JMJ. This November we will be voting , just as we have for over two hundred years, for men and women whom we feel would best fill the office for which they are running. This year is different, though. We have reached a crossroads and how we vote will determine not just our government but the soul of our nation and its very existence as we know it.
A science fiction character in a book by Robert Heinlein once said, "Always vote. There may not be someone you want to vote for but there is sure to be someone you want to vote against." So it is this year more than any other.
I will state it plainly since I have no government funds to lose: voting for a Democratic Party candidate is a vote against God. Jesus once said to let the little ones come to Him but I'm sure He never meant them to be scraped or suctioned out of their mothers' wombs in order to do so. Democratic delegates cheered giving women the right to abortion on demand in the name of "reproductive health!"
The Democratic delegates cheered the pricnciple of same-sex marriage, the idea that the government can ration health care to the elderly or handicapped, to the idea of euthanasia, and the necessity for fetal stem cell research. And when someone finally realised that the word "God" had not been included once in their statement of principles, they had to falsify a voice vote in favour of His inclusion. Including God was booed three times and He never received a majority vote!
The Republicans are not perfect--not by a long shot. But they included God some twenty times in their public statement and since life trumps all other concerns, their candidates are generally pro-life. How will you vote? Will you turn your back on Christ and His church or choose all that is right and moral?
Monday, September 10, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
"Apologetics Resources"
JMJ. Well, I guess I've procrastinated long enough. Actually, I do it on purpose--I'm curious as to just how long my one loyal reader can go without seeing something new! She has the patience of Job. Not to mention that she's incredibly loyal and cute.
Okay, dear lady. Here goes. I'd like to preface my small list by saying that it is very difficult to compile a list of resources since everyone is coming from a different place and with different knowledge and needs. Be that as it may, accept the following for what it is--my humble suggestions.
First, one needs a love for our Church. Apologetics requires a lot of research and can be kinda time-consuming so there has to be a lot of motivation. One also needs an intense need to spread the Truth of our Church. I can honestly say that finding Jesus Christ in the one Church that He created has been the most important thing that's ever happened to me. I feel like a blind person who's miraculously been given sight. There's a whole new world to be discovered. Just make sure that what you do is done for our Lord, His Mother, and for the benefir of the one you're sharing the faith with. (I know--I ended a sentence with a preposition. Tough.)
One has also to be continually learning. But it doesn't have to be work! Don't ever let it become work. And don't feel you have to do a lot of memorisation. Okay. You need a copy of the Cathechism of the Catholic Church. Even before a Bible. One of the greatest things about the Catholic Mass is that so much of the Bible is read to us in the course of three years. No matter how good your Catholic education was, though, you will always need a reference that can refresh your memory quickly and easily about what the Church teaches. The folks you meet often have very distorted ideas of what Catholics believe and this is the resource you need to set them straight. As Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said, "Millions of people in America hate what they think Catholic Church believes but not fifty would hate what She really believes." (Or words to that effect.)
Another book I've found incredibly helpful is Karl Keating's Catholicism and Fundamentalism. It contains several chapters on prominent anti-Catholic notables and the works they've used to attack the Catholic Church. These are followed by several chapters which deal briefly with various subjects which separate Catholics from Protestants and how to answer those objections they bring up. DON'T FORGET: you don't have to do it all. All we have to do is plant a seed and let the Holy Ghost do the watering. Usually we won't know the outcome of the evangelisation that we do but occasionally the Lord gives us a peek at the good that we've done. I told a woman I'd worked with for years that I had joined the Catholic Church. (This was back in 1999.) Being a good Southern belle she was Protestant but said she'd been looking at the Catholic Church. We talked about a few items but I ended up giving her a Rosary, telling her that it's a great prayer and one which many Protestants are beginning to embrace. I'd completely forgotten this whole episode when she came up to me 6 or 7 years later and told me she joined RCIA and would be coming into the Church at Easter. She said that the Rosary I gave her had been a big turning point for her.
Now, I'm not saying this to toot my own horn but as an example of how we don't have to bear the whole burden. Let Heaven help, ok? Another written publication--or set, really--is the work of Jim Burnham and Steve Wood called Beginning Apologetics. There are ten booklets in the set and they deal with a number of specific topics and several with specific religions. They contain a lot of Biblical texts and are easy to follow and to refer to. They are highly recommended, even for one who is not a novice!
Become familiar with a group called Lighthouse Catholic Media. They specialise in low-cost MP3 downloads and CD's by a plethora of famous and familiar speakers on a plethora of topics. (Don't you just love the word "plethora?") Two titles I especially like are "7 Reasons to Be Catholic" by Peter Kreeft (a convert) and "Why I'm Catholic When I Could Be Anything Else" by Patrick Madrid (a cradle Catholic.) Anything by Scott Hahn is fantastic. He's forgotten more about the Catholic Church than most folks know. Before coming into the Church Scott spent a lot of time with then Monsignor (now Bishop) Fabian Bruskewitz for counseling. When Scott asked him if he would have to go through RCIA since Easter was two weeks away, Bishop Bruskewitz answered, "You could TEACH RCIA." Get his conversion story.
This brings to mind something that you can mention to your contacts. The Coming Home Network, founded by Marcus Grodi (himself a Protestant pastor and convert to Catholicism) has helped around six hundred Protestant ministers come into the Church, almost all of them giving up their sole source of livelihood and support of their families in order to follow Christ's call to come home. Must mean there's really something to Catholicism, eh?
I can't stress the use of common sense enough. It usually doesn't even require the memorisation of verses! How neat is that? For instance, if a fundamentalist calls the Catholic Church the "Whore of Babylon" (a favourite of theirs) ask why She's produced so many saints then. Another example? If someone gets in your face and insists his or her church is the true Church mention that the Catholic Church teaches the same doctrines now that She taught two hundred years ago. Two hundred years ago the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Seventh Day Adventists, the Mormons, and the Christian Scientists didn't even exist. Five hundred years ago, we taught the same thing we teach now and NONE of the Protestant churches existed!
A couple of final hints. You can either try to learn a smattering about a lot of different subjects or you can pick one doctrine, for example, the true presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist and learn a whole lot about it. You'll find that apologetics is a lot like Lay's potato chips--you keep wanting more. Oh, and YOU pick the topic under discussion, don't let your friend do it. That way you can talk about what you know the most about. Finally, point out that if they find that the Catholic Church got it right in one doctrine, the chances are real good that they got it ALL right. Give the glory to God and give your friend your love and send them on their way with a CD to listen to or a brochure or book to read. It's fantastic When you find that you've been allowed by God to participate in the salvation of souls. They don't need us but it's great to feel wanted. Amen.
Okay, dear lady. Here goes. I'd like to preface my small list by saying that it is very difficult to compile a list of resources since everyone is coming from a different place and with different knowledge and needs. Be that as it may, accept the following for what it is--my humble suggestions.
First, one needs a love for our Church. Apologetics requires a lot of research and can be kinda time-consuming so there has to be a lot of motivation. One also needs an intense need to spread the Truth of our Church. I can honestly say that finding Jesus Christ in the one Church that He created has been the most important thing that's ever happened to me. I feel like a blind person who's miraculously been given sight. There's a whole new world to be discovered. Just make sure that what you do is done for our Lord, His Mother, and for the benefir of the one you're sharing the faith with. (I know--I ended a sentence with a preposition. Tough.)
One has also to be continually learning. But it doesn't have to be work! Don't ever let it become work. And don't feel you have to do a lot of memorisation. Okay. You need a copy of the Cathechism of the Catholic Church. Even before a Bible. One of the greatest things about the Catholic Mass is that so much of the Bible is read to us in the course of three years. No matter how good your Catholic education was, though, you will always need a reference that can refresh your memory quickly and easily about what the Church teaches. The folks you meet often have very distorted ideas of what Catholics believe and this is the resource you need to set them straight. As Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said, "Millions of people in America hate what they think Catholic Church believes but not fifty would hate what She really believes." (Or words to that effect.)
Another book I've found incredibly helpful is Karl Keating's Catholicism and Fundamentalism. It contains several chapters on prominent anti-Catholic notables and the works they've used to attack the Catholic Church. These are followed by several chapters which deal briefly with various subjects which separate Catholics from Protestants and how to answer those objections they bring up. DON'T FORGET: you don't have to do it all. All we have to do is plant a seed and let the Holy Ghost do the watering. Usually we won't know the outcome of the evangelisation that we do but occasionally the Lord gives us a peek at the good that we've done. I told a woman I'd worked with for years that I had joined the Catholic Church. (This was back in 1999.) Being a good Southern belle she was Protestant but said she'd been looking at the Catholic Church. We talked about a few items but I ended up giving her a Rosary, telling her that it's a great prayer and one which many Protestants are beginning to embrace. I'd completely forgotten this whole episode when she came up to me 6 or 7 years later and told me she joined RCIA and would be coming into the Church at Easter. She said that the Rosary I gave her had been a big turning point for her.
Now, I'm not saying this to toot my own horn but as an example of how we don't have to bear the whole burden. Let Heaven help, ok? Another written publication--or set, really--is the work of Jim Burnham and Steve Wood called Beginning Apologetics. There are ten booklets in the set and they deal with a number of specific topics and several with specific religions. They contain a lot of Biblical texts and are easy to follow and to refer to. They are highly recommended, even for one who is not a novice!
Become familiar with a group called Lighthouse Catholic Media. They specialise in low-cost MP3 downloads and CD's by a plethora of famous and familiar speakers on a plethora of topics. (Don't you just love the word "plethora?") Two titles I especially like are "7 Reasons to Be Catholic" by Peter Kreeft (a convert) and "Why I'm Catholic When I Could Be Anything Else" by Patrick Madrid (a cradle Catholic.) Anything by Scott Hahn is fantastic. He's forgotten more about the Catholic Church than most folks know. Before coming into the Church Scott spent a lot of time with then Monsignor (now Bishop) Fabian Bruskewitz for counseling. When Scott asked him if he would have to go through RCIA since Easter was two weeks away, Bishop Bruskewitz answered, "You could TEACH RCIA." Get his conversion story.
This brings to mind something that you can mention to your contacts. The Coming Home Network, founded by Marcus Grodi (himself a Protestant pastor and convert to Catholicism) has helped around six hundred Protestant ministers come into the Church, almost all of them giving up their sole source of livelihood and support of their families in order to follow Christ's call to come home. Must mean there's really something to Catholicism, eh?
I can't stress the use of common sense enough. It usually doesn't even require the memorisation of verses! How neat is that? For instance, if a fundamentalist calls the Catholic Church the "Whore of Babylon" (a favourite of theirs) ask why She's produced so many saints then. Another example? If someone gets in your face and insists his or her church is the true Church mention that the Catholic Church teaches the same doctrines now that She taught two hundred years ago. Two hundred years ago the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Seventh Day Adventists, the Mormons, and the Christian Scientists didn't even exist. Five hundred years ago, we taught the same thing we teach now and NONE of the Protestant churches existed!
A couple of final hints. You can either try to learn a smattering about a lot of different subjects or you can pick one doctrine, for example, the true presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist and learn a whole lot about it. You'll find that apologetics is a lot like Lay's potato chips--you keep wanting more. Oh, and YOU pick the topic under discussion, don't let your friend do it. That way you can talk about what you know the most about. Finally, point out that if they find that the Catholic Church got it right in one doctrine, the chances are real good that they got it ALL right. Give the glory to God and give your friend your love and send them on their way with a CD to listen to or a brochure or book to read. It's fantastic When you find that you've been allowed by God to participate in the salvation of souls. They don't need us but it's great to feel wanted. Amen.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
"The Truth as Magnet"
JMJ. We all know that the Gospel tells us that Jesus is "the Way and the Truth and the Life." The truth that He brought us drew many to Him like a magnet and, also like a magnet, repelled many, too. Not only did those teachings draw their ire, it drew their attacks, not only then but down through the centuries even to our present time. The Church Christ founded is called "the Whore of Babylon" and other scurrilous titles, some folks even denying that Catholics are Christian!
How does one combat these people? One must first and foremost remember that our detractors attack out of ignorance and prejudice. We must meet them with love, not only for their sakes but for ours, too--don't forget that Jesus commanded us to love even our enemies. (Don't worry. I know this is sometimes hard to do but after all, if He told us to do something patently impossible He must needs give us the wherewithal with which to do it!)
Second, we must meet our foes with prayer, commending them to the Holy Ghost since nothing can be accomplished without His help anyway. Third, we must educate ourselves; not everyone is destined for a job as a professional apologist, present company definitely included! Not only is the most time-consuming of the three "musts" but at the same time can be the most fun and rewarding. If Catholic education is ever lacking it does so in not teaching the "why" of what the Church teaches and believes. Not knowing this leaves us an easy target for the Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Mormons who come to our doors seeking to lure us into their particular errors.
Always remember that evangelism is a team effort--or should be, anyway. After all, one of the tenets of Catholicism is the "communion of souls." We are never alone, especially in such an important endeavour. Too, the resources at our disposal are myriad. They've only been accumulating for 2,000 years, you know. Our greatest Teacher, of course, is our Lord Jesus Christ. Sure He was a "pro" and had thousands of years of Scripture and Tradition at His fingertips when it came to teaching; but His favourite tactic seems to be the parable. Learn from Him and apply the same idea to your efforts! Does a neighbor deride the Catholic Church as "the Whore of Babylon?" Look him square in the eye and ask, "If that's so, why has she produced so many saints?"
The crux, as I'm sure you see, is to spark a doubt or a question. Find the chink in their armour and make a quick thrust. The two things to remember are that the Church has a really great answer for any question you're posed and that someone else is sure to have that answer even if you don't. In my next post I'll mention a few resources for you to tie into. In the meantime, start learning and have fun.
How does one combat these people? One must first and foremost remember that our detractors attack out of ignorance and prejudice. We must meet them with love, not only for their sakes but for ours, too--don't forget that Jesus commanded us to love even our enemies. (Don't worry. I know this is sometimes hard to do but after all, if He told us to do something patently impossible He must needs give us the wherewithal with which to do it!)
Second, we must meet our foes with prayer, commending them to the Holy Ghost since nothing can be accomplished without His help anyway. Third, we must educate ourselves; not everyone is destined for a job as a professional apologist, present company definitely included! Not only is the most time-consuming of the three "musts" but at the same time can be the most fun and rewarding. If Catholic education is ever lacking it does so in not teaching the "why" of what the Church teaches and believes. Not knowing this leaves us an easy target for the Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Mormons who come to our doors seeking to lure us into their particular errors.
Always remember that evangelism is a team effort--or should be, anyway. After all, one of the tenets of Catholicism is the "communion of souls." We are never alone, especially in such an important endeavour. Too, the resources at our disposal are myriad. They've only been accumulating for 2,000 years, you know. Our greatest Teacher, of course, is our Lord Jesus Christ. Sure He was a "pro" and had thousands of years of Scripture and Tradition at His fingertips when it came to teaching; but His favourite tactic seems to be the parable. Learn from Him and apply the same idea to your efforts! Does a neighbor deride the Catholic Church as "the Whore of Babylon?" Look him square in the eye and ask, "If that's so, why has she produced so many saints?"
The crux, as I'm sure you see, is to spark a doubt or a question. Find the chink in their armour and make a quick thrust. The two things to remember are that the Church has a really great answer for any question you're posed and that someone else is sure to have that answer even if you don't. In my next post I'll mention a few resources for you to tie into. In the meantime, start learning and have fun.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
"Thoughts On the Blessed Mother"
JMJ. Did you ever have the feeling that folks weren't telling you everything? That you were always the last to find things out? When I was about 15 or 16, back in the middle ages, my dad came up to me and asked if I was all packed yet. "Packed for what?" sez I. "Well, we're leaving on vacation tomorrow and I wondered if you were all set to go." Of course I was crushed that no one had thought to let me know but Dad insisted that it had been the topic of discussion for about three weeks!
I was taking a shower one evening, (I try to do that once a week or so whether I need it or not for the sakes of my wife and friends,) and was cogitating on Our Lord on the cross when He gave us to His Holy Mother. Now it only seems like He's giving His Mother to John to take care of; naturally they had plenty of relatives who would've been only too happy to look after Her in His stead. No. He's actually doing two things much more magnificent than than the words would indicate.
In saying, "Woman, behold thy son" it dawned on me that He was giving Mary the entire human race to be Her spiritual children. Talk about responsibility! For thirty-three years She had faithfully tended and nurtured Him, finally turning him free to fulfill His destiny. She had proved Her humility, responsibility, and obedience. Now She had a whole bunch more kids to look after! And we? When He said, "Son, behold thy Mother" He was telling us that not only would She tend our skinned souls, put bandaids on hurt hearts but that WE OWE HER EVEN MORE OBEDIENCE AND LOVE THAN WE DO OUR OWN MOTHERS!
I can't help but wonder what our precious Lord thinks of those who ignore Her, who denigrate Her and the work He gave Her to do. After all, He obeyed His commandment and honoured His Mother. Being God, I'm sure He did so perfectly. Catholics just imitate Jesus!
Now of course I had to share this blinding insight with some friends at Tilma. Did they hang on my every word? They did not. One woman gave me a "duh" look and said, "Where have you been?" I still think it was kind of neat.
I was taking a shower one evening, (I try to do that once a week or so whether I need it or not for the sakes of my wife and friends,) and was cogitating on Our Lord on the cross when He gave us to His Holy Mother. Now it only seems like He's giving His Mother to John to take care of; naturally they had plenty of relatives who would've been only too happy to look after Her in His stead. No. He's actually doing two things much more magnificent than than the words would indicate.
In saying, "Woman, behold thy son" it dawned on me that He was giving Mary the entire human race to be Her spiritual children. Talk about responsibility! For thirty-three years She had faithfully tended and nurtured Him, finally turning him free to fulfill His destiny. She had proved Her humility, responsibility, and obedience. Now She had a whole bunch more kids to look after! And we? When He said, "Son, behold thy Mother" He was telling us that not only would She tend our skinned souls, put bandaids on hurt hearts but that WE OWE HER EVEN MORE OBEDIENCE AND LOVE THAN WE DO OUR OWN MOTHERS!
I can't help but wonder what our precious Lord thinks of those who ignore Her, who denigrate Her and the work He gave Her to do. After all, He obeyed His commandment and honoured His Mother. Being God, I'm sure He did so perfectly. Catholics just imitate Jesus!
Now of course I had to share this blinding insight with some friends at Tilma. Did they hang on my every word? They did not. One woman gave me a "duh" look and said, "Where have you been?" I still think it was kind of neat.
"Greed"
JMJ. I admit that I've been remiss. Mea culpa. It's been ages since I've posted a new blog and I know that my one, faithful reader is royally upset with me. It seems like I'm always apologising to her so I won't. Ha! Imagine my surprise when I tried to sign on and add to my scribblings and couldn't for the life of me figure out how! Not to mention the gratuitous ads that have suddenly appeared. I assure all (one) of you that I had absolutely nothing to do with it. I did finally figure out how to sign on (obviously) so I'll try to be a little more attentive but I'm honked that corporate greed has invaded even this free sight.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
"I'm Sorry"
JMJ. I think it was St. Peter who asked our Lord how many times we should forgive others and He answered seven times seventy. Or was it seventy times seven? Anyway, what He meant was "lots and lots." Just as important, though, to me is apologising. And we all find that eminently difficult to do.
I found something on the internet that I thought was kinda profound. It said that "apologising is not about admitting that you are wrong and the other person is right but that your relationship is more important than your ego."
Doesn't it just always boil down to pride?
I found something on the internet that I thought was kinda profound. It said that "apologising is not about admitting that you are wrong and the other person is right but that your relationship is more important than your ego."
Doesn't it just always boil down to pride?
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
"Just an Idle, Profound Thought"
JMJ. Caveat Lector--this is profound only because I think the Holy Ghost came up with it for me.
Motto for the day:
"Your mother didn't abort you--pass it on."
Motto for the day:
"Your mother didn't abort you--pass it on."
"A Divine Emergency"
JMJ. God has another emergency. A young woman is adamant about the need to abort her twin babies. Her name will be known only to God. Please offer your prayers and rosaries for the conversion of her life. Please help God bring to these helpless babies His Divine Love. And please pray for this young mother. The execution is set for March 26th.
"All God's Creatures"
JMJ. We’ve had pets our e married life and they’ve
been a blessing long before we really knew about blessings. For most of the almost forty years they were
cats. And that was okay. Really.
Cats aren’t the most friendly of creatures but you can’t beat them for
ease of care. And one or two of them
were really exceptional. Like Dr.
Watson, a mutt cat we got from some folks in Huron as a kitten. Now he had personality in spades.
Then we adopted Linus, our dog, about 6 years ago. He’s a mutt, too. A cross between chow and golden retriever and who knows what else. A Heinz 57 variety dog. Got him from the animal shelter in Geauga county. Linda wanted a dog who would be company for her during the day when I was at work. He marched right over to meet her and wasn’t the least intimidated by her electric wheelchair. It was a match made in heaven.
Prior to Linus we had bought a couple of ferrets from a pet store. My Confederate buddy, Hawk, had recommended them as pets—cute, was right, too. They may slow down with age and they’re horribly prone to ghost. We fell in love with them from the very first one we bought.
Rescue Services to be precise. We knew that it was cool adopting Linus. He was two years old or so and came to us potty trained and partially trained. Could it work for ferrets, too? Yes! We found some of the most adorable ferrets over the years, each with his or her own unique personality. Personalities that most of the cats hadn’t even come close to. I don’t know about Linda, but in adopting our pets I feel so much more like Adam and Eve in Genesis. God gave them dominion over all the animals. I felt like I had shouldered a responsibility for God.
Which brings me to Missy. Missy is our newest little girl. She’s 6 years old and came from a situation where she and her cage mate had been neglected quite badly. She had a growth on her right hind leg which the vet determined was cancer. Her leg was amputated at the hip and our friend Crystal (who had rescued her) asked if we’d foster her. Is a bull frog waterproof? We took her without a qualm. It took a few days for her to get adjusted to a new home but she made the transition without too much trouble.
Through the grace of God she began eating right away (baby food) and within two days was eating kibble. She’s still kind of skittish around the other ferrets. Cora (the warrior princess who terrorizes the five boys) tried to assert her control over Missy, too. The boys are just curious about her but at only one pound and seven ounces (she’s put on four ounces in the two weeks we’ve had her) she’s intimidated by that curiosity. So we got her a separate cage. And she seems happy, content.
So she’s become a part of our hearts and our home and our group of kids. And we thank God for having drawn us to adoption. I think I’ve got a much better appreciation for those who do the same thing for the unwanted and dispossessed of the two-legged variety. Four legs or two, we are all God’s beloved creatures. Amen.
Then we adopted Linus, our dog, about 6 years ago. He’s a mutt, too. A cross between chow and golden retriever and who knows what else. A Heinz 57 variety dog. Got him from the animal shelter in Geauga county. Linda wanted a dog who would be company for her during the day when I was at work. He marched right over to meet her and wasn’t the least intimidated by her electric wheelchair. It was a match made in heaven.
Prior to Linus we had bought a couple of ferrets from a pet store. My Confederate buddy, Hawk, had recommended them as pets—cute, was right, too. They may slow down with age and they’re horribly prone to ghost. We fell in love with them from the very first one we bought.
Rescue Services to be precise. We knew that it was cool adopting Linus. He was two years old or so and came to us potty trained and partially trained. Could it work for ferrets, too? Yes! We found some of the most adorable ferrets over the years, each with his or her own unique personality. Personalities that most of the cats hadn’t even come close to. I don’t know about Linda, but in adopting our pets I feel so much more like Adam and Eve in Genesis. God gave them dominion over all the animals. I felt like I had shouldered a responsibility for God.
Which brings me to Missy. Missy is our newest little girl. She’s 6 years old and came from a situation where she and her cage mate had been neglected quite badly. She had a growth on her right hind leg which the vet determined was cancer. Her leg was amputated at the hip and our friend Crystal (who had rescued her) asked if we’d foster her. Is a bull frog waterproof? We took her without a qualm. It took a few days for her to get adjusted to a new home but she made the transition without too much trouble.
Through the grace of God she began eating right away (baby food) and within two days was eating kibble. She’s still kind of skittish around the other ferrets. Cora (the warrior princess who terrorizes the five boys) tried to assert her control over Missy, too. The boys are just curious about her but at only one pound and seven ounces (she’s put on four ounces in the two weeks we’ve had her) she’s intimidated by that curiosity. So we got her a separate cage. And she seems happy, content.
So she’s become a part of our hearts and our home and our group of kids. And we thank God for having drawn us to adoption. I think I’ve got a much better appreciation for those who do the same thing for the unwanted and dispossessed of the two-legged variety. Four legs or two, we are all God’s beloved creatures. Amen.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
"Prayer Power"
JMJ. I'm not a doubter; please don't get that impression. I guess I oughta be a Missourian 'cause my motto seems to be "show me." I have such a huge problem getting things from my head to my heart. Must be a short circuit or something. It sometimes seems that an act of Congress is needed to overcome the blockage.
Anyway. About a month ago a friend of mine from out of town called and said he had an acute problem. A couple that he is quite close to were pregnant with their first child but due to career constraints were pretty sure they needed to get an abortion. Needless to say, he was horrified, I was horrifed, and we were both in a religous/moral tizzy, to say the least.
Lovingly, he had counseled the two, pulling out all of the big guns of argument that he could think of. I'm sure the Holy Ghost may have offered some that he hadn't of and he was calling to ask me what more could be done. Actually, he had probably done a whole lot better than I would've given the circumstances. (My friend, who shall remain nameless doesn't always realise just how powerful he is!)
My first inclination, thankfully, is to go running to Mother, just like I did when I was a little kid. I just said, "We gotta pray about this right now. You've said all you can say, now it's up to Heaven." Hey, it may be trite but it sure does work--or so I'm told. Most of my prayers have to do with physical healing for my wife, and for the conversion of souls so I don't always SEE a whole lot of results. Had I been thinking a little more analytically I should have realised that their coming to my friend seemed to me that they wanted to be talked out of their thoughts of abortion.
Well, we prayed and prayed. And a week ago I got a call saying, "Praise the Lord!" They had decided to keep their baby. All of a sudden that short circuit got a whole lot smaller. The power of prayer? Now I've seen it first-hand. Who knows--by the time I die I might actually have learnt to believe without seeing. Hey, it could happen. Praise God for His blessing the Lent.
Anyway. About a month ago a friend of mine from out of town called and said he had an acute problem. A couple that he is quite close to were pregnant with their first child but due to career constraints were pretty sure they needed to get an abortion. Needless to say, he was horrified, I was horrifed, and we were both in a religous/moral tizzy, to say the least.
Lovingly, he had counseled the two, pulling out all of the big guns of argument that he could think of. I'm sure the Holy Ghost may have offered some that he hadn't of and he was calling to ask me what more could be done. Actually, he had probably done a whole lot better than I would've given the circumstances. (My friend, who shall remain nameless doesn't always realise just how powerful he is!)
My first inclination, thankfully, is to go running to Mother, just like I did when I was a little kid. I just said, "We gotta pray about this right now. You've said all you can say, now it's up to Heaven." Hey, it may be trite but it sure does work--or so I'm told. Most of my prayers have to do with physical healing for my wife, and for the conversion of souls so I don't always SEE a whole lot of results. Had I been thinking a little more analytically I should have realised that their coming to my friend seemed to me that they wanted to be talked out of their thoughts of abortion.
Well, we prayed and prayed. And a week ago I got a call saying, "Praise the Lord!" They had decided to keep their baby. All of a sudden that short circuit got a whole lot smaller. The power of prayer? Now I've seen it first-hand. Who knows--by the time I die I might actually have learnt to believe without seeing. Hey, it could happen. Praise God for His blessing the Lent.
Monday, February 20, 2012
"Another Lent Upon Us"
JMJ. It's hard to believe that this Easter will be the 12th anniversary of my conversion, my 12th years as a Catholic. And as the idiom goes, "it keeps getting gooder and gooder." But it's time to think about Lent and how I hope to make it more meaningful for me. In the past it was always customary to think about one's "Lenten sacrifice." An then the Church in her wisdom suggested that one also add something positive, too. This makes perfect sense.
But it dawned on me tonight as I gave thought to my plans that it would take me so much further if I started making Lenten resolutions If our sacrifices would be beneficial for the 40 days of Lent, why not make them permanent? Now I haven't made New Years' resolutions since before my conversion. The New Year holiday was of absolutely no importance to me whatsoever. But Lent! Why not make Ash Wednesday my New Year and make my actions permanent?
I wish I could say I prayed about this beforehand and was inspired to come up with this plan. Who knows, maybe it is inspired? This year, along with my sacrifice, which I hope to make permanent and which shall go unnamed, I also intend to add an extra decade of the Holy Rosary each day, ad aeternam, for the benefit of the unborn and for life. If you think this is a good idea, too, spread the word and let me know if you think this is worthwhile. Blessed Mother, please pray that our Lent be a time of joy, wonder, and growth. Amen.
But it dawned on me tonight as I gave thought to my plans that it would take me so much further if I started making Lenten resolutions If our sacrifices would be beneficial for the 40 days of Lent, why not make them permanent? Now I haven't made New Years' resolutions since before my conversion. The New Year holiday was of absolutely no importance to me whatsoever. But Lent! Why not make Ash Wednesday my New Year and make my actions permanent?
I wish I could say I prayed about this beforehand and was inspired to come up with this plan. Who knows, maybe it is inspired? This year, along with my sacrifice, which I hope to make permanent and which shall go unnamed, I also intend to add an extra decade of the Holy Rosary each day, ad aeternam, for the benefit of the unborn and for life. If you think this is a good idea, too, spread the word and let me know if you think this is worthwhile. Blessed Mother, please pray that our Lent be a time of joy, wonder, and growth. Amen.
Monday, January 30, 2012
"Abortion Revisited"
JMJ. Just when I think that the culture of death had lost its power to nauseate me any further than it has already done, along comes report of a new chic trend amongst those who have no sense of the value of a human life. It was reported in the Catholic newsletter "Catalyst" that there is a growing prevalence of an atrocity which results in "pregnancy reduction." I can't remember the buzz term they've given it but it is the abortion of a baby when a woman is pregnant with multiple children--usually twins.
Now as if it were not enough to burden a woman's psyche with the emotional trauma of having murdered her infant, the medical establishment adds another insult to her shoulders--deciding which child to abort. If the twins are a boy and a girl, does on murder the heir or his sister? And what of the possibility that in the future the child learns that he or she has "dodged the bullet?" I can't think of anything more horrid than the guilt of the survivor!
I'm praying now for a young woman and her husband who are weighing the possibility of aborting their baby because of professional inconvenience. Talk about conflicted!! I don't know whether to doubt a couple's humanity or to feel sorrow at their anguish. Or both. I'm forever amazed at man's inhumanity to his fellow man--or in this case his or her unborn child. And then I am forced to face my own culpability in the past when I assisted with these unholy procedures. Daily I thank God for being so merciful to this poor sinner who has so much trouble forgiving himself.
Now as if it were not enough to burden a woman's psyche with the emotional trauma of having murdered her infant, the medical establishment adds another insult to her shoulders--deciding which child to abort. If the twins are a boy and a girl, does on murder the heir or his sister? And what of the possibility that in the future the child learns that he or she has "dodged the bullet?" I can't think of anything more horrid than the guilt of the survivor!
I'm praying now for a young woman and her husband who are weighing the possibility of aborting their baby because of professional inconvenience. Talk about conflicted!! I don't know whether to doubt a couple's humanity or to feel sorrow at their anguish. Or both. I'm forever amazed at man's inhumanity to his fellow man--or in this case his or her unborn child. And then I am forced to face my own culpability in the past when I assisted with these unholy procedures. Daily I thank God for being so merciful to this poor sinner who has so much trouble forgiving himself.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
"Running From Jesus"
JMJ. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen once said, "the truth is still the truth even if nobody believes it; a lie is still a lie even if everybody believes it." (Forgive me, but I'm quoting from memory in case one or two words are wrong.) Arguably the greatest evangelist of the 20th century, he had a way of imparting things that stick with one forever. And he stated things in terms that folks of all walks of life could understand and grasp. During his prime in radio and television, everyone knew Archbishop Sheen, regardless of his or her religion.
Anyway, I had no sooner read those words than I thought of the myriad times I've heard (and I'm sure you have, too) someone say that they don't believe this or that aspect of the Catholic Christian faith. Shoot, I've even heard a lot of Catholics say it, it's that prevalent. D'you want an example? Ok. Many fundamentalist Protestants put a lot of emphasis on being "born again" or having "a personal relationship with Jesus." There's nothing bad about this; in fact it's salutary. Let's say the topic of confession comes up. What's the response on their part? "I don't believe a human being can forgive sins. Only God can do that--that's why I go straight to Jesus."
In striving to know Jesus intimately, the Protestant is, in fact, running away from Him and His Word. Remember when He said to the apostles after His resurrection, "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven; whose sins you hold bound are held bound. Couldn't get any plainer than that. Now before you object, sure, you can pray directly to Jesus--explain your sin and talk to Him about it. He'll give you whatever help you need. But you still need to go to a priest to be shriven and it's into Jesus' ear you're really whispering. And it's He that actually does the absolving since the priest is in loco Christi.
You get the idea. There are as many examples as there are stories in the Naked City. Jesus said, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life." There is only one truth and He died on a cross for our sins. To deny Him and His truth is like running away from a sticky situation. We may not understand Him but but we can't claim we're trying to draw closer to Him by turning our backs on the only Truth that really exists.
Anyway, I had no sooner read those words than I thought of the myriad times I've heard (and I'm sure you have, too) someone say that they don't believe this or that aspect of the Catholic Christian faith. Shoot, I've even heard a lot of Catholics say it, it's that prevalent. D'you want an example? Ok. Many fundamentalist Protestants put a lot of emphasis on being "born again" or having "a personal relationship with Jesus." There's nothing bad about this; in fact it's salutary. Let's say the topic of confession comes up. What's the response on their part? "I don't believe a human being can forgive sins. Only God can do that--that's why I go straight to Jesus."
In striving to know Jesus intimately, the Protestant is, in fact, running away from Him and His Word. Remember when He said to the apostles after His resurrection, "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven; whose sins you hold bound are held bound. Couldn't get any plainer than that. Now before you object, sure, you can pray directly to Jesus--explain your sin and talk to Him about it. He'll give you whatever help you need. But you still need to go to a priest to be shriven and it's into Jesus' ear you're really whispering. And it's He that actually does the absolving since the priest is in loco Christi.
You get the idea. There are as many examples as there are stories in the Naked City. Jesus said, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life." There is only one truth and He died on a cross for our sins. To deny Him and His truth is like running away from a sticky situation. We may not understand Him but but we can't claim we're trying to draw closer to Him by turning our backs on the only Truth that really exists.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
"The Priest"
JMJ. I was watching the celebrant at Mass this morning and marvelled at how little like an alien he looked; remarkable, really, that he looked so much like me--and as a consequence of that alienness of his how deserving he is of our sympathy, prayers, our gratitude and loyalty.
Consider that each man voluntarily undertakes a journey of many years' duration. He leaves family and friends and sets out to follow in blind faith the commanding call of One whom he can neither see nor hear but Who exists as surely as do the seasons. And with each year the path he follows leads him further and further away from the familiar. With each step he severs one more of the ties that bound him to the world.
It's a journey fraught with danger and glory and sorrow and tears and laughter and a larger communion with our God Who alone can supply the strength and sustenance necessary for so arduous a trek. And when this man's time is fulfilled he prostrates himself before the throne of our King and His viceroy utters the words that will sever the last earthly tie and mark him forever as an alien set apart from the rest of humanity.
He has been tried in the furnace of God's love and majesty as few others have been. He can stand before the altar of the Lord and bring forth the eternal Creator from mere food and drink by the power of his words and the working of the Holy Ghost! He can take my sins and cast them far from me and can restore me to the sight of the God I have offended and feed a part of my humanity that some insist does not exist. Acting in persona Christi he will know many sleepless nights, the Evil One will target him with his darkest works, and he will never know the comfort of a wife and children of his own.
That was the being who evoked my awe this morning and I will aspire never to fail to express my gratitude to him and his brother priests for the sacrifices that they make for me. I am their spiritual child and I glory in calling them "Father."
Consider that each man voluntarily undertakes a journey of many years' duration. He leaves family and friends and sets out to follow in blind faith the commanding call of One whom he can neither see nor hear but Who exists as surely as do the seasons. And with each year the path he follows leads him further and further away from the familiar. With each step he severs one more of the ties that bound him to the world.
It's a journey fraught with danger and glory and sorrow and tears and laughter and a larger communion with our God Who alone can supply the strength and sustenance necessary for so arduous a trek. And when this man's time is fulfilled he prostrates himself before the throne of our King and His viceroy utters the words that will sever the last earthly tie and mark him forever as an alien set apart from the rest of humanity.
He has been tried in the furnace of God's love and majesty as few others have been. He can stand before the altar of the Lord and bring forth the eternal Creator from mere food and drink by the power of his words and the working of the Holy Ghost! He can take my sins and cast them far from me and can restore me to the sight of the God I have offended and feed a part of my humanity that some insist does not exist. Acting in persona Christi he will know many sleepless nights, the Evil One will target him with his darkest works, and he will never know the comfort of a wife and children of his own.
That was the being who evoked my awe this morning and I will aspire never to fail to express my gratitude to him and his brother priests for the sacrifices that they make for me. I am their spiritual child and I glory in calling them "Father."
Friday, January 13, 2012
"Ferrets"
JMJ. I'm glad that this blog is my own, to do with as I please. It is of no interest to anyone, with the possible exception of my friend, Bonnie. We (my wife, Linda, and I) put our dear Casper to sleep on Christmas day. He'd been ailing for some time and we knew that he would be leaving us soon. It was our privilege and our duty to help him to the Rainbow Bridge even though it was such a wrench in our hearts to do so.
I had taken another one of our boys, Kermit, in to see the vet today and met a lady and her daughter whose ferret, Daisy, had just been diagnosed with diabetes and maybe was in imminent danger of dying. The daughter was sad but her mother was just barely hanging on although she put a brave front on it. I could tell that she was distraught and asked what was going on. She told me of the diagnosis and said, "I can't get another one. I can't lose them so quickly. She's only 6!"
I knew exactly how she felt. No matter the age, the loss of a loved one is a terrible tragedy whether furry with four feet or furless with two. What matters is the love that they bring to our lives and into our hearts. Any loss hurts but how sterile our lives would be without those pesky intrusions that mean so much to us, regardless of how long they last. Our loves, furry or hairless, define us and make us more than we could have ever been without them.
I had taken another one of our boys, Kermit, in to see the vet today and met a lady and her daughter whose ferret, Daisy, had just been diagnosed with diabetes and maybe was in imminent danger of dying. The daughter was sad but her mother was just barely hanging on although she put a brave front on it. I could tell that she was distraught and asked what was going on. She told me of the diagnosis and said, "I can't get another one. I can't lose them so quickly. She's only 6!"
I knew exactly how she felt. No matter the age, the loss of a loved one is a terrible tragedy whether furry with four feet or furless with two. What matters is the love that they bring to our lives and into our hearts. Any loss hurts but how sterile our lives would be without those pesky intrusions that mean so much to us, regardless of how long they last. Our loves, furry or hairless, define us and make us more than we could have ever been without them.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
"My Conscience"
JMJ. God gives each of us a conscience. Pinocchio's conscience was named Jiminy Cricket. Mine, at least as far as this blog goes, is a silver-blonde pixie with a pony tail named Bonnie. My internal conscience frequently reminds me that I've been overly lazy and haven't up-dated this site in some time but we've worked together for so long that it doesn't mind if I don't act on his nudges for some time. Bonnie's not so easy to ignore. She'll fix me with a gimlet look and tell me how much she liked my last entry. With the emphasis on last.
Well, about a month ago she sent me a short e-mail containing the question, "What if all you had today was what you thanked God for yesterday?" I've never been hit before physically but I can imagine that it feels a lot like this did. An amazing epiphany of a sort. Do you remember Christ healing the ten blind men? Only one returned to say "thank you." I like to think that I'm a grateful guy, especially where God is concerned. I say grace before each meal and before I go to sleep at night.
But this question forces us to take a step back, inspect our lives, and really think about all that God has done in our lives. Because if we truly appreciate all He does for us then it behooves us to focus on His every blessing. When we do, our whole world expands and we look on life with new eyes, grateful eyes. Bonnie, thanks for all you do for me. Amen.
Well, about a month ago she sent me a short e-mail containing the question, "What if all you had today was what you thanked God for yesterday?" I've never been hit before physically but I can imagine that it feels a lot like this did. An amazing epiphany of a sort. Do you remember Christ healing the ten blind men? Only one returned to say "thank you." I like to think that I'm a grateful guy, especially where God is concerned. I say grace before each meal and before I go to sleep at night.
But this question forces us to take a step back, inspect our lives, and really think about all that God has done in our lives. Because if we truly appreciate all He does for us then it behooves us to focus on His every blessing. When we do, our whole world expands and we look on life with new eyes, grateful eyes. Bonnie, thanks for all you do for me. Amen.
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