Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 25
Prayer Request
A few weeks ago (around Becket's birth) a deacon friend of ours died after a long illness. He left behind his wife, Glenda, and children. His younger son, Chris was a great comfort to his mother during the funeral process. Yesterday, 42 -year-old Chris was found dead by his mother. He apparently died after a massive heart attack. As you can imagine, Glenda is taking this loss very hard. Please pray for this family as they struggle through this catastrophe and grieve the loss of two instead of one. We have hope that Chris is now reunited to his father in Heaven.
Friday, April 6
The Day my Fiancé Died
I don't know if I should dare call Jesus my fiancé, but He is so close to being my spouse that I long to think of Him as my Betrothed. Last night at the Holy Thursday adoration time, I couldn't help embracing the beautiful, life sized statue of the Sacred Heart and kissing the foot. I am ashamed to say that I am not as fervently religious as I would like to be. But, the Tridium, especially Good Friday, brings the best out of my mental prayer life. How much I long to embrace the real Body of Christ! We are so blessed in having the Holy Eucharist. Thank you, Dear Lord Jesus!
Tuesday, February 14
Valentine's Day TTT
HAPPY ST. VALENTINE'S DAY!
1. This is one of the most beautiful love letters I have ever read. It was written by Colonel Chamberlain to his wife, Fanny, "My darling wife I am lying mortally wounded the doctors think, but my mind & heart are at peace. Christ is my all-sufficient savior. I go to him. God bless & keep & comfort you, precious one. You have been a precious wife to me. To know & love you makes life & death beautiful. Cherish the darlings & give my love to all the dear ones. Do not grieve too much for me. We shall all soon meet. Live for the children. Give my dearest love to Father, Mother & Sallie & John. Oh, how happy to feel yourself forgiven! God bless you evermore precious, precious one. Ever yours, Lawrence."
2. I found out today (due to Fidelio's incredible research) that I am descended from a line of British noblemen that dates back to the 12th century. Sir Robert Needham, who lived in the 1600s, was the Viscount Kilmorey, the Baron of Orhera, a representative of Ireland in Parliament, and a staunch supporter of Charles 1st. His son Charles succeeded him in these positions and was a member of the Irish House of Lords. In other words, I'm the (innumerably) great granddaughter of a Jacobite viscount!
3. In addressing the Army of the Potomac, Alexander Hamilton said, "The time is now near at hand which must probably determine whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves; whether they are to have any property they can call their own; whether their houses and farms are to be pillaged and destroyed, and themselves consigned to a state of wretchedness from which no human efforts will deliver them. The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army. Our cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves us only the choice of brave resistance, or the most abject submission. We have, therefore, to resolve to conquer or die."
Friday, January 6
Sunday, December 25
Wednesday, November 2
Visit a New Blog!
One of my friends (and readers) started a new blog. Check it out! http://www.a-saint-a-day.blogspot.com/
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| From today's post - All Souls' Day |
Tuesday, September 6
Story
After many kind reviews (and some prayer), I decided to change the ending to my story. How is this:
The glory of Rome that had once stood against countless adversaries was no more. Justice was nonexistent. The heart of the beloved city was destroyed - destroyed by its own protector. Cosmos’ family moved into the home of Calixtus, which was then almost fully repaired. Cosmos tried his best to rebuild the culture of the old Rome he loved, though he was never the same after the fateful incident.
The streets crawled with soldiers and hundreds of Christians were captured daily. Those who were Roman citizens were executed as criminals. But, the slaves, any foreigners, and members of the lower class were kept for the coliseums. The people lived in constant fear since Romans’ thirst for blood often led to the deaths of non-Christians as well.
Calixtus kept his doors locked at all times and was the only one, save Cosmos and some servants, who ever stirred outdoors. Diana occupied herself with helping the servants, especially Justin, whose company she invited. There was much work still to be done to repair the remaining damage to the house. At this time, she asked many questions about Jesus and His miracles. It was a blessed time for them until, one day, there came the inevitable.
Justin and Diana were on their hands and knees scrubbing the floor with rags to remove a thick layer of soot. Diana said, “Surely Jesus did not found His Church only to let it die out. Maybe…” she looked hopefully at the boy beside her, “Maybe you are meant to hide and live to spread the Faith.” But, he did not answer or look at her. He only dropped his shoulders as if a weight had been placed on his back and continued to scrub. Refusing to give up her case, she continued, “We could escape the city and go to Greece where we can hide and wait out the persecution. Surely, to remain is to threaten our loved ones’ lives, since they are harboring enemies of the Emperor.” Again, he did not respond, but only scrubbed the harder. Finally, she burst out, “Oh, Justin! Must we die to prove our faith?”
At that, he rose and put his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. “No. We do not have to die for Christ to prove we are His followers. In that fact, I want you to remain steadfast. But, There is no need to hide from the executioners. If God Wills me to die for Him and the souls of those who would harm Him, then I will happily die.” There was a pause before he moved so that they faced each other. “Diana, there will come a time when I will no longer be here.” She started in surprise and mumbled contradictions. He continued, “I want you to promise me that when I am gone, you will continue to live the Christian Faith, regardless of any threat that might come your way. Do you promise?”
She stared at him, “I don’t understand you…”
“There is something I have been keeping from you that I think you should now know.” He sat beside her. “Do you remember a slave who came to warn my master of the fire?”
“Yes,” she said. “The poor man.”
“He was my equal in this house. Do you also remember the Christian who we witnessed stoned to death?” Instead of replying, Diana slightly gasped as if she anticipated his next words. He said, “They were one and the same.”
“But, that means…” she whispered.
“That means that they will come for me. The soldiers know where the Christian slaves are; they know Calixtus owns two Christian slaves. One is dead, the other is in this house. If I do not stay and be given up to the soldiers, my master will be tried for intentionally harboring Christians against the law of Rome. Now, you see that I must stay.”
They heard loud noises of footfalls and some shrieks from outside. Justin rose and looked out. He anxiously turned back to Diana, who was also on her feet. “I haven’t much time,” he said. “When I am gone, you should try to get out of the city. Use the excuse of health and do not let any of your family know; it would risk their lives as well as yours.”
Just then, loud thumps pounded on the front door downstairs. He dusted his off hands and reached for the door to the hall. He turned back and said, “Goodbye, fair Diana. We will meet in a better place.”
In a flash, he was gone from her. She stood stunned for a few seconds, hardly believing the truth of what was happening. Then, she ran through the doorway, down the hall, and stumbled down the steps to be faced with several Roman soldiers. Calixtus and Cosmos were present as well as their wives and some frightened servants. The centurion said to Calixtus, “Surrender your Christian slaves at once in the name of Rome.”
Justin stepped forth. Diana held her breath and hid behind a pillar. He said, “I am the one you are looking for. Take me to my death, for I long to be with my Lord in Heaven.” Two soldiers bound his hands and they disappeared out the door. Cosmos said to the centurion, “Rome is surely suffering if it concerns only with the destruction of slaves.”
“It is indeed a pity,” replied the centurion, “But no other way will the thirst for blood be satisfied in the people.” He was troubled and conflicted and walked heavily out to meet his abhorrent duty. Calixtus quickly bolted the door behind him as the others hastily left the room. He stared at the door before going himself, saying, “Never have I known a more devoted, loyal, and courageous man. Goodbye, faithful Justin!”
Diana remained unnoticed by any of them. She went before the door and knelt. Her grief was silent, her pain internal. So quickly had it happened! It was a flash in her mind. Only a moment had passed, but time now seemed an eternity. She ran it over and over again in her head. She imagined again and again the words of her friend. She did not know how long she knelt thus, but, after a seemingly long period, she suddenly felt strengthened. Whether it was the strength of the martyred Justin, the strength of her faith, or the aid of Christ’s love, Diana stood. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she did not shudder.
She followed Justin’s instructions and left the city. Her two brothers were sent with her by their parents and they traveled South. In the safety of the catacombs, Diana told her brothers of Jesus and they accepted the Faith. Likewise, Diana taught many about Christ. For years, she evangelized. As the persecutions continued, more converts came to be taught. She lived to be an old woman and was honored for her virtue and bravery. She would tell those she taught that it is not in death that one is glorified, but life. A person must be willing everyday to die for Christ, but only if they are also willing to live for Him.
She spoke often of the martyr, her friend, Justin. “His calling was to die for Christ,” she said. “My calling is to live for Him.”
The glory of Rome that had once stood against countless adversaries was no more. Justice was nonexistent. The heart of the beloved city was destroyed - destroyed by its own protector. Cosmos’ family moved into the home of Calixtus, which was then almost fully repaired. Cosmos tried his best to rebuild the culture of the old Rome he loved, though he was never the same after the fateful incident.
The streets crawled with soldiers and hundreds of Christians were captured daily. Those who were Roman citizens were executed as criminals. But, the slaves, any foreigners, and members of the lower class were kept for the coliseums. The people lived in constant fear since Romans’ thirst for blood often led to the deaths of non-Christians as well.
Calixtus kept his doors locked at all times and was the only one, save Cosmos and some servants, who ever stirred outdoors. Diana occupied herself with helping the servants, especially Justin, whose company she invited. There was much work still to be done to repair the remaining damage to the house. At this time, she asked many questions about Jesus and His miracles. It was a blessed time for them until, one day, there came the inevitable.
Justin and Diana were on their hands and knees scrubbing the floor with rags to remove a thick layer of soot. Diana said, “Surely Jesus did not found His Church only to let it die out. Maybe…” she looked hopefully at the boy beside her, “Maybe you are meant to hide and live to spread the Faith.” But, he did not answer or look at her. He only dropped his shoulders as if a weight had been placed on his back and continued to scrub. Refusing to give up her case, she continued, “We could escape the city and go to Greece where we can hide and wait out the persecution. Surely, to remain is to threaten our loved ones’ lives, since they are harboring enemies of the Emperor.” Again, he did not respond, but only scrubbed the harder. Finally, she burst out, “Oh, Justin! Must we die to prove our faith?”
At that, he rose and put his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. “No. We do not have to die for Christ to prove we are His followers. In that fact, I want you to remain steadfast. But, There is no need to hide from the executioners. If God Wills me to die for Him and the souls of those who would harm Him, then I will happily die.” There was a pause before he moved so that they faced each other. “Diana, there will come a time when I will no longer be here.” She started in surprise and mumbled contradictions. He continued, “I want you to promise me that when I am gone, you will continue to live the Christian Faith, regardless of any threat that might come your way. Do you promise?”
She stared at him, “I don’t understand you…”
“There is something I have been keeping from you that I think you should now know.” He sat beside her. “Do you remember a slave who came to warn my master of the fire?”
“Yes,” she said. “The poor man.”
“He was my equal in this house. Do you also remember the Christian who we witnessed stoned to death?” Instead of replying, Diana slightly gasped as if she anticipated his next words. He said, “They were one and the same.”
“But, that means…” she whispered.
“That means that they will come for me. The soldiers know where the Christian slaves are; they know Calixtus owns two Christian slaves. One is dead, the other is in this house. If I do not stay and be given up to the soldiers, my master will be tried for intentionally harboring Christians against the law of Rome. Now, you see that I must stay.”
They heard loud noises of footfalls and some shrieks from outside. Justin rose and looked out. He anxiously turned back to Diana, who was also on her feet. “I haven’t much time,” he said. “When I am gone, you should try to get out of the city. Use the excuse of health and do not let any of your family know; it would risk their lives as well as yours.”
Just then, loud thumps pounded on the front door downstairs. He dusted his off hands and reached for the door to the hall. He turned back and said, “Goodbye, fair Diana. We will meet in a better place.”
In a flash, he was gone from her. She stood stunned for a few seconds, hardly believing the truth of what was happening. Then, she ran through the doorway, down the hall, and stumbled down the steps to be faced with several Roman soldiers. Calixtus and Cosmos were present as well as their wives and some frightened servants. The centurion said to Calixtus, “Surrender your Christian slaves at once in the name of Rome.”
Justin stepped forth. Diana held her breath and hid behind a pillar. He said, “I am the one you are looking for. Take me to my death, for I long to be with my Lord in Heaven.” Two soldiers bound his hands and they disappeared out the door. Cosmos said to the centurion, “Rome is surely suffering if it concerns only with the destruction of slaves.”
“It is indeed a pity,” replied the centurion, “But no other way will the thirst for blood be satisfied in the people.” He was troubled and conflicted and walked heavily out to meet his abhorrent duty. Calixtus quickly bolted the door behind him as the others hastily left the room. He stared at the door before going himself, saying, “Never have I known a more devoted, loyal, and courageous man. Goodbye, faithful Justin!”
Diana remained unnoticed by any of them. She went before the door and knelt. Her grief was silent, her pain internal. So quickly had it happened! It was a flash in her mind. Only a moment had passed, but time now seemed an eternity. She ran it over and over again in her head. She imagined again and again the words of her friend. She did not know how long she knelt thus, but, after a seemingly long period, she suddenly felt strengthened. Whether it was the strength of the martyred Justin, the strength of her faith, or the aid of Christ’s love, Diana stood. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she did not shudder.
She followed Justin’s instructions and left the city. Her two brothers were sent with her by their parents and they traveled South. In the safety of the catacombs, Diana told her brothers of Jesus and they accepted the Faith. Likewise, Diana taught many about Christ. For years, she evangelized. As the persecutions continued, more converts came to be taught. She lived to be an old woman and was honored for her virtue and bravery. She would tell those she taught that it is not in death that one is glorified, but life. A person must be willing everyday to die for Christ, but only if they are also willing to live for Him.
She spoke often of the martyr, her friend, Justin. “His calling was to die for Christ,” she said. “My calling is to live for Him.”
The End
Thursday, August 18
I've Got the Whole World!
So is this how God sees us? I don't think so...
OK, I was just ready for a change. And, is the world awesome or not?! Consider that word "awesome". Break it down some. Awe: "a feeling of amazement and respect mixed with fear that is often coupled with a feeling of personal insignificance or powerlessness" Well, I don't know about the dread part, but Earth is awesome when you really think about it. (Wow, I think God's the smartest person around. :P) Did you ever really think about Creation?
At the Fr. D. retreat, there were talks on the Theology of the Body. I'm not a big fan of it. However, the retreat master talked about Theology of the Body being an examination of who we are - of what it means to be human. In talking about the Creation story, I was amazed all over again. God truly made us in His Divine Image and created the world perfectly!
Now, in today's language, we could call anything and everything "perfect", but it can never be perfect unless it is made by God, the only Perfect One. Therefore, Earth was created perfect - it is not sinful. The Evil One and his followers have corrupted parts and aspects of the world, but not its creation: its essence as a created thing.
I think that we should embrace the world. (I'm not talking about becoming tree-huggers :D) Treat it as we were meant to, with love and respect and reflection towards Heaven, the glorified Earth. Those of us working in the world should view every person as a vital organ of the Body of Christ. And, this is our home! God made the Earth to feed us and clothe us and provide for our every need. The world is not something bad to be feared, but something to be loved because it is a gift from God.
One complaint I've heard personally about the religious life is that you are completely abandoning the world. In living a life consecrated to God, you do not abandon the world, but travel to its heart. Religious spend each day on Earth as images of what we were created for at the Garden of Eden - to love God above all and each other more than ourselves. Just as the mother superior says in the Sound of Music, the convent is not someplace to hide from the world, but a place to witness our higher calling and serve those in the world. And so...
Introduing...
The Earth.
OK, I was just ready for a change. And, is the world awesome or not?! Consider that word "awesome". Break it down some. Awe: "a feeling of amazement and respect mixed with fear that is often coupled with a feeling of personal insignificance or powerlessness" Well, I don't know about the dread part, but Earth is awesome when you really think about it. (Wow, I think God's the smartest person around. :P) Did you ever really think about Creation?
At the Fr. D. retreat, there were talks on the Theology of the Body. I'm not a big fan of it. However, the retreat master talked about Theology of the Body being an examination of who we are - of what it means to be human. In talking about the Creation story, I was amazed all over again. God truly made us in His Divine Image and created the world perfectly!
Now, in today's language, we could call anything and everything "perfect", but it can never be perfect unless it is made by God, the only Perfect One. Therefore, Earth was created perfect - it is not sinful. The Evil One and his followers have corrupted parts and aspects of the world, but not its creation: its essence as a created thing.
I think that we should embrace the world. (I'm not talking about becoming tree-huggers :D) Treat it as we were meant to, with love and respect and reflection towards Heaven, the glorified Earth. Those of us working in the world should view every person as a vital organ of the Body of Christ. And, this is our home! God made the Earth to feed us and clothe us and provide for our every need. The world is not something bad to be feared, but something to be loved because it is a gift from God.
One complaint I've heard personally about the religious life is that you are completely abandoning the world. In living a life consecrated to God, you do not abandon the world, but travel to its heart. Religious spend each day on Earth as images of what we were created for at the Garden of Eden - to love God above all and each other more than ourselves. Just as the mother superior says in the Sound of Music, the convent is not someplace to hide from the world, but a place to witness our higher calling and serve those in the world. And so...
Introduing...
The Earth.
Monday, August 1
"New Post"
Um, yeah, well... I've not posted in a while. Uh... I even missed a TTT. Oh well... Here's to make up for it. This is a poem I wrote for my own contest! See all the results at my newsletter blog.
Eternally, Guides the Dove
As skies grew dim,
colors grim,
Storms form above.
Faith! A dove,
Doth fly quite high,
Danger nigh,
To represent,
Divine consent.
Knights ride under,
Heaven’s thunder,
To meet the fight,
Of earthly might.
Confused, astray,
In fighters’ fray,
Knights’ cries sound,
‘Cross hills round.
The standard be,
Heavenly,
Knight seeks a guide,
By celestial side.
Above he sees,
Dove wings,
And acts the fight,
Of Christian plight.
So now to be,
Remember, we,
No storm or clatter,
Cannot faith shatter.
Saturday, July 9
The Wedding Feast at Cana
Visit the Catholic Kingdom: http://www.catholickingdom.com/Art_Gallery/Artwork/ck-art_02/Miracle_at_the_Wedding_at_Cana.jpg
And visit Saint Cecelia's Press Online: http://stceceliaspressonline.blogspot.com/
And visit Saint Cecelia's Press Online: http://stceceliaspressonline.blogspot.com/
Sunday, June 5
Return with Joy
Although I am always sad to leave Casa Maria, I came home with joy - the only way you can feel after visiting the Sister Servants, whether you like it or not! ;) It was a great retreat by Fr. Landry titled: Catholic Faithful as Disciples and Apostles in the New Evangelization. I greatly encourage you to buy the recording of this retreat. (The retreat might not be posted as available yet, but just email or call the sisters and they can ship a set to you.) It is a great explanation and encouragement of participating in the New Evangelization. Father explains our role as faithful Catholics in evangelizing the world. This may sound a bit crazy, but, as he said, to evangelize can by simply to be a witness. We must concentrate on our spirituality - not our image - but our lives, totally. We must conform our lives so that all the persons we meet might notice our goodness and wonder: "What makes them so happy?" It is joyful, prayerful witness, as Father explains, that attracts persons to Christ in His Church.
I left my precious crucifix with one of the sisters who is an amazing artist. She said she would fix up the not-so-attractive paint scheme and repair the chips. Thank you, sister!
I got to ring the bell that summons the retreatants for each conference. I only rang it once, but it was the first time! I also helped with the deer nets. The nets cover their beautiful flowers so the deer don't eat them. I can't wait to go back; I had such a great time!
I left my precious crucifix with one of the sisters who is an amazing artist. She said she would fix up the not-so-attractive paint scheme and repair the chips. Thank you, sister!
I got to ring the bell that summons the retreatants for each conference. I only rang it once, but it was the first time! I also helped with the deer nets. The nets cover their beautiful flowers so the deer don't eat them. I can't wait to go back; I had such a great time!
Friday, June 3
Answer and Surprise!
No, I'm afraid number one is true. I don't think I'm creative enough to make that one up. ;)
Number two is also true. Fr. Doug had to give a lady Last Rites who had a mild heat stroke at his reception.
Number three was the lie. Our Memorial day was spent in the yard doing hard labor with dirt. It looks really nice now. Maybe I'll have some pictures. I also spent the day composing my next newsletter. (This one is really good!) Our only relief was a little PS3 and a little ice cream at 9pm.
As for the surprise! I rescued this at a thrift store:
Number two is also true. Fr. Doug had to give a lady Last Rites who had a mild heat stroke at his reception.
Number three was the lie. Our Memorial day was spent in the yard doing hard labor with dirt. It looks really nice now. Maybe I'll have some pictures. I also spent the day composing my next newsletter. (This one is really good!) Our only relief was a little PS3 and a little ice cream at 9pm.
As for the surprise! I rescued this at a thrift store:
Big Bro took my picture with it so you can see how big it is. The lady at the store was charging $15 for it! I couldn't believe it So I spent my hard-earned cat-sitting money and bought it Its all my own! I'll be taking it to Casa Maria to get it blessed and show it to the nuns. I'm so excited!
(Oh, and please ignore my "dinosaur hair," as Fidelio calls it. :P)
Friday, May 27
Here is a Poem
I just thought up this poem. Hope you like it.
Christ Light
Consider solemnly,
The soul a shade,
Unfailingly filtering,
Christ Light made.
All cannot be,
Equally formed,
All differing,
Color adorned.
Some are white,
Pale bright shade,
Gaily filtering,
Christ Light made.
So to, black,
Filters all to miss,
Creates a lack,
A dark abyss.
Souls varying,
Create their shade,
Differing color,
With works made.
A soul defines,
With decision,
The color shade,
In precision.
Thus it comes,
A prayer to Thee,
My Lord, my God,
The Holy Three.
Help me not,
Stain my shade,
To lose You, Lord,
Christ Light made.
Tuesday, May 24
Update
I noticed that I have not posted in forever. So, here's a quick update:Big bro is graduated.
Still working on American Literature Test.
Band concert was last night (went great! I got to play Freedom on the piano for a flutist who played the fife part.)
As far as we know, Mr. B has not had another seizure.
Now! I going to try to start a "Two Truths Tuesday" post. There are going to be three things that have happened over the last week, and you have to pick the "lie". Here goes!
V and I were the only ones brave enough to dare the freezing cold water of the broken heated pool. I shared a red bull with Big Bro on at 10:00 pm on the trip back.
I played ping pong, soccer, and pool with V while everyone else went to the graduation Mass.
Which do you think is the lie?
Saturday, May 14
Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul
I've quite a surprise for you! Unfortunately blogger has been down, so I've had to keep this under my hat for three days. The suspense is killing me! (Well, sort of.)
Well, my city parish that has been my home for my entire life was greeted with a very unusual surprise. The Bishop came to Sts. Peter and Paul and spoke about being present in Rome at the Beatification of Pope John Paul II. After a long speech about the sense of community there was at St. Peter's Square, the bishop said, "And so it is at the Minor Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul."Whoops and cheers proceeded for a few seconds until it hit me that he was talking about my church! My church that has been standing for over 120 years was designated a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI on May 3rd!
Read more about it here.
We are SO excited and thankful! My only hope is that nothing will change. The title is an honor for the parishioners that have so long supported our beautiful church!
Friday, May 13
Poetry
In case you were wondering what poems I was speaking of, here is one:
Sorrow comes to those who mourn
The loss of one that gave his all
To save the innocent from the storm
That threatens peril to us all.
One is lost in helplessness;
All faith seems gone forever.
When youth gives itself in selflessness,
Whose bravery will be beaten never.
Though consider what he gained,
His duty being honorably done.
A place high above, he hath attained,
Beside those from ages gone.
Do not lose faith in sadness.
For what was ever greater,
Than to give one’s live in gladness
For another to be safer?
Grieve not for heroes lost,
For they rise to a place unseen,
A place for the Heavenly Host,
To greet a United States Marine.
Sunday, May 1
Holy Cow
Uh... Literally!
We just heard again from our neighbors. Two people in our neighborhood told our next-door neighbor that a tornado went right over MY house!!! They said that they heard the wind tunnel sound and turned on their outside lights and watched the funnel cross over my house and down the street. Thank God, it stayed in the tree tops!!! That's why we only have half a tree in our backyard...
Wow. Thank you, Guardian Angels!!!
We just heard again from our neighbors. Two people in our neighborhood told our next-door neighbor that a tornado went right over MY house!!! They said that they heard the wind tunnel sound and turned on their outside lights and watched the funnel cross over my house and down the street. Thank God, it stayed in the tree tops!!! That's why we only have half a tree in our backyard...
Wow. Thank you, Guardian Angels!!!
Thursday, April 28
My Good Deed on Good Friday
I finally gave in. Yes. It has happened.
I have seen The Passion of the Christ.
I was terrified of all the stories I had heard about the violence and the portrayal of evil. However, at the end I found myself saying, "That's it?" I suddenly discovered that it was my faith that carried me through the movie. Yes, it was very violent and by no means pleasent. However, it was no worse than I had invisioned in my head. It was the ultimate sacrifice and no one could suffer more by any other means. And, to add to the sacrifice, Jesus was completely free from sin and unjustly accused.
The violence was intense, but it was no match for the emotion that only true Christians can feel. The emotional pain of seeing Jesus struck with one thorn was harder than any terrific violence. The scourging seemed to drag on, and on, and on, and on... I winced with every blow. I could not watch the hammering of the nails. But, again, it was not the violence, but the emotion that came from the realization of His ultimate sacrifice. I did not cry or object because I knew the reason and necessity of the Passion. It was like being there, walking with Mary.
The portrayal of the devil was very creepy, but it was awesome when Jesus crushes the head of the serpent! I thought the demon-children were quite frightening, but again, you were left off with hope when Christ triumphs in His Death and resurrection.
The only thing I can't understand is the big deal people made about the movie. I do not think it is good for every person. It has a purpose and fulfills it, but it is only for those who already know the Truth and want only to strengthen it.
I do not ever want to see it again, except maybe on Good Friday, but I am glad that I did.
I have seen The Passion of the Christ.
I was terrified of all the stories I had heard about the violence and the portrayal of evil. However, at the end I found myself saying, "That's it?" I suddenly discovered that it was my faith that carried me through the movie. Yes, it was very violent and by no means pleasent. However, it was no worse than I had invisioned in my head. It was the ultimate sacrifice and no one could suffer more by any other means. And, to add to the sacrifice, Jesus was completely free from sin and unjustly accused.
The violence was intense, but it was no match for the emotion that only true Christians can feel. The emotional pain of seeing Jesus struck with one thorn was harder than any terrific violence. The scourging seemed to drag on, and on, and on, and on... I winced with every blow. I could not watch the hammering of the nails. But, again, it was not the violence, but the emotion that came from the realization of His ultimate sacrifice. I did not cry or object because I knew the reason and necessity of the Passion. It was like being there, walking with Mary.
The portrayal of the devil was very creepy, but it was awesome when Jesus crushes the head of the serpent! I thought the demon-children were quite frightening, but again, you were left off with hope when Christ triumphs in His Death and resurrection.
The only thing I can't understand is the big deal people made about the movie. I do not think it is good for every person. It has a purpose and fulfills it, but it is only for those who already know the Truth and want only to strengthen it.
I do not ever want to see it again, except maybe on Good Friday, but I am glad that I did.
Friday, April 1
April Fools
Considering that I am not clever enough to make up an April Fools joke, I decided to help out with all of yours. St. Jude, patron of fools, pray for all those who are fooling others today!
Tuesday, March 22
Tuesday, March 22nd
First Reading:Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
Psalm:Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Gospel:Matthew 23:1-12
A third path of repentance consists of prayer that is fervent, careful and comes from the heart. A fourth path of repentance is almsgiving, whose power is great and far-reaching. A fifth way, moreover, if a man lives a modest humble life, takes away sin.
-- St. John Chrysostom
Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/inspiration.htm#22#ixzz1HMUsiB3n
Psalm:Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Gospel:Matthew 23:1-12
A third path of repentance consists of prayer that is fervent, careful and comes from the heart. A fourth path of repentance is almsgiving, whose power is great and far-reaching. A fifth way, moreover, if a man lives a modest humble life, takes away sin.
-- St. John Chrysostom
Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/inspiration.htm#22#ixzz1HMUsiB3n
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