Recently I wrote about the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist (Communion).
Baptism is the cleansing of our souls and the removal of sin - original sin.
Adam and Eve disobeying God was the first sin. With them being our earthly parents, that sin is carried over to all of us.
Baptism is given the way that Jesus baptised John the Baptist. "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit".
Cleansing - what better way to cleanse us than with Holy water. Water is a symbol of cleansing.
I hear people say that Baptism isn't necessary for an infant since they can't possibly sin at that age. It is true? They are innocent, but they carry that original sin. If they were to die as infants and not have been baptized, would they go to heaven? That is the question isn't it?
After several years of study, the Vatican's International Theological Commission said there are good reasons to hope that babies who die without being baptized go to heaven.
The italicized is from Catholic News Story:
In a document published April 20, the commission said the traditional concept of limbo -- as a place where unbaptized infants spend eternity but without communion with God -- seemed to reflect an "unduly restrictive view of salvation."
The church continues to teach that, because of original sin, baptism is the ordinary way of salvation for all people and urges parents to baptize infants, the document said.
But there is greater theological awareness today that God is merciful and "wants all human beings to be saved," it said. Grace has priority over sin, and the exclusion of innocent babies from heaven does not seem to reflect Christ's special love for "the little ones," it said.
"Our conclusion is that the many factors that we have considered ... give serious theological and liturgical grounds for hope that unbaptized infants who die will be saved and enjoy the beatific vision," the document said.
"We emphasize that these are reasons for prayerful hope, rather than grounds for sure knowledge," it added.
This has been an issue for quite some time - in earlier times, babies that weren't baptized and who died as infants couldn't even be buried in the cemeteries.
I think there is hope and I do believe that they go to heaven when unbaptized, but they don't enjoy the full joy of heaven.
Heaven has many levels (or rooms in the mansion) and it is a place that you yearn to be close to God. Depending on our sins and what we did or didn't do in our lives will put us on a level in heaven (or even hell for that matter). We will want to be as close to God in heaven as possible.
We have been given the Sacrament of Baptism to relinquish that original sin and then we are given the Sacrament of Penance so that we can cleanse ourselves over and over. Thus allowing us to be closer to God in life and in the eternal life.
Confirmation and Eucharist
These past few weeks have been very busy. My 16 year old daughter received her Sacrament of Confirmation on April 18th. It is always a wonderful journey to the Cathedral of St. Paul, but it is truly meaningful when it is for a precious sacramental feast.
The Rite of Confirmation states:
"By the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed."
The Sacrament starts with the laying on of hands, which signifies the descent of the Holy Spirit and the anointing of the confirmandi with chrism - accompanied by the words "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit".
This seal is a consecration, representing the safeguarding by the Holy Spirit of the graces conferred on the Christian at Baptism and ministered by a Bishop.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation. Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are the three Sacraments.
This leads into this upcoming Sunday - May 1st. I am a catechist for the children preparing to receive the Sacrament of their First Holy Eucharist.
This past Saturday we had a "retreat" for the children and a breaking of bread gathering before they went off to practice for the special Mass.
I was very happy to see my class answering the Priests questions that he was asking them. They were very sure of their faith and are so open minded to learning. Like Jesus said, "Let the children come to me". They will come to Him next Sunday to receive His great gift of love.
Just like the title of my blog, The Real Presence for Us, the children will receive the real presence of Christ.
"The doctrine of the Real Presence asserts that in the Holy Eucharist, Jesus is literally and wholly present—body and blood, soul and divinity—under the appearances of bread and wine."
Dear Lord Jesus,
Look lovingly upon your lambs as they come to you Sunday for the first time to receive Your precious Body and Blood.
Guide the newly Confirmed on their life journey and give them the grace to see clearly the path ahead.
Allow all of your children to have great strength from these Gifts from You.
Amen.
The Rite of Confirmation states:
"By the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed."
The Sacrament starts with the laying on of hands, which signifies the descent of the Holy Spirit and the anointing of the confirmandi with chrism - accompanied by the words "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit".
This seal is a consecration, representing the safeguarding by the Holy Spirit of the graces conferred on the Christian at Baptism and ministered by a Bishop.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation. Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are the three Sacraments.
This leads into this upcoming Sunday - May 1st. I am a catechist for the children preparing to receive the Sacrament of their First Holy Eucharist.
This past Saturday we had a "retreat" for the children and a breaking of bread gathering before they went off to practice for the special Mass.
I was very happy to see my class answering the Priests questions that he was asking them. They were very sure of their faith and are so open minded to learning. Like Jesus said, "Let the children come to me". They will come to Him next Sunday to receive His great gift of love.
Just like the title of my blog, The Real Presence for Us, the children will receive the real presence of Christ.
"The doctrine of the Real Presence asserts that in the Holy Eucharist, Jesus is literally and wholly present—body and blood, soul and divinity—under the appearances of bread and wine."
Dear Lord Jesus,
Look lovingly upon your lambs as they come to you Sunday for the first time to receive Your precious Body and Blood.
Guide the newly Confirmed on their life journey and give them the grace to see clearly the path ahead.
Allow all of your children to have great strength from these Gifts from You.
Amen.
Our Lady's April 25, 2010 message given to Marija
Message April 25,2010 from The Medjugorje Web
“Dear children! At this time, when in a special way you are praying and seeking my intercession, I call you, little children, to pray so that through your prayers I can help you to have all the more hearts be opened to my messages. Pray for my intentions. I am with you and I intercede before my Son for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
“Dear children! At this time, when in a special way you are praying and seeking my intercession, I call you, little children, to pray so that through your prayers I can help you to have all the more hearts be opened to my messages. Pray for my intentions. I am with you and I intercede before my Son for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
The Bible VS Cell Phones
The Bible VS Cell Phones
(sent to me in an email - author unknown)Thanks Lola
Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several time a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing...
Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being
Disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!
When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you!
(sent to me in an email - author unknown)Thanks Lola
Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several time a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing...
Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being
Disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!
When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you!
A Slow Recovery and Coal for Greed
I have been very blessed these last couple weeks. The prayers are paying off and we have been getting quite a bit of business - seems like the economy is finally starting to trudge forward with baby steps.
I will continue to pray for more work and I am thanking God for the work we have. Every order that we get can either work to save our company or at the very least, keep us getting a paycheck that much longer. I have hope for a recovery.
Thank you for your prayers!
Now on to another issue that has been bothering me since I heard about it. Those miners killed in the West Virginia coal mine.... I send my deepest condolences to the families of those people killed.
What bothers me most about this is the blatant disrespect for human life all for money. I was appalled when I heard that the CEO of that company makes over $16 Million per year. I also read somewhere that he made up to $38 Million in a year. I am sorry, but no one deserves that kind of money and no one should make that kind of money at the expense of others.
This sentence was taken from Associated Press:
"Massey Energy Co., which owns the Upper Big Branch mine, was fined more than $382,000 in the past year for repeated serious violations involving its ventilation plan and equipment."
The money that was wasted on fines and salaries could have been used to make the mine safer. $15 million per year could have went a long, long way to creating better air quality and safer conditions for the people that had to work there to survive, which ultimately led to their death. And for the people that will be going back to work there, knowing that the mine is unsafe and they have colleagues, friends and family members that perished there.
A very sad situation to be put into.
Greed - pure and simple.
Greed is one of the seven deadly sins.
Greed led to the death of these people and that will follow everyone that knew the dangers and didn't make it right.
I will continue to pray for more work and I am thanking God for the work we have. Every order that we get can either work to save our company or at the very least, keep us getting a paycheck that much longer. I have hope for a recovery.
Thank you for your prayers!
Now on to another issue that has been bothering me since I heard about it. Those miners killed in the West Virginia coal mine.... I send my deepest condolences to the families of those people killed.
What bothers me most about this is the blatant disrespect for human life all for money. I was appalled when I heard that the CEO of that company makes over $16 Million per year. I also read somewhere that he made up to $38 Million in a year. I am sorry, but no one deserves that kind of money and no one should make that kind of money at the expense of others.
This sentence was taken from Associated Press:
"Massey Energy Co., which owns the Upper Big Branch mine, was fined more than $382,000 in the past year for repeated serious violations involving its ventilation plan and equipment."
The money that was wasted on fines and salaries could have been used to make the mine safer. $15 million per year could have went a long, long way to creating better air quality and safer conditions for the people that had to work there to survive, which ultimately led to their death. And for the people that will be going back to work there, knowing that the mine is unsafe and they have colleagues, friends and family members that perished there.
A very sad situation to be put into.
Greed - pure and simple.
Greed is one of the seven deadly sins.
Greed led to the death of these people and that will follow everyone that knew the dangers and didn't make it right.
"Do You Really Love Me? Jesus Said to Peter
"Do you really love me?" Jesus said again...
John 21:15-17
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."
He then said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." (Jesus) said to him, "Feed my sheep.
Many scholars have said that Jesus asks Peter three times whether he loves him, most likely is meant to represent the reconciliation that occurred between the community represented by John's Gospel with the larger Christian community represented by Peter.
I think they read into it too much, it is much simpler than that....
I feel that it is Jesus asking Peter 3 times - the same number of times that Peter denied Jesus when our Lord was arrested - to signify the reconciliation of Peter and Jesus. Also to give Peter instructions on how to teach the new flock - the sheep, and show Peter the way to reconciliation for all of us - the lambs.
He was letting Peter know that forgiveness is a gift and that the new Priests need to extend it to the whole world. The Apostles needed to be the first teachers of the flock and set an example of leadership for centuries to follow.
Three times is also a symbol showing that Jesus is a part of the Trinity - It was God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit asking Peter.
John 21:15-17
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."
He then said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." (Jesus) said to him, "Feed my sheep.
Many scholars have said that Jesus asks Peter three times whether he loves him, most likely is meant to represent the reconciliation that occurred between the community represented by John's Gospel with the larger Christian community represented by Peter.
I think they read into it too much, it is much simpler than that....
I feel that it is Jesus asking Peter 3 times - the same number of times that Peter denied Jesus when our Lord was arrested - to signify the reconciliation of Peter and Jesus. Also to give Peter instructions on how to teach the new flock - the sheep, and show Peter the way to reconciliation for all of us - the lambs.
He was letting Peter know that forgiveness is a gift and that the new Priests need to extend it to the whole world. The Apostles needed to be the first teachers of the flock and set an example of leadership for centuries to follow.
Three times is also a symbol showing that Jesus is a part of the Trinity - It was God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit asking Peter.
Shroud of Turin Exibit Opens Today
The Shroud of Turin opens for viewing today, April 10th in Turin, Italy. It hasn't been displayed for 10 years and has gone through a restoration, removing the patches that were applied after it had been in a fire.
The Shroud is presumed to be the burial cloth of Jesus. The cloth that the Apostles "seen and believed" - that was laying in the tomb of Christ and that all they had to do was see it to know that Jesus had risen from the dead.
There has been research after research on the Shroud of Turin. Most notably the carbon dating test that was done in the 80's.
There has been pollen found on the linen that is only from Jerusalem.
The photographic negative image and now the 3D image restoration.
It doesn't matter what anyone thinks of the Shroud as long as it brings a strong devotion to Jesus.
There are many paintings, statues and crucifixions that depict our Lord and we look on them to remind us of what Jesus did for us.
The image of our Lady of Guadalupe on the tilma is another magnificent image that is on display of the Virgin Mother.
These images are to be looked upon as a gift from God. Whether you believe them to be of this earth or super natural, look upon them as ways to venerate our Lord and the Virgin Mary.
Do your own research as I have, you will be amazed at the information you learn about both of these Holy Relics.
The Shroud is presumed to be the burial cloth of Jesus. The cloth that the Apostles "seen and believed" - that was laying in the tomb of Christ and that all they had to do was see it to know that Jesus had risen from the dead.
There has been research after research on the Shroud of Turin. Most notably the carbon dating test that was done in the 80's.
There has been pollen found on the linen that is only from Jerusalem.
The photographic negative image and now the 3D image restoration.
It doesn't matter what anyone thinks of the Shroud as long as it brings a strong devotion to Jesus.
There are many paintings, statues and crucifixions that depict our Lord and we look on them to remind us of what Jesus did for us.
The image of our Lady of Guadalupe on the tilma is another magnificent image that is on display of the Virgin Mother.
These images are to be looked upon as a gift from God. Whether you believe them to be of this earth or super natural, look upon them as ways to venerate our Lord and the Virgin Mary.
Do your own research as I have, you will be amazed at the information you learn about both of these Holy Relics.
Divine Mercy Sunday
Divine Mercy Sunday is the first Sunday after Easter. That Sunday is the Feast of Mercy.
What our Church is offering this Sunday is called a plenary indulgence, and what this means, in very simple terms, is that - if we go to Confession, and then receive Holy Communion on that day, we can obtain the complete and total forgiveness of all sins and all punishment.
The following paragraphs are from divinemercysunday.com
Jesus told St. Faustina that this Feast of Mercy would be a very special day when "all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened". (Diary 699) Our Lord made a great promise to all those souls who would go to Confession and then receive Him in Holy Communion on the Feast of Mercy, on the Sunday after Easter, which is now called Divine Mercy Sunday throughout the Catholic Church.
Jesus promised that "The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain the complete forgiveness of sins and punishment."(Diary 699) He went on to say "I want to grant a complete pardon to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of My Mercy." (Diary 1109)
About the feastday "Divine Mercy Sunday", Jesus said "…tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon the souls who approach the Fount of My Mercy. On that day all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.... Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy". (Diary 699)
Our Lord said "When you go to confession, to this fountain of My mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flows down upon your soul…" and "Every time you go to confession, immerse yourself entirely in My mercy with great trust, so that I may pour the bounty of My grace upon your soul. When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I Myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy" (1602) Make your confession before Me. The person of the priest is… only a screen. Never analyze what sort of a priest that I am making use of; open your soul in confession to Me, and I will fill it with My light." (1725)
It is required of all Catholics to confess their serious sins at least once every year. If you haven’t yet met this obligation then take advantage of this outstanding opportunity to receive an outpouring of an ocean of graces that Jesus promises on this day. Those who have already confessed their sins should make room for others.
The Church allows for one to go to Confession for up to about 20 days, before or after Divine Mercy Sunday.
What our Church is offering this Sunday is called a plenary indulgence, and what this means, in very simple terms, is that - if we go to Confession, and then receive Holy Communion on that day, we can obtain the complete and total forgiveness of all sins and all punishment.
The following paragraphs are from divinemercysunday.com
Jesus told St. Faustina that this Feast of Mercy would be a very special day when "all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened". (Diary 699) Our Lord made a great promise to all those souls who would go to Confession and then receive Him in Holy Communion on the Feast of Mercy, on the Sunday after Easter, which is now called Divine Mercy Sunday throughout the Catholic Church.
Jesus promised that "The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain the complete forgiveness of sins and punishment."(Diary 699) He went on to say "I want to grant a complete pardon to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of My Mercy." (Diary 1109)
About the feastday "Divine Mercy Sunday", Jesus said "…tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon the souls who approach the Fount of My Mercy. On that day all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.... Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy". (Diary 699)
Our Lord said "When you go to confession, to this fountain of My mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flows down upon your soul…" and "Every time you go to confession, immerse yourself entirely in My mercy with great trust, so that I may pour the bounty of My grace upon your soul. When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I Myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy" (1602) Make your confession before Me. The person of the priest is… only a screen. Never analyze what sort of a priest that I am making use of; open your soul in confession to Me, and I will fill it with My light." (1725)
It is required of all Catholics to confess their serious sins at least once every year. If you haven’t yet met this obligation then take advantage of this outstanding opportunity to receive an outpouring of an ocean of graces that Jesus promises on this day. Those who have already confessed their sins should make room for others.
The Church allows for one to go to Confession for up to about 20 days, before or after Divine Mercy Sunday.
Resurrection - NEW LIFE!
"Sure as a chick comes from an egg, Jesus rose from the dead." That is what my Grandmother would tell me when I asked her why we have Easter eggs on Easter.
That brings up the old saying, "What came first, the chicken or the egg?'' Giving way to the creation story.
We also compare Easter to a caterpillar and a butterfly. The caterpillar goes off into a cocoon and emerges as a radiant butterfly - NEW LIFE!
New life through Jesus Christ.
Because Jesus died for us, we are able to have our sins cleansed and that allows us to be with Him in heaven - NEW LIFE!
Jesus gave Himself for us on the cross, but death could not stop God. Jesus rose from the dead, the Resurrection and the NEW LIFE!
Today, Easter Sunday, is the most important day in our Catholic faith. The Resurrection!
Jesus entered our world as an infant to show us His humanness. He died and left the world as a Man. He rose from the dead as God.
Jesus was always God Man, but He didn't stop anything just to make Himself feel better. He could have removed His chains and the cross at anytime. He chose the Cross.
His Resurrection gives us faith and hope for a NEW LIFE!
Alleluia!
The Real Face of Jesus Documentary
More information on the History Channels Documentary of the face of Jesus.
The documentary "The Real Face of Jesus" will be aired again Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 8pm Eastern (7 Central) and Easter Sunday at Noon Eastern (11am Central) and again Easter Sunday 5pm Eastern (4pm Central).
History Channel
The documentary "The Real Face of Jesus" will be aired again Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 8pm Eastern (7 Central) and Easter Sunday at Noon Eastern (11am Central) and again Easter Sunday 5pm Eastern (4pm Central).
History Channel
Our Lady's April 2, 2010 Message to Mirjana
Happy Easter to all of you and your families!
God Bless!
Steve and Ana Shawl - The Medjugorje Web
April 2, 2010 Message to Mirjana
"Dear children; Today I bless you in a special way and I pray for you to return to the right way, to my Son - your Saviour, your Redeemer – to Him who gave you eternal life. Reflect on everything human, on everything that does not permit you to set out after my Son – on transience, imperfection and limitation - and then think of my Son, of His Devine infiniteness. By your surrender and prayer ennoble your body and perfect your soul. Be ready, my children. Thank you."
Our Lady blessed all people and all the religious articles that we had for blessing. As Our Lady was leaving Mirjana saw a large golden Cross behind Our Lady.
God Bless!
Steve and Ana Shawl - The Medjugorje Web
April 2, 2010 Message to Mirjana
"Dear children; Today I bless you in a special way and I pray for you to return to the right way, to my Son - your Saviour, your Redeemer – to Him who gave you eternal life. Reflect on everything human, on everything that does not permit you to set out after my Son – on transience, imperfection and limitation - and then think of my Son, of His Devine infiniteness. By your surrender and prayer ennoble your body and perfect your soul. Be ready, my children. Thank you."
Our Lady blessed all people and all the religious articles that we had for blessing. As Our Lady was leaving Mirjana saw a large golden Cross behind Our Lady.
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