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

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

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.

be open

God is not a show-off.

He sent the Holy Spirit to disturb our complacency and uproot our medicocrity!

He wants us to be open to further growth. 

Never settle for less than God wants to make of us.

~Pentecost Sunday, 2012

God's healing love

Never be afraid of the healing love that God wants to pour out on us.

Bite the bullet, and let Him work. 

Take courage...he really HAS counquered the world! 

fear not

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow.

The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and everyday.

Either he will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.

~St. Francis de Sales

2-part miracle

Confession is actually a 2-part miracle.

The first part of the miracle is that we are called to the sacrament (and have the good sense to listen).  Because we can not approach God without being first drawn to Him.

The second part, of course, is the forgiveness and absolution of sin.

nothing to fear except...

Our Lord tells us in many ways that we should be afraid of nothing except sin, which takes away our friendship with God.

Confronted with any difficulty, any situation, an uncertain future, we shouldn't feel afraid.  We should be strong and courageous as befits children of God.

A Christian cannot live in terror, but should have in his heart a holy fear of God, whom nonetheless he loves madly.

~In Conversation With God, Vol 2:93.3

prayer

In prayer, our will is identified with the Will of our Father, who always wants the best for his children. 

This trust in prayer makes us feel secure, unwavering, daring; it dissipates anxiety and the unease that comes from depending solely on our own strength, and it helps us to be serene in the face of difficulties.

~In Conversation With God, Vol 2:91.1

before you speak

T H I N K !

T - is it True?
H - is it Helpful?
I - is it Inspiring?
N - is it Necessary?
K - is it Kind?

ten ways to love

1. Listen without interrupting.  (Proverbs 18)
2. Speak without accusing.  (James 1:19)
3. Give without sparing.  (Proverbs 21:26)
4. Pray without ceasing. (Colossians 1:9)
5. Answer without arguing.  (Proverbs 17:1)
6. Share without pretending. (Ephesians 4:15)
7. Enjoy without complaint. (Philippians 2:14)
8. Trust without wavering. (Corinthians 13:7)
9. Forgive without punishing.  (Colossians 3:13)
10. Promise without forgetting.  (Proverbs 13:12)