Good Friday

I was reading in my Magnificat about Judas and Peter's denial of Christ. Of course there is a major difference between Judas' decision to deny and Peter's decision to deny. Judas denied Christ without love in his heart. He did so knowing that the outcome would result in Christ's death. Judas committed the act of denial and then remained cold with no remorse. He knew that he was severing and opportunity to be in communion with the Father and would spend eternity separated from God. Peter on the other hand immediately repented and felt terrible for what he had done. He knew instantly that his decision to deny Christ would hurt his God and effect their relationship. He had no intention of wanting to be separated from God but reacted out of fear and human weakness.

I think the offense that Peter made is something I can relate to. Fear and human weakness? Check. I use to wonder how a person could openly deny Christ. Christ is walking next to you and you are still unable to support Him. He is about to be beaten and killed and still you deny. But as I have grown older I have been able to identify the many, many ways that I deny Christ in my daily life as He walks next to me.

There have been many a time that I have denied Christ through keeping silent about an issue. Or being hurtful to my neighbor (not my real neighbor of course, but you know what I mean). Or choosing to watch mindless television and then being too tired to get my rosary in. The good news is even though Peter denied he reacted with true remorse in his heart. He repented and made his path straight. And can you imagine the feelings of guilt Peter must have felt right after? He automatically knew what he had done and it was overwhelming. Not to mention Christ was being sent to His death. I feel sad for Peter at that time. Maybe it's because I can relate to his feelings of fear and the realization that human weakness has trumped my ability to be strong for the Lord. And maybe its because I can relate to the love he had for his friend and mentor.

And in turn Christ made him the rock on which the church was built. Can you imagine?

Christ calls Peter out before the denial by telling him that he is going to openly state that he is not a friend of Jesus.

Peter says, 'No way! Not me Lord!'

Then Peter denies just as predicted.

Christ forgives him.

And then allows him to lead the Church as the first Pope.

How incredible is our God???

It definitely gives me hope. I am filled with human weakness. I am sinful. And today Christ dies upon the Cross for my weakness, my sin. Today is the day that I look at my denial of Christ and ask him to make me anew..... and now we wait for the Son to rise again.

May this Good Friday be a time of reflection and renewal in your life. Christ's peace.

Divine Mercy

The Catholic Company has provided a great question and answer about the Divine Mercy.

You can find it here.

The article provides all the information you need to understand Divine Mercy and learn how to pray it.

Great Giveaways!

Musty booster seat

Pikkolo Baby Carrier

Check out some great giveaways at Thrifty and Chic Mom!

Wee Believers 'My Mass Kit' Review

I had the wonderful opportunity to review My Mass Kit created by Wee Believers .

From Wee Believers:

“Wee Believers is a new company dedicated to the establishment of a high-quality, attractive, Catholic educational toy line. Our mission is to increase a child’s knowledge of Faith and love for God.

We have three daughters and have looked for great products for them for years, especially toys that are faith related. Much of what we have found are low-quality, plastic toys that offer no spiritual value to our family. Of course, there are many contributing factors for this in a world driven by consumerism, secularization and the depersonalization of society.

So, what can we do? Well, we decided to create the products that we could cherish and appreciate with our children. We hope that you will find them meaningful for your children, in your homes and classrooms, or as gifts for your godchildren and grandchildren.”

Review:

Love it! What an awesome idea!

My Mass Kit comes complete with twelve plush, cleanable pieces and a detailed instructional booklet contained in a durable, canvas case. Crucifix, Chalice, Thurible, Finger Bowl, 2 Cruets, 2 Candles, Paten (cotton/polyester blend), Corporal & Purificator (cotton cloth), and play Hosts (foam). All other pieces are cotton/polyester blend, carrying case is nylon. Made from all new materials.

My three year old immediately made the association to Mass and was so excited about it. Although she called the hosts ‘mints’ it was pretty amazing to listen to her talk about the Mass from her three year old perspective. And it gave me the opportunity to correct any three-year old misconceptions! We talked about the different parts of the Mass and used a visual and tactile reference to explain them in more detail. She was able to touch the pieces used for Mass and immediately you could see her little mind just taking it all in.

All the items come in a carrying case. The carrying case and the pieces are all soft, colorful and durable. Little kid wear and tear has nothing on these toys! My Mass Kit is great for boys or girls. Little guys can play with the pieces so to emulate a priest. (AWESOME! I know this product will contribute to more young men becoming priests! Let's pray!) Little girls will love being able to get their hands on toys that are similar to the items we see at Mass. Either way children will benefit from the opportunity to see and learn about what occurs during Mass.

Think about it: I love the idea that there is a toy that gives children a look at what is going on during the most important hour during the week- Mass. (Or hours if you go daily!)

As a parent it is very important to me for my child to be exposed to all types of learning experiences. I take her to the zoo to learn about animals, to the museum to learn about science, we do puzzles, read books and art projects. But ultimately there is no greater education than that of our Catholic faith. The most important aspect, the Holy Eucharist, is truly a mystery and a beautiful one at that! Providing a child with 'pieces' of the Mass helps to reinforce love of the Eucharist, of our holy Mother Church and brings a comfort level to attending Mass.

I was surprised to see my child’s excitement when first opening My Mass kit. I wasn't sure she would know what it was or what to do with it. She immediately knew what this kit related to. She fingered the contents and wanted to know what each piece was. I think her excitement stemmed from connection her experience as Mass to these toys. Furthermore I think she loved being ‘a part’ of the Church. And in a way, that’s what this kit ultimately does, it allows the child to be a part of the Most Holy Mass in a very personal way.

I completely recommend this Mass kit to all parents wanting to familiarize their child with Mass. It is an ingenious idea, you know the ones you always end up saying ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’. The makers have obviously worked very hard on creating a kit that is child safe and friendly as well as a great representation of a Catholic service. Price should be taken into consideration but truly it is a fantastic product that serves both educationally AND spiritually. How can you beat that? I am looking forward to the products Wee Believers will create in the future. I am confidant they well be excellent resources for sharing the faith with our children!

Christian Family Organizer Giveaway Winners!

Good news! Everyone who posted for the Christian Family Organizer Wins!

If you posted please send me your address via email and I will get those out to you!

Thanks for reading Modern Catholic Mom!