Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
$370! That's the total from the Car Wash yesterday. That's great! I've already given the money to the Men's Association and they'll be placing it in the account for Mrs. Donna that's been set up.
I am humbled by the generosity of spirit that you guys display. It is such a privilege to be your Youth Minister and I thank God for that blessing every day. God bless you all!
Friday, July 24, 2009
God Loves You!
In case you've forgotten...
God has not abandoned us, because God is love. He loves the world he made, and he loves us, broken though we are.
God loves us so much that he sent his only Son to become one of us and to save the human race.
His Son was born in the village of Bethlehem two thousand years ago. He grew up to become the most important person in history: Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, the Christ.
In his ministry, Jesus traveled the hills of Galilee and Judea. He taught the word of God, healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and even raised the dead. In every way, he demonstrated God's love for us and his desire to heal us spiritually as well as physically.
Jesus opened the way for us to have eternal life.
For Jesus, the way was a costly one. He traveled the road of sorrows, and it ended with his death on a cross. Jesus was willing to suffer and die for us because his death would enable us to escape from our sins and to live with God forever.
Though he was God in the flesh, Jesus let himself be whipped and spat on and crowned with thorns. He let himself be crucified, with nails driven through his hands and feet. He offered his life as an act of love for us--an act so perfect, so pure, and so valuable that it paid for the sins of the whole world.
This was something only God could do. No matter what we might do to atone for our sins, we are merely finite creatures and never could pay for our offenses against the infinite holiness of God. But God could pay for them-- and, because he loves us, he did.
After the Crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead. The Resurrection serves as a sign of what is waiting for all who turn to God. One day Jesus will return, and those who have loved God will experience their own glorious resurrection, the overthrow of death, and eternal life in the love of God.
THE LOVE OF GOD (reprinted from Catholic Answers)
God has not abandoned us, because God is love. He loves the world he made, and he loves us, broken though we are.
God loves us so much that he sent his only Son to become one of us and to save the human race.
His Son was born in the village of Bethlehem two thousand years ago. He grew up to become the most important person in history: Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, the Christ.
In his ministry, Jesus traveled the hills of Galilee and Judea. He taught the word of God, healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and even raised the dead. In every way, he demonstrated God's love for us and his desire to heal us spiritually as well as physically.
Jesus opened the way for us to have eternal life.
For Jesus, the way was a costly one. He traveled the road of sorrows, and it ended with his death on a cross. Jesus was willing to suffer and die for us because his death would enable us to escape from our sins and to live with God forever.
Though he was God in the flesh, Jesus let himself be whipped and spat on and crowned with thorns. He let himself be crucified, with nails driven through his hands and feet. He offered his life as an act of love for us--an act so perfect, so pure, and so valuable that it paid for the sins of the whole world.
This was something only God could do. No matter what we might do to atone for our sins, we are merely finite creatures and never could pay for our offenses against the infinite holiness of God. But God could pay for them-- and, because he loves us, he did.
After the Crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead. The Resurrection serves as a sign of what is waiting for all who turn to God. One day Jesus will return, and those who have loved God will experience their own glorious resurrection, the overthrow of death, and eternal life in the love of God.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
A Daily Examen
As promised from last night's TC meeting, here is the daily Examen. This is a wonderful way to end your day in prayer and reflection.
Use it!
************************************************************************************
Praying the Jesuit Examination of Conscience
1. Thanksgiving
Lord, I realize that all, even myself, is a gift from you.
- Today, for what things am I most grateful?
2. Intention
Lord, open my eyes and ears to be more honest with myself.
- Today, what do I really want for myself?
3. Examination
Lord, show me what has been happening to me and in me this day.
- Today, in what ways have I experienced your love?
4. Contrition
Lord, I am still learning to grow in your love.
- Today, what choices have been inadequate responses to your love?
5. Hope
Lord, let me look with longing toward the future.
- Today, how will I let you lead me to a brighter tomorrow?
Monday, July 13, 2009
What's your favorite song/singer/group?
As you may have heard, a relatively famous musical performer passed away recently. All of the reactions to that death have been interesting to note, but it made me think if my own reaction to the death of Rich Mullins, whom I've always regarded as a personal hero.
Anyhoo, that got me wondering what you all like when it comes to music? Who are your favorites? Why?
Can't wait to find out!
Anyhoo, that got me wondering what you all like when it comes to music? Who are your favorites? Why?
Can't wait to find out!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Today is St. Benedict's Feast Day!
I would imagine that there are shenanigans planned at the Abbey.
Read a little bio of this great Saint, the 'Founder of Western Monasticism", here.
St. Benedict, pray for us!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Somebody slipped...
From a NY Times interview with Supreme court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:
"Q: Are you talking about the distances women have to travel because in parts of the country, abortion is essentially unavailable, because there are so few doctors and clinics that do the procedure? And also, the lack of Medicaid for abortions for poor women?
JUSTICE GINSBURG: Yes, the ruling about that surprised me. [Harris v. McRae — in 1980 the court upheld the Hyde Amendment, which forbids the use of Medicaid for abortions.] Frankly I had thought that at the time Roe was decided, there was concern about population growth and particularly growth in populations that we don’t want to have too many of."
As shocking as her comment may be, I find it equally as shocking that the reporter didn't ask a follow up question about this statement. I mean, honestly! A Supreme Court Justice admits that there are some types of people "we have too many of" and he just let's that go??
"Q: Are you talking about the distances women have to travel because in parts of the country, abortion is essentially unavailable, because there are so few doctors and clinics that do the procedure? And also, the lack of Medicaid for abortions for poor women?
JUSTICE GINSBURG: Yes, the ruling about that surprised me. [Harris v. McRae — in 1980 the court upheld the Hyde Amendment, which forbids the use of Medicaid for abortions.] Frankly I had thought that at the time Roe was decided, there was concern about population growth and particularly growth in populations that we don’t want to have too many of."
As shocking as her comment may be, I find it equally as shocking that the reporter didn't ask a follow up question about this statement. I mean, honestly! A Supreme Court Justice admits that there are some types of people "we have too many of" and he just let's that go??
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
It's here! It's here!
The Pope's new Encyclical is here! I feel like a kid at Christmas! (A really nerdy kid, but still...) You can, and should, read it for yourself here: Caritas in Veritate
Love in Truth.
Some highlights:
Through this close link with truth, charity can be recognized as an authentic expression of humanity and as an element of fundamental importance in human relations, including those of a public nature. Only in truth does charity shine forth, only in truth can charity be authentically lived. Truth is the light that gives meaning and value to charity...
As the objects of God's love, men and women become subjects of charity, they are called to make themselves instruments of grace, so as to pour forth God's charity and to weave networks of charity...
To desire the common good and strive towards it is a requirement of justice and charity. To take a stand for the common good is on the one hand to be solicitous for, and on the other hand to avail oneself of, that complex of institutions that give structure to the life of society, juridically, civilly, politically and culturally, making it the pólis, or “city”. The more we strive to secure a common good corresponding to the real needs of our neighbours, the more effectively we love them. Every Christian is called to practise this charity, in a manner corresponding to his vocation and according to the degree of influence he wields in the pólis...
Being out of work or dependent on public or private assistance for a prolonged period undermines the freedom and creativity of the person and his family and social relationships, causing great psychological and spiritual suffering. I would like to remind everyone, especially governments engaged in boosting the world's economic and social assets, that the primary capital to be safeguarded and valued is man, the human person in his or her integrity: “Man is the source, the focus and the aim of all economic and social life”...
Openness to life is at the centre of true development. When a society moves towards the denial or suppression of life, it ends up no longer finding the necessary motivation and energy to strive for man's true good...
It is thus becoming a social and even economic necessity once more to hold up to future generations the beauty of marriage and the family, and the fact that these institutions correspond to the deepest needs and dignity of the person. In view of this, States are called to enact policies promoting the centrality and the integrity of the family founded on marriage between a man and a woman, the primary vital cell of society, and to assume responsibility for its economic and fiscal needs, while respecting its essentially relational character...
The way humanity treats the environment influences the way it treats itself, and vice versa. This invites contemporary society to a serious review of its life-style, which, in many parts of the world, is prone to hedonism and consumerism, regardless of their harmful consequences. What is needed is an effective shift in mentality which can lead to the adoption of new life-styles “in which the quest for truth, beauty, goodness and communion with others for the sake of common growth are the factors which determine consumer choices, savings and investments”...
If there is a lack of respect for the right to life and to a natural death, if human conception, gestation and birth are made artificial, if human embryos are sacrificed to research, the conscience of society ends up losing the concept of human ecology and, along with it, that of environmental ecology. It is contradictory to insist that future generations respect the natural environment when our educational systems and laws do not help them to respect themselves...
Denying the right to profess one's religion in public and the right to bring the truths of faith to bear upon public life has negative consequences for true development. The exclusion of religion from the public square — and, at the other extreme, religious fundamentalism — hinders an encounter between persons and their collaboration for the progress of humanity. Public life is sapped of its motivation and politics takes on a domineering and aggressive character...
There is so much more, obviously, but you can see that this is largely a social encyclical. There's a portion on the rights of labor unions, Catholic work, bioethics and more! The nice thing is that this document ought to anger politicians and ideologues on both sides of the aisle. So, take some time and digest this! You will be the better for it!
Love in Truth.
Some highlights:
Through this close link with truth, charity can be recognized as an authentic expression of humanity and as an element of fundamental importance in human relations, including those of a public nature. Only in truth does charity shine forth, only in truth can charity be authentically lived. Truth is the light that gives meaning and value to charity...
As the objects of God's love, men and women become subjects of charity, they are called to make themselves instruments of grace, so as to pour forth God's charity and to weave networks of charity...
To desire the common good and strive towards it is a requirement of justice and charity. To take a stand for the common good is on the one hand to be solicitous for, and on the other hand to avail oneself of, that complex of institutions that give structure to the life of society, juridically, civilly, politically and culturally, making it the pólis, or “city”. The more we strive to secure a common good corresponding to the real needs of our neighbours, the more effectively we love them. Every Christian is called to practise this charity, in a manner corresponding to his vocation and according to the degree of influence he wields in the pólis...
Being out of work or dependent on public or private assistance for a prolonged period undermines the freedom and creativity of the person and his family and social relationships, causing great psychological and spiritual suffering. I would like to remind everyone, especially governments engaged in boosting the world's economic and social assets, that the primary capital to be safeguarded and valued is man, the human person in his or her integrity: “Man is the source, the focus and the aim of all economic and social life”...
Openness to life is at the centre of true development. When a society moves towards the denial or suppression of life, it ends up no longer finding the necessary motivation and energy to strive for man's true good...
It is thus becoming a social and even economic necessity once more to hold up to future generations the beauty of marriage and the family, and the fact that these institutions correspond to the deepest needs and dignity of the person. In view of this, States are called to enact policies promoting the centrality and the integrity of the family founded on marriage between a man and a woman, the primary vital cell of society, and to assume responsibility for its economic and fiscal needs, while respecting its essentially relational character...
The way humanity treats the environment influences the way it treats itself, and vice versa. This invites contemporary society to a serious review of its life-style, which, in many parts of the world, is prone to hedonism and consumerism, regardless of their harmful consequences. What is needed is an effective shift in mentality which can lead to the adoption of new life-styles “in which the quest for truth, beauty, goodness and communion with others for the sake of common growth are the factors which determine consumer choices, savings and investments”...
If there is a lack of respect for the right to life and to a natural death, if human conception, gestation and birth are made artificial, if human embryos are sacrificed to research, the conscience of society ends up losing the concept of human ecology and, along with it, that of environmental ecology. It is contradictory to insist that future generations respect the natural environment when our educational systems and laws do not help them to respect themselves...
Denying the right to profess one's religion in public and the right to bring the truths of faith to bear upon public life has negative consequences for true development. The exclusion of religion from the public square — and, at the other extreme, religious fundamentalism — hinders an encounter between persons and their collaboration for the progress of humanity. Public life is sapped of its motivation and politics takes on a domineering and aggressive character...
There is so much more, obviously, but you can see that this is largely a social encyclical. There's a portion on the rights of labor unions, Catholic work, bioethics and more! The nice thing is that this document ought to anger politicians and ideologues on both sides of the aisle. So, take some time and digest this! You will be the better for it!
Monday, July 6, 2009
July 4th--special for two reasons
July 4th is Independence Day, obviously, and I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend with their families and friends. We are blessed to live in a wonderful country that, despite it's many challenges and sins, remains close to my heart. I love my country! Thank you, Lord, for the gift of living here!
HOWEVER,
As Rich Mullins put it, "I will call you my country but I'll be longing for my home." Our true home is Heaven, with Christ. Bearing that in mind, you should know that the 4th of July is also special b/c it is the feast day of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassatti. You can read all about this great man, this soon to be canonized Saint here: http://www.bettnet.com/frassati/
Pier Giorgio was a young man who loved the outdoors. He went mountain climbing, skiing, hiking--and above all he loved Christ and the poor. Do yourselves a favor and become familiar with the man they call "The Man of the Beatitudes".
God bless you!
HOWEVER,
As Rich Mullins put it, "I will call you my country but I'll be longing for my home." Our true home is Heaven, with Christ. Bearing that in mind, you should know that the 4th of July is also special b/c it is the feast day of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassatti. You can read all about this great man, this soon to be canonized Saint here: http://www.bettnet.com/frassati/
Pier Giorgio was a young man who loved the outdoors. He went mountain climbing, skiing, hiking--and above all he loved Christ and the poor. Do yourselves a favor and become familiar with the man they call "The Man of the Beatitudes".
God bless you!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
You could always COME BACK TO MOTHER CHURCH
Anglican bishop: Church of England likely gone in thirty years
Paul Richardson, the assistant Bishop of Newcastle, in the June 27th edition of The Telegraph:
Annual decline in Sunday attendance is running at around 1 per cent. At this rate it is hard to see the church
surviving for more than 30 years though few of its leaders are prepared to face that possibility. ...
If decline continues, Christian Research has estimated that in five years' time church closures will accelerate from their present rate of 30 a year to 200 a year as dwindling congregations find the cost of keeping them open too great.
Perhaps the most worrying set of statistics for the Church of England is the decline in baptisms. Out of every
1,000 live births in England in 2006/7 only 128 were baptised as Anglicans.
The figure rises by a small amount if adult baptism and thanksgiving services are included but it is hard to see the Church of England being able to justify its position as the established church on the basis of these numbers.
By way of contrast, out of every 1,000 live births in England in 1900, 609 were baptised in the Church of England. Figures for church marriages show an equally catastrophic decline.
surviving for more than 30 years though few of its leaders are prepared to face that possibility. ...
If decline continues, Christian Research has estimated that in five years' time church closures will accelerate from their present rate of 30 a year to 200 a year as dwindling congregations find the cost of keeping them open too great.
Perhaps the most worrying set of statistics for the Church of England is the decline in baptisms. Out of every
1,000 live births in England in 2006/7 only 128 were baptised as Anglicans.
The figure rises by a small amount if adult baptism and thanksgiving services are included but it is hard to see the Church of England being able to justify its position as the established church on the basis of these numbers.
By way of contrast, out of every 1,000 live births in England in 1900, 609 were baptised in the Church of England. Figures for church marriages show an equally catastrophic decline.
Richardson mulls over possible ways of staving off such decline and death, writing, "If Anglicans could acquire a stronger sense of who they are and what they believe they might slow the rate of decline and possibly even stabilise their numbers. They would still be a minority but they could be a creative minority. The trick will be to reach this situation without falling into a fundamentalist trap or cutting off links with the wider world." He suggests that Catholics might be a good guide in the quest for survival.
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