I was about to check my email when an article caught my eye on aol.com. It reads:
Surprises Abound on Most Influential List
AOL
comments: 197
(April 27) - Who's the World's Most Influential Person? The answer is moot.
No, really. Time Magazine asked readers to vote online for the most influential person, and the winner was "moot" -- aka Christopher Poole. He's the founder of 4chan.org, an image-based bulletin board that averages 13 million page views a day and 5.6 million visitors a month. 4chan has spawned other wildly popular sites, such as Lolcats.
So, naturally I naively click on the site to check its content out and wouldn't you know the worlds most influential person has spearheaded a porn site.
How ridiculously sad. He is 21 years old and contributing to the destruction of our families. He has created a site that averages 13 MILLION page views a day. Husbands, sons, brothers, grandfathers and surely some women are all able to access pure filth because of the worlds most influential persons creation. And furthermore, if you didnt know about the site before, you will surely know now due to his new title.
My heart literally aches thinking that this is what we are dealing with. I guess that choosing an individual who has created a pornography site as the worlds most influential person definitely confirms where our society's priorities are.
What scares me the most is that pornography is literally at our fingertips. I was talking with a friend who provided this great visual. She said,
'I cant imagine what it would be like if every time I sat down at the computer it offered me chocolate. Chocolate is my favorite treat and Iets say I should never eat it. The thought of it being continually offered to me over and over is too much to comprehend. It is possible to think that every time your spouse or significant sits down to open his inbox he is probably being greeted with porn. At first he would say, No way and delete it. But time after time may lead to opening one. And another, etc.'
I like to think that porn is someone elses problem. But looking at our most influential person right now I can see that pornography is a community problem. The Catechism states that our political entities should be the ones in charge of monitoring and should prevent the production and distribution of pornography. So I started to think about where porn lurks in America.
First I thought about my time in Europe. I can remember being in Austria and there being awful porn pictures out in public. There are no laws concerning pornography there and pictures are everywhere. Talk about disgusting. But here in America the porn is sneaky. It literally lurks right in our laps when we are on the computer. It is quietly hidden in the programs of television. It use to exist only in the movie channels but now it sits right out in the open on prime time television. It sits on the shelves in our grocery stores on magazines like Vogue and Cosmopolitan. Slowly we are becoming desensitized to the overt porn lurking in our society.
How do we combat it?
What can we do to protect our loved ones?
Suggestions:
1. We have basic cable and will not buy movie channels.
2. We never buy magazines like Cosmo or Vogue.
3. We are conscious of lewd jokes and never respond to them in a positive manner.
4. We are conscious of the dangers of porn on the Internet and will take necessary measures to protect the family when our daughter is old enough to use the computer.
5. Prayer prayer and more prayer!
What do you do? How can we come together as a community and combat lewd and offensive material?
The catechism reads:
2354
Pornography consists in removing real or simulated sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners, in order to display them deliberately to third parties. It offends against chastity because it perverts the conjugal act, the intimate giving of spouses to each other. It does grave injury to the dignity of its participants (actors, vendors, the public), since each one becomes an object of base pleasure and illicit profit for others. It immerses all who are involved in the illusion of a fantasy world. It is a grave offense. Civil authorities should prevent the production and distribution of pornographic materials.
Even more interesting:
2211
The political community has a duty to honor the family, to assist it, and to ensure especially:
- the freedom to establish a family, have children, and bring them up in keeping with the family's own moral and religious convictions;
- the protection of the stability of the marriage bond and the institution of the family;
- the freedom to profess one's faith, to hand it on, and raise one's children in it, with the necessary means and institutions;
- the right to private property, to free enterprise, to obtain work and housing, and the right to emigrate;
- in keeping with the country's institutions, the right to medical care, assistance for the aged, and family benefits;
- the protection of security and health, especially with respect to dangers like drugs, pornography, alcoholism, etc.;
- the freedom to form associations with other families and so to have representation before civil authority.
We pray for an end to pornography. We pray that our loved ones eyes and hearts be protected. We pray that we are always catalysts of truth and promote the highest level of human dignity. Mary Mother Most Pure, Pray for us.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Beauty in nature
My husband and I had the opportunity to go canoeing this past weekend.
There is something so calming about being on a river with your spouse. We shared one canoe and began our ride down a level 1 rapid. For the most part it was just a fast moving river but there was one or two parts that got our hearts racing. Truthfully, I would go every weekend if I could.
Anyway, while we were sailing along I was listening to the wind move within the trees. It sounded like a waterfall lay just beyond the next set of trees. Having just emerged from the cold grasp of winter the warm sun felt like Heaven on earth on my skin. I'm looking at all the green trees, the turtles sitting on logs, the water moving briskly and it occurred to me for suddenly that our God is so good.
Looking at the absolute beauty of this wildlife area and absorbing the peacefulness of the river I was truly moved by the faithfulness of our God. He created the world and it was good. He specifically designed the wind to move the trees in such a way that they appear to dance. He colored the forest with greens and browns that perfectly compliment one another. He created the rivers to move with grace and sing the song of flowing water.
And how much more time and detail did he put into the creation of man and woman? How much more beautiful is the intricacies of a human person than a leaf? How much more beautiful is the notion of a soul? I was moved by the Spirit and able to praise God in nature, something I want to do more often. How great is our God?!
I pray that this week we may see God in nature! And truly praise Him for his gifts of beauty!
There is something so calming about being on a river with your spouse. We shared one canoe and began our ride down a level 1 rapid. For the most part it was just a fast moving river but there was one or two parts that got our hearts racing. Truthfully, I would go every weekend if I could.
Anyway, while we were sailing along I was listening to the wind move within the trees. It sounded like a waterfall lay just beyond the next set of trees. Having just emerged from the cold grasp of winter the warm sun felt like Heaven on earth on my skin. I'm looking at all the green trees, the turtles sitting on logs, the water moving briskly and it occurred to me for suddenly that our God is so good.
Looking at the absolute beauty of this wildlife area and absorbing the peacefulness of the river I was truly moved by the faithfulness of our God. He created the world and it was good. He specifically designed the wind to move the trees in such a way that they appear to dance. He colored the forest with greens and browns that perfectly compliment one another. He created the rivers to move with grace and sing the song of flowing water.
And how much more time and detail did he put into the creation of man and woman? How much more beautiful is the intricacies of a human person than a leaf? How much more beautiful is the notion of a soul? I was moved by the Spirit and able to praise God in nature, something I want to do more often. How great is our God?!
I pray that this week we may see God in nature! And truly praise Him for his gifts of beauty!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Praying Scripture for a Change
I will be reviewing the book 'Praying for Scripture for a Change- An Introduction to Lectio Divina' by Dr. Tim Gray in the near future. For now I am so stinking inspired by this book that I thought I would write a few posts to highlight some of the best information I have read.
First let me say that this book rocks. But I suppose that is more of a review remark so let me try again:
The book begins by asking why we have difficulties with prayer. Personally I read books about saints who have these mystical experiences with prayer that completely amaze me. They engage with our Creator in a personal and unique way that I have never even come close to obtaining. The author writes 'The problem is not that we are exceptionally bad at praying compared to other people. The problem is that we are normal- which is to say, we are afflicted with the results of original sin.' p. 2
Oh..... that's why! Although not an excuse, it sure made me feel better! The effects of original sin have allowed our minds to turn to other things than God. We fight an ongoing battle that consists of our hearts desiring perfect union with God and our minds leading us astray. From this statement comes the thought 'How would I ever have something in common with perfection? If deep conversation is based on commonalities then I am in a lot of prayer trouble!'
Alas, the bridge of hope has come. Jesus Christ is the bridge that connects our imperfect souls to the Almighty. Jesus knows that we are terribly weak in nature and spent countless times teaching the disciples how to pray through example and words. He is the channel that draws us close to the Father. He is the bridge that knows no time or space and continually brings us to God. How beautiful!
The next key component is the power of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Gray writes, ' The reason anyone anywhere at any time has ever been moved to pray is because God, by His Spirit, was drawing them toward Him'. p. 7
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him". John 6:44
CCC 2560 "Whether we realize it or not, prayer is the encounter of Gods thirst with ours. God thirsts that we may thirst for Him".
Favorite line:
" We must never forget that prayers is God's invitation to enter into an intimate relationship of love and life with Him. If we forget that this is what is happening when we pray, we start treating prayer as simply an obligation , as a hoop that must be jumped through on order to avoid offending God and evoking his displeasure."
And this is just the introduction! This book is challenging me to look at my prayer life from all angles.
Friday, April 24, 2009
New Feminism
I get so excited about the New Feminism. I love knowing that I am a true feminist.....Pope John Paul II writes:
"The New Feminism" summons the world to "acknowledge and affirm the true genius of women in every aspect of the life of society, and overcome all discrimination, violence and exploitation." **
The New Feminist movement rejects the temptation of imitating models of 'male domination' which, we must not forget is not in God's plan for the role of men but a flat-out rejection of it; rather, the "New Feminism" is one which affirms the dignity of women. **
Pope John Paul writes:
Women first learn and then teach others that human relations are authentic if they are open to accepting the other person:
- a person who is recognized and loved because of their human dignity which comes from being a person and not from any other considerations, such as usefulness, strength, intelligence, beauty, or health. This is the fundamental contribution which the Church and humanity expect from women. And it is the indispensable prerequisite for an authentic cultural change. **
This really struck me when I read this passage. THE FUNDAMENTAL CONTRIBUTION THAT THE CHURCH REQUIRES FROM WOMEN IS TO LEARN HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND LOVE PEOPLE SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY EXIST.
In St. Petersburg there are a ton of homeless people. (Warm weather makes for better living conditions). I can remember a specific time when we were drinking coffee and observing a homeless man who had not moved during the duration of our coffee break. Person after person walked past him. No one really even glanced at him. Then we discussed whether or not we should interfere. Do we go wake him to ensure that he is ok? Do we leave him alone? Getting my friend to even approach the man (he is male) was challenging but eventually he did. The man had not passed out or worse and was sleeping. That situation makes me wonder about what people think about a homeless mans sense of worth and dignity. No one bothered to see if he was dead or alive. No one really cared to make sure he was still breathing. How can we as Catholic women continue to be emphathetic and mindful of all human beings regardless of their situations?
On a slightly different page there is the matter of those that have hurt us. How do we lovingly forgive and embrace those that have hurt us? It is necessary to identify the worth and dignity of these people as a children of God. Those created in His image and likeness. Of course the grace of God is absolutely necessary to truly begin to look at the essence of a person and see his worth. But JP II is counting on women to be the leaders of this calling. He is asking women to do this more than anything else we might do in our lives.
It is beautiful how being mothers falls right into this calling. We are called to be spiritual and physical mothers in this world which is the ultimate means of respecting human dignity. Allowing our bodies to be vessels of life, whether it be through a child or as a loving example of Christ to another person is the highest of callings. And women are called!!!
I love that our beloved JP II has challenged us, called us, inspired us. He knew that addressing the heart and mind of the women would result in wondrous changes in the world. Now it is our job to listen and embrace that call and contribute to the world.
*Taken from John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, 99
"The New Feminism" summons the world to "acknowledge and affirm the true genius of women in every aspect of the life of society, and overcome all discrimination, violence and exploitation." **
The New Feminist movement rejects the temptation of imitating models of 'male domination' which, we must not forget is not in God's plan for the role of men but a flat-out rejection of it; rather, the "New Feminism" is one which affirms the dignity of women. **
Pope John Paul writes:
Women first learn and then teach others that human relations are authentic if they are open to accepting the other person:
- a person who is recognized and loved because of their human dignity which comes from being a person and not from any other considerations, such as usefulness, strength, intelligence, beauty, or health. This is the fundamental contribution which the Church and humanity expect from women. And it is the indispensable prerequisite for an authentic cultural change. **
This really struck me when I read this passage. THE FUNDAMENTAL CONTRIBUTION THAT THE CHURCH REQUIRES FROM WOMEN IS TO LEARN HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND LOVE PEOPLE SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY EXIST.
In St. Petersburg there are a ton of homeless people. (Warm weather makes for better living conditions). I can remember a specific time when we were drinking coffee and observing a homeless man who had not moved during the duration of our coffee break. Person after person walked past him. No one really even glanced at him. Then we discussed whether or not we should interfere. Do we go wake him to ensure that he is ok? Do we leave him alone? Getting my friend to even approach the man (he is male) was challenging but eventually he did. The man had not passed out or worse and was sleeping. That situation makes me wonder about what people think about a homeless mans sense of worth and dignity. No one bothered to see if he was dead or alive. No one really cared to make sure he was still breathing. How can we as Catholic women continue to be emphathetic and mindful of all human beings regardless of their situations?
On a slightly different page there is the matter of those that have hurt us. How do we lovingly forgive and embrace those that have hurt us? It is necessary to identify the worth and dignity of these people as a children of God. Those created in His image and likeness. Of course the grace of God is absolutely necessary to truly begin to look at the essence of a person and see his worth. But JP II is counting on women to be the leaders of this calling. He is asking women to do this more than anything else we might do in our lives.
It is beautiful how being mothers falls right into this calling. We are called to be spiritual and physical mothers in this world which is the ultimate means of respecting human dignity. Allowing our bodies to be vessels of life, whether it be through a child or as a loving example of Christ to another person is the highest of callings. And women are called!!!
I love that our beloved JP II has challenged us, called us, inspired us. He knew that addressing the heart and mind of the women would result in wondrous changes in the world. Now it is our job to listen and embrace that call and contribute to the world.
*Taken from John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, 99
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Mulieres Dignitatem
I have officially started the second study of the Endow studies and I could not be happier! Mulieres Digniatem is a study on the dignity and vocation of women written by John Paul II.
Here are some of the highlights from the last meeting:
"Always remember that by her children a mother belongs to the future which perhaps she will not see."
WOW! What a calling this is to all mothers...
I am moved and challenged by the fact that I could make a positive contribution in the future by parenting now. The complete monotony of dishes, laundry and vacuuming all have a higher purpose! They contribute to the cosmos in an exciting way. JP II is challenging mothers to step up their parenting today so that tomorrow may be a better place.
"This mission- to be the first and vital cell of society- the family has received from God".
JP II is writing that our family unit is the building block of society. Through loving God centered homes we will contribute to the betterment of our world. The book lists that we must be involved in liturgical worship, promote justice and be involved in works of service including:
-the adoption of abandoned infants
-hospitality to strangers
-assistance in the operation of schools
-helpful advice and assistance for adolescents
-help to engaged couples in preparing themselves for marriage
-catechetical work
-support for married couples and families involved in material and moral crisis
-help for the aged not only by providing them with the necessities of life but also obtaining for them a fair share of the benefits of an expanding economy
I love this list because it is such a calling! When I think about what I am required to do as a Catholic I think of the beatitudes. But for some reason this list truly gives you a concrete idea of what is expected of us.
Here are some of the highlights from the last meeting:
"Always remember that by her children a mother belongs to the future which perhaps she will not see."
WOW! What a calling this is to all mothers...
I am moved and challenged by the fact that I could make a positive contribution in the future by parenting now. The complete monotony of dishes, laundry and vacuuming all have a higher purpose! They contribute to the cosmos in an exciting way. JP II is challenging mothers to step up their parenting today so that tomorrow may be a better place.
"This mission- to be the first and vital cell of society- the family has received from God".
JP II is writing that our family unit is the building block of society. Through loving God centered homes we will contribute to the betterment of our world. The book lists that we must be involved in liturgical worship, promote justice and be involved in works of service including:
-the adoption of abandoned infants
-hospitality to strangers
-assistance in the operation of schools
-helpful advice and assistance for adolescents
-help to engaged couples in preparing themselves for marriage
-catechetical work
-support for married couples and families involved in material and moral crisis
-help for the aged not only by providing them with the necessities of life but also obtaining for them a fair share of the benefits of an expanding economy
I love this list because it is such a calling! When I think about what I am required to do as a Catholic I think of the beatitudes. But for some reason this list truly gives you a concrete idea of what is expected of us.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Praying a Rosary for Obama's conversion
Please join the Notre Dame students in praying for the conversion of President Obama and for their beloved University. Even if you can just pray one rosary it would be greatly appreciated. They are trying to record 1 million rosaries before commencement. Please record your rosaries here: http://ndresponse.com/million-rosaries.html
Monday, April 20, 2009
Testimony- The Untold Story of JPII
I had the privilege of watching and reviewing “Testimony- The Untold Story of Pope John Paul the Second". What an amazing, beautiful documentary that holds the highest esteem for our beloved Pope. The quality of actual film is superior and the message priceless.
The movie was created to share the untold personal life of the Pope. As I am watching it I found myself continuously crying not from tears of sadness but from an overwhelming feeling of the Holy Spirit. This only makes sense as I think about the power of the Spirit moving through the Pope. The story begins with his life as a boy in Poland, continues with his journey from priest to cardinal to Pope and ends with his death.
The movie is so moving that I actually found myself spontaneously praying during the duration. I prayed that I might know Christ more intimately. I prayed that I may be one of the sheep that our Shepherd knows personally. And I prayed that despite my sinful nature I may truly know Him.
Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, the Pope's long-time secretary and friend, shares his personal account of 40 years beside the Pope. Beautiful video of the Pope's time in the Vatican and time traveling around the world gives the viewer a front row seat to the life of JP II.
While watching this movie my heart began to warm and I established a new relationship with this saint on earth. Learning about his life and all he has done to bring the New Evangelization to a world desperate for Christ moved me in ways I was not expecting. His constant reminder to ‘Take courage’ and ‘ Have no fear’ began to speak to boldly speak to my heart and encourage me to reach out to the Lord in hope.
It is inspiring to see the up close and personal footage of the Pope saying Mass, standing before the masses, and touching the hands of the faithful provided an insight into our beloved Pope that I have never seen before. Learning about all the places he visited in an attempt to make and continue peace makes it clear how much of an impact the Catholic Church has had in reestablishing peace among the nations.
I cannot say enough about this testimony of Pope John Paul the Second. I love that through watching the story of his life I feel moved to a deeper conversion in my own life. How beautiful that the Pope continues to be an instrument of Christ’s love even after his death. The DVD refers to the Pope as a man who ‘built bridges between man and religion’. And isn’t that what the job of a Pope should be?
This DVD should be viewed by everyone, regardless of their religion. It will inspire and move the viewer in ways that only the Holy Spirit can orchestrate. Pope John Paul the Second has made an imprint on our hearts that is only intensified by the beauty of this film. Pope John Paul the Second, pray for us!
For more information about how to obtain the movie go here: http://www.testimonythedvd.com/index.html
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Divine Mercy Sunday
Today is Divine Mercy Sunday:
The message of Divine Mercy is simple. God loves us and he wants us to come to him with our sins and repent so that he may bestow His mercy upon us!
On one occasion, I heard these words: My daughter, 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 for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will I contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy. (Diary 699)
More information can be found here http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/feast.htm
or
Hello again
Hello Modern Catholic Moms,
I have been a blog slacker and I apologize. We have found a new home to move into, had a three year old birthday party with ten three year olds and found warmth in the Spring season.
I do have some great product reviews to share this week so please keep a look out.
Hope everyone is having a blessed Easter season!
Tara
I have been a blog slacker and I apologize. We have found a new home to move into, had a three year old birthday party with ten three year olds and found warmth in the Spring season.
I do have some great product reviews to share this week so please keep a look out.
Hope everyone is having a blessed Easter season!
Tara
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Jay Leno and support of abortion
Please contact Jeff Zucker, NBC Chief Executive, and ask him why his star, Jay Leno, is raising money for an organization that attacks pregnancy care centers.
Ask NBC, What Does Jay Leno Have Against Pregnant Women?April 13, 2009
As the king of late night comedy, Jay Leno has few living peers. He is watched and beloved by millions of American viewers, which makes it difficult to understand his support for an organization that seeks to shut down facilities that have as their sole purpose to give a home and guidance to young ladies who find themselves pregnant with nowhere else to go.
On April 29th Jay Leno and his wife are hosting a fundraiser for the Feminist Majority Foundation, a radical pro-abortion group that not only advocates for abortion on demand, but also for the closing of pro-life pregnancy centers.
This month the Feminist Majority Foundation sent an e-mail to its 400 campus affiliates planning a nationwide protest against facilities that dare to offer women alternatives to abortion and the support they need to choose life.
Please let NBC know that is unacceptable and that you will not watch any show that stars Jay Leno until he apologizes to the hundreds of thousands of people who have been helped by pregnancy care centers and the hundreds of thousands of people who staff those centers.
Follow the link here to express your concern. It only takes a second.
Ask NBC, What Does Jay Leno Have Against Pregnant Women?April 13, 2009
As the king of late night comedy, Jay Leno has few living peers. He is watched and beloved by millions of American viewers, which makes it difficult to understand his support for an organization that seeks to shut down facilities that have as their sole purpose to give a home and guidance to young ladies who find themselves pregnant with nowhere else to go.
On April 29th Jay Leno and his wife are hosting a fundraiser for the Feminist Majority Foundation, a radical pro-abortion group that not only advocates for abortion on demand, but also for the closing of pro-life pregnancy centers.
This month the Feminist Majority Foundation sent an e-mail to its 400 campus affiliates planning a nationwide protest against facilities that dare to offer women alternatives to abortion and the support they need to choose life.
Please let NBC know that is unacceptable and that you will not watch any show that stars Jay Leno until he apologizes to the hundreds of thousands of people who have been helped by pregnancy care centers and the hundreds of thousands of people who staff those centers.
Follow the link here to express your concern. It only takes a second.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
My Cheeks are still buring
I spoke to my good friend over at Thriftyandchicmom.com and she had been spammed with a naked picture.... She was so distraught after receiving an email from an irate reader regarding the ad..... Imagine my surprise when I found one on my site! AWFUL!!!
Please accept my apologies if you did have to see the picture. Please know that Modern Catholic Mom did NOT put that there!!!
If you ever see anything like that again please let me know!! Thanks.
Please accept my apologies if you did have to see the picture. Please know that Modern Catholic Mom did NOT put that there!!!
If you ever see anything like that again please let me know!! Thanks.
Divine Mercy Chaplet
Monday, April 13, 2009
E & E- Easter and Evangelization
I had to share my experience this Easter at Franciscan University of Steubenville this past weekend.
I attended the vigil Mass on Saturday with my three year old. Just to give you an idea, it begins at 8:45p but doors open at 7:30p. Seriously, 7:30p. So this is about a four to five hour event that draws a thousand people or so. It was amazing. There is something so moving, so spectacular about being a part of a Catholic community that is truly celebrating the Risen Lord.
Everyone is at Mass because they WANT to be there. They sing because they WANT to sing. Pray because they WANT to pray. They are CELEBRATING, REJOICING! They really know and believe that our Lord has died for our sins and has risen.
So as I was sitting at Mass I was thinking about why all parishes don't react with this excitement and with the knowledge of what is truly happening. During Mass at home you can hardly get the congregation to sing, prayers are mumbled if they are said at all and there is an overall feeling of boredom exuding from people. Why is this? How do we inspire our friends, family and coworkers? How can share a fire for Christ to our fellow Catholics who light has dimmed? We talk about evangelization of those who do not know Christ but for some reason I feel like we overlook our very own Catholic brothers and sisters who need to be touched.
Our Catholic faith is so beautiful and inspiring. We are a community of people that must turn to one another and share the Good News. I am always amazed by friends who say, 'Wow- you are the first Catholic I have ever met that really loves Christ.' WHAT?! I am?!! At first it stunned me and then it just convicted me to open my eyes to Catholics who need to be brought back to the church.
By example of Mother Teresa and St. Francis of Assisi, I pray that we may all be touched by holy boldness and a renewal of love for our Father in Heaven!
I attended the vigil Mass on Saturday with my three year old. Just to give you an idea, it begins at 8:45p but doors open at 7:30p. Seriously, 7:30p. So this is about a four to five hour event that draws a thousand people or so. It was amazing. There is something so moving, so spectacular about being a part of a Catholic community that is truly celebrating the Risen Lord.
Everyone is at Mass because they WANT to be there. They sing because they WANT to sing. Pray because they WANT to pray. They are CELEBRATING, REJOICING! They really know and believe that our Lord has died for our sins and has risen.
So as I was sitting at Mass I was thinking about why all parishes don't react with this excitement and with the knowledge of what is truly happening. During Mass at home you can hardly get the congregation to sing, prayers are mumbled if they are said at all and there is an overall feeling of boredom exuding from people. Why is this? How do we inspire our friends, family and coworkers? How can share a fire for Christ to our fellow Catholics who light has dimmed? We talk about evangelization of those who do not know Christ but for some reason I feel like we overlook our very own Catholic brothers and sisters who need to be touched.
Our Catholic faith is so beautiful and inspiring. We are a community of people that must turn to one another and share the Good News. I am always amazed by friends who say, 'Wow- you are the first Catholic I have ever met that really loves Christ.' WHAT?! I am?!! At first it stunned me and then it just convicted me to open my eyes to Catholics who need to be brought back to the church.
By example of Mother Teresa and St. Francis of Assisi, I pray that we may all be touched by holy boldness and a renewal of love for our Father in Heaven!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter
Happy Easter! May you be filled with the Holy Spirit as we rejoice in the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior!
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