You decide. I have studied the Shroud of Turin and I do believe it to be the real burial cloth of Jesus. You can decide for yourself, that is just my opinion.
With that said, I think it is a beautiful image. It is definately an image of a man around the age that Jesus would have been who was critically wounded and buried with this cloth.
3D Imagery of the Shroud of Turin from the History Channel documentary.
The image from the History Channel documentary can be seen
here.
And more here.
Easter Story Cookies
I made these cookies with my children a couple years ago. It is a wonderful way to instill the Easter Story to children.
Easter Story Cookies
by Rachel Keller
Begin this recipe on Saturday, the day before Easter.
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon or a wooden meat hammer
duct tape or packing tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or hammer to break them into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste. Then put your pinch of salt in the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus's followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing! Add 1 cup sugar to the bowl.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 10 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheets.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus's body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
Leave the kitchen. If you've been making these cookies just before bedtime, GO TO BED!
Acknowledge that the kids are probably sad that they've worked hard to make these cookies, and now have to leave them in the oven overnight. Explain that Jesus' followers were in sad when Jesus died and the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Ask the kids to notice the cracked surface. Have them bite into the cookies. The cookies are hollow!
Explain that on the first Easter morning, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
HE HAS RISEN!
Easter Story Cookies
by Rachel Keller
Begin this recipe on Saturday, the day before Easter.
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon or a wooden meat hammer
duct tape or packing tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or hammer to break them into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste. Then put your pinch of salt in the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus's followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing! Add 1 cup sugar to the bowl.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 10 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheets.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus's body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
Leave the kitchen. If you've been making these cookies just before bedtime, GO TO BED!
Acknowledge that the kids are probably sad that they've worked hard to make these cookies, and now have to leave them in the oven overnight. Explain that Jesus' followers were in sad when Jesus died and the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Ask the kids to notice the cracked surface. Have them bite into the cookies. The cookies are hollow!
Explain that on the first Easter morning, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
HE HAS RISEN!
The Trial
Something to think about. I think there is more to it than this, but it is a good analogy.
(This is an email forward that I got from a friend. Author Unknown.)
After living what I felt was a 'decent' life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house.The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table.
As I looked around I saw the 'prosecutor.' He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.
I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.
The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes.He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room I couldn't take my eyes off of Him.As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, 'Let us begin.'
The prosecutor rose and said, 'My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell.'He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and In the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank.
I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all.
I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done? Satan finished with a fury and said, 'This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.'
When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward.
As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.
He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, 'HI, DAD,' and then He turned to address the court. 'Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished.' Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, 'However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine.' My Lord continued with, 'His name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can snatch him from Me.'
Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy.'As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, 'There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all..'The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips...'This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed.'As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, 'I won't give up, I will win the next one.'
I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, 'Have you ever lost a case?' Christ lovingly smiled and said, 'Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, ~Paid In Full.'
(This is an email forward that I got from a friend. Author Unknown.)
After living what I felt was a 'decent' life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house.The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table.
As I looked around I saw the 'prosecutor.' He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.
I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.
The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes.He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room I couldn't take my eyes off of Him.As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, 'Let us begin.'
The prosecutor rose and said, 'My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell.'He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and In the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank.
I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all.
I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done? Satan finished with a fury and said, 'This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.'
When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward.
As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.
He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, 'HI, DAD,' and then He turned to address the court. 'Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished.' Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, 'However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine.' My Lord continued with, 'His name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can snatch him from Me.'
Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy.'As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, 'There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all..'The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips...'This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed.'As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, 'I won't give up, I will win the next one.'
I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, 'Have you ever lost a case?' Christ lovingly smiled and said, 'Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, ~Paid In Full.'
Holy Week
We start Holy Week with Jesus' entry to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Palms were used as a symbol of royalty. Palms were waved as Jesus entered Jerusalem because people knew He was a King and they wanted to show their respect for Him.
As the week progressed - what changed? Why did these same people that welcomed Jesus into town want Him crucified?
This must have been very confusing. The scribes and Pharisees must have been very busy putting doubt into the minds of the people.
By Thursday, Judas had already struck up a deal with them to show them where Jesus would be.
Thursday night, after Jesus and the Apostles had celebrated the Passover Feast and Jesus had instituted the first Eucharist, Judas made his way to the Chief Priests to tell them where to find Jesus to have him arrested. Judas collected his blood money from them and proceeded to the Garden where he knew Jesus would be praying that evening. Judas said that the sign for them to arrest the right person would be a kiss - the "Judas kiss".
Jesus had left the supper room and made his way with the apostles to the garden to pray. He was praying feverishly for our sins and conversions. Taking on ALL sin - past, present and future. He was praying so hard for us that it caused Him to sweat blood.
At that moment as He finished praying and went to awaken His Apostles, He could here the rabble of the crowd coming towards Him.
Judas walked to Jesus and kissed His cheek. Immediately Jesus was being encountered with questions and violence.
Being dragged back to town like an animal, Jesus remained patient and endured His indignity.
Peter denies Jesus and goes to a cave to repent. Jesus is thrown in prison until Friday morning when he will be brought before Pilate.
Pilate doesn't want to condemn such a man as Jesus, but He does. First Pilate brutally has Jesus scourged and allows His crowning with thorns.
Jesus is forced to carry His own cross to Calvary, falling many times on the way - reopening all of His wounds.
Jesus is nailed to the cross to die.
He dies for us.
He is taken from the cross and put into the arms of His loving Mother and then place into a tomb.
As the week progressed - what changed? Why did these same people that welcomed Jesus into town want Him crucified?
This must have been very confusing. The scribes and Pharisees must have been very busy putting doubt into the minds of the people.
By Thursday, Judas had already struck up a deal with them to show them where Jesus would be.
Thursday night, after Jesus and the Apostles had celebrated the Passover Feast and Jesus had instituted the first Eucharist, Judas made his way to the Chief Priests to tell them where to find Jesus to have him arrested. Judas collected his blood money from them and proceeded to the Garden where he knew Jesus would be praying that evening. Judas said that the sign for them to arrest the right person would be a kiss - the "Judas kiss".
Jesus had left the supper room and made his way with the apostles to the garden to pray. He was praying feverishly for our sins and conversions. Taking on ALL sin - past, present and future. He was praying so hard for us that it caused Him to sweat blood.
At that moment as He finished praying and went to awaken His Apostles, He could here the rabble of the crowd coming towards Him.
Judas walked to Jesus and kissed His cheek. Immediately Jesus was being encountered with questions and violence.
Being dragged back to town like an animal, Jesus remained patient and endured His indignity.
Peter denies Jesus and goes to a cave to repent. Jesus is thrown in prison until Friday morning when he will be brought before Pilate.
Pilate doesn't want to condemn such a man as Jesus, but He does. First Pilate brutally has Jesus scourged and allows His crowning with thorns.
Jesus is forced to carry His own cross to Calvary, falling many times on the way - reopening all of His wounds.
Jesus is nailed to the cross to die.
He dies for us.
He is taken from the cross and put into the arms of His loving Mother and then place into a tomb.
Our Lady's March 25, 2010 Message to Marija
Our Lady's March 25, 2010 message given to Marija, as provided by the Information Center in Medjugorje.
“Dear children! Also today I desire to call you all to be strong in prayer and in the moments when trials attack you. Live your Christian vocation in joy and humility and witness to everyone. I am with you and I carry you all before my Son Jesus, and He will be your strength and support. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
“Dear children! Also today I desire to call you all to be strong in prayer and in the moments when trials attack you. Live your Christian vocation in joy and humility and witness to everyone. I am with you and I carry you all before my Son Jesus, and He will be your strength and support. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
Chrism Mass
Tonight our Parish family - who have students being Confirmed in April, will be traveling to the Cathedral for the Chrism Mass.
The Chrism Mass is a high Mass with almost all of the Priests from the Diocese being there. I enjoy this Mass and I enjoy being in the Cathedral of St. Paul.
These young adults in our Church are struggling with their faith, family and peer issues. The Sacrament of Confirmation will give them the Grace to let the Holy Spirit guide them through the tough times in life and will give them the strength that they need when questioning their faith.
To question our faith keeps us growing in faith.
These young adults will receive the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit - Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of the Lord. These great gifts infused with Sanctifying Grace - will help them live a Christian life.
Below is some information on the Chrism Mass.
Information from catholicnh.org
About the Chrism Mass
At the Chrism Mass -- which is usually the largest annual gathering of clergy and faithful most dioceses have -- the priests renew the commitments they made at their ordination.
The Mass takes its name from the most eminent of the three holy oils which the bishop commissions for his local church's use over the following year.
While the Oil of the Sick, used for those who seek the anointing, and the Oil of the Catechumens, which is imposed on those preparing for baptism, are simply "blessed," the Sacred Chrism is "consecrated," and all the priests present participate in the latter moment by extending their hands toward the vessel containing it as the bishop says the prayer of consecration.
The Chrism is used at the ordination of priests and bishops, baptisms, confirmations, the consecration of altars and the blessing of churches, where the walls are smeared with it in the shape of the sign of the cross.
As part of the consecration of the Chrism, balsam is poured into the oil, which gives it a sweet smell intended to remind those who encounter it of the "odor of sanctity" to which those people and things who are marked with it, and by extension all of us, are called to strive for.
The Chrism Mass is a high Mass with almost all of the Priests from the Diocese being there. I enjoy this Mass and I enjoy being in the Cathedral of St. Paul.
These young adults in our Church are struggling with their faith, family and peer issues. The Sacrament of Confirmation will give them the Grace to let the Holy Spirit guide them through the tough times in life and will give them the strength that they need when questioning their faith.
To question our faith keeps us growing in faith.
These young adults will receive the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit - Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of the Lord. These great gifts infused with Sanctifying Grace - will help them live a Christian life.
Below is some information on the Chrism Mass.
Information from catholicnh.org
About the Chrism Mass
At the Chrism Mass -- which is usually the largest annual gathering of clergy and faithful most dioceses have -- the priests renew the commitments they made at their ordination.
The Mass takes its name from the most eminent of the three holy oils which the bishop commissions for his local church's use over the following year.
While the Oil of the Sick, used for those who seek the anointing, and the Oil of the Catechumens, which is imposed on those preparing for baptism, are simply "blessed," the Sacred Chrism is "consecrated," and all the priests present participate in the latter moment by extending their hands toward the vessel containing it as the bishop says the prayer of consecration.
The Chrism is used at the ordination of priests and bishops, baptisms, confirmations, the consecration of altars and the blessing of churches, where the walls are smeared with it in the shape of the sign of the cross.
As part of the consecration of the Chrism, balsam is poured into the oil, which gives it a sweet smell intended to remind those who encounter it of the "odor of sanctity" to which those people and things who are marked with it, and by extension all of us, are called to strive for.
Sin
In today's Gospel Reading Jesus is asked if he condemns the adulterous woman. John 8:1-11
Jesus is running his finger on the ground writing something. Some scholars think that Jesus was writing the sins of the scribes and Pharisees on the ground.
Can you imagine seeing your sins written on the ground with the Hand of God!
Picture what they were thinking when they saw their sins lightly written in the dirt. They started to leave one by one. How could they condemn a woman for her sins, when they had sins of their own.
We don't know what Jesus wrote on the ground, but this theory is a good one to meditate on.
God knows all of our sins and wants us to ask for forgiveness. Reconciliation is a great Grace.
Slow Down and Catch Up with Lent
This lent has been a busy time for me. With the economy in such a turmoil, we have been struggling to hang onto our business and trying to start other projects to make a living.
It all works on my body and mind. I have been so tired since we turned the clocks ahead last weekend. I don't know if it is all in my head, but I am drained and I haven't caught up yet.
Last night I was almost late to teach my class. I don't think in over 20 years I have been that close to being late to teach (2 minutes to spare). It threw my whole night off.
I need to slow down and meditate. I need to take time for myself to be alone with Jesus. I need to catch up.
Lord, Make me an instrument of Your Peace...
Amen.
It all works on my body and mind. I have been so tired since we turned the clocks ahead last weekend. I don't know if it is all in my head, but I am drained and I haven't caught up yet.
Last night I was almost late to teach my class. I don't think in over 20 years I have been that close to being late to teach (2 minutes to spare). It threw my whole night off.
I need to slow down and meditate. I need to take time for myself to be alone with Jesus. I need to catch up.
Lord, Make me an instrument of Your Peace...
Amen.
Our Lady's Annual March 18, 2010 Message to Mirjana
(email from Steve and Ana Shawl)
Peace to All!
Below please find the official English translation of Mirjana's annual March 18 message from Our Lady as provided by the Information Center in Medjugorje.
Our next mailing will be Our Lady's March 25 message to the world. God Bless!Steve and Ana Shawl
The Medjugorje Webhttp://www.medjugorje.org--------------------------------
March 18, 2010 Message
"Dear children! Today I call you to love with all your heart and with all your soul. Pray for the gift of love, because when the soul loves it calls my Son to itself. My Son does not refuse those who call Him and who desire to live according to Him. Pray for those who do not comprehend love, who do not understand what it means to love. Pray that God may be their Father and not their Judge. My children, you be my apostles, be my river of love. I need you. Thank you."
Peace to All!
Below please find the official English translation of Mirjana's annual March 18 message from Our Lady as provided by the Information Center in Medjugorje.
Our next mailing will be Our Lady's March 25 message to the world. God Bless!Steve and Ana Shawl
The Medjugorje Webhttp://www.medjugorje.org--------------------------------
March 18, 2010 Message
"Dear children! Today I call you to love with all your heart and with all your soul. Pray for the gift of love, because when the soul loves it calls my Son to itself. My Son does not refuse those who call Him and who desire to live according to Him. Pray for those who do not comprehend love, who do not understand what it means to love. Pray that God may be their Father and not their Judge. My children, you be my apostles, be my river of love. I need you. Thank you."
The Jelly Bean Prayer
THE JELLY BEAN PRAYER
(author unknown)
RED IS FOR THE BLOOD HE GAVE.
GREEN IS FOR THE GRASS HE MADE.
YELLOW IS FOR THE SUN SO BRIGHT.
ORANGE IS FOR THE EDGE OF NIGHT.
BLACK IS FOR THE SINS WE MADE.
WHITE IS FOR THE GRACE HE GAVE.
PURPLE IS FOR HIS HOUR OF SORROW.
PINK IS FOR OUR NEW TOMORROW.
A BAG FULL OF JELLY BEANSCOLORFUL AND SWEET,
IS A PRAYER, IS A PROMISE,IS A SPECIAL TREAT
MAY THE JOY OF CHRIST'S RESURRECTION
FILL YOUR HEART AND BLESS YOUR LIFE.
(author unknown)
RED IS FOR THE BLOOD HE GAVE.
GREEN IS FOR THE GRASS HE MADE.
YELLOW IS FOR THE SUN SO BRIGHT.
ORANGE IS FOR THE EDGE OF NIGHT.
BLACK IS FOR THE SINS WE MADE.
WHITE IS FOR THE GRACE HE GAVE.
PURPLE IS FOR HIS HOUR OF SORROW.
PINK IS FOR OUR NEW TOMORROW.
A BAG FULL OF JELLY BEANSCOLORFUL AND SWEET,
IS A PRAYER, IS A PROMISE,IS A SPECIAL TREAT
MAY THE JOY OF CHRIST'S RESURRECTION
FILL YOUR HEART AND BLESS YOUR LIFE.
YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW
This is a forward that I got from a friend. It is one of those special email forwards that help you have a great day! Thank you Lola! (author unknown)
YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW
Good morning said a woman as she walked up to the man sitting on ground.
The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new.. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.. "Leave me alone," he growled.... To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked. "No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away."
The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily, "I said to leave me alone." Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked.. "No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?" The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"
"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile." "Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything."
" This is a good deal for you, Jack" the officer answered. "Don't blow it.." Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived...
The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this, is this man in trouble?" "This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered. "Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business.." Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."
The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled..... "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?" "Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms." "And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?" "What business is that of yours?" I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company." "Oh." The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?" "No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty." "Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"
"Yes, mam. That would be very nice." The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer." The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said. "That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."
She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.. "Jack, do you remember me?" Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar." "I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."
"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.
"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat." Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said..
"I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy." "I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble... Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right." "So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.
"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card.. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons...He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled.. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet... If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you." There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he said.
"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus.... He led me to you." Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways.... "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said. "On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And..And thank you for the coffee."
If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing.
If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh..
But, if you have missed knowing my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,
you have missed everything in the world.
Have a Wonderful Day. May God Bless You Always and don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you..
God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart..
When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go.
Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly! The power of one sentence!
God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close.. If you need God to open some doors for you...send this on. Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing to others...
LIVE WELL, LOVE MUCH, LAUGH OFTEN!
YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW
Good morning said a woman as she walked up to the man sitting on ground.
The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new.. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.. "Leave me alone," he growled.... To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked. "No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away."
The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily, "I said to leave me alone." Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked.. "No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?" The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"
"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile." "Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything."
" This is a good deal for you, Jack" the officer answered. "Don't blow it.." Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived...
The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this, is this man in trouble?" "This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered. "Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business.." Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."
The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled..... "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?" "Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms." "And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?" "What business is that of yours?" I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company." "Oh." The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?" "No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty." "Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"
"Yes, mam. That would be very nice." The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer." The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said. "That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."
She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.. "Jack, do you remember me?" Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar." "I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."
"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.
"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat." Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said..
"I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy." "I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble... Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right." "So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.
"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card.. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons...He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled.. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet... If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you." There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he said.
"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus.... He led me to you." Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways.... "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said. "On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And..And thank you for the coffee."
If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing.
If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh..
But, if you have missed knowing my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,
you have missed everything in the world.
Have a Wonderful Day. May God Bless You Always and don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you..
God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart..
When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go.
Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly! The power of one sentence!
God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close.. If you need God to open some doors for you...send this on. Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing to others...
LIVE WELL, LOVE MUCH, LAUGH OFTEN!
The Prodigal Son
The Prodigal Son
Put yourself in the eldest sons position. I have done this many times and I can understand his anger and confusion. Many people live their life following the teachings of the church and try to do what is right. We need to remember that God forgives us for everything if we are truly sorry and want his forgiveness.Some people go through life not knowing Christ. If they don't know they are doing wrong and then realize and want to come to Him, they are welcomed back. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and will always look for his lost sheep and welcome them back like the Prodigal Son. We need to rejoice at this.
I have a brother that is bi-polar/schizophrenic and is only 40 years old. It came on hard when he was 29 years old and he is now in a home. I would get angry at my mother for giving him everything he wanted. She was hurting him by being an enabler. I would tell her not to give him money because he would use it for drugs but she always did. I never understood why. She loved him unconditionally and couldn't help but give him what he asked her for.
When I hear the story of the Prodigal Son, it reminds me of my mother, brother and myself. I am like the older brother looking in and seeing the younger brother who threw so much of my mothers income away on drugs, yet he was always being taken care of. The pain of seeing him "dead" was always there for my mother. She would truly rejoice if his mental illness was gone and he was "alive" again.
We sometimes don't understand the significance of the "party" that the father gave the younger son. When someone is lost and is found, or dead and then alive, we should celebrate.
I would celebrate if my brother could have his mental health back. I would be the first one to roast a hog and have a party. I sometimes think of how young he is and what his life is like. I see his two children struggling with his illness. I miss him.
I think the older brother forgave his younger brother and celebrated with having him back. It may have taken him longer to forgive his Father, but I like to think that he forgave his Father too! We can all finish Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son - sometimes by examples in our own lives.
The Parable of the Lost Son
Luke 15:11-32
11 Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. 13 "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17 "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' 20 So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
25 "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
28 "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
31 " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "
Jesus is Scourged
Exert from "The Divine Life of the Most Holy Virgin"- Venerable Mary of Agreda
"Pilate, finding that all his endeavors to save Jesus had failed, thought to have him scourged in the hope that the Jews might think that He was sufficiently chastised and allow Him to be set free; but in this he acted against all justice, for he had already acknowledged the perfect innocence of Jesus.
To execute this flagellation, they chose six young men most remarkable for their strength and barbarous cruelty. They led Jesus into the court in which there was a column, and removed the handcuffs chains and cords. They tore off His garments, leaving His sacred person almost entirely naked. The flagellation commenced under the eyes of the afflicted Mother.
Jesus was bound to the column so tightly with little cords that they entered his flesh, and His divine hands became much swollen. Afterwards they began to scourge Him in pairs, one after the other with a cruelty of which human ferocity was not capable, but Lucifer had incorporated himself into the hearts of the pitiless executioners. The first tow scourged the innocent Jesus with large twisted cords, exerting their utmost violence and greatest fury upon Him. The first blows which fell upon His divine and delicate body inflicted large livid bruised, which swelled to a frightful extent and seemed as if the blood was about to burst from them.
When these cruel men were exhausted by fatigue, they were succeeded by the second two, who, using heavy leather thongs, broke the flesh of the bruises inflicted by the first, so that the Precious Blood not only covered the body of Jesus, but also saturated the garments of the sacrilegious murderers and fell upon the ground.
When exhausted, they were succeeded by the third party, who used as their instruments of torture the sinews of beasts, which were very hard and dry, resembling twigs. Their blows, being repeated over the wounds inflicted by the first and second executioners, caused Jesus the most intense agony. But as His divine body was but one entire wound, they could no longer new wounds; their blows, therefore, falling on His sacred flesh, tore out pieces which fell to the ground, and in many places left the bones exposed to sight. Not content with this, they satiated their cruelty by striking Him on the face, hands and feet, and sparing no part of His body. So bruised, torn and disfigured was the countenance of the Lord as to be no longer recognizable."
This graphic description of the suffering of Jesus is what Mel Gibson used for his movie "The Passion of the Christ".
To see it click here.
"Pilate, finding that all his endeavors to save Jesus had failed, thought to have him scourged in the hope that the Jews might think that He was sufficiently chastised and allow Him to be set free; but in this he acted against all justice, for he had already acknowledged the perfect innocence of Jesus.
To execute this flagellation, they chose six young men most remarkable for their strength and barbarous cruelty. They led Jesus into the court in which there was a column, and removed the handcuffs chains and cords. They tore off His garments, leaving His sacred person almost entirely naked. The flagellation commenced under the eyes of the afflicted Mother.
Jesus was bound to the column so tightly with little cords that they entered his flesh, and His divine hands became much swollen. Afterwards they began to scourge Him in pairs, one after the other with a cruelty of which human ferocity was not capable, but Lucifer had incorporated himself into the hearts of the pitiless executioners. The first tow scourged the innocent Jesus with large twisted cords, exerting their utmost violence and greatest fury upon Him. The first blows which fell upon His divine and delicate body inflicted large livid bruised, which swelled to a frightful extent and seemed as if the blood was about to burst from them.
When these cruel men were exhausted by fatigue, they were succeeded by the second two, who, using heavy leather thongs, broke the flesh of the bruises inflicted by the first, so that the Precious Blood not only covered the body of Jesus, but also saturated the garments of the sacrilegious murderers and fell upon the ground.
When exhausted, they were succeeded by the third party, who used as their instruments of torture the sinews of beasts, which were very hard and dry, resembling twigs. Their blows, being repeated over the wounds inflicted by the first and second executioners, caused Jesus the most intense agony. But as His divine body was but one entire wound, they could no longer new wounds; their blows, therefore, falling on His sacred flesh, tore out pieces which fell to the ground, and in many places left the bones exposed to sight. Not content with this, they satiated their cruelty by striking Him on the face, hands and feet, and sparing no part of His body. So bruised, torn and disfigured was the countenance of the Lord as to be no longer recognizable."
This graphic description of the suffering of Jesus is what Mel Gibson used for his movie "The Passion of the Christ".
To see it click here.
The Seven Last Words of Christ
The Seven last Words of Christ are the Words that He uttered from the Cross.
Meditate on them for seven days or all at once. (These reflections are from Loyola Press)
The First Word
The Second Word
The Third Word
The Forth Word
The Fifth Word
The Sixth Word
The Seventh Word
Meditate on them for seven days or all at once. (These reflections are from Loyola Press)
The First Word
The Second Word
The Third Word
The Forth Word
The Fifth Word
The Sixth Word
The Seventh Word
Make Your Voice Heard AGAIN!
It is a critical time for defeating the hanous crime of abortion.
Telephone the office of your U.S. House member. Give your name and address, and tell the lawmaker's staff person that you wish to be recorded as "opposed to the Senate health care legislation, H.R. 3590, because the bill contains multiple pro-abortion provisions and is unacceptable." The Washington, D.C., office of any House member can be reached through 202-225-3121. You can also find the direct-dial numbers for the Washington and in-state offices of your representative at the MCCL website.
If you click here you will be taken t the National Right to Life website.
Please do all you can physically to stop abortion and PRAY for an end to this senseless killing!
Telephone the office of your U.S. House member. Give your name and address, and tell the lawmaker's staff person that you wish to be recorded as "opposed to the Senate health care legislation, H.R. 3590, because the bill contains multiple pro-abortion provisions and is unacceptable." The Washington, D.C., office of any House member can be reached through 202-225-3121. You can also find the direct-dial numbers for the Washington and in-state offices of your representative at the MCCL website.
If you click here you will be taken t the National Right to Life website.
Please do all you can physically to stop abortion and PRAY for an end to this senseless killing!
Meditate on the Life and Passion of Our Lord
This is a great time in the season of Lent to do some meditation.
Try to focus and see things in a whole new way.
It doesn't matter how you see Christ, just see!
Read about the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.
Meditate on the Stations of the Cross.
Sit before the Blessed Sacrament meditating on the Passion of Christ.
As you meditate, put yourself somewhere in your minds picture. Be standing in a corner observing what is taking place. You could make yourself an animal or bird looking on from a distance or a rabbit looking right up at what is happening. Bring yourself into your minds eye and see the passion from a different perspective. Make yourself one of the Apostles and be looking from their persepective point.
It doesn't matter how you see Christ, just see!
Reasons to Believe: How to Understand, Explain, and Defend the Catholic Faith by Scott Hahn
Reasons to Believe: How to Understand, Explain, and Defend the Catholic Faith
A great Scott Hahn book.
If you don't know the story about the life of Scott Hahn, click here. He was always struggling to find answers in faith and found them in the Catholic Church even knowing his family would not be happy with that.
The Bucket List
I finally had the opportunity to watch The Bucket List.
I enjoyed this movie for many reasons. One big one, it made me cry. Sometimes we all need a good cry.
I found it amazing as to the differences in these two characters. One being a family man with great moral values and the other being a wealthy man with few morals.
They found the common denominator - they were both dieing of cancer - and dieing quickly.
One man had a wonderful family that he thought he had given his life for and missed out on it himself.
The other one had lots and lots of money but no family relationships and few morals.
Sometimes we all take our families for granted. We feel like we just do, do, do and never get anything in return. It is natural to feel this way. It is a sin, but we are human and prone to sin.
He had a wife that loved him and wanted to take care of him for his final time on earth and children that loved him.
He felt suffocated by his wife and distanced himself from her.
The other man had wealth and power and he used it for everything but good. When we have been blessed with an abundance, we should always share it.
Well, he did share it with a dieing man. That turned out to be a gift for both of them.
They made a list of things that they wanted to do before they die. Of course our moral man put down "witness something truly majestic" as one of his entries while our immoral man put down "kiss the most beautiful girl in the world".
As they were on their journey they revealed many things about each other. Our moral man talked about his family life and how he felt like he didn't get what he wanted out of life. Our immoral man talked about loosing his daughter to her dislike for him. So the movie was about immoral man trying to get moral man back to his wife and moral man trying to get immoral man back to his daughter.
In the end, they both were were they belonged and both learned valuable lessons from each other. Ultimately saving each other.
The truly majestic thing was the mountain that they wanted to see together - where they were laid to rest together. The most beautiful girl in the world ended up to be his granddaughter - whom he got to kiss.
They only knew each other 3 months and changed each others lives for all eternity!
I guess what I am trying to convey here is that we need to be aware of how we treat people. Small things that you do, can impact someone in a very profound way.
A smile to someone in need, a good laugh, a good cry, a good ear. These are small things that can change someones life.
Be there for anyone in need. There are so many people in need right now. Be like Jesus to others.
God Bless!
To see a wonderful video of "Live Like You Were Dieing" and "The Bucket List" - Click Here
I enjoyed this movie for many reasons. One big one, it made me cry. Sometimes we all need a good cry.
I found it amazing as to the differences in these two characters. One being a family man with great moral values and the other being a wealthy man with few morals.
They found the common denominator - they were both dieing of cancer - and dieing quickly.
One man had a wonderful family that he thought he had given his life for and missed out on it himself.
The other one had lots and lots of money but no family relationships and few morals.
Sometimes we all take our families for granted. We feel like we just do, do, do and never get anything in return. It is natural to feel this way. It is a sin, but we are human and prone to sin.
He had a wife that loved him and wanted to take care of him for his final time on earth and children that loved him.
He felt suffocated by his wife and distanced himself from her.
The other man had wealth and power and he used it for everything but good. When we have been blessed with an abundance, we should always share it.
Well, he did share it with a dieing man. That turned out to be a gift for both of them.
They made a list of things that they wanted to do before they die. Of course our moral man put down "witness something truly majestic" as one of his entries while our immoral man put down "kiss the most beautiful girl in the world".
As they were on their journey they revealed many things about each other. Our moral man talked about his family life and how he felt like he didn't get what he wanted out of life. Our immoral man talked about loosing his daughter to her dislike for him. So the movie was about immoral man trying to get moral man back to his wife and moral man trying to get immoral man back to his daughter.
In the end, they both were were they belonged and both learned valuable lessons from each other. Ultimately saving each other.
The truly majestic thing was the mountain that they wanted to see together - where they were laid to rest together. The most beautiful girl in the world ended up to be his granddaughter - whom he got to kiss.
They only knew each other 3 months and changed each others lives for all eternity!
I guess what I am trying to convey here is that we need to be aware of how we treat people. Small things that you do, can impact someone in a very profound way.
A smile to someone in need, a good laugh, a good cry, a good ear. These are small things that can change someones life.
Be there for anyone in need. There are so many people in need right now. Be like Jesus to others.
God Bless!
To see a wonderful video of "Live Like You Were Dieing" and "The Bucket List" - Click Here
Giving Up Your Place for Others
Matthew 23: 1 - 12
1
Then said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples,
2
"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat;
3
so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice.
4
They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger.
5
They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,
6
and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues,
7
and salutations in the market places, and being called rabbi by men.
8
But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren.
9
And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.
10
Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ.
11
He who is greatest among you shall be your servant;
12
whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
This is a great reading - it has special meaning for me.
It was one of my children's Confirmation day and we had a celebration at my Mother's restaurant. We had the places all prepared and waiting for guests to arrive. As the guests started to come in, our Priest, Father Roger arrived. I gave him a seat that I thought he was well suited for, one of the best places. My Father came in much later. Father Roger got up from his seat and put my Father in that position. He gave up the better seat and gave it to my Dad. I was so impressed with that and every time I see this reading, I think of Father Roger and giving up his seat for someone else.
My father has some psychological problems and has a hard time being around other people so this was a wonderful thing for him to be greeted and treated so well.
That Priest lives his life as a prayer every day and that is what we should all do! Live your life as prayer!
1
Then said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples,
2
"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat;
3
so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice.
4
They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger.
5
They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,
6
and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues,
7
and salutations in the market places, and being called rabbi by men.
8
But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren.
9
And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.
10
Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ.
11
He who is greatest among you shall be your servant;
12
whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
This is a great reading - it has special meaning for me.
It was one of my children's Confirmation day and we had a celebration at my Mother's restaurant. We had the places all prepared and waiting for guests to arrive. As the guests started to come in, our Priest, Father Roger arrived. I gave him a seat that I thought he was well suited for, one of the best places. My Father came in much later. Father Roger got up from his seat and put my Father in that position. He gave up the better seat and gave it to my Dad. I was so impressed with that and every time I see this reading, I think of Father Roger and giving up his seat for someone else.
My father has some psychological problems and has a hard time being around other people so this was a wonderful thing for him to be greeted and treated so well.
That Priest lives his life as a prayer every day and that is what we should all do! Live your life as prayer!
Our Lady's March 2, 2010 Message to Mirjana Soldo
Our Lady's March 02, 2010 Message message given to Mirjana Soldo - English Translation
Medjugorje Web http://www.medjugorje.org
"Dear children, In this special time of your effort to be all the closer to my Son, to His suffering, but also to the love with which He bore it, I desire to tell you that I am with you. I will help you to triumph over errors and temptations with my grace. I will teach you love, love which wipes away all sins and makes you perfect, love which gives you the peace of my Son now and forever. Peace with you and in you, because I am the Queen of Peace. Thank you."
Medjugorje Web http://www.medjugorje.org
"Dear children, In this special time of your effort to be all the closer to my Son, to His suffering, but also to the love with which He bore it, I desire to tell you that I am with you. I will help you to triumph over errors and temptations with my grace. I will teach you love, love which wipes away all sins and makes you perfect, love which gives you the peace of my Son now and forever. Peace with you and in you, because I am the Queen of Peace. Thank you."
Prayer, Fasting and Alms Giving for Lent
Lent is a time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Pray - Prayer can be the regular praying we were all taught as Catholics such as the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet. It can also be to live your life as a prayer. Do everything with great joy and offer this up to Jesus and that is a prayerful way to do something.
Fast - Abstaining from food is what we think of for fasting. We can abstain from other things in life as well. Stop watching a TV show, fast from gossip and worrying!
Give Alms - Giving money is usually the one that comes to mind. That is good, but giving of yourself is also alms giving.
Think of special ways that you can pray, fast and give alms this Lent.
Pray - Prayer can be the regular praying we were all taught as Catholics such as the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet. It can also be to live your life as a prayer. Do everything with great joy and offer this up to Jesus and that is a prayerful way to do something.
Fast - Abstaining from food is what we think of for fasting. We can abstain from other things in life as well. Stop watching a TV show, fast from gossip and worrying!
Give Alms - Giving money is usually the one that comes to mind. That is good, but giving of yourself is also alms giving.
Think of special ways that you can pray, fast and give alms this Lent.
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