I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas Day and continue the celebration throughout this joyous, holy season. This was a wonderful Christmas for us. See, the focus was on the birth of Jesus and not as much on the gifts, the cookies or the like. While all these things can be good, they should be the least priority. It was the Christ Mass that, while being unwrapped, filled my soul with a joy and peace that cannot be found in material possessions.
It is very easy to get swept into materialism, but this is not the way of the Christian. God has better things in store for us. No treasure on this earth can even slightly compare to our treasure in Heaven, which is being prepared by God for those who love Him.
If you have been away from the Church for whatever reason, make this the year to Come Home. If you don't belong to a parish or are feeling apprehensive about attending Mass because it has been so long, ask a friend to go along with you. If you are someone who does attend the Sacraments regularly, invite someone to attend with you. We can never know what is in someone's heart, for they just may be waiting for someone to ask.
God has placed various people in our lives for various reasons. A single word or smile can not only brighten someone's day, but can change their whole disposition. Choose your words carefully, as you never know if someone is silently struggling or suffering and your very words could trigger despair. Remember the words of our Mothers: "If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all." Though I would go further and remember the words of our Lord: "Bless those who curse you." God is never outdone in generosity - He will see to it that your blessing is returned and then some.
My prayer for you this Christmas is that you be filled with His Love and Peace and that the Holy Spirit renew your Hope that we all can become new. Merry Christmas!
"No earthly pleasures, no kingdoms of this world can benefit me in any way. I prefer death in Christ Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the earth. He who died in place of us is the one object of my quest. He who rose for our sakes is my one desire." St. Ignatius of Loyola
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
A Life Worth Living
Sometimes, we can get caught in a spiritual (not to mention physical) rut. I tend to think that we have only ourselves to blame, for we are the masters of our soul....or are we? If we allow our flesh and worldly passions to rule, then we can hardly presume that we are prudently caring for our soul, thus leaving the soul to become the servant. However, it is true that God sometimes allows such a state as a means to purify us and to test our love of Him.
So, what are we to do when are overcome by this state? First and foremost is prayer. St. Therese of Lisieux said in her autobiography, Story of a Soul, that when she experienced a spiritual dryness, she would say slowly the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. Imagine this beloved Saint having to force herself to say those three simple prayers, yet she realized their efficaciousness. Even if you cannot bring yourself to pray these prayers, a simple prayer will do, such as, "My Jesus, Mercy" or "Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I love you, Save Souls". Perhaps you might prefer to meditate - the Passion is of utmost value to meditate on, for this is the truest love story. It is in this meditation that Jesus will tug on the strings of your heart and awaken your soul to love and serve Him.
In addition to prayer, we can fast. A fast does not necessarily consist of bread and water. If you have never fasted before, you can begin small by cutting out coffee, sugar or salt (assuming you prefer these). Another means of a fast is to give up a social network for the day. Be sure to add prayer to your fast or you could very easily retreat. Be reasonable with yourself: If you need your strength to take care of your children or a sick or elderly parent, it would not be wise to adhere to a strict fast.
It is also essential to receive the Sacraments. Are we in a state of grace? If not, do not delay in receiving the Sacrament of Penance, which is a free gift from Jesus that is too often taken for granted. Attend Mass and receive the Holy Eucharist. This is our faith. This is why Christ died on the cross for us some 2000 years ago. He did not leave us alone to fend for ourselves for He knows that without Him, we cannot live. Allow Him to recess in your soul and bring you to life - a life that is very worth living.
So, what are we to do when are overcome by this state? First and foremost is prayer. St. Therese of Lisieux said in her autobiography, Story of a Soul, that when she experienced a spiritual dryness, she would say slowly the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. Imagine this beloved Saint having to force herself to say those three simple prayers, yet she realized their efficaciousness. Even if you cannot bring yourself to pray these prayers, a simple prayer will do, such as, "My Jesus, Mercy" or "Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I love you, Save Souls". Perhaps you might prefer to meditate - the Passion is of utmost value to meditate on, for this is the truest love story. It is in this meditation that Jesus will tug on the strings of your heart and awaken your soul to love and serve Him.
In addition to prayer, we can fast. A fast does not necessarily consist of bread and water. If you have never fasted before, you can begin small by cutting out coffee, sugar or salt (assuming you prefer these). Another means of a fast is to give up a social network for the day. Be sure to add prayer to your fast or you could very easily retreat. Be reasonable with yourself: If you need your strength to take care of your children or a sick or elderly parent, it would not be wise to adhere to a strict fast.
It is also essential to receive the Sacraments. Are we in a state of grace? If not, do not delay in receiving the Sacrament of Penance, which is a free gift from Jesus that is too often taken for granted. Attend Mass and receive the Holy Eucharist. This is our faith. This is why Christ died on the cross for us some 2000 years ago. He did not leave us alone to fend for ourselves for He knows that without Him, we cannot live. Allow Him to recess in your soul and bring you to life - a life that is very worth living.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Do What He Tells You
So, it's been quite a while since I've posted. After many nudges of encouragement and even some warnings, I have decided to get back into action on this Feast of St. John Vianney, who once he discovered his talent as a Confessor, used it for the Glory of God.
Part of me was discouraged into thinking, "Eh, this is a waste of time" or "I'm not holy enough to be writing such things." Then, an answer came as I picked up the book Introduction to the Devout Life by the great St. Francis de Sales, who is not only a Doctor of the Church, but also the patron saint of writers. In his preface, he states, "It is too true that I who write about the devout life am not myself devout, but most certainly I am not without the wish to become so, and it is this wish which encourages me to teach you." Thus, I will follow what I believe are the promptings of the Holy Spirit and "Just Do It", as the saying goes.
God has given each of us a talent, sometimes many. While some are obvious, others can be hidden. It is then that we should invoke the Holy Spirit that they may be revealed. Recently, I asked specifically which talent it was that God was calling me to use for His service. On the very same day, I received a call from my cousin. She indicated that she had a converation with a mutual friend who had wanted to write a heartfelt letter to someone leaving our community, however, she was at a loss for words. My cousin instantly thought of me, then called me that same evening to ask me if I would be willing to write such a letter. When I gave the letter to our friend, her first words to me were, "you have a talent!" I suppose that was my answer! Ask and ye shall receive.
Some prayers, however, are not answered in such a fashion. Sometimes, the answers come gradually and are not seen until God is done His handiwork. Usually, work is required of us to obtain the answer. This work can consist of (though not limited to) perseverance in prayer, purging of our sins or simply keeping the faith. Other times, it can take actual physical work. Consider the Wedding feast of Cana. I love how Mary, in her care for her children, goes to her Son in the hopes that the newly married couple may be saved from humiliation. Her Son, in turn, out of love for His mother and of His neighbor, performs a miracle. Surely, Jesus could have created wine from nothing, but He asked the servants to fill the jugs with water and bring them to Him. Mary, assured them, "Do what Jesus tells you." In other words, follow His commandments and He can perform miracles for you.
Recently in my case, that work seems to mean using my God-given talents in order to bring glory to God. In the meantime, I will not let the inspirations pass and will continue to share them. Perhaps, it could lead someone back into His arms, which, no doubt, is the ultimate goal.
Every moment comes to us pregnant with a command from God, only to pass on and plunge into eternity, there to remain forever what we have made of it. St. Francis de Sales
Part of me was discouraged into thinking, "Eh, this is a waste of time" or "I'm not holy enough to be writing such things." Then, an answer came as I picked up the book Introduction to the Devout Life by the great St. Francis de Sales, who is not only a Doctor of the Church, but also the patron saint of writers. In his preface, he states, "It is too true that I who write about the devout life am not myself devout, but most certainly I am not without the wish to become so, and it is this wish which encourages me to teach you." Thus, I will follow what I believe are the promptings of the Holy Spirit and "Just Do It", as the saying goes.
God has given each of us a talent, sometimes many. While some are obvious, others can be hidden. It is then that we should invoke the Holy Spirit that they may be revealed. Recently, I asked specifically which talent it was that God was calling me to use for His service. On the very same day, I received a call from my cousin. She indicated that she had a converation with a mutual friend who had wanted to write a heartfelt letter to someone leaving our community, however, she was at a loss for words. My cousin instantly thought of me, then called me that same evening to ask me if I would be willing to write such a letter. When I gave the letter to our friend, her first words to me were, "you have a talent!" I suppose that was my answer! Ask and ye shall receive.
Some prayers, however, are not answered in such a fashion. Sometimes, the answers come gradually and are not seen until God is done His handiwork. Usually, work is required of us to obtain the answer. This work can consist of (though not limited to) perseverance in prayer, purging of our sins or simply keeping the faith. Other times, it can take actual physical work. Consider the Wedding feast of Cana. I love how Mary, in her care for her children, goes to her Son in the hopes that the newly married couple may be saved from humiliation. Her Son, in turn, out of love for His mother and of His neighbor, performs a miracle. Surely, Jesus could have created wine from nothing, but He asked the servants to fill the jugs with water and bring them to Him. Mary, assured them, "Do what Jesus tells you." In other words, follow His commandments and He can perform miracles for you.
Recently in my case, that work seems to mean using my God-given talents in order to bring glory to God. In the meantime, I will not let the inspirations pass and will continue to share them. Perhaps, it could lead someone back into His arms, which, no doubt, is the ultimate goal.
Every moment comes to us pregnant with a command from God, only to pass on and plunge into eternity, there to remain forever what we have made of it. St. Francis de Sales
Monday, May 10, 2010
May 10
Today marks the anniversary of my First Holy Communion. I'm not completely sure about the year, but I believe it was 1979. What an exciting day! My classmates and I had been practicing for weeks and the day finally came when we could receive the precious Host at last!
Fast forward 30 some years and it saddens me to think those very same classmates of mine are no longer as enthusiastic as they were on that day we received the Sacrament insituted by Christ at the Last Supper. It amazes me that a little child can have so much wisdom, but when we become adults, our judgment becomes so clouded with so many things.
Some people tend to get annoyed if I ask them if they've been to Mass. Others seem somewhat open, but not interested in changing their habits just yet. Every once in a while, someone will be completely open and come back to Mass. I try not to show it, but I'm usually so elated that I want to jump up and down. The excitement I feel is that of a genuine spirit....knowing that they can experience the fullness and joy of the Catholic faith. It has been such an incredible blessing to me, that I want everyone to be blessed and to come to know Jesus, the way that I have come to know Him.
He has become the greatest friend, listening to my pouts, encouraging me with hope, being patient with me when I curse my trials, blessing me with an incredible family and holy friends. And He waits there for all of us in that tiny Host, if only we receive Him. Lucky for us, He'd wait decades for us if that was how long it would take. I pray this day and every day that my friends will open their hearts and come to know the fullness of the Lord in the host, just as they did that on that beautiful spring day on the 10th of May.
Fast forward 30 some years and it saddens me to think those very same classmates of mine are no longer as enthusiastic as they were on that day we received the Sacrament insituted by Christ at the Last Supper. It amazes me that a little child can have so much wisdom, but when we become adults, our judgment becomes so clouded with so many things.
Some people tend to get annoyed if I ask them if they've been to Mass. Others seem somewhat open, but not interested in changing their habits just yet. Every once in a while, someone will be completely open and come back to Mass. I try not to show it, but I'm usually so elated that I want to jump up and down. The excitement I feel is that of a genuine spirit....knowing that they can experience the fullness and joy of the Catholic faith. It has been such an incredible blessing to me, that I want everyone to be blessed and to come to know Jesus, the way that I have come to know Him.
He has become the greatest friend, listening to my pouts, encouraging me with hope, being patient with me when I curse my trials, blessing me with an incredible family and holy friends. And He waits there for all of us in that tiny Host, if only we receive Him. Lucky for us, He'd wait decades for us if that was how long it would take. I pray this day and every day that my friends will open their hearts and come to know the fullness of the Lord in the host, just as they did that on that beautiful spring day on the 10th of May.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
A Fruitful Lent
Well here we are again in another holy season of Lent. I must admit, it is one of my favorite seasons. To me, it is a reminder that our sufferings are not in vain. Be they great or small, physical or spiritual, each and every one is of great value. I often think of Simon helping Jesus to carry His cross. At first, Simon was reluctant wanting to avoid the humility and burden of the cross, much like we often do with our crosses in life. I believe in the moment Simon was carrying the cross is when he felt the intense love Jesus had for him. We can see this in our own lives; once we are through kicking, screaming and running from our cross and finally surrender, it is then that we feel the peace and love of God that penetrates in us like a burst of sun.
This brings me to my theme for lent this year, which is Surrender. I am going to do everything I can to surrender completely to Jesus. I have been putting Him off for far too long and He has been ever patient as only He can be. To do this, I must prepare - first with fervent prayer. Without prayer, we are helpless. It is His grace that allows us to perform our daily tasks and face our enemies, and we can obtain this grace through prayer. I will also make good use of the Sacraments by frequenting mass and confession, allowing for more grace and thus giving more glory to God.
This lent coincides with the year of the priest. I feel compelled to offer my sacrifices and good works for those priests that God has blessed us with, as well as those he is calling to the priesthood. A priest recently said, "there is not a vocation crisis, but a prayer crisis!" This is so true. We sit and chatter about there not being enough priests and some of them not being holy, when instead of chattering, we should be praying! We understimate the power of prayer. The scriptures tell us to pray without ceasing. At times, it can become burdensome or seem to be fruitless. There are times when only God knows the fruit of our prayers, but we mustn't let that stop us. There is so much to pray for in our own lives, let alone the lives of others. The devil is running rampant and is right in our face - seemingly even moreso these days. If we do not pray for our priests, we face the possibility of living without them, leaving us without the ability to receive the Sacraments, that we so often take for granted. How many times do we put off confession as if we have all the time in the world. While God is a God of second, third and several chances, we can never assume that tomorrow is a guarantee. This is why if, heaven forbid, we are in the state of mortal sin, we should get to confession at once and not to be afraid. God gave us the Sacraments as a gift not as something to fear. It is actually so simple, yet would be impossible without the priest. We need to take our roles seriously and offer ample prayers and sacrifices for them.
So, let's make this Lent the best ever. If you've been away, please, PLEASE come back. You have no idea how much you're missed. If you've been lukewarm, let the Holy Spirit set your heart on fire. There is no material luxury that can compare to the fire of the Holy Spirit. Leave the luxuries behind, find your true comfort in the Lord and rest your heart in the One who loves you more than any living being ever could. This is the time, the season; you are being called to a new day. Use these days of penance and almsgiving well, so that when you wake in the dawn of Easter, you will experience the joy and hope of the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
This brings me to my theme for lent this year, which is Surrender. I am going to do everything I can to surrender completely to Jesus. I have been putting Him off for far too long and He has been ever patient as only He can be. To do this, I must prepare - first with fervent prayer. Without prayer, we are helpless. It is His grace that allows us to perform our daily tasks and face our enemies, and we can obtain this grace through prayer. I will also make good use of the Sacraments by frequenting mass and confession, allowing for more grace and thus giving more glory to God.
This lent coincides with the year of the priest. I feel compelled to offer my sacrifices and good works for those priests that God has blessed us with, as well as those he is calling to the priesthood. A priest recently said, "there is not a vocation crisis, but a prayer crisis!" This is so true. We sit and chatter about there not being enough priests and some of them not being holy, when instead of chattering, we should be praying! We understimate the power of prayer. The scriptures tell us to pray without ceasing. At times, it can become burdensome or seem to be fruitless. There are times when only God knows the fruit of our prayers, but we mustn't let that stop us. There is so much to pray for in our own lives, let alone the lives of others. The devil is running rampant and is right in our face - seemingly even moreso these days. If we do not pray for our priests, we face the possibility of living without them, leaving us without the ability to receive the Sacraments, that we so often take for granted. How many times do we put off confession as if we have all the time in the world. While God is a God of second, third and several chances, we can never assume that tomorrow is a guarantee. This is why if, heaven forbid, we are in the state of mortal sin, we should get to confession at once and not to be afraid. God gave us the Sacraments as a gift not as something to fear. It is actually so simple, yet would be impossible without the priest. We need to take our roles seriously and offer ample prayers and sacrifices for them.
So, let's make this Lent the best ever. If you've been away, please, PLEASE come back. You have no idea how much you're missed. If you've been lukewarm, let the Holy Spirit set your heart on fire. There is no material luxury that can compare to the fire of the Holy Spirit. Leave the luxuries behind, find your true comfort in the Lord and rest your heart in the One who loves you more than any living being ever could. This is the time, the season; you are being called to a new day. Use these days of penance and almsgiving well, so that when you wake in the dawn of Easter, you will experience the joy and hope of the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
A Truly Happy New Year
It's hard to believe we are about to begin a New Year. The year 2009 went by in a flash, filled with blessings and sorrows alike. As for myself, the blessings of this year are countless, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention (the one I am most grateful for) the most beautiful little girl I have ever seen (ok, I suppose I'm a bit partial). That is an obvious blessing, but we should also remember the "little" blessings, which sometimes end up being bigger than we realize.
Even our hardships can end up being blessings if we trust in God, which brings me to the sorrows of this year: Loved ones passed away, jobs were lost and illnesses were born, to name a few. As we reflect on this year, we remember words of consolation, kindnesses given and prayers offered, all of which were inspired by God. It is He who comforts us in our sorrow, reaches out His hand and holds us in His arms as though we were His only child.
As we begin 2010, let this be the year of true happiness. Let this be the year we give our heart fully to God, who waits patiently for us to come back to Him.
Even our hardships can end up being blessings if we trust in God, which brings me to the sorrows of this year: Loved ones passed away, jobs were lost and illnesses were born, to name a few. As we reflect on this year, we remember words of consolation, kindnesses given and prayers offered, all of which were inspired by God. It is He who comforts us in our sorrow, reaches out His hand and holds us in His arms as though we were His only child.
As we begin 2010, let this be the year of true happiness. Let this be the year we give our heart fully to God, who waits patiently for us to come back to Him.
Friday, April 17, 2009
His Mercy Endures Forever!
I know I've written in a previous post that no sin is greater than God's mercy. However, I know by experience that we often need a reminder. This coming Sunday we have the chance to receive not only full forgiveness of all our sins, but also the removal of all temporal punishment due to the sins. In other words, while we truly receive pardon from Christ through the priest in the confessional for our sins, we still need to repent for each sin no matter how small. That repentance can be done in this earthly life, but if this has not taken place, God, in his mercy, allows us to repent and be purified in Purgatory. (If you happen not to believe in Purgatory, offer a prayer for a holy soul and ask them to come to your aide in return. You just may be amazed.)
Divine Mercy Sunday - the Sunday after Easter - is a gift that ought to be embraced and taken complete advantage of. This gift is a promise given to us from Jesus that He will make our souls as pure as they were the day we were baptized as His children, provided we do what He asks. We, of course, need to be in a state of grace and receive communion worthily on the Divine Mercy Feast, therefore, the Sacrament of confession is necessary. At the moment we receive Jesus in holy communion, we must give Him our utmost trust that He can and will graciously purify us as He did the moment we were baptized. We also must love Him with our whole heart, mind, body and spirit and trust in His immense love for us. Jesus also asked that His image be venerated on this day. (The image is found on this blog on the top right)
Don't miss this opportunity of a lifetime to attain eternal happiness in heaven with our loving, merciful Father. Jesus, I trust in you!
Divine Mercy Sunday - the Sunday after Easter - is a gift that ought to be embraced and taken complete advantage of. This gift is a promise given to us from Jesus that He will make our souls as pure as they were the day we were baptized as His children, provided we do what He asks. We, of course, need to be in a state of grace and receive communion worthily on the Divine Mercy Feast, therefore, the Sacrament of confession is necessary. At the moment we receive Jesus in holy communion, we must give Him our utmost trust that He can and will graciously purify us as He did the moment we were baptized. We also must love Him with our whole heart, mind, body and spirit and trust in His immense love for us. Jesus also asked that His image be venerated on this day. (The image is found on this blog on the top right)
Don't miss this opportunity of a lifetime to attain eternal happiness in heaven with our loving, merciful Father. Jesus, I trust in you!
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