Many may not know it but in Tennessee (where I lived for 6 years) it is a law that you must pull over for a funeral and exit your vehicle. You can choose to place your right hand over your heart at your discretion. This is done to not only show respect for the dead but respect as well for his life. It is fact that when we die our soul leaves the body going either to Heaven, Hell or Purgatory until the final judgement day that we all stand before Christ for our final judgement. So both through our faith as well as what we see in the world what passes by is just a empty shell on its way to burial. Therefore the thought of what passes us is very fleeting and not memorable.
I however (not in opposition to the Churches teachings) wish we would see much more at this time. The value of a life is priceless. Jesus knew this when he went to the cross for us, and gave his life so that we may have eternal life. Every life is precious and although we may not know them it is important to take note of all the possibilities that pass you by in that hearse. Was she a teacher, Mother or Sister? Then how many lives did she impact. How many did she set on a path that led them to Jesus or gave them the gift of reading so later they read about Jesus. As a Mother what gifts of wisdom and life stories did she pass on to others as well as her own children and how many time was she there for her family and others when they were in need.
Or was he a Father and a provider to his family. Did he lead them in their faith and accounted himself a good steward over all God had blessed him with. Did he teach his boys to be men of God not men of the world. Did he out of manners hold a door open for someone and in that one act of kindness change that day or even the life of those individuals.
Or finally was it a child who was called home by her Heavenly Father in some eyes much to early. Did she bring joy to her parents and Grandparents with her radiant smile. Did she bring laughter to those around her while she showed the purest love possible apart from God, the love of a child.
It is these things I think about when a funeral passes me by. Because no matter what amount of time they had spent on this earth they all gave something and made a difference in somebodies lives. We sometimes never know what God had placed them on this earth to do but you can bet it was a act of kindness or love if only for a moment.
Every life will make a difference in another life for the good. Yes I said everybodys life to include a mass murderer for he was not always such. This is what God wants us to see in each other as a Brother of Christ and Child of God. He wants us to see the beauty of every individual and their works that they have done that were beautiful also to another. He does not see color,race,religion or any other thing we have used to discriminate in the history of man. For we are all his children and wishes for them to come to him and know him. It is this simple little effort if made by each one of us would change the face of the Earth through our Evangelizing. God loves you and says you can become his child, he sees the good and the bad in you but is very willing through his love for you to forgive the bad. He sees you as a beautiful child of God a child he gave his own Son for a child who longs for to come to him.
And if we as Catholics can see them as God sees them our love for them could bring many back to God. I believe weather you bring one or four million to God and to his Church you have saved a life for all eternity and what can be more beautiful than that?
Until later God Bless all who read this.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Rat race for Catholics and how to get off the track.
In this age of rushing and rushing and everything from computers to Television responding to our commands at lighting speeds we need to realize what effect this may be having on our ability to live our lives following Catholic principles. We have all seen it the rush of people rushing out of Mass right after Communion, or those who are in such a hurry to get out of the parking lot that they endanger themselves as well as others. And Lord help you if you are in front of them as when they get past you there is a 50/50 chance you will get the :"one finger salute".
It seems we have grown not only to accept this fast paced lifestyle but to accept it as well. We get up out of bed and our coffee is ready as we have a timer that brews it to be nice and fresh when we are ready for it. We turn on the news and every tragedy recorded hits our ears as it is happening due to satellites. We get on the highway to work and we are so tuned to getting everything fast we get annoyed if there is a traffic tie up. We often work with computers that can respond well before we ever could and always are looking over our shoulder and hoping that automation does not make our job obsolete.
We go to a fast food place where we are treated like a non-entity if we eat in and if we choose the drive through we have our food in 3 minutes or less. We return to work as before until it is time to go home. On the way home we are again upset if there is a traffic tie up and now on top of that we have the days events saddled on to you also. You get home dinner is fixed in a jiffy due to instant this or microwave that. As you are still crushed under the day and tossing into the mix the boss really took a chunk out of your bottom. It is possible that your fist words to them may well be "later I am tired". Then as you grumble during dinner you sit down to watch more TV and then you wife wants to talk and you actually consider it a violation on your enjoyment time. This could lead to ignoring or to a snappish attitude. And the night is topped off with a argument with your wife.
All to often being Catholic or not this is what we face each and every day of our lives. We move through the day at such a fast pace we are over come by the world around us and we become more and more upset by this every day. Welcome to one of the most effective ways Satan has to defeat or make you ineffective in your faith. Now we know that prayer defeats this stragedy and is effective to bring our eyes back upon God. Then our prayer life weakens and wham we are right back where we started. My Brothers and Sisters in Christ there is never an issue with asking God's help in making prayer a daily part of your life. Remember anything we do from breathing to standing up is a God given action. We can do nothing without him.
The problem is that we often don't notice this pattern until it is too late and we have fallen into the trap. However more often than not we are saying I will fix this tomorrow and saying the same thing every day.
The word I is in all actuality a more serious issue than falling into the trap. We say to others at Church etc... "I trust in God" it is even printed on our coins In God we trust. However we cannot just say it we need to live it. The cure is pretty easy stop using the word I and stop pulling back problems in our lives from God saying I can fix this out of pride. Because as stated earlier the Bible states "you can do nothing apart from God". So for the next few days forget the word that I exists and use we. Before you know it it becomes a habit as you begin to realize just how much God loves you and is involved with your life. Your Prayer life will bounce back as a action of love and not duty and as you draw nearer to God the more blessed you shall become. Until the next posting God Bless you all.
It seems we have grown not only to accept this fast paced lifestyle but to accept it as well. We get up out of bed and our coffee is ready as we have a timer that brews it to be nice and fresh when we are ready for it. We turn on the news and every tragedy recorded hits our ears as it is happening due to satellites. We get on the highway to work and we are so tuned to getting everything fast we get annoyed if there is a traffic tie up. We often work with computers that can respond well before we ever could and always are looking over our shoulder and hoping that automation does not make our job obsolete.
We go to a fast food place where we are treated like a non-entity if we eat in and if we choose the drive through we have our food in 3 minutes or less. We return to work as before until it is time to go home. On the way home we are again upset if there is a traffic tie up and now on top of that we have the days events saddled on to you also. You get home dinner is fixed in a jiffy due to instant this or microwave that. As you are still crushed under the day and tossing into the mix the boss really took a chunk out of your bottom. It is possible that your fist words to them may well be "later I am tired". Then as you grumble during dinner you sit down to watch more TV and then you wife wants to talk and you actually consider it a violation on your enjoyment time. This could lead to ignoring or to a snappish attitude. And the night is topped off with a argument with your wife.
All to often being Catholic or not this is what we face each and every day of our lives. We move through the day at such a fast pace we are over come by the world around us and we become more and more upset by this every day. Welcome to one of the most effective ways Satan has to defeat or make you ineffective in your faith. Now we know that prayer defeats this stragedy and is effective to bring our eyes back upon God. Then our prayer life weakens and wham we are right back where we started. My Brothers and Sisters in Christ there is never an issue with asking God's help in making prayer a daily part of your life. Remember anything we do from breathing to standing up is a God given action. We can do nothing without him.
The problem is that we often don't notice this pattern until it is too late and we have fallen into the trap. However more often than not we are saying I will fix this tomorrow and saying the same thing every day.
The word I is in all actuality a more serious issue than falling into the trap. We say to others at Church etc... "I trust in God" it is even printed on our coins In God we trust. However we cannot just say it we need to live it. The cure is pretty easy stop using the word I and stop pulling back problems in our lives from God saying I can fix this out of pride. Because as stated earlier the Bible states "you can do nothing apart from God". So for the next few days forget the word that I exists and use we. Before you know it it becomes a habit as you begin to realize just how much God loves you and is involved with your life. Your Prayer life will bounce back as a action of love and not duty and as you draw nearer to God the more blessed you shall become. Until the next posting God Bless you all.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Bible trivia test
Hey all,
This is just a quick test on Catholic Traditions and weather or not they are still in effect. So take a crack at it I hope you will find this useful.
1) Does the Catholic Church still require veiling by women?
Ans: Yes as stated in First Corinthians Chap 11 verses 3-10. A women who comes to worship without a covering on her head disgraces herself.
Where did we get the idea it was no longer in effect?
During the final stages of VatII a Cardinal of the Church was approached by a group of reporters and one of the reporters asked "Will the use of veiling be done away with?". The Cardinal stated clearly that this subject was not being addressed at this time. The reporter reported instead to Time magazine among others. That the tradition had been done away with. Sadly many Catholic took it as fact and stopped veiling themselves despite what the real facts were.
2) Should you applaud in Church during a service for the choir or band that is playing?
Ans: No it is considered by most apologist web sites as improper as that the Mass is a very somber occasion as we enter the very presence of God. It is further pointed out in most RCIA classes to not applaud if you wish to show appreciation for the choir or band go to them personally and thank them.
3) Is it proper to profoundly bow as the Priest processes in and out at Mass?
Ans: Yes it is a show of respect for the Representative of God within the Church. After a profound bow is done as the Priest exits the Mass it is also considered appropriate to pray for the Priest.
Once again this is more of a Apologist action and yes in these web sites bowing to a priest upon entry to mass as well as leaving is considered a sign of respect.
4) After receiving the Eucharist and returning to your pew when is it proper to kneel and pray?
Ans: According to the writings on actions to be performed during Mass a individual should wait until ALL have received the Eucharist then kneel and pray. The band should play a quiet instrumental piece during this time to allow for prayer.
5) When is the proper time to exit the Mass?
Ans: After the Priest processes out and the band or choir has completed their exit song.
6) When the Priest raises his hands palms up either to waist or shoulder height and says "The peace of the Lord be with you" what is the proper response?
Ans: And also with you is the proper verbal response there is NO physical movement to include raising your hands palms up in response. This action is solely for the Priest and the Priest only.
7) Is it proper to kiss a Priests hand as a sign of respect and dedication?
Ans: Yes.....Although some Priests are uncomfortable with this action and may pull his hand away. If he does respect his wishes.
8) When taking Communion and the Priest or Lay Person says "The Body of Christ" what is the reply?
Ans: Most (including myself ) Were taught to respond with the word "Amen" however this is incorrect according to the outline of the Mass we are to say nothing. We should take our Communion Host and cross ourselves and return to our seats in a somber manner reflecting on being in the very presence of Christ. We should Never chew the host instead allow it to soften and then swallow it.
9) Who can perform a Baptism?
Ans: According to Catholic rites and The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Anybody may perform a Baptism provided it is done as outlined.
10) During the Our Father prayer is it required to hold hands?
Ans: No this is due to the fact that some Catholics prefer when the "And forgive us our trespasses" there are those who still believe in the striking of the breast three time to show true repentance.
Well how did you do? If you are like me a year ago I would have failed the test with a capital F! However I would pass it today. There are many beliefs that form outside the Catholic Faith and find their way into the customs of the Church. To name a few there are what is called Ccharismatic Catholics (and not meaning to offend anybody but) this is a practice that is NOT recognized by the Church and never will be. The second is an Catholic Apologetic. These people are not likely to be on top of any popularity lists at the Church but are easily spotted. The girls and women in the family will be veiled covering their heads. They will enter and exit quietly. And lastly they will not applaud. I make no distinction as to what is right. And being one or the other does NOT make you a better Catholic than everybody else. I look at myself and see no worth and therefore I consider myself to be among the worst Catholic in my Church. In other words I prefer to serve not lead. A Evangelical Catholic is one who is mixing the Catholic faith and the Pentecostal faith and in the view of the church this is a unapproved concept within the Church. A Apologetic believes in the old traditions of the Church and keeping the traditions that somehow got lost in the mix. All the above questions were pulled from Apologetic web sites and all of these answers are not only true but should have been followed all along. If you want to learn more about your faith and your Church and what should and should not be done I highly recommend www.Fisheaters.com This site is vast and provides a great deal of information on the Church the Church Fathers as well as the early writings of the Church Fathers. So look into it it has a section for new Catholics, Old Catholics, and considering Catholics. Read all three of the links and see what each says it might just surprise you as it did me.
Prayer:
God let us not take away or add anything that takes away from your Church.
Show us our divinely guided Mass and teach us to follow your will for our actions during Mass.
Let us not react to what we discover with neither Pride or Anger but let us say as your Son
Jesus Christ said "Let it be by your will Father not mine". We ask for a blessing upon God the Father his Son Jesus Christ and our Mother Mary as well as upon all the angels and Saints
Continue to protect your Church from heresies and misguided Clergy or Parishioners.
We pray for the intentions of Benedict our Pope on all the clergy and upon our Brothers and Sisters in Christ around the world.
Amen
This is just a quick test on Catholic Traditions and weather or not they are still in effect. So take a crack at it I hope you will find this useful.
1) Does the Catholic Church still require veiling by women?
Ans: Yes as stated in First Corinthians Chap 11 verses 3-10. A women who comes to worship without a covering on her head disgraces herself.
Where did we get the idea it was no longer in effect?
During the final stages of VatII a Cardinal of the Church was approached by a group of reporters and one of the reporters asked "Will the use of veiling be done away with?". The Cardinal stated clearly that this subject was not being addressed at this time. The reporter reported instead to Time magazine among others. That the tradition had been done away with. Sadly many Catholic took it as fact and stopped veiling themselves despite what the real facts were.
2) Should you applaud in Church during a service for the choir or band that is playing?
Ans: No it is considered by most apologist web sites as improper as that the Mass is a very somber occasion as we enter the very presence of God. It is further pointed out in most RCIA classes to not applaud if you wish to show appreciation for the choir or band go to them personally and thank them.
3) Is it proper to profoundly bow as the Priest processes in and out at Mass?
Ans: Yes it is a show of respect for the Representative of God within the Church. After a profound bow is done as the Priest exits the Mass it is also considered appropriate to pray for the Priest.
Once again this is more of a Apologist action and yes in these web sites bowing to a priest upon entry to mass as well as leaving is considered a sign of respect.
4) After receiving the Eucharist and returning to your pew when is it proper to kneel and pray?
Ans: According to the writings on actions to be performed during Mass a individual should wait until ALL have received the Eucharist then kneel and pray. The band should play a quiet instrumental piece during this time to allow for prayer.
5) When is the proper time to exit the Mass?
Ans: After the Priest processes out and the band or choir has completed their exit song.
6) When the Priest raises his hands palms up either to waist or shoulder height and says "The peace of the Lord be with you" what is the proper response?
Ans: And also with you is the proper verbal response there is NO physical movement to include raising your hands palms up in response. This action is solely for the Priest and the Priest only.
7) Is it proper to kiss a Priests hand as a sign of respect and dedication?
Ans: Yes.....Although some Priests are uncomfortable with this action and may pull his hand away. If he does respect his wishes.
8) When taking Communion and the Priest or Lay Person says "The Body of Christ" what is the reply?
Ans: Most (including myself ) Were taught to respond with the word "Amen" however this is incorrect according to the outline of the Mass we are to say nothing. We should take our Communion Host and cross ourselves and return to our seats in a somber manner reflecting on being in the very presence of Christ. We should Never chew the host instead allow it to soften and then swallow it.
9) Who can perform a Baptism?
Ans: According to Catholic rites and The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Anybody may perform a Baptism provided it is done as outlined.
10) During the Our Father prayer is it required to hold hands?
Ans: No this is due to the fact that some Catholics prefer when the "And forgive us our trespasses" there are those who still believe in the striking of the breast three time to show true repentance.
Well how did you do? If you are like me a year ago I would have failed the test with a capital F! However I would pass it today. There are many beliefs that form outside the Catholic Faith and find their way into the customs of the Church. To name a few there are what is called Ccharismatic Catholics (and not meaning to offend anybody but) this is a practice that is NOT recognized by the Church and never will be. The second is an Catholic Apologetic. These people are not likely to be on top of any popularity lists at the Church but are easily spotted. The girls and women in the family will be veiled covering their heads. They will enter and exit quietly. And lastly they will not applaud. I make no distinction as to what is right. And being one or the other does NOT make you a better Catholic than everybody else. I look at myself and see no worth and therefore I consider myself to be among the worst Catholic in my Church. In other words I prefer to serve not lead. A Evangelical Catholic is one who is mixing the Catholic faith and the Pentecostal faith and in the view of the church this is a unapproved concept within the Church. A Apologetic believes in the old traditions of the Church and keeping the traditions that somehow got lost in the mix. All the above questions were pulled from Apologetic web sites and all of these answers are not only true but should have been followed all along. If you want to learn more about your faith and your Church and what should and should not be done I highly recommend www.Fisheaters.com This site is vast and provides a great deal of information on the Church the Church Fathers as well as the early writings of the Church Fathers. So look into it it has a section for new Catholics, Old Catholics, and considering Catholics. Read all three of the links and see what each says it might just surprise you as it did me.
Prayer:
God let us not take away or add anything that takes away from your Church.
Show us our divinely guided Mass and teach us to follow your will for our actions during Mass.
Let us not react to what we discover with neither Pride or Anger but let us say as your Son
Jesus Christ said "Let it be by your will Father not mine". We ask for a blessing upon God the Father his Son Jesus Christ and our Mother Mary as well as upon all the angels and Saints
Continue to protect your Church from heresies and misguided Clergy or Parishioners.
We pray for the intentions of Benedict our Pope on all the clergy and upon our Brothers and Sisters in Christ around the world.
Amen
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Hey isn't something missing here?
The Catholic faith is a faith of all or none. You either accept the infallibility of the church and it's doctrines of you do not. If you do and you are like me you may have a feeling in some of our churches that something is missing. I you do not accept ALL the teachings of the church you are fooling yourself you are not a well grounded Catholic. That is not mentioned to offend anybody but to point out the church's viewpoint it is open and shut and until a different teaching is given through a council etc...that is the way it is. The upcoming missal changes next November is a step back (be it a small one) back to some of the earlier church traditions. The Latin Mass has more flexibility to be given and a return back to some parts of the Mass that had been considered obsolete is returning. But will it bring back some things that have been quietly under the rug.
I mean by this the divisions within the church as well as a return to the truths of the Bible. Let us face it when did you last hear about Purgatory or even Hell. These both are real places that some of us will face. The mercy of God is not a cure all you have got to do your part. Helping the poor,helping the sick and evangelizing are all areas that we through the power of the Holy Ghost. Remember you could not take your next breath unless God said it was to be. Everything we do,achieve or work at is done through the will of God and you have nothing to do with it. So the word "I" should never be used because there is nothing you can do without Christ.
Yet to hear this is so very rare just like Hell,Purgatory or even Scripture. Most Priests today during their messages play it safe so not to offend anybody. Jesus and his disciples were anything but politically correct individuals. Can you imagine today a Priest after his reading of the Gospel to start with "You brood of snakes and vipers inside you are dead". The older ladies would faint and the younger woman would cover their children's ears and the men would form a lynching mob. Yet these words are some of the same to point out those who were living a lie. The love of self was in them but they had NOT the love of God within them. So I would like at this time to pose a question. Do you have the love of God within you or are you just playing a part? Some would say yes because I feel it others would just stare and yet others would become irate at such a question.
As a church it is our duty to preach the word and instruct others in the faith not serve up some puff piece on what happened while he was in the seminary or how he met a gang in a gang infested area that rapped all day about Jesus. We have to tell the truth and instruct not tell cute stories. We must address sin and the dangers of Hell and even the redemption of Purgatory. We are fighting for our very souls and the church needs to be a ally in this fight and not stand on the sidelines. The church must instruct so that we eat,breathe and live the Catholic faith not show up one Sunday for a social hour. I do not mean to take our Priests to task nor do I point fingers at anybody but the Church must tell it like it is be it good or bad, weather we squirm in our seats or even walk out. We can afford to lose a few for the good of the church and we can minister to them so that their pride and ego can be pointed out to them and give them a chance to ask forgiveness and confess these faults. We all have faults just some of us hide theirs better that others. For instance my greatest fault is a feeling of lack of self worth to even serve God. I have the issue of the inability to see me as God sees me. Therefore I tend to be insecure in my abilities of being a effective servant of my God no matter how much I want to be. To serve God here on Earth is a privilege I view myself unworthy of.
I do pray we as a Church go back and remember the Scriptures and what they say as well as how to overcome a sin in your life that may be bringing a Brother or a Sister close to the pit of the darkness of sin. Their is no "itty bitty" sin that God overlooks no matter how cute we think the sin is. Sin is sin and all sin remove us from the presence of God. I pray my Brothers and Sisters that nobody ever hears the words "Begone for I never knew thee" on Judgement day. Political Correctness has been the rage since the the 1970's. It is time to pull the plug be honest and show us all the real truth about walking the path of Jesus and carrying your cross really means. Please remember your Rosary and pray for the consecration of Russia to the blessed moth as well as for the intentions of the Pope Benedict XVI. Until next posting God bless you and keep you.
's
I mean by this the divisions within the church as well as a return to the truths of the Bible. Let us face it when did you last hear about Purgatory or even Hell. These both are real places that some of us will face. The mercy of God is not a cure all you have got to do your part. Helping the poor,helping the sick and evangelizing are all areas that we through the power of the Holy Ghost. Remember you could not take your next breath unless God said it was to be. Everything we do,achieve or work at is done through the will of God and you have nothing to do with it. So the word "I" should never be used because there is nothing you can do without Christ.
Yet to hear this is so very rare just like Hell,Purgatory or even Scripture. Most Priests today during their messages play it safe so not to offend anybody. Jesus and his disciples were anything but politically correct individuals. Can you imagine today a Priest after his reading of the Gospel to start with "You brood of snakes and vipers inside you are dead". The older ladies would faint and the younger woman would cover their children's ears and the men would form a lynching mob. Yet these words are some of the same to point out those who were living a lie. The love of self was in them but they had NOT the love of God within them. So I would like at this time to pose a question. Do you have the love of God within you or are you just playing a part? Some would say yes because I feel it others would just stare and yet others would become irate at such a question.
As a church it is our duty to preach the word and instruct others in the faith not serve up some puff piece on what happened while he was in the seminary or how he met a gang in a gang infested area that rapped all day about Jesus. We have to tell the truth and instruct not tell cute stories. We must address sin and the dangers of Hell and even the redemption of Purgatory. We are fighting for our very souls and the church needs to be a ally in this fight and not stand on the sidelines. The church must instruct so that we eat,breathe and live the Catholic faith not show up one Sunday for a social hour. I do not mean to take our Priests to task nor do I point fingers at anybody but the Church must tell it like it is be it good or bad, weather we squirm in our seats or even walk out. We can afford to lose a few for the good of the church and we can minister to them so that their pride and ego can be pointed out to them and give them a chance to ask forgiveness and confess these faults. We all have faults just some of us hide theirs better that others. For instance my greatest fault is a feeling of lack of self worth to even serve God. I have the issue of the inability to see me as God sees me. Therefore I tend to be insecure in my abilities of being a effective servant of my God no matter how much I want to be. To serve God here on Earth is a privilege I view myself unworthy of.
I do pray we as a Church go back and remember the Scriptures and what they say as well as how to overcome a sin in your life that may be bringing a Brother or a Sister close to the pit of the darkness of sin. Their is no "itty bitty" sin that God overlooks no matter how cute we think the sin is. Sin is sin and all sin remove us from the presence of God. I pray my Brothers and Sisters that nobody ever hears the words "Begone for I never knew thee" on Judgement day. Political Correctness has been the rage since the the 1970's. It is time to pull the plug be honest and show us all the real truth about walking the path of Jesus and carrying your cross really means. Please remember your Rosary and pray for the consecration of Russia to the blessed moth as well as for the intentions of the Pope Benedict XVI. Until next posting God bless you and keep you.
's
Friday, June 3, 2011
The wonders of miracles both large and small.
The idea of miracles is no stranger to the Catholic faith. We have read and heard of miracles associated with Fatima,Lourdes as well as Christ and Padre Pio just to mention a few. There are some miracles we see everyday the change of the seasons, the rising of the sun and the birth of a new life. But there are others we may overlook.
If anybody asks me if I believe in Miracles I would answer with a resounding yes! I have lived through a time that I was in the deepest sin (up to and including murder) but although I never got a chance to carry out my plans I was a wreck both mentally and Physically. I was seeking a way out of all this mess while going through treatments for depression,anxiety as well as PTSD. These conditions were from different areas the first being a old injury from prior military service. The second was due to my job. While I won't go into details I was at the point of suicide.
One day I kept being bothered by a thought from a catechism class some 38 years prior. The thought was over and over coming to me "Thou shalt not kill". Now I resisted this thought at first because I wanted those who did me harm gone I was full of hate and rage. The thought kept coming stronger until I had no choice but to say "ok so I will not kill them. I still hated but their lives were safe and they continue to be although I have yet to see one of them, this will be the true test.
So I had agreed not to kill (although) the temptation was still there. Then one day talking to my counsellor she asked " How are you getting along?" Almost without thinking I told her I had to go home. She inquired as to why I had to go home but I explained it was not a physical place. I just had a voice telling me over and over to go home. Yet I knew the first time I heard go home what was meant. I was being told to go back to the Catholic faith and step on it!
So I went to a local Catholic Church (St, Raphael's) and inquired as to how to rejoin the faith. I had never been confirmed so I entered the RCIA class and began the climb back. It did not take as long as I thought it would but through my time of this class I learned to forgive them as well as not to hate them but to pray for them. These were large steps for me. But being home made all the difference!
Now here I am a die hard re found Catholic and feel blessed beyond measure to be so.
The second example of a miracle in my life will seem to be just coincidence. However I have learned there are no coincidences. I was 27 in Berlin Germany with my wife when we both climbed up on a overlook that gave us the ability to see over into East Germany. Seeing the death strip and the sniper position on the Brandenburg gate was the saddest thing I had ever seen. My wife and I prayed that before we left Berlin we would see the Berlin Wall come down. We prayed this in Aug of 1988 needless to see our prayers were answered in just over two years. I was so over come I openly and unashamedly cried openly before millions at the wall that day as we were witnesses to history. There is still one more miracle I must speak of before I leave this time of my life.
In June of 1999 I got the news most dread. My Grandmother was dying. Dying too was the only Mother I knew as my biological Mother dropped me on my Grandmothers doorstep when I was 11/2. I knew her as Mom and she was the one who raised me for over seven years of my life. I thought her immortal because as a Young man we don;t often think about death. I arrived back in the states in June and was assigned by family to watch my Grandmother as she was bed ridden and needed help with bed pans etc... I was with her for about 3 weeks when she was transferred to a hospice. Some 10 days later she died of bone cancer. I actually was glad to see pass as it ended her pain and suffering. During her pre-burial Mass my mind went many places back to my childhood with her and covered everything from hot homemade biscuits to kool-aide freezer pops amongst many other things. I quietly to myself ask "God just give me a sign she is ok. Just one sign". as we exited the church I was walking towards our car when I looked back to see where my Father was. And my jaw hit the ground! There as I looked back at the church a rainbow had made half halo around the church it started on one side of the church and went up and came down on the other side of the church. It was not a big rainbow but appeared to just hug the church as if it was made to fit the church. I accepted on faith that this was God's way of saying "Lee she's with me and everything is ok and she is fine".
The final miracle was very recent but perhaps the most stunning of all. My church was blessed to be visited by the Travelling Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. The statue was perhaps the most beautiful I have ever seen. After the mass the statue was left for a time of adoration and prayer. I can say this these attendants to this statue are dedicated to their job. When it came my turn I knelt before the statue and prayed a simple prayer of thanks for the many intercessions she had made for me and the blessings in my wife. The attendant took my cane I use to walk with and touched it to the statue, I went home that day feeling peaceful. However our situation was anything but peaceful 3 months behind on the house and no milk or bread to feed our kids with our meals for the next 13 days looked like they were going to be beans as we had allot of those. Now I know you can say "there are others far worse off in the world and still today I cannot tell you why what happened. We had our beans and were basically figuring what to do when we lost our home. We had been on disability pay but they had cut off my wife's some months earlier. It looked hopeless. I was awaken by a ear shattering scream from my wife. For deposited in our account was some 15,000 dollars and back pay to my wife that we had no Idea was coming.
We immediately thanked God for this blessing and were in such a state of relief that we didn't know what to do first. I told my wife of my prayer to The Lady of Fatima and she agreed that it must have been a answer to a unasked question. It is really neat that God knows what we need even if we don't ask. Later that day as to confirm our conclusions my shipment of CD Lighthouse Cd's came in. which is a great service to me as monthly I get a cd from everybody from FR. Jason Brooks to DR. Scott Hahn. The cd title for this month on the same day we discovered this deposit that saved our home and so much more was Fatima: Living the Message.
For those who believe there is no explanation necessary
For those who do not no explanation will be believed.
So I close this rather long post with a blessing to all my Catholic Brothers and Sisters and pray that you too can see the little miracles as well as the large ones.
If anybody asks me if I believe in Miracles I would answer with a resounding yes! I have lived through a time that I was in the deepest sin (up to and including murder) but although I never got a chance to carry out my plans I was a wreck both mentally and Physically. I was seeking a way out of all this mess while going through treatments for depression,anxiety as well as PTSD. These conditions were from different areas the first being a old injury from prior military service. The second was due to my job. While I won't go into details I was at the point of suicide.
One day I kept being bothered by a thought from a catechism class some 38 years prior. The thought was over and over coming to me "Thou shalt not kill". Now I resisted this thought at first because I wanted those who did me harm gone I was full of hate and rage. The thought kept coming stronger until I had no choice but to say "ok so I will not kill them. I still hated but their lives were safe and they continue to be although I have yet to see one of them, this will be the true test.
So I had agreed not to kill (although) the temptation was still there. Then one day talking to my counsellor she asked " How are you getting along?" Almost without thinking I told her I had to go home. She inquired as to why I had to go home but I explained it was not a physical place. I just had a voice telling me over and over to go home. Yet I knew the first time I heard go home what was meant. I was being told to go back to the Catholic faith and step on it!
So I went to a local Catholic Church (St, Raphael's) and inquired as to how to rejoin the faith. I had never been confirmed so I entered the RCIA class and began the climb back. It did not take as long as I thought it would but through my time of this class I learned to forgive them as well as not to hate them but to pray for them. These were large steps for me. But being home made all the difference!
Now here I am a die hard re found Catholic and feel blessed beyond measure to be so.
The second example of a miracle in my life will seem to be just coincidence. However I have learned there are no coincidences. I was 27 in Berlin Germany with my wife when we both climbed up on a overlook that gave us the ability to see over into East Germany. Seeing the death strip and the sniper position on the Brandenburg gate was the saddest thing I had ever seen. My wife and I prayed that before we left Berlin we would see the Berlin Wall come down. We prayed this in Aug of 1988 needless to see our prayers were answered in just over two years. I was so over come I openly and unashamedly cried openly before millions at the wall that day as we were witnesses to history. There is still one more miracle I must speak of before I leave this time of my life.
In June of 1999 I got the news most dread. My Grandmother was dying. Dying too was the only Mother I knew as my biological Mother dropped me on my Grandmothers doorstep when I was 11/2. I knew her as Mom and she was the one who raised me for over seven years of my life. I thought her immortal because as a Young man we don;t often think about death. I arrived back in the states in June and was assigned by family to watch my Grandmother as she was bed ridden and needed help with bed pans etc... I was with her for about 3 weeks when she was transferred to a hospice. Some 10 days later she died of bone cancer. I actually was glad to see pass as it ended her pain and suffering. During her pre-burial Mass my mind went many places back to my childhood with her and covered everything from hot homemade biscuits to kool-aide freezer pops amongst many other things. I quietly to myself ask "God just give me a sign she is ok. Just one sign". as we exited the church I was walking towards our car when I looked back to see where my Father was. And my jaw hit the ground! There as I looked back at the church a rainbow had made half halo around the church it started on one side of the church and went up and came down on the other side of the church. It was not a big rainbow but appeared to just hug the church as if it was made to fit the church. I accepted on faith that this was God's way of saying "Lee she's with me and everything is ok and she is fine".
The final miracle was very recent but perhaps the most stunning of all. My church was blessed to be visited by the Travelling Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. The statue was perhaps the most beautiful I have ever seen. After the mass the statue was left for a time of adoration and prayer. I can say this these attendants to this statue are dedicated to their job. When it came my turn I knelt before the statue and prayed a simple prayer of thanks for the many intercessions she had made for me and the blessings in my wife. The attendant took my cane I use to walk with and touched it to the statue, I went home that day feeling peaceful. However our situation was anything but peaceful 3 months behind on the house and no milk or bread to feed our kids with our meals for the next 13 days looked like they were going to be beans as we had allot of those. Now I know you can say "there are others far worse off in the world and still today I cannot tell you why what happened. We had our beans and were basically figuring what to do when we lost our home. We had been on disability pay but they had cut off my wife's some months earlier. It looked hopeless. I was awaken by a ear shattering scream from my wife. For deposited in our account was some 15,000 dollars and back pay to my wife that we had no Idea was coming.
We immediately thanked God for this blessing and were in such a state of relief that we didn't know what to do first. I told my wife of my prayer to The Lady of Fatima and she agreed that it must have been a answer to a unasked question. It is really neat that God knows what we need even if we don't ask. Later that day as to confirm our conclusions my shipment of CD Lighthouse Cd's came in. which is a great service to me as monthly I get a cd from everybody from FR. Jason Brooks to DR. Scott Hahn. The cd title for this month on the same day we discovered this deposit that saved our home and so much more was Fatima: Living the Message.
For those who believe there is no explanation necessary
For those who do not no explanation will be believed.
So I close this rather long post with a blessing to all my Catholic Brothers and Sisters and pray that you too can see the little miracles as well as the large ones.
Taking a day off to celebrate the birth of a Grand Daughter!
Praise be to God and glory to him for the miracles he does both those we see and those we do not!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Do you want your Mass said in church or a cafeteria?
The title of this post may be shocking and considered by some even sacrilegious. However I contend that is exactly some (I say most) Catholics picture of their faith. in the western world! The Catholic faith is a all in one package. you don't take away from it not do you add to it. In the posts starting in the next day or so I will be talking allot about the Mass and our actions before,during and after. Most Priests would not dare bring up controversial issues for fear that they would lose people out of the Church. So today's faith is sort of a live and let live policy. God however never intended for this to be a fact. He denounced the Pharisee as well as the Sanhedrin for not living their faith and making it into a pill they could swallow. Sadly for many of that time it was a pill of damnation. Many people today view and treat their religion like a cafeteria line. "hmmm lets see veiling,nope don't want any of that yuck! okaaay oh look there Charismatic belief certainly give me a doublee portion of that. Now lets see Fish on Fridays ??!!! well okay maybe a little bit but only during Lent. Eucharistic adoration nah trying to cut calories. Missing Mass?? Well.....it is football season so give me some of that oh and the same goes for NASCAR season!" We pick and choose what we will and won't believe in our own faith or we are not dedicated to get the real scoop on this. Christ created his Church as well as his covenant with us from the ground up. He never said "Go ahead pick and choose what you will we will add up the points and if you believe enough you will get a front row seat in Heaven. No wonder we lose so many of our faith to churches like the Pentecostal faith offers, or they just stay home because they are disgusted with the whole thing. By not telling the truth in our Masses and being honest enough to lay it all out there indirectly many are brought to Mortal Sin by our hands and when I say our hands I mean the Church as a whole. Allot of this begins in RCIA and is reinforced by Priest who will not be open and honest with their flock. I will not say that this is going on in all churches for this we may all be thankful. But it is a poison that Satan is spreading amongst us and we need to see it and fight it. This is difficult because many do not want to leave the comfort zone they created. So my Brothers and Sisters it is time to step out of line and accept our faith for what it is. We either take the whole thing by faith or none of it. It is time for our Church to take a stand and become the moral backbone it once was. I pray that God in his endless wisdom and mercy will point us to where we need to be as a Church.
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