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Monday, July 30, 2012

Evil Will Not Conquer

Only a little over 25 years ago a great evil, Communism, ruled Eastern Europe.  This evil inflicted an untold amount of damage, suffering and death over the Church and thousands of committed Christians.  Indeed it is was the goal of Marxism to rid the world of it's main rival, Christianity. 

In the midst of a six decade reign, Communism was effective in eliminating nuns and priests and destroying church buildings.  Many martyrs were sent directly to heaven as a result.  Not only were religious killed but tortured.

This is a stark reminder that there are at times certain demands made upon the followers of Christ.  We should put this into perspective with our own personal suffering.  All Christians should ask the martyrs for their prayers in times of struggle.   

Watch what Michale Voris has to say

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Holy Water

Holy Water is a Church Sacramental recommended as a means of protection against evil.  Catholics in particular use it to bless themselves when entering a church.  Among Eastern Orthodox Christians, Holy Water is used frequently in rites of blessing and exorcism, and the water for baptism is always sanctified with a special blessing.  The idea of water being made holy originates from Christ Himself who, through His baptism sanctified the water of the world.

In times of our own spiritual suffering it is important to avail ourselves of the material means of the Church.  Holy Water is ultimately used to bring healing and peace to our lives through faith. 

Holy Water Miracle

 

Friday, July 27, 2012

Eternal Life

The simple fact is we suffer because we live in a fallen world subjected to sin and evil.  Ultimately salvation frees us from this.  Our goal is eternal life in heaven.

What is eternal life?  Pope Benedict gives some interesting insight:

The term “eternal life” is intended to give a name to this known “unknown”. Inevitably it is an inadequate term that creates confusion. “Eternal”, in fact, suggests to us the idea of something interminable, and this frightens us; “life” makes us think of the life that we know and love and do not want to lose, even though very often it brings more toil than satisfaction, so that while on the one hand we desire it, on the other hand we do not want it.

Msgr. Charles Pope says that eternal life is to live forever with God.  He ponders that it is not about length but fullness:

My own pondering and experience of the concept of eternal life is that ultimately eternal life is not about the length of life, it is about the fullness of life. To enter eternal life mean to become fully alive. For now we are not fully alive. We experience much of death in these lowly bodies of ours. However, most of us do get glimpses of eternal life and can experience aspects of it even now. For example, have you ever had a day when you had all the energy in the world. Not only did you feel energetic but your mind was sharp and your day was efficient and effective. Everything seemed to click and there was joy and contentment. Most of us have days like that from time to time but they don’t last. But it is a glimpse of what eternal life might be like multiplied by a factor of 10 Trillion.

Eternal life (or the fullness of life) begins now.  We can experience it through the Sacraments specifically the Eucharist and Confession.  Christ wants us to overcome evil and be at peace NOW.  Catholics have been given the graces to do this.  

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Planning Evil

In light of the tragedy in Colorado the Readings today are of particular relevance.  Punishment comes to those who "plan iniquity" and they are cut off from God.
This is no way to live and it makes one question the mental stability of those who commit such atrocities.  Why would anyone in their right mind do such a thing?  
It is important to realize that God is perfect clarity and reason.  Evil on the other hand is chaos and confusion. We have a difficulty understanding it because sin and evil are not sensible.  
This should be a cause of reflection for all of us.  Our own personal suffering (and certainly the suffering of others) may at times be a result of sin we have committed.  We cut ourselves off from God and His graces if the sin is mortal (Baltimore Catechism Q's. 280-287).  Our spiritual life deteriorates and confusion replaces common sense.  We do things we don't want to do and don't understand why we do it.  Sometimes, because of our pride, we may not even realize when something is evil (or an offense to God).
The only answer is a return to the Man who makes it clear for all of us, Jesus Christ.  If we consistently live in Him through a life of faith and Sacrament we will be free from sin (not a slave to it), we will be at peace.  Continue praying always, attending Mass weekly (if not daily), and confessing  sin when needed.  Christ, not evil, will reign.         

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Healing The Family

Today the Church celebrates the family of Mary. Saints Joachim and Anne no doubt had a profound influence on the faith life of the Blessed Mother.  Indeed families are our source of love and support.

But because of Original Sin families are also a source of brokenness and suffering. Much of our own personal suffering is the result of family dynamics. In order to overcome we need to get at the root of it.



Every family – save for that of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph -- has had tendencies that are negative. It could be a family inclination to selfishness, division, pride, or argumentation. It could be occultism. Or divorce. It could be a preoccupation with materialism (this is big). It could be addiction. Or emotional disturbance.  






Monday, July 16, 2012

Padre Pio

The great stigmatist St. Padre Pio used to say that he simply shares in the sufferings of Christ.  

The Catholic view of human suffering is unique in Christianity.  Suffering is more than a burden to be endured.  In the Apostolic Letter Salvifici Doloris, Pope John Paul II taught that, "In the Cross of Christ not only is the Redemption accomplished through suffering, but also human suffering itself has been redeemed...each one is also called to share in that suffering through which the Redemption was accomplished."

Although Padre Pio was called to share in Jesus' suffering to an extraordinary degree, we are also called to join our pains to His.  This is at the heart of the traditional practice of "offering up" whatever happens to us throughout the day, using as a prayer: "O Jesus, I offer this for the love of you, and in reparation of sin".

Sunday, July 15, 2012

The Bible

When you are feeling down,read the bible.  The bible is the Word of God in human words.  It has the power to be life transforming.  God knows each of us and knows what we need when we open up the bible.

When reading the bible you will find that God has a fatherly plan to save His children on earth and just as importantly God has a providential plan for each one of us. 

Reading the bible helps prepare you for a relationship with God so you can follow Him on earth and live with Him forever in heaven.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

The Culture War

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.

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 

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

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. 

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.