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??
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