Sunday, July 15, 2012

abundant grace

We know certainly that our God calls us to a holy life.

We know that he gives us every grace, every abundant grace; and though we are so weak of ourselves, this grace is able to carry us through every obstacle and difficulty.

~ St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

true holiness

True holiness does not mean a flight from the world; rather it lies in the effort to incarnate the Gospel in everyday life, in the family, at school, and at work, and in social and political involvement.

~Bl John Paul II  11.9.96

Sunday, July 8, 2012

let it go

When we try to possess something we lose it...(Mt 10:39, 16:25; Mark 8:35; Lk 9:24)

...we have to relinquish the tight, self-enclosed, controlling aspects of family life if we are to experience life-giving family....discipleship has to penetrate family life.

~Living With Christ Reflection, 5.12

true freedom

True freedom know no attachment other than Jesus Christ.

It has no love of riches...

True freedom can walk away from anything...

It fears neither the state or death itself.

This kind of freedom can transform the world.

We defend religious liberty in order to live the deeper freedom that is discipleship in Jesus Christ.

~Archbishop Chaput
July 4, 2012 homily

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

subjects and objects

When you pray for someone, you pray for them as both the subject and the object of your prayers.

You pray for them and their intentions and needs.  But you also pray in their place, when they are too tired or unable to pray as they should.  You present their needs to our Heavenly Father for them.

different than the pagans

As Catholics, we should react differently than the pagans.  Rejoice in sufferings.  We should be different.

5.15.12
homily on Acts 16:22-34

unbending to evil

Be submissive to good,
unbending to evil,
gentle in generosity,
untiring in love,
just in all things.

~St. Columbanus

your chief study

Let your chief study be to acquaint yourself with God, because it is the only knowledge which can fill the heart with a peace and joy which nothing can disturb.

~St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

not as the world gives

It is necessary to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.  (Acts 14:22)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give it to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.  (John 14:27)

take courage

...so that you might have peace in me.  In the world, you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.  (John 16:33)

remain in me

Remain in me, as I remain in you...  John 15:4

have faith

Jesus tells his Apostles at the last supper:  Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You have faith in God; have faith also in me.  (John 14:1)

Said another way:  The Lord's mercy is infinitely greater than the stupidity of our sinfulness.