, 2009
The Sacraments
“St. Augustine said that in the sacraments, we become what we receive. After baptism, he said, ‘we have not only become Christians, but Christ himself… Stand in awe and rejoice, we have become Christ!’ Indeed, this divinization was the reason Christ established the sacraments.”
Scott Hahn & Mike Aquilina
Living the Mysteries: A Guide for Unfinished Christians, Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division
Scott Hahn & Mike Aquilina
Living the Mysteries: A Guide for Unfinished Christians, Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division
Friday, December 18, 2009
Happy Birthday Little Nicholas
This is such a beautiful story of a little boy born a year ago without a brain. It wasn't so long ago that babies like this were just thrown away and left to die a slow death. But thank God this little guy has been a blessing to many for the last year and for however long the Lord allows him to bless this world before he takes him home to bless heaven. Happy Birthday Little Nicholas!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Your Child May Find Himself Sent To Therapy For His Faith
OK, this is a real winner. A little boy is asked to draw a picture of something that reminds them of the holiday season. Now I'm open minded here. I would think it would be very normal for kids to draw a wide variety of things. Jewish kids might draw a dandle or a menorah. Most of the kids would draw something about the gifts they want to get from their parents. I'd expect some pictures of reindeer, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, etc. But when a little boy whose family had just gone on pilgrimage to a Catholic shrine draws a crucifix, he ends up being sent to therapy! In fact, his whole family was put under scrutiny because the assumption was made that no sane child would draw a crucifix!? Now the poor kid has to move to another school and try to get a fresh start after being made the focus of an investigation and a completely unnecessary intervention.
If only the adults of this country realized that all the sweetness of Christmas is because God came in the flesh, in the form of a little baby, to sanctify human life and ultimately to redeem the human race by his sacrifice of himself on the cross. If the theme of these holidays is love, then this little guy had the right idea. While you're admiring the little baby in the manger, remember the God-man who gave himself to save the souls of men and women.
If only the adults of this country realized that all the sweetness of Christmas is because God came in the flesh, in the form of a little baby, to sanctify human life and ultimately to redeem the human race by his sacrifice of himself on the cross. If the theme of these holidays is love, then this little guy had the right idea. While you're admiring the little baby in the manger, remember the God-man who gave himself to save the souls of men and women.
Pray for Peace in Afganistan
I can't imagine what it must be like to be them. But the Marines have always had a special place in my heart and I am hoping you all will join me in praying for victory in Afghanistan and safety for our boys.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Carmel Awaits!
When I realized that my kids were approaching the age of emancipation, I figured that I would soon be able to live the kind of quiet, contemplative life I have longed for ever since I became Catholic. See, inside, I’m a cloistered nun, and outside I’m a very busy Nana, Mom and full time employee. I’ve been struggling with the conflict for the last few years as it has become obvious that my own emancipation is not coming any time soon. My oldest daughter is back home with her two boys (that’s my major source of business) and my youngest daughter is home temporarily, working and planning on getting some credits out of the way before heading back to finish her degree out of state. That’s three women, two toddlers, an undisclosed number of cats, and a partridge in a pear tree! Oh, and two cars, which only adds to the chaos since all three women have jobs and other obligations that keep us moving most of the time.
So when, O Lord, do I get to soak in the silence of my home and Adore Your Holy Face? I’ve asked that question over and over. Then one day last week, I was reading the readings for the day and the Holy Spirit answered my question! “When He calls you home, it will be your time to enter your Carmel.” Now that wasn’t a new thought to me. We all tell ourselves that someday, when we go to heaven, all our troubles will end. But this time it struck me that I actually have a date, written down in the foreknowledge of God, when I will finally take my veil and enter into His Presence forever. I was downright giddy at the thought.
So in the meantime, I have learned to make diaper changing, toy restacking, dish washing, toy restacking, laundry, rush hour, deadlines, grocery shopping, toy restacking, etc. a prayer. I’ve learned that pouring my life out for those God has placed in my life is a good way to spend my novitiate. That doesn’t mean I don’t try to steal some time to practice praise and prayer, but I am far more content with waiting for solitude knowing that He has chosen the day and that Carmel awaits!
So when, O Lord, do I get to soak in the silence of my home and Adore Your Holy Face? I’ve asked that question over and over. Then one day last week, I was reading the readings for the day and the Holy Spirit answered my question! “When He calls you home, it will be your time to enter your Carmel.” Now that wasn’t a new thought to me. We all tell ourselves that someday, when we go to heaven, all our troubles will end. But this time it struck me that I actually have a date, written down in the foreknowledge of God, when I will finally take my veil and enter into His Presence forever. I was downright giddy at the thought.
So in the meantime, I have learned to make diaper changing, toy restacking, dish washing, toy restacking, laundry, rush hour, deadlines, grocery shopping, toy restacking, etc. a prayer. I’ve learned that pouring my life out for those God has placed in my life is a good way to spend my novitiate. That doesn’t mean I don’t try to steal some time to practice praise and prayer, but I am far more content with waiting for solitude knowing that He has chosen the day and that Carmel awaits!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Peace
"“Peace based on surrender to our passions is what the world gives, but the peace Jesus gives is founded on victory over our passions. The peace offered by the world is a source of unhappiness; the peace Jesus offers is a source of true joy. The Master said, ‘He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.” He meant that he who seeks himself instead of God finds unhappiness and death.”
Lawrence G. Lovasik
The Hidden Power of Kindness, Sofia Institute Press"
Lawrence G. Lovasik
The Hidden Power of Kindness, Sofia Institute Press"
Thursday, December 10, 2009
God Doesn't Want You To Live The Christian Life
"“The reality is that none of us can live this Christian life, not one. But the hope is that there is one who did, and his name is Jesus. God’s plan throughout salvation history was to put the life of the one who did live the Christian life, and is still living it, into the lives of those who can’t—us. God doesn’t want you to live the Christian life; if that’s what you think the invitation is, you’ve got it all wrong. He wants Jesus to live the Christian life in you! And through Jesus you are to become the very righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).”
Jim Beckman
God, Help Me, Servant Books"
Jim Beckman
God, Help Me, Servant Books"
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
You Tell 'im Harold!
This following letter was written by an American Hero who is 95 years young and has earned the right to speak his mind and speak for his country. I think his message is worth sharing. I checked snopes.com and he and his letter are genuine.
Dear President Obama,
My name is Harold Estes, approaching 95 on December 13 of this year. People meeting me for the first time don't believe my age because I remain wrinkle free and pretty much mentally alert.
I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1934 and served proudly before, during and after WW II, retiring as a Master Chief Bos'n Mate. Now I live in a "rest home" located on the western end of Pearl Harbor, allowing me to keep alive the memories of 23 years of service to my country.
One of the benefits of my age, perhaps the only one, is to speak my mind, blunt and direct, even to the head man.
So here goes.
I am amazed, angry and determined not to see my country die before I do, but you seem hell bent not to grant me that wish.
I can't figure out what country you are the president of.
You fly around the world telling our friends and enemies despicable lies like:
" We're no longer a Christian nation"
" America is arrogant" - (Your wife even
announced to the world, " America is mean-
spirited." Please tell her to try preaching
that nonsense to 23 generations of our
war dead buried all over the globe who
died for no other reason than to free a
whole lot of strangers from tyranny and
hopelessness.)
I'd say shame on the both of you, but I don't think you like America, nor do I see an ounce of gratefulness in anything you do, for the obvious gifts this country has given you. To be without shame or gratefulness is a dangerous thing for a man sitting in the White House.
After 9/11 you said, "America hasn't lived up to her ideals."
Which ones did you mean? Was it the notion of personal liberty that 11,000 farmers and shopkeepers died for to win independence from the British? Or maybe the ideal that no man should be a slave to another man, that 500,000 men died for in the Civil War? I hope you didn't mean the ideal 470,000 fathers, brothers, husbands, and a lot of fellas I knew personally died for in WWII, because we felt real strongly about not letting any nation push us around, because we stand for freedom.
I don't think you mean the ideal that says equality is better than discrimination. You know- the one that a whole lot of white people understood when they helped to get you elected.
Take a little advice from a very old geezer, young man.
Shape up and start acting like an American. If you don't, I'll do what I can to see you get shipped out of that fancy rental on Pennsylvania Avenue . You were elected to lead, not to bow, apologize and kiss the hands of murderers and corrupt leaders who still treat their people like slaves.
And just who do you think you are telling the American people not to jump to conclusions and condemn that Muslim major who killed 13 of his fellow soldiers and wounded dozens more. You mean you don't want us to do what you did when that white cop used force to subdue that black college professor in Massachusetts, who was putting up a fight? You don't mind offending the police calling them stupid but you don't want us to offend Muslim fanatics by calling them what they are, terrorists.
One more thing. I realize you never served in the military and never had to defend your country with your life, but you're the Commander-in-Chief now, son. Do your job. When your battle-hardened field General asks you for 40,000 more troops to complete the mission, give them to him. But if you're not in this fight to win, then get out. The life of one American soldier is not worth the best political strategy you're thinking of.
You could be our greatest president because you face the greatest challenge ever presented to any president.
You're not going to restore American greatness by bringing back our bloated economy. That's not our greatest threat. Losing the heart and soul of who we are as Americans is our big fight now.
And I sure as hell don't want to think my president is the enemy in this final battle.
Sincerely,
Harold B. Estes
Dear President Obama,
My name is Harold Estes, approaching 95 on December 13 of this year. People meeting me for the first time don't believe my age because I remain wrinkle free and pretty much mentally alert.
I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1934 and served proudly before, during and after WW II, retiring as a Master Chief Bos'n Mate. Now I live in a "rest home" located on the western end of Pearl Harbor, allowing me to keep alive the memories of 23 years of service to my country.
One of the benefits of my age, perhaps the only one, is to speak my mind, blunt and direct, even to the head man.
So here goes.
I am amazed, angry and determined not to see my country die before I do, but you seem hell bent not to grant me that wish.
I can't figure out what country you are the president of.
You fly around the world telling our friends and enemies despicable lies like:
" We're no longer a Christian nation"
" America is arrogant" - (Your wife even
announced to the world, " America is mean-
spirited." Please tell her to try preaching
that nonsense to 23 generations of our
war dead buried all over the globe who
died for no other reason than to free a
whole lot of strangers from tyranny and
hopelessness.)
I'd say shame on the both of you, but I don't think you like America, nor do I see an ounce of gratefulness in anything you do, for the obvious gifts this country has given you. To be without shame or gratefulness is a dangerous thing for a man sitting in the White House.
After 9/11 you said, "America hasn't lived up to her ideals."
Which ones did you mean? Was it the notion of personal liberty that 11,000 farmers and shopkeepers died for to win independence from the British? Or maybe the ideal that no man should be a slave to another man, that 500,000 men died for in the Civil War? I hope you didn't mean the ideal 470,000 fathers, brothers, husbands, and a lot of fellas I knew personally died for in WWII, because we felt real strongly about not letting any nation push us around, because we stand for freedom.
I don't think you mean the ideal that says equality is better than discrimination. You know- the one that a whole lot of white people understood when they helped to get you elected.
Take a little advice from a very old geezer, young man.
Shape up and start acting like an American. If you don't, I'll do what I can to see you get shipped out of that fancy rental on Pennsylvania Avenue . You were elected to lead, not to bow, apologize and kiss the hands of murderers and corrupt leaders who still treat their people like slaves.
And just who do you think you are telling the American people not to jump to conclusions and condemn that Muslim major who killed 13 of his fellow soldiers and wounded dozens more. You mean you don't want us to do what you did when that white cop used force to subdue that black college professor in Massachusetts, who was putting up a fight? You don't mind offending the police calling them stupid but you don't want us to offend Muslim fanatics by calling them what they are, terrorists.
One more thing. I realize you never served in the military and never had to defend your country with your life, but you're the Commander-in-Chief now, son. Do your job. When your battle-hardened field General asks you for 40,000 more troops to complete the mission, give them to him. But if you're not in this fight to win, then get out. The life of one American soldier is not worth the best political strategy you're thinking of.
You could be our greatest president because you face the greatest challenge ever presented to any president.
You're not going to restore American greatness by bringing back our bloated economy. That's not our greatest threat. Losing the heart and soul of who we are as Americans is our big fight now.
And I sure as hell don't want to think my president is the enemy in this final battle.
Sincerely,
Harold B. Estes
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