By Bill Harkins
The Men of St. Joseph are truly blessed. Of course, our patron, good old St. Joe himself keeps an eye on us, asking his foster Son to keep us out of trouble as we work to “Put the family in the hands of the Father.” But, there is an even more powerful advocate helping us out. Joseph’s bride, Mary.
Yes, the Mother of God is a fan of our lowly group. Why is this? Just think about it, who besides the Lord Himself, worked harder than Mary to get families back to God? This young girl, most likely in her mid – teens (like our high school sophomore daughters), offered her entire self to bring our Savior to us. Of course she watches over us weak men, who need all the help we can get, as we learn to sacrifice parts of our lives for the good of our families. She is praying with us as we lead our family in thanking God for our many blessings. She looks out for us, asking the Holy Spirit to touch us when we are facing our demons.
We know all the Bible stories: the Annunciation; the prophesies and fulfillment of tremendous sorrow for her; watching her only Son being tortured to death as if he were a criminal and yes, His resurrection. We know she was a humble inspiration for the Apostles as they stumbled along brilliantly to bring the Faith to the world. We know she was Assumed, body and soul into heaven. (By the way, why is there such a fuss about this when a mere, sinful human, Elijah, was taken to heaven body and soul – 2 Kings 2:11?) We know she is in heaven now, whispering in her Son’s ear, asking mercy for us as we fall, praying for us to have strength to get up and get through our daily challenges. Do you think that this beautiful, pure lady would forget us? This is the lady who asked her Son to help that newly wed couple at Cana, which He did.
So, what do we do about Mary?
Pray for her intercession. Re-learn the Rosary, not just how to “say” it, but how to pray it. (here’s a link to get you started: http://www.newadvent.org/images/rosary.pdf ) Read about her, model your life on her. Teach your family about her. The Catechism is full of teachings about the Blessed Mother and how she helps us.
(here’s a link to the Catechism: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/ ) Remember, the more you pay attention to her, the more you will learn about how to be a great Christian and the happier you will make her Son. Who doesn't need that? This will certainly help you in your quest to put your family in the hands of the Father.
St. Joseph, Terror of demons, pray for us.
Mary, Mother of Grace, pray for us.
Jesus, our Savior, have mercy on us.
Amen.
Bill Harkins
Showing posts with label Bill Harkins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bill Harkins. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Studying our Patron - St. Joseph
By Bill Harkins, Mobile, Ala., - St. Ignatius
I picked up a copy of a great book about St. Joseph: True Devotion to St. Joseph and the Church, by Father Dominic De Domenico, OP.
The front inside cover of this book describes its purpose in a nutshell, it provides “The doctrinal basis and practice of Total Consecration through St. Joseph and the Church.”
This book is not a light read. At over 300 pages, it is a theological study of our Patron Saint, in detail, showing why he is held in such high esteem. The first half of the book provides the background of St. Joseph and his relationship to Jesus, Mary, the Church and all things Catholic. The second half presents background and guidance on actual devotion to St. Joseph, the Holy Family and the Church.
Let’s face it, Saint Joseph was challenged with an awesome task! He was the protector of the Messiah and the Mother of God in a time and place that was often hostile to them and their people. Remember Herod’s actions when he heard of Christ’s birth? Joseph’s saying “yes” to an angel in a dream when he is advised to move his family to Egypt is an echo of his blessed wife’s “yes” to the angel nine months or so earlier when asked if she would agree to bear the Child of God. Joseph continued to provide for the comfort and care of his special family for the rest of his life. He is ready to assist us if we ask. This simple man knows the pain involved in being the breadwinner for his loved ones when times are tough.
The first chapter of the book digs into the marriage of Joseph and Mary. Father Domenico presents a lesson on Jewish marriage 2,000 years ago. He describes how by Jewish law, they were actually already married when Mary was visited by the Angel Gabriel. Joseph’s decision to bring his bride into his home, though she was pregnant, took great faith. This chapter also shows how this holy marriage was a necessary part of the Father’s plan. It allowed His Son, our Savior, to be born into a humble, fully human life. Through this marriage, Jesus was able to grow up with a family, not having to live with the stigma of a single parent family (especially harsh in those times).
As a married, working man, Joseph is a great model for us. We should not hesitate to turn to him, asking him and our Blessed Mother to intercede for us and our families. Surely, this Saint, who protected the most precious two lives that ever existed on this earth, can help protect us and our loved ones!
Joseph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us!
I picked up a copy of a great book about St. Joseph: True Devotion to St. Joseph and the Church, by Father Dominic De Domenico, OP.
The front inside cover of this book describes its purpose in a nutshell, it provides “The doctrinal basis and practice of Total Consecration through St. Joseph and the Church.”
This book is not a light read. At over 300 pages, it is a theological study of our Patron Saint, in detail, showing why he is held in such high esteem. The first half of the book provides the background of St. Joseph and his relationship to Jesus, Mary, the Church and all things Catholic. The second half presents background and guidance on actual devotion to St. Joseph, the Holy Family and the Church.
Let’s face it, Saint Joseph was challenged with an awesome task! He was the protector of the Messiah and the Mother of God in a time and place that was often hostile to them and their people. Remember Herod’s actions when he heard of Christ’s birth? Joseph’s saying “yes” to an angel in a dream when he is advised to move his family to Egypt is an echo of his blessed wife’s “yes” to the angel nine months or so earlier when asked if she would agree to bear the Child of God. Joseph continued to provide for the comfort and care of his special family for the rest of his life. He is ready to assist us if we ask. This simple man knows the pain involved in being the breadwinner for his loved ones when times are tough.
The first chapter of the book digs into the marriage of Joseph and Mary. Father Domenico presents a lesson on Jewish marriage 2,000 years ago. He describes how by Jewish law, they were actually already married when Mary was visited by the Angel Gabriel. Joseph’s decision to bring his bride into his home, though she was pregnant, took great faith. This chapter also shows how this holy marriage was a necessary part of the Father’s plan. It allowed His Son, our Savior, to be born into a humble, fully human life. Through this marriage, Jesus was able to grow up with a family, not having to live with the stigma of a single parent family (especially harsh in those times).
As a married, working man, Joseph is a great model for us. We should not hesitate to turn to him, asking him and our Blessed Mother to intercede for us and our families. Surely, this Saint, who protected the most precious two lives that ever existed on this earth, can help protect us and our loved ones!
Joseph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Married for Sainthood
By Bill Harkins, Mobile, Ala., St. Ignatius
Looking through the Vatican’s website, I came upon the homily by Pope John Paul II preached on Oct 21, 2001 during the beatification of an Italian married couple, Luigi Quattrocci and Maria Corsini. This couple lived in Italy in the late 19th and first half of the 20th century. Luigi and Maria were devout Catholics, bringing up their children well through good times and bad. Remember, Italy was not always a great place to raise a family, especially during World War II. Here is a little of what the Pope had to say about them:
Drawing on the word of God and the witness of the saints, the blessed couple lived an ordinary life in an extraordinary way. Among the joys and anxieties of a normal family, they knew how to live an extraordinarily rich spiritual life. At the centre of their life was the daily Eucharist as well as devotion to the Virgin Mary, to whom they prayed every evening with the Rosary, and consultation with wise spiritual directors. In this way they could accompany their children in vocational discernment, training them to appreciate everything "from the roof up", as they often, charmingly, liked to say.”
So what does this mean to the Men of St. Joseph today, in 21st Century America? It means that in our struggle to move our families toward heaven, we have assistance. People like Maria and Luigi are examples we can learn from. Google them and read the articles you find. You will see they were simple people, strong in Faith. They loved God, the life He gave them and their family. Not only can we learn from them, they can help us in an active role today. Maria and Luigi are part of the Communion of Saints who pray for us. We should ask them to intercede on behalf of our family. They certainly understand the struggles we face: a sick child; unstable work situation; financial stress and the rest of the daily challenges we confront with our families. Tap into their help.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph faced similar issues, but their holiness can be intimidating. Maria and Luigi’s ordinariness make them accessible. God has inspired countless others to live the married vocation in full union with His will, some of these families are around us now. Observe and learn from the outstanding examples of grace from our Catholic history as well as right next to us in the pew on Sunday. I pray that all of us can learn to live “an ordinary life in an extraordinary way”, with our families so we can follow in Luigi and Maria’s footsteps toward heaven!
Looking through the Vatican’s website, I came upon the homily by Pope John Paul II preached on Oct 21, 2001 during the beatification of an Italian married couple, Luigi Quattrocci and Maria Corsini. This couple lived in Italy in the late 19th and first half of the 20th century. Luigi and Maria were devout Catholics, bringing up their children well through good times and bad. Remember, Italy was not always a great place to raise a family, especially during World War II. Here is a little of what the Pope had to say about them:
“This couple lived married love and service to life in the light of the Gospel and with great human intensity. With full responsibility they assumed the task of collaborating with God in procreation, dedicating themselves generously to their children, to teach them, guide them and direct them to discovering his plan of love."
Drawing on the word of God and the witness of the saints, the blessed couple lived an ordinary life in an extraordinary way. Among the joys and anxieties of a normal family, they knew how to live an extraordinarily rich spiritual life. At the centre of their life was the daily Eucharist as well as devotion to the Virgin Mary, to whom they prayed every evening with the Rosary, and consultation with wise spiritual directors. In this way they could accompany their children in vocational discernment, training them to appreciate everything "from the roof up", as they often, charmingly, liked to say.”
So what does this mean to the Men of St. Joseph today, in 21st Century America? It means that in our struggle to move our families toward heaven, we have assistance. People like Maria and Luigi are examples we can learn from. Google them and read the articles you find. You will see they were simple people, strong in Faith. They loved God, the life He gave them and their family. Not only can we learn from them, they can help us in an active role today. Maria and Luigi are part of the Communion of Saints who pray for us. We should ask them to intercede on behalf of our family. They certainly understand the struggles we face: a sick child; unstable work situation; financial stress and the rest of the daily challenges we confront with our families. Tap into their help.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph faced similar issues, but their holiness can be intimidating. Maria and Luigi’s ordinariness make them accessible. God has inspired countless others to live the married vocation in full union with His will, some of these families are around us now. Observe and learn from the outstanding examples of grace from our Catholic history as well as right next to us in the pew on Sunday. I pray that all of us can learn to live “an ordinary life in an extraordinary way”, with our families so we can follow in Luigi and Maria’s footsteps toward heaven!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Put the family back in the hands of the Father
By Bill Harkins, Mobile, Ala., -St. Ignatius
As Men of St. Joseph, we are familiar with our calling to “Put the family back in the hands of the Father.”
What does this mean? How can we do it on a daily basis? To borrow a few words from one of my heroes, St. Padre Pio, try this: “Pray. Hope. Don’t Worry.”
Pray. When was the last time you got on your knees with your wife and kids and talked to God? What better way to put them in His hands! Turn off the TV for 15 minutes, put the dog outside, place a Crucifix on a table and bring your family in front of it on their knees. Lead them in thanking God for his blessings (be specific, like your health, the dinner you just ate, etc). Then ask for continued gifts from Him. Let everyone take turns and end with a familiar prayer together like the Our Father or Hail Mary.
Hope. Teach your children about our Faith. Discuss the Saints and how we are all called to Heaven. Use the Magnificat, that little magazine many of us pray with at our meetings. It has great little, one page descriptions of many Saints’ lives. Tap into the internet for further ideas (http://www.catholic.org/saints/stindex.php). The Church is based on Hope; pass it along to your kids.
Don’t Worry. Be a living example of stress free living. Easier said than done, I know. This is not a natural inclination for most of us. Think of the example you will be for your family though. Enjoy God’s gift of life, get some exercise with your kids, take them to the beach or a park. It’s not important what you do as much as it is you do something besides hanging out at the house. The exercise will help relieve pressure, give you all a better appreciation for each other – and its fun! Also, when stress pops up, pray (see above). Take some time by yourself and pray for help from God instead of cussing or punching a wall. It is amazing how He can help us when we ask.
Remember, as the Dad, you are critical to the spiritual well being of your family. Practice what Jesus preached. Life is not always easy, but with God’s help, it can be great!
As Men of St. Joseph, we are familiar with our calling to “Put the family back in the hands of the Father.”
What does this mean? How can we do it on a daily basis? To borrow a few words from one of my heroes, St. Padre Pio, try this: “Pray. Hope. Don’t Worry.”
Pray. When was the last time you got on your knees with your wife and kids and talked to God? What better way to put them in His hands! Turn off the TV for 15 minutes, put the dog outside, place a Crucifix on a table and bring your family in front of it on their knees. Lead them in thanking God for his blessings (be specific, like your health, the dinner you just ate, etc). Then ask for continued gifts from Him. Let everyone take turns and end with a familiar prayer together like the Our Father or Hail Mary.
Hope. Teach your children about our Faith. Discuss the Saints and how we are all called to Heaven. Use the Magnificat, that little magazine many of us pray with at our meetings. It has great little, one page descriptions of many Saints’ lives. Tap into the internet for further ideas (http://www.catholic.org/saints/stindex.php). The Church is based on Hope; pass it along to your kids.
Don’t Worry. Be a living example of stress free living. Easier said than done, I know. This is not a natural inclination for most of us. Think of the example you will be for your family though. Enjoy God’s gift of life, get some exercise with your kids, take them to the beach or a park. It’s not important what you do as much as it is you do something besides hanging out at the house. The exercise will help relieve pressure, give you all a better appreciation for each other – and its fun! Also, when stress pops up, pray (see above). Take some time by yourself and pray for help from God instead of cussing or punching a wall. It is amazing how He can help us when we ask.
Remember, as the Dad, you are critical to the spiritual well being of your family. Practice what Jesus preached. Life is not always easy, but with God’s help, it can be great!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
A Few Good Books
By Bill Harkins, Mobile, Ala., -St. Ignatius
Reading the Bible and Catechism are a great way to increase your knowledge of the Faith and enhance your spiritual life at the same time. In order to further develop, I have found that reading other Catholic titles is a big help.
By now, most of us have read Matthew Kelly’s Rediscovering Catholicism. If you haven’t, find a copy in a bookstore, off the internet or borrow one from a fellow Man of St. Joseph. It’s great. In fact, anything written by Matthew Kelly is worth reading.
If you are looking for other books, drop by the Visitation Gift Shop, they have a solid selection. One problem with finding a good book is that there are so many authors and publishers that put out trash concealed by a nice looking book cover and a few select reviews. The last thing I need to pollute my brain with is attacks on my Faith written by disgruntled former Catholics.
There was a time when you could look for an Imprimi Potest, Nihil Obstat and / or Imprimatur listed on the publisher’s info page of a book to determine if it was an authentically Catholic one. These do not mean the writing is official church doctrine, but that nothing in the book is contrary to church teachings. Here is a little more on them:
Religious Superior's stamp: IMPRIMI POTEST "it can be printed"
Censor's stamp: NIHIL OBSTAT "nothing stands in the way"
Bishop's stamp: IMPRIMATUR "let it be printed"
If find a book is written by a Saint, you can’t go wrong in reading it. Though, sometimes they are a little too deep or stiffly written for me. In fact, one day I will actually make it through St. Augustine’s’ City of God, but it is too much for me at this point in my life.
There are publishers that are sure to stick with authentic teaching. If I see a label from Tan Books, Ignatius Press or Marian Press, I am not concerned, though some of the Tan Books are a little extreme in their old world conservative emphasis.
I put a link to one of my favorites on the MoSJ website. It is The Spiritual Combat, written by a Priest in the late 1500’s. Here is the link: http://www.catholictradition.org/Classics/combat.htm
It’s a little “old corps” as we used to say in the Marines, but has tons of great advice on how to overcome the temptations of our world. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Reading the Bible and Catechism are a great way to increase your knowledge of the Faith and enhance your spiritual life at the same time. In order to further develop, I have found that reading other Catholic titles is a big help.
By now, most of us have read Matthew Kelly’s Rediscovering Catholicism. If you haven’t, find a copy in a bookstore, off the internet or borrow one from a fellow Man of St. Joseph. It’s great. In fact, anything written by Matthew Kelly is worth reading.
If you are looking for other books, drop by the Visitation Gift Shop, they have a solid selection. One problem with finding a good book is that there are so many authors and publishers that put out trash concealed by a nice looking book cover and a few select reviews. The last thing I need to pollute my brain with is attacks on my Faith written by disgruntled former Catholics.
There was a time when you could look for an Imprimi Potest, Nihil Obstat and / or Imprimatur listed on the publisher’s info page of a book to determine if it was an authentically Catholic one. These do not mean the writing is official church doctrine, but that nothing in the book is contrary to church teachings. Here is a little more on them:
Religious Superior's stamp: IMPRIMI POTEST "it can be printed"
Censor's stamp: NIHIL OBSTAT "nothing stands in the way"
Bishop's stamp: IMPRIMATUR "let it be printed"
If find a book is written by a Saint, you can’t go wrong in reading it. Though, sometimes they are a little too deep or stiffly written for me. In fact, one day I will actually make it through St. Augustine’s’ City of God, but it is too much for me at this point in my life.
There are publishers that are sure to stick with authentic teaching. If I see a label from Tan Books, Ignatius Press or Marian Press, I am not concerned, though some of the Tan Books are a little extreme in their old world conservative emphasis.
I put a link to one of my favorites on the MoSJ website. It is The Spiritual Combat, written by a Priest in the late 1500’s. Here is the link: http://www.catholictradition.org/Classics/combat.htm
It’s a little “old corps” as we used to say in the Marines, but has tons of great advice on how to overcome the temptations of our world. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
What Do You Know About What You Know?
By Bill Harkins, Mobile, Ala. - St. Ignatius
Like all of us, I work to live up to my commitments, especially as a Catholic husband, father and son. We at the Men of St. Joseph share views and thoughts every Tuesday that help me in this struggle. Each week I am impressed with the knowledge of our Faith that my Tuesday morning team-mates possess. I don’t always appreciate it as I should, but I know the Holy Spirit is talking through them to me. I just have to listen.
How do these guys gain the knowledge they have about Scripture and Tradition? Some have the gift to understand issues immediately upon reading about or discussing them. Others have to read and re-read Faith filled texts and articles in order to develop their knowledge. Their gift is the discipline to devote time to study. There are even people today, as throughout the history of the Church, who receive knowledge and wisdom directly from God. We can’t choose the gifts our Lord presents us for our journey, but we are obligated to take full advantage of them.
I challenge all Men of St. Joseph to really contemplate their gifts. How do you gain insight about the Catholic Church? How do we apply what we learn? How do we use our gifts to influence others to make decisions that will move them toward heaven? Take advantage of your gifts to learn more. Be inquisitive. Read. Ask questions of those you know who have a solid understanding of what it means to be a Catholic in today’s world. Devote time to your study and apply what you learn. You will be rewarded greatly.
Like all of us, I work to live up to my commitments, especially as a Catholic husband, father and son. We at the Men of St. Joseph share views and thoughts every Tuesday that help me in this struggle. Each week I am impressed with the knowledge of our Faith that my Tuesday morning team-mates possess. I don’t always appreciate it as I should, but I know the Holy Spirit is talking through them to me. I just have to listen.
How do these guys gain the knowledge they have about Scripture and Tradition? Some have the gift to understand issues immediately upon reading about or discussing them. Others have to read and re-read Faith filled texts and articles in order to develop their knowledge. Their gift is the discipline to devote time to study. There are even people today, as throughout the history of the Church, who receive knowledge and wisdom directly from God. We can’t choose the gifts our Lord presents us for our journey, but we are obligated to take full advantage of them.
I challenge all Men of St. Joseph to really contemplate their gifts. How do you gain insight about the Catholic Church? How do we apply what we learn? How do we use our gifts to influence others to make decisions that will move them toward heaven? Take advantage of your gifts to learn more. Be inquisitive. Read. Ask questions of those you know who have a solid understanding of what it means to be a Catholic in today’s world. Devote time to your study and apply what you learn. You will be rewarded greatly.
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