I know some veterans from WWII who told me that although war is hell, it does make you focus. In battle one tends to block everything else out and concentrate on the present situation. A person who tries to kill you will certainly get your attention.
Our culture is at at war with evil. Our enemy isn't flesh and blood but the spiritual. Sometimes it does well for us to focus on this to overcome pain and suffering. Knowing that we need to fight will often times take our minds off our own personal struggles and help us concentrate on what is right.
Peter Kreeft tells us that to win a battle we need to acknowledge we are at war, know the enemy and what weapons to use.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Lack of Faith
In the Gospel today Jesus is unable to perform miracles because of a "lack of faith" from the people.
We must remember that faith is a gift from the Holy Spirit. We have no power on our own. In order to believe that Jesus can heal us, we must be open to Him in prayer and realize His grace is sufficient.
Do not be discouraged in your time of trial. God is listening to you. He knows what you are enduring. Persevere in your own life of faith. Never stop praying and be open to His will. God will give you the faith you need to overcome.
Dr. Scott Hahn
We must remember that faith is a gift from the Holy Spirit. We have no power on our own. In order to believe that Jesus can heal us, we must be open to Him in prayer and realize His grace is sufficient.
Do not be discouraged in your time of trial. God is listening to you. He knows what you are enduring. Persevere in your own life of faith. Never stop praying and be open to His will. God will give you the faith you need to overcome.
Dr. Scott Hahn
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Good Mental Health
A sound mind overcomes many things. It is essential to be able to clearly think when struggles come our way. Good mental health helps us to face any circumstance. As St. Paul says,
For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Phil 4:11-12)
In fact St. Paul illustrates a five point plan for better mental health:
Step I. Rejoice in the Presence of the Lord - The text says, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your moderateness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Step II. Rely on the Power of the Lord – The text says – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition…present your requests to God.
Step III. Remember the Provision of the Lord - The text says, with thanksgiving.
Step IV. Rest in the Peace of the Lord - And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Step V. Reflect on the Plan of the Lord - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.
Click here for further insight
For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Phil 4:11-12)
In fact St. Paul illustrates a five point plan for better mental health:
Step I. Rejoice in the Presence of the Lord - The text says, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your moderateness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Step II. Rely on the Power of the Lord – The text says – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition…present your requests to God.
Step III. Remember the Provision of the Lord - The text says, with thanksgiving.
Step IV. Rest in the Peace of the Lord - And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Step V. Reflect on the Plan of the Lord - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.
Click here for further insight
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Real Love and Hate
In order to overcome suffering one needs to truly love as God does. Love conquers all, even death.
Bishop Fulton Sheen had an interesting take on this when he said, “real love involves real hatred.”
Although this sounds like a contradiction he goes on to clarify, “Christian love bears evil, but it does not tolerate it. It does penance for the sins of others, but it is not broadminded about sin. REAL LOVE involves real hatred: whoever has lost the power of moral indignation and the urge to drive the sellers from the temples has also lost a living, fervent love of Truth.”
Listen to what Michael Voris has to say about this.
Bishop Fulton Sheen had an interesting take on this when he said, “real love involves real hatred.”
Although this sounds like a contradiction he goes on to clarify, “Christian love bears evil, but it does not tolerate it. It does penance for the sins of others, but it is not broadminded about sin. REAL LOVE involves real hatred: whoever has lost the power of moral indignation and the urge to drive the sellers from the temples has also lost a living, fervent love of Truth.”
Listen to what Michael Voris has to say about this.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Do Not Be Afraid, Have Faith
In the Gospel Jesus healed a woman and raised a girl from the dead. In both instances He correlates faith with fear.
The more we fear the weaker our faith. When a death or illness is thrust upon us it is important to have courage. This is something we need to ask for in prayer. God will give us this grace.
The woman was determined simply to "touch" Jesus to be healed. We can do the same today. Through the Sacraments of the Church, specifically the Eucharist we come to an intimate connection with Jesus. Determined to continue to touch Him this way.
The more we fear the weaker our faith. When a death or illness is thrust upon us it is important to have courage. This is something we need to ask for in prayer. God will give us this grace.
The woman was determined simply to "touch" Jesus to be healed. We can do the same today. Through the Sacraments of the Church, specifically the Eucharist we come to an intimate connection with Jesus. Determined to continue to touch Him this way.
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