Thursday, December 31, 2009
New Year's Day is a Holy Day of Obligation
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
On Eve of 12.23
By G.P. Galle, C.O.O. United for Life Foundation, jeff@joinrock.com
Tomorrow, a historical event will touch down in Mobile, Alabama. This introduction of the Manhattan Declaration by Charles Colson has the potential for shockwaves across the nation.
Within this ecumenical event is a most important participating organization: Men of St. Joseph. This new and emerging Catholic men's group not only represents a fortified front of Catholic men dedicated to the truth of Christ in the family, but it also stands as a beacon to those who misunderstand our Catholic faith. By properly leading, Men of St. Joseph can help heal misunderstandings, and aid in the proper explanation of masculinity and freedom.
In 1979, Pope John Paul II published Love and Responsibility. Within this work our Holy Vicar explains authentic masculinity. Pope John Paul II states that authentic masculine life is not brutish, apathetic, nor selfish. Instead, being properly masculine, that is, being properly man, is a love affair with sacrifice, a death to oneself for the world, and to reckon not the cost for the sake of the common good. This masculine life is one of risk, of strain, of constant surrender to the Christ. This great trial of the soul is most becoming of a man, pushing him beyond base urges and drives, making him a master of himself.
This self-mastery and communion with the Holy Spirit awakens joy, awakens happiness, sets ablaze the fire of God in man's heart, and thus brings forth a word not often spoken today: nobility. Our world would do well to remember the true meaning of nobility. Because our great country is forgetting its root in the natural law, it is experiencing a severe lack of nobility. And people deeply desire it. People seek nobility in great athletes. They beg for nobility in Hollywood stars. They look to great speakers in political office. But they cannot find nobility in earthly titles and talents. As the Holy Mother Church teaches: nobility rests on that person who is holy, and is therefore truly free. This freedom is exactly what Men of St. Joseph must champion.
When people hear this word freedom, it is often misunderstood. Freedom is touted from the media and Congressional pulpit as do what you want. And though the bodies of our youth pile up, and families are decimated by abortion, divorce, and abuse, and people in increasing numbers become slaves to addictions, these loud voices continue to tout freedom as meaning do what you want. But this is not freedom, it is slavery. Our Founding Fathers knew this well. Freedom does not mean do what you want, but rather to be free from impulse, to govern with faith and reason, to not be blinded by vice. It means, at heart, to know what is right, and to be able to choose it. Freedom rests in self-mastery, in virtue, in the love of what is beautiful and what is true. In this true freedom, people gain power and dare to be fearless, even in the face of death. Our Catholicism gives us this true meaning of freedom. Our Catholicism guides us to these principles, and in this guidance, gives us happiness and strength.
We find this guidepost freedom in our great and imperfect Catholic men of the past, who could very well of been part of Men of St. Joseph. They who, even in their limited freedom and imperfection, made great strides for humanity. Whether it be our devout Catholic Galileo, the brilliantly gifted Michelangelo, the magnificent de Medici, or the mighty Constantine, we find the freedom these men enjoyed allowed us to reach heights in a coherent and connected civilization never before seen. We see the near pinnacle of freedom achieved in our religious figures St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Louis the Pious, St. Gregory the Great, and St. Joseph himself. Like these men, we must take our place in this sweeping drama called history, steeped in humanity and struggling in sin, and dare to cry out: Christ help us be free, help us be noble!
It is this unabashed cry that the Men of St. Joseph must trumpet, must strive to be. If we are to claim the mantle of Catholicism, we must say and believe that we have been given the full revelation of Christ's Covenant with man. We must perceive truth and proclaim it. And we invite others to this truth, so that they may be happy.
It must be reiterated through the Men of St. Joseph: our understanding of Catholicism is one of invitation. It is an invitation to be part of the ecstatic union with Christ on his altar, an invitation to join the eternal blessed family, an invitation to take that great and holy Cross and walk it all the way to death. It is this invitation, this carrying of the Cross, that truly changes the world. It is an invitation for all to truly be free. It is this invitation that the Men of St. Joseph must give.
It is true: the higher being invites, the lower being enslaves. Our Creator's constant invitation to enter His grace shows Catholic men how to lead. Our power is in our gentleness, is in our patience, and in our love. We have a quiet strength, a deep confidence which wells from the Holy Spirit within us. And from this place of peace we invite, we protect, and we stand up to that which selfishly seeks to enslave the world.
Our powerful approach of invitation is that which our Holy Vicars John Paul II and Benedict XVI both commanded, and thus we should invite conversation and brotherhood with those who oppose or misunderstand our way. If we are to truly herald Catholicism, we must understand that Catholicism is not merely a blunt instrument to beat someone with, but rather an instrument of the rarest complexity and simultaneously of the greatest simplicity. This instrument must be used with skill only bestowed through grace. We must show non-Catholics our lives, our love, our failures, our humanity. In short, we must present the truth of sin and redemption. It is our responsibility in the Men of St. Joseph to take up true masculinity, true freedom, and to be truly noble.
This perspective leads us to the Manhattan Declaration Event tomorrow. There are some that might look at this event skeptically because it is not solely Catholic. This thought process must, if we are to truly set our country ablaze, be put to rest. This skepticism is not of Pope John Paul II, who referred to the Baptists of the South as his brothers. This skepticism is not the thought of our Creator, who explained to St. Theresa of Lisieux that those who merely and faithfully carry the natural law are like wild flowers in heaven. We must understand as St. Theresa and Pope John Paul the Great understood: that a unified effort is needed to overcome what is true prejudice against life, marriage, and religious freedom, and how we must in solidarity overcome the attack waged on our guiding principles. If we do not act in solidarity, subsequent totalitarianism will necessarily proceed. Pope John Paul II saw this happen in his own country. And later he saw, through his leadership, this very totalitarianism fall through faith in Christ. We too must gather together, put aside some specific theological differences (without compromising them), and stand together on the principles stated in the Manhattan Declaration. And as the Men of St. Joseph carry the ecumenical mantle given through leaders like Pope John Paul II, proper understanding of Catholicism will occur. Barriers will break.
Tomorrow is not a finale; rather, it is the first harmonic note to a crescendo in the future. While the rumblings of decline and destruction quake across our country, it is us who must take these gifts of masculinity and freedom, and join with our other brothers in trumpeting the words of our Christ to our hurting country: We have not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
Tomorrow, a historical event will touch down in Mobile, Alabama. This introduction of the Manhattan Declaration by Charles Colson has the potential for shockwaves across the nation.
Within this ecumenical event is a most important participating organization: Men of St. Joseph. This new and emerging Catholic men's group not only represents a fortified front of Catholic men dedicated to the truth of Christ in the family, but it also stands as a beacon to those who misunderstand our Catholic faith. By properly leading, Men of St. Joseph can help heal misunderstandings, and aid in the proper explanation of masculinity and freedom.
In 1979, Pope John Paul II published Love and Responsibility. Within this work our Holy Vicar explains authentic masculinity. Pope John Paul II states that authentic masculine life is not brutish, apathetic, nor selfish. Instead, being properly masculine, that is, being properly man, is a love affair with sacrifice, a death to oneself for the world, and to reckon not the cost for the sake of the common good. This masculine life is one of risk, of strain, of constant surrender to the Christ. This great trial of the soul is most becoming of a man, pushing him beyond base urges and drives, making him a master of himself.
This self-mastery and communion with the Holy Spirit awakens joy, awakens happiness, sets ablaze the fire of God in man's heart, and thus brings forth a word not often spoken today: nobility. Our world would do well to remember the true meaning of nobility. Because our great country is forgetting its root in the natural law, it is experiencing a severe lack of nobility. And people deeply desire it. People seek nobility in great athletes. They beg for nobility in Hollywood stars. They look to great speakers in political office. But they cannot find nobility in earthly titles and talents. As the Holy Mother Church teaches: nobility rests on that person who is holy, and is therefore truly free. This freedom is exactly what Men of St. Joseph must champion.
When people hear this word freedom, it is often misunderstood. Freedom is touted from the media and Congressional pulpit as do what you want. And though the bodies of our youth pile up, and families are decimated by abortion, divorce, and abuse, and people in increasing numbers become slaves to addictions, these loud voices continue to tout freedom as meaning do what you want. But this is not freedom, it is slavery. Our Founding Fathers knew this well. Freedom does not mean do what you want, but rather to be free from impulse, to govern with faith and reason, to not be blinded by vice. It means, at heart, to know what is right, and to be able to choose it. Freedom rests in self-mastery, in virtue, in the love of what is beautiful and what is true. In this true freedom, people gain power and dare to be fearless, even in the face of death. Our Catholicism gives us this true meaning of freedom. Our Catholicism guides us to these principles, and in this guidance, gives us happiness and strength.
We find this guidepost freedom in our great and imperfect Catholic men of the past, who could very well of been part of Men of St. Joseph. They who, even in their limited freedom and imperfection, made great strides for humanity. Whether it be our devout Catholic Galileo, the brilliantly gifted Michelangelo, the magnificent de Medici, or the mighty Constantine, we find the freedom these men enjoyed allowed us to reach heights in a coherent and connected civilization never before seen. We see the near pinnacle of freedom achieved in our religious figures St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Louis the Pious, St. Gregory the Great, and St. Joseph himself. Like these men, we must take our place in this sweeping drama called history, steeped in humanity and struggling in sin, and dare to cry out: Christ help us be free, help us be noble!
It is this unabashed cry that the Men of St. Joseph must trumpet, must strive to be. If we are to claim the mantle of Catholicism, we must say and believe that we have been given the full revelation of Christ's Covenant with man. We must perceive truth and proclaim it. And we invite others to this truth, so that they may be happy.
It must be reiterated through the Men of St. Joseph: our understanding of Catholicism is one of invitation. It is an invitation to be part of the ecstatic union with Christ on his altar, an invitation to join the eternal blessed family, an invitation to take that great and holy Cross and walk it all the way to death. It is this invitation, this carrying of the Cross, that truly changes the world. It is an invitation for all to truly be free. It is this invitation that the Men of St. Joseph must give.
It is true: the higher being invites, the lower being enslaves. Our Creator's constant invitation to enter His grace shows Catholic men how to lead. Our power is in our gentleness, is in our patience, and in our love. We have a quiet strength, a deep confidence which wells from the Holy Spirit within us. And from this place of peace we invite, we protect, and we stand up to that which selfishly seeks to enslave the world.
Our powerful approach of invitation is that which our Holy Vicars John Paul II and Benedict XVI both commanded, and thus we should invite conversation and brotherhood with those who oppose or misunderstand our way. If we are to truly herald Catholicism, we must understand that Catholicism is not merely a blunt instrument to beat someone with, but rather an instrument of the rarest complexity and simultaneously of the greatest simplicity. This instrument must be used with skill only bestowed through grace. We must show non-Catholics our lives, our love, our failures, our humanity. In short, we must present the truth of sin and redemption. It is our responsibility in the Men of St. Joseph to take up true masculinity, true freedom, and to be truly noble.
This perspective leads us to the Manhattan Declaration Event tomorrow. There are some that might look at this event skeptically because it is not solely Catholic. This thought process must, if we are to truly set our country ablaze, be put to rest. This skepticism is not of Pope John Paul II, who referred to the Baptists of the South as his brothers. This skepticism is not the thought of our Creator, who explained to St. Theresa of Lisieux that those who merely and faithfully carry the natural law are like wild flowers in heaven. We must understand as St. Theresa and Pope John Paul the Great understood: that a unified effort is needed to overcome what is true prejudice against life, marriage, and religious freedom, and how we must in solidarity overcome the attack waged on our guiding principles. If we do not act in solidarity, subsequent totalitarianism will necessarily proceed. Pope John Paul II saw this happen in his own country. And later he saw, through his leadership, this very totalitarianism fall through faith in Christ. We too must gather together, put aside some specific theological differences (without compromising them), and stand together on the principles stated in the Manhattan Declaration. And as the Men of St. Joseph carry the ecumenical mantle given through leaders like Pope John Paul II, proper understanding of Catholicism will occur. Barriers will break.
Tomorrow is not a finale; rather, it is the first harmonic note to a crescendo in the future. While the rumblings of decline and destruction quake across our country, it is us who must take these gifts of masculinity and freedom, and join with our other brothers in trumpeting the words of our Christ to our hurting country: We have not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
No Pain, no gain: Offering it up
"Sometimes the struggles we choose can unite us with those whose suffering comes unbidden.
"At about mile 22 I practically forgot the reason I was running-or at this point barely jogging-my second marathon in as many years. My feet were screaming at me to stop "offering it up" and lay my aching body down in the grass. It would feel so good to stretch out and soak up the Florida sunshine. A little voice asked, "Couldn't praying a rosary in the prone position be just as effective as pounding out 26.2 miles?"Read the full article here
Thursday, December 17, 2009
You Might Be a Man of the Eucharist (or) Jeff Foxworthy Goes to Confession
By Dr. Chris Baglow, Covington, La.
If your eye has a fast-focus function for the female form, you might be a man; and if you can get that eye back up to her forehead in .0045 seconds, you might be a man of the Eucharist;
You might be a man if you carry a little black book chock full of names and numbers; and if some of those names are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and those numbers are chapters and verses, you might be a man of the Eucharist;
If you’ve amassed so much wealth in your lifetime that even the IRS can’t count all the places you’ve got it, you might be a man; and if the only thing you ever steal from your government is its ability to destroy the innocent and call it freedom of choice, you might be a man of the Eucharist;
(For men south of the Mason-Dixon): You might be a man if the outside of your SUV looks like you just drove it straight through a Louisiana swamp; and if the inside of that SUV looks like it was hijacked by six nuns and an entire kindergarten class, you might be a man of the Eucharist;
If you’re the corporate big boss, these days you’re still probably a man; and if your employees would rather die than work for anybody else, you might be a man of the Eucharist;
If your baby girl tells you that she thinks you might be even stronger than Mr. Incredible, you might be man; and if she grows up and can’t remember a single time when you used that strength to hurt her or her mother, you might be a man of the Eucharist;
If you don’t know a single recipe that feeds less than 75 people, you might be a man; and if you use that recipe regularly at your local soup kitchen, you might be a man of the Eucharist;
You might be a man if people pay to jet you all over the country to net the big accounts; and if you’ve seen the inside of an Adoration Chapel in every major city to which Delta flies, you might be a man of the Eucharist;
If your boy measures his total being by your every move, you might be a man; and if, because of that, he makes the sign of the cross every time you pass your parish church, you might be a man of the Eucharist;
If you can look a man in the face without fear, you might be a man; if you can look a man in the face without fear and tell him how Christ saved you from alcoholism or pornography, you might be a man of the Eucharist;
You’re obviously a man if you married a woman (and let’s hope it stays that way in our country just as it will always be that way in the Church); if she never has to surrender her innocence in order to give herself to you, you might be a man of the Eucharist;
If there are people in this world who count on you as a protector, as a guide, as a provider, even as a hero, you might be a man; and if you and they know that your ability to be all that comes from the fact that in your weakness Christ is strong, you are definitely a man of the Eucharist.
[Thanks, Chris, for our first posting from Louisiana!]
[Thanks, Chris, for our first posting from Louisiana!]
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Mother of the Lord
By Norwood Morris, Mobile, Ala. - St. Ignatius
In the Sunday Gospel (12.20.09) we read that Mary has traveled to Zechariah’s home to greet Elizabeth. Lk. 1:39-45. Although Zechariah is “speechless and unable to talk” as we read in Luke 1:5-25 (12.19.2009), the child in Elizabeth’s womb is already proclaiming the joy of the Lord. As Elizabeth put it, “for at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant [John the Baptist] in my womb leaped for joy.” Lk. 1:13, 44. A child who would be “called prophet of the Most High, [who would go] before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give His people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. . .” Lk. 1:76-77. But, what strikes me here is God’s plan and purpose for John (a prophet) was being realized before John had even left his mother’s womb. It gives me hope to know that God is involved in our lives even before we are born. Even Zechariah, once struck dumb by the Lord, is later filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. Lk. 1:67. That too gives me hope to read how our Father works in our lives regardless of what we have done, what we have failed to do, or where we currently are in our lives. Of course we must ultimately be obedient to our Father’s call. Ultimately, for John the Baptist obedience meant proclaiming the Kingdom (Matthew 3:1) and living and dying in a way that contradicted worldly wisdom. Mt.14:10.
In Sunday’s Gospel we also see that Elizabeth was able to discern truth not yet revealed. “Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?’” Lk. 1:42-43 (Emphasis added). Elizabeth, inspired by the power of the Holy Spirit, humbly recognizes that Mary is full of favor and grace and that the baby Mary carries is the promised Lord and King. Compare Lk. 1:28-33. Like the unborn John the Baptist who was the prophet sent by God, Jesus was also recognized as Light and Redeemer of the world in Mary’s womb. See John 1:1-18.
What a mystery that the greatest of the prophets (Mt. 11:11), able to announce the arrival of the Lord (before either of their births) would ultimately live such a simple and tragic life. Mt.14:11. What a mystery that all powerful and ever living Christ Jesus should choose to fulfill thousands of years of promises in such a humble and helpless form; as a weak and feeble baby. Mt. 1:18-25. What a mystery that our King and Savior would choose the lowly and poor setting of a trough for feeding livestock as His place of birth. Luke 2:7.
It could only be by the power of the Holy Spirit that we could have faith in these Christmas truths.
So let us pray today that through the Holy Spirit we obediently live, like John the Baptist did, in submission to our Father’s will and purpose for our lives. And let us pray that we be filled with the Holy Spirit, like humble Elizabeth, so that we may have the wisdom of God and knowledge of the joy of salvation. See Ephesians 1:17-23.
“But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Luke 1:43
In the Sunday Gospel (12.20.09) we read that Mary has traveled to Zechariah’s home to greet Elizabeth. Lk. 1:39-45. Although Zechariah is “speechless and unable to talk” as we read in Luke 1:5-25 (12.19.2009), the child in Elizabeth’s womb is already proclaiming the joy of the Lord. As Elizabeth put it, “for at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant [John the Baptist] in my womb leaped for joy.” Lk. 1:13, 44. A child who would be “called prophet of the Most High, [who would go] before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give His people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. . .” Lk. 1:76-77. But, what strikes me here is God’s plan and purpose for John (a prophet) was being realized before John had even left his mother’s womb. It gives me hope to know that God is involved in our lives even before we are born. Even Zechariah, once struck dumb by the Lord, is later filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. Lk. 1:67. That too gives me hope to read how our Father works in our lives regardless of what we have done, what we have failed to do, or where we currently are in our lives. Of course we must ultimately be obedient to our Father’s call. Ultimately, for John the Baptist obedience meant proclaiming the Kingdom (Matthew 3:1) and living and dying in a way that contradicted worldly wisdom. Mt.14:10.
In Sunday’s Gospel we also see that Elizabeth was able to discern truth not yet revealed. “Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?’” Lk. 1:42-43 (Emphasis added). Elizabeth, inspired by the power of the Holy Spirit, humbly recognizes that Mary is full of favor and grace and that the baby Mary carries is the promised Lord and King. Compare Lk. 1:28-33. Like the unborn John the Baptist who was the prophet sent by God, Jesus was also recognized as Light and Redeemer of the world in Mary’s womb. See John 1:1-18.
What a mystery that the greatest of the prophets (Mt. 11:11), able to announce the arrival of the Lord (before either of their births) would ultimately live such a simple and tragic life. Mt.14:11. What a mystery that all powerful and ever living Christ Jesus should choose to fulfill thousands of years of promises in such a humble and helpless form; as a weak and feeble baby. Mt. 1:18-25. What a mystery that our King and Savior would choose the lowly and poor setting of a trough for feeding livestock as His place of birth. Luke 2:7.
It could only be by the power of the Holy Spirit that we could have faith in these Christmas truths.
So let us pray today that through the Holy Spirit we obediently live, like John the Baptist did, in submission to our Father’s will and purpose for our lives. And let us pray that we be filled with the Holy Spirit, like humble Elizabeth, so that we may have the wisdom of God and knowledge of the joy of salvation. See Ephesians 1:17-23.
12:23 Men of Mobile Bay Christmas Gathering
Speaker: Mr. Chuck Colson
FREE admission, general seating
Wed, 12/23/09, 6:00 am – 7:30 am
Mobile Convention Center on Water Street in Mobile, Alabama
North Expo Hall
Parking at Convention Center $5.00
Concessions will be available for purchase
Sponsored by a group of Christian men in the Mobile community, including members of the MoSJ. The event is for Christian men and their families in the Mobile/Baldwin area.
The speaker is Mr. Chuck Colson, one of the primary authors of the Manhattan Declaration.
What is the Manhattan Declaration? On Nov. 20, 2009 a group of prominent Catholic, Orthodox and Evangelical clergy, ministry leaders and scholars released the Manhattan Declaration, addressing the sanctity of life, traditional marriage and religious liberty. Among the signatories were a number of Catholic bishops, including Archbishop Dolan of New York and Archbishop Wuerl of Washington, D.C.
Here is the website for the Manhattan Declaration: http://www.manhattandeclaration.com/
Mr. Colson was imprisoned for Watergate related offenses; after coming to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, he entered a guilty plea for obstruction of justice and served time in Alabama’s Maxwell Prison in 1974. Before his conversion, Colson was aide to President Richard Nixon and was known during that time as the White House “hatchet man,” feared by even the most powerful politicos during the Nixon presidency.
More about Chuck Colson: http://www.colsoncenter.org/the-center/the-chuck-colson-center/about-chuck-colson
Saturday, December 5, 2009
This Year Will Be Different!!!!
By Tommy Fulton, Mobile, Ala. - St. Dominic
When I listened to Matthew Kelly’s CD, given to me by my brothers of The Men of St. Joseph, I soaked up the messages like a bone-dry, thirsty sponge. There was one message that struck me more than all of the rest. That message was a quick version of Chapter 21: 34-36 of Luke’s gospel. In essence, what Matthew Kelly said was, “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from …the anxieties of daily life…”
That especially strikes me as important for this time of year. It apparently struck him the same way, since his message was tailored for the Advent season. It resonates with me greatly during the period from Thanksgiving through Christmas. If there is one overarching thing that I love and appreciate about this season, it’s the gathering together of the family…my family. From the earliest time I can ever remember, that’s been the most positive part of this season.
Regretfully, though, the “anxieties of daily life” fight against our best efforts to experience the warmth and love we share with our family and close friends. Every year I vow to simplify the holiday spirit and every year I find myself in ultimate panic.
THIS YEAR WILL BE DIFFERENT!!!!
If I’ve received anything during my association with The Men of St. Joseph, it is this…
What I can do is use this period of the year to really appreciate the heart of those I love and who love me. Mostly, I will express to Jesus Christ my gratitude for all that He’s given to me, especially His people…my family & friends.
May all of you have the happiest and holiest holiday season ever!
When I listened to Matthew Kelly’s CD, given to me by my brothers of The Men of St. Joseph, I soaked up the messages like a bone-dry, thirsty sponge. There was one message that struck me more than all of the rest. That message was a quick version of Chapter 21: 34-36 of Luke’s gospel. In essence, what Matthew Kelly said was, “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from …the anxieties of daily life…”
That especially strikes me as important for this time of year. It apparently struck him the same way, since his message was tailored for the Advent season. It resonates with me greatly during the period from Thanksgiving through Christmas. If there is one overarching thing that I love and appreciate about this season, it’s the gathering together of the family…my family. From the earliest time I can ever remember, that’s been the most positive part of this season.
Regretfully, though, the “anxieties of daily life” fight against our best efforts to experience the warmth and love we share with our family and close friends. Every year I vow to simplify the holiday spirit and every year I find myself in ultimate panic.
THIS YEAR WILL BE DIFFERENT!!!!
If I’ve received anything during my association with The Men of St. Joseph, it is this…
“Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent…”I have re-learned the importance of prayer and those few moments of quiet in which I ask God to give me the calm I need to appreciate all of the great things He has provided to me through my family and friends. I don’t know if I can find the perfect present for everyone, or host the perfect party, or write the perfect Christmas card. Probably not.
What I can do is use this period of the year to really appreciate the heart of those I love and who love me. Mostly, I will express to Jesus Christ my gratitude for all that He’s given to me, especially His people…my family & friends.
May all of you have the happiest and holiest holiday season ever!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Consider This ...
From Norwood Morris, Mobile, Ala. -St. Ignatius
We have a Father that loves us so much (Jeremiah 31:3) a merciful Dad whom we can freely trust (Psalm 32:10), freely we have been saved (Ephesians 2:2:8-9), and so much has been forgiven (Luke 7:41-49), so let us live for Him, our God through Christ Jesus (Romans 12:1; Philippians 1:21). He calms the storms in ALL our lives (Lk. 8:22-25) and gives us peace (John 14:27; Matthew 14:27; Lk. 7:50)! May you ALL be blessed today!
We have a Father that loves us so much (Jeremiah 31:3) a merciful Dad whom we can freely trust (Psalm 32:10), freely we have been saved (Ephesians 2:2:8-9), and so much has been forgiven (Luke 7:41-49), so let us live for Him, our God through Christ Jesus (Romans 12:1; Philippians 1:21). He calms the storms in ALL our lives (Lk. 8:22-25) and gives us peace (John 14:27; Matthew 14:27; Lk. 7:50)! May you ALL be blessed today!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Vigilance for Christ NOT vigilance against fear
Homily by Fr. Philip Neri Powell, PhD. Fr. Powell is a Dominican priest studying in Rome. He is a convert to the Catholic Church, a native of Mississippi, and maintains a blog: Domine, da mihi hanc aquam!
1st Sunday of Advent: Readings
Fr. Philip Neri Powell, OP
SS. Domenico e Sisto, Roma
If you search on Youtube for vids using the terms “wake up prank” you will find some hilarious pranks pulled on poor, sleeping souls. Pranksters use air horns, spiders, plastic lizards, flour, mousetraps, and Halloween masks to scare the living daylights out of their family members and friends. Asleep and soundly dreaming away the night, the victims are secure in their beds. Vulnerable, innocent, easy prey. When the assault comes, their reactions—screams of terror, wild jumping about, colorful (*ahem*) language—all come together perfectly in a flashing instant of surprise, a completely unexpected jolt back to the reality of the waking world. . .and the terrible laughing of their loved ones. After this dose of terror, how do they ever get back to sleep, waiting, as they surely are, for the next bucket of water, or the next fake machine gun blast? Do they know it's coming? Do they wait to be surprised again?
Speaking to the disciples about his return at the end of this age, Jesus says, “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy. . .and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times. . .” Like the victim of a Youtube wake-up prank, are we to live our lives in vigilant fear of being surprised by the trumpet blast, the roaring waves, the moon and stars shaken from the sky? After all, doesn't Jesus also tell the disciples that “people will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world”? Ours is a vigilance of hope not fear, of thankful anticipation not fret and worry about disaster and cosmic destruction. Yes, the Day is coming, but it is the Day our Lord fulfills His promise to us.
The world has been ending since it started. The Last Day of creation dawned with the First Day's sunrise. Can you count the number of world-ending scenarios you have lived through? For me: Soviet communism, DDT poisoning, acid rain, nuclear winter, HIV/AIDS, the new ice age, global suffocation from deforestation, flu pandemics, “dirty bomb terrorism,” worldwide economic collapse, and global warming—all secular apocalyptic scripts that narrate the reduction of our civilizations to utter ruin. Instinctively, it seems, we understand that as individuals and as a collective whole we will die. There will be an end. I will die. You will die. We might even die together. On a global scale, apocalyptic scenarios represent our individual anxieties about dying. Projected on the world-screen, these End of Days dramas are just one of the ways we humans play out our fear of dying. The trumpets of natural disaster, or nuclear annihilation, or environmental pollution blare from the four corners of the Earth, and we run around screaming, searching for some way—any way—to forestall our end. If the Church can be justly accused of using the bloody prophecies of Armageddon to frighten the vulnerable into submission to her power, then we can just as rightly accuse the secular powers of using scientific prophecy to scare us into a slavery to fear. Does it matter if the prophets of global destruction are dressed in vestments or lab coats? Whether they use cryptic scriptures or equally occult “science”? Neither of these schools of prophecy preach the hope that Christ came give to us. Neither encourages us to wait faithfully in the expectation of the day of promise. Neither points us to the need to live in love with thanksgiving.
Does this mean then that we can become complacent in our vigilance for the coming of the Lord? No, of course not. But if we are not to drown in worry and be surprised on the day of promise, we must understand that ours is a vigilance for the coming of Christ not avigilance against our inevitable demise. As Christians, we have no fear of death. Death is dead. Yes, we will die. But we will not lie dead forever. Jesus is not warning the disciples against the coming end so much as he is telling them to live now as if he he had come again already. When secular apocalyptic scenarios splash across the media, we are told that there are solutions, outs, ways of avoiding the coming disasters. We are harangued and shamed into schemes to save the planet. Jesus says no such thing to the disciples. There are no solutions. He says simply, “I will return. And here is how you will know I am coming. . .” The advent of his coming is always upon us. He has come; his is coming; and he will come again. These are not reasons to fear an end, but reasons to hope for his inevitable rule.
Hope looks beyond anxiety, beyond disaster, beyond the always-already advent of an apocalypse. When we hope as we ought, we are not gambling against cosmic odds, but rather laying claim to the promise made by God to His prophet Jeremiah: “In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land.” That's not an angry threat but a divine guarantee.
Original blog entry here
Original blog entry here
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Let Us Give Thanks to the Lord!
From Norwood Morris, Mobile, Ala. - St. Ignatius
This Thanksgiving let us find blessings to be thankful for and dwell on those excellent and praiseworthy things (Philippians 4:8)! Let us praise our Father as we were created to do (Isaiah 43:21). Let us thank our Savior, our Lord Christ Jesus, for this is His will for us (1 Thessalonnians 5:16-18). Let us rejoice always, because we have been given EVERYTHING by our Father (Phil. 4:4; Ephesians 1:3-4). "Praise the LORD, all you nations! Give glory, all you peoples! The LORD'S love for us is strong; the LORD is faithful forever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" (Psalm 117).
This Thanksgiving let us find blessings to be thankful for and dwell on those excellent and praiseworthy things (Philippians 4:8)! Let us praise our Father as we were created to do (Isaiah 43:21). Let us thank our Savior, our Lord Christ Jesus, for this is His will for us (1 Thessalonnians 5:16-18). Let us rejoice always, because we have been given EVERYTHING by our Father (Phil. 4:4; Ephesians 1:3-4). "Praise the LORD, all you nations! Give glory, all you peoples! The LORD'S love for us is strong; the LORD is faithful forever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" (Psalm 117).
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Iron Bowl
By Todd Sylvester, Mobile, Ala. -St. Ignatius
I was talking with a friend recently who was getting excited for the upcoming Iron Bowl game between Alabama and Auburn. He talked about the long standing tradition with family and friends- the tailgating- the clothes he wears and finally the awesome seats that they have. I asked if I could buy the tickets, to which he laughed. Seriously, I said "How much for the tickets? And let’s say that you really couldn’t get other tickets- and as part of the package, you promised to not watch the game on T.V. or listen to it on the radio." When he realized I was sincere, he thought a moment and then said, “Not even a million dollars.” I responded, “Wow!” You really want to see this game. Then I said, “If you offered me a million dollars to miss one Mass- a daily Mass, not a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, I would refuse also. My question to you is, “What in your life would you hang on to even if someone offered you a million dollars?” Food for thought… Blessings, Todd
I was talking with a friend recently who was getting excited for the upcoming Iron Bowl game between Alabama and Auburn. He talked about the long standing tradition with family and friends- the tailgating- the clothes he wears and finally the awesome seats that they have. I asked if I could buy the tickets, to which he laughed. Seriously, I said "How much for the tickets? And let’s say that you really couldn’t get other tickets- and as part of the package, you promised to not watch the game on T.V. or listen to it on the radio." When he realized I was sincere, he thought a moment and then said, “Not even a million dollars.” I responded, “Wow!” You really want to see this game. Then I said, “If you offered me a million dollars to miss one Mass- a daily Mass, not a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation, I would refuse also. My question to you is, “What in your life would you hang on to even if someone offered you a million dollars?” Food for thought… Blessings, Todd
Monday, November 23, 2009
MoSJ at Mobile's Christ the King Celebration
Men of St. Joseph volunteered to usher at Sunday's Christ the King Celebration in Mobile. The "green shirts" were quite visible Below are a few pictures taken by Mike Rogers. More pictures will be uploaded to the MoSJ Facebook Fan Page, soon.
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Consider This ...
From Norwood Morris, Mobile, Ala. -St. Ignatius
Our Father is awesome. He defends us with His mighty hand, gives us strength by the power of His Holy Spirit, He sends angels to protect us, and keeps harm from reaching us (Isaiah 54:17). Daniel 6:22 says: "My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king."
Our Father is awesome. He defends us with His mighty hand, gives us strength by the power of His Holy Spirit, He sends angels to protect us, and keeps harm from reaching us (Isaiah 54:17). Daniel 6:22 says: "My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king."
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Mobile Revives Christ the King Procession
Participants should gather at the cross in Bienville Square, downtown Mobile, by 10:30 a.m. Archbishop Rodi will give an opening prayer and begin the recitation of the Holy Rosary. The procession will continue recitation of the Rosary as it leaves Bienville Square and processes west on Dauphin Street to Cathedral Square. Upon completion of the Rosary, participants will enter the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, where Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m.
The procession route encompasses a little more than three city blocks, so those unable to walk that distance are invited to be seated in the Cathedral.
During Mass, Archbishop Rodi will confer the first-ever Christ the King Medal to honor a volunteer from each parish who has been nominated by their pastor for exemplary service to the parish. Everyone is invited to participate in this marvelous archdiocesan-wide celebration and witness to our faith and heritage.
More info here
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Consider This ...
From Norwood Morris, Mobile, Ala. - St. Ignatius
God measures our lives by how we love! (1 Corinthians 13:2-3, 8 & 13). Yet, we can only love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Let us love as our Savior has called us to love (Isaiah 58:6-7; Matthew 25:34, 40) and most importantly let us live with wholehearted love for our Father as He has commanded us (Mt. 22:37-38)! Jesus loves me, but you are His favorite!
God measures our lives by how we love! (1 Corinthians 13:2-3, 8 & 13). Yet, we can only love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Let us love as our Savior has called us to love (Isaiah 58:6-7; Matthew 25:34, 40) and most importantly let us live with wholehearted love for our Father as He has commanded us (Mt. 22:37-38)! Jesus loves me, but you are His favorite!
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!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Consider This ...
From Norwood Morris, Mobile, Ala. -St. Ignatius
Our lives are but a vapor of smoke, but a breath, a mist (Psalm 39; James 4:14). Yet we are created by God and created FOR God (Colossians 1:16) to give glory to Him (1 Corinthians 10:31) and to please our LORD while we live (Romans 14:8-9). So let us today pray for the grace to do as we are commanded by our faithful Father (Ps. 117) to rejoice always and to not be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:4-6) for our King and Lord is worthy of all praise (Revelation 4:11). Jesus loves me, but you are His favorite!
Our lives are but a vapor of smoke, but a breath, a mist (Psalm 39; James 4:14). Yet we are created by God and created FOR God (Colossians 1:16) to give glory to Him (1 Corinthians 10:31) and to please our LORD while we live (Romans 14:8-9). So let us today pray for the grace to do as we are commanded by our faithful Father (Ps. 117) to rejoice always and to not be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:4-6) for our King and Lord is worthy of all praise (Revelation 4:11). Jesus loves me, but you are His favorite!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Special MoSJ Meeting: Dr. Fletcher Armstrong to speak on the Genocide Awareness Project
Consider these two questions as you consider attending:
- Is there anything more important in our society than ending the mass violence against unborn children in America?
- Is there any better place to engage this battle than the college campus?
"My first experience with the Center for Bioethical Reform (CBR) was in college just two years ago. I started a pro-life organization at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and invited Fletcher and CBR’s Genocide Awareness Project to my campus.Please make every effort to hear Fletcher Armstrong speak about his work at The Marian Center Tuesday Nov. 17th at 7:30pm. I’m confident you will not regret it!
"It was incredible to see the amount of response we received. Everyone on campus was talking about abortion. It was great! Overall, the results were very positive. We do not know how many lives could have been saved, but we do know we had a major impact on many vulnerable students.
"Most people simply do not know what abortion really is or if they do, they are not fully conscious of its gruesomeness. The Genocide Awareness Project, set up by CBR on college campuses, allows people to become educated. We are pulling back the veil on the abortion industry and showing it to the world!"
-- Bry Shields, Mobile, Ala. - St. Ignatius
Monday, November 9, 2009
Butterfly Kisses and a Father's Love
By Tommy Fulton, Mobile, Ala., - St. Dominic
Most of us have heard the song, “Butterfly Kisses”, by Bob Carlisle. If you haven’t, I sincerely hope that you take the time to listen to it. It’s the beautiful story of a father watching his daughter grow from a little girl into a woman. As she grows, her father thanks God for rewarding him with a lasting relationship with her. As a father of four girls and a son, I can certainly relate to those many, many cherished times as they grew.
Bob Carlisle wrote another song that I’ve just recently discovered. The title, “Father’s Love”, is so appropriate for the Men of St. Joseph. Although the words are appropriate for both sons and daughters, this song talks about a father’s relationship with his son. It’s pertinent to the Men of St. Joseph and our theme of putting the family back in the hands of The Father.
The main theme of this song moves from a father’s love for his son to our Father’s love for us. Carlisle assures his son that “there is no power on Earth, like your father’s love…so big and so strong, like your father’s love…” He says that it’s a promise that’s “sacred…a promise from heaven above.” To me, it’s at this point that you realize that he’s talking about God, our Father and His love for us.
“No matter where you go, always know you can depend on your Father’s love…” I know that my father gave me that feeling as I grew up, and I certainly hope and pray that my children know they can count on that from me. The father in the song then assures his son that, “even when my life on earth is through, there’s still a part of me in you…’cause some things are forever…”
The Men of St. Joseph are working hard to help instill this theme into all of us. Especially, though, MOSJ encourages us to remember that there is no power on earth, like Our Father’s love. Bob Carlisle does a beautiful job describing those relationships in both “Butterfly Kisses” and “Father’s Love.” I hope you take the time to listen!
Most of us have heard the song, “Butterfly Kisses”, by Bob Carlisle. If you haven’t, I sincerely hope that you take the time to listen to it. It’s the beautiful story of a father watching his daughter grow from a little girl into a woman. As she grows, her father thanks God for rewarding him with a lasting relationship with her. As a father of four girls and a son, I can certainly relate to those many, many cherished times as they grew.
Bob Carlisle wrote another song that I’ve just recently discovered. The title, “Father’s Love”, is so appropriate for the Men of St. Joseph. Although the words are appropriate for both sons and daughters, this song talks about a father’s relationship with his son. It’s pertinent to the Men of St. Joseph and our theme of putting the family back in the hands of The Father.
The main theme of this song moves from a father’s love for his son to our Father’s love for us. Carlisle assures his son that “there is no power on Earth, like your father’s love…so big and so strong, like your father’s love…” He says that it’s a promise that’s “sacred…a promise from heaven above.” To me, it’s at this point that you realize that he’s talking about God, our Father and His love for us.
“No matter where you go, always know you can depend on your Father’s love…” I know that my father gave me that feeling as I grew up, and I certainly hope and pray that my children know they can count on that from me. The father in the song then assures his son that, “even when my life on earth is through, there’s still a part of me in you…’cause some things are forever…”
The Men of St. Joseph are working hard to help instill this theme into all of us. Especially, though, MOSJ encourages us to remember that there is no power on earth, like Our Father’s love. Bob Carlisle does a beautiful job describing those relationships in both “Butterfly Kisses” and “Father’s Love.” I hope you take the time to listen!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Widow's Mite
Everything we have and everything we have done has been accomplished by God.
Isaiah 26:12
If everything I am is from our Father, if everything I have is our Father’s why is it so hard to give it back to Him?
This Sunday’s (11.8.09) Gospel reading from Mark speaks of the poor widow who “put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury” because “she contributed all that she had, her whole livelihood.” Mk. 12:38-44. For the widow, God was more important than anything else, including self. The widow understood that detachment from material possessions and dependence on Christ Jesus leads us to blessedness. See Luke 21:1-4 (and NAB note); Matthew 5:3-12.
God has called us to place Him before everything and everyone (Deuteronomy 5:7) and promises that He will give us our heart’s desires (Psalm 37:4). But, as we see in the reading from Luke 14:15-24 (11.3.09) we have many idols, many distractions and many excuses to refuse Jesus’ call. But, the truth remains that Christ Jesus has chosen us, we have not chosen Him (Jn. 15:16). Jesus has done it all for us. He has washed us clean by His personal sacrifice and given us eternal salvation (Hebrews 9:24-28; Jn. 1:29, 35).
The homily today (11.4.09) spoke about taking up our cross and renouncing all our possessions to become Christ Jesus’ disciple (Lk. 14:25-33). We must have a readiness to surrender, to die to self, to take up our cross to reach the end. This is the means to the end we “all want” and desire. It is God we were created for, but it is our idols that prevent us from getting there. So today let us pray for the grace to declare, “the LORD is my shepherd I shall not want or need” (Psalm 23:1). Let us today pray for the grace to receive the grace to live as the widow who wanted nothing but her creator.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
On Being Generous
By Todd Sylvester, Mobile, Ala. - St. Ignatius
We all have standards that we live by. We draw lines, either in our heads or literally in our environment. When someone asks me for a “favor”, I always want to know what it is before I commit to it. Especially from some of my friends who have a tendency to push me to the limit of generosity (like the guy who asked if I could pick something up for him using my truck- it just happened to be a piano in Birmingham!) I continue to ask God to stretch me beyond my comfort zone of giving. I ask for greater opportunities to die to myself. I ask for God to show me deeper ways to give. I honestly don’t have much money to give away. I tithe and then give what else I can, but I do have talents that I can give away. I love helping out people in need. I am conscious about where I have drawn the lines in my own life and ask God to help me move them. When I hold back and say, “No, this is as far as I will go!” That’s when God will tenderly invite me to more.
A friend and I were talking one time about what our wives expect of us and what we normally do around the house and he was very critical of me. He told me that I blew it long ago. I asked what he meant and he said I should have drawn the line in the sand when I was first married (like he did) because as soon as you do something once, your wife expects you to do it all the time! To which I responded, “So does God.” Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:18 “Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share, thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future, so as to win the life that is true life.” I’m not where I need to be yet. I still have lines in my life where I stop giving, but with God’s Grace I’ll get them all erased before I take my last breath- may you do the same. Peace, Todd
We all have standards that we live by. We draw lines, either in our heads or literally in our environment. When someone asks me for a “favor”, I always want to know what it is before I commit to it. Especially from some of my friends who have a tendency to push me to the limit of generosity (like the guy who asked if I could pick something up for him using my truck- it just happened to be a piano in Birmingham!) I continue to ask God to stretch me beyond my comfort zone of giving. I ask for greater opportunities to die to myself. I ask for God to show me deeper ways to give. I honestly don’t have much money to give away. I tithe and then give what else I can, but I do have talents that I can give away. I love helping out people in need. I am conscious about where I have drawn the lines in my own life and ask God to help me move them. When I hold back and say, “No, this is as far as I will go!” That’s when God will tenderly invite me to more.
A friend and I were talking one time about what our wives expect of us and what we normally do around the house and he was very critical of me. He told me that I blew it long ago. I asked what he meant and he said I should have drawn the line in the sand when I was first married (like he did) because as soon as you do something once, your wife expects you to do it all the time! To which I responded, “So does God.” Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:18 “Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share, thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future, so as to win the life that is true life.” I’m not where I need to be yet. I still have lines in my life where I stop giving, but with God’s Grace I’ll get them all erased before I take my last breath- may you do the same. Peace, Todd
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Put it in Park
By Anthony Tobin, Mobile, Ala. - St. Ignatius
The Gospel for All Saints Day led us into some great discussion and the presentation by Ronnie really made me think about what it is we are trying to do here. To refresh our memories the Gospel was Matt 5, also known as the Beatitudes. What Ronnie rightly pointed out is that the Beatitudes are a call to sainthood. Contrary to telling us what not to do, they are telling us how we need to be; meek, poor in spirit, merciful, pure of heart, ect. Ronnie then went on to share an experience from his life in which he was trying to live out the Beatitudes.
The way I see it, what we are doing here every Tuesday, and further more with every Mass and prayer, can be likened to football practice. It is like we are doing doubles with 6:15 Mass and then an hour of prayer and reflection. Just as football practice is physically exhausting, this can be spiritually exhausting. But what we are doing here is more than a practice, it is a training of our bodies/souls. And just as a football player works hard and drives his body so that when the coach calls him, when it is his time to perform, ‘when it matters’, he will not fail. So we, like a football player, train ourselves and drive our bodies so that when we are called upon, when it is our time to “shine”, we are a reflection of Christ.
Just as Ronnie, we will all be called to “put it in park”. We will all be called in little ways and in big ways to be witnesses and examples of God’s unfailing love. Trust me men, you will be called to play in the game. God will call on you and say, “Show them how I love.” And it will be hard, it will be exhausting, it will be a dying to yourself. This is why we need to do as Paul did, “I drive my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24
The Gospel for All Saints Day led us into some great discussion and the presentation by Ronnie really made me think about what it is we are trying to do here. To refresh our memories the Gospel was Matt 5, also known as the Beatitudes. What Ronnie rightly pointed out is that the Beatitudes are a call to sainthood. Contrary to telling us what not to do, they are telling us how we need to be; meek, poor in spirit, merciful, pure of heart, ect. Ronnie then went on to share an experience from his life in which he was trying to live out the Beatitudes.
The way I see it, what we are doing here every Tuesday, and further more with every Mass and prayer, can be likened to football practice. It is like we are doing doubles with 6:15 Mass and then an hour of prayer and reflection. Just as football practice is physically exhausting, this can be spiritually exhausting. But what we are doing here is more than a practice, it is a training of our bodies/souls. And just as a football player works hard and drives his body so that when the coach calls him, when it is his time to perform, ‘when it matters’, he will not fail. So we, like a football player, train ourselves and drive our bodies so that when we are called upon, when it is our time to “shine”, we are a reflection of Christ.
Just as Ronnie, we will all be called to “put it in park”. We will all be called in little ways and in big ways to be witnesses and examples of God’s unfailing love. Trust me men, you will be called to play in the game. God will call on you and say, “Show them how I love.” And it will be hard, it will be exhausting, it will be a dying to yourself. This is why we need to do as Paul did, “I drive my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24
Monday, November 2, 2009
All Soul's Day
As we renew our faith in your Son, Whom you raised from the dead,
strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters
will share in his resurrection,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
--Opening Prayer
Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls' Day)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Inch By Inch
By Chris Teague, Mobile, Ala. - St. Ignatius
Here is a “poem” Hugh McClelland sent me. His family runs a very large Christian foundation in Chattanooga. I do not know the story behind the poem but I think it is very relative to any man who is dealing with some kind of emotional burden, grief, fear, guilt or addiction. Anyone who reads it should ask themselves, “what is killing you inch-by-inch.”
Here is a “poem” Hugh McClelland sent me. His family runs a very large Christian foundation in Chattanooga. I do not know the story behind the poem but I think it is very relative to any man who is dealing with some kind of emotional burden, grief, fear, guilt or addiction. Anyone who reads it should ask themselves, “what is killing you inch-by-inch.”
Tonight Shanghai is burning
and I am burning, too.
But there's no death
so real as the death inside of you.
Some men die by shrapnel
and some go down in flames
but most men die inch by inch
playing little games.
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.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Men of St. Joseph Weekly Meetings
Archdiocese of Mobile
Daphne, AL
Christ the King Catholic Church, Immaculata Center, Tuesdays, 6:00 a.m.
Fairhope, AL
St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Seton Room, Family Center, Tuesdays, 6:30 a.m.
Mobile, AL
Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Coming Soon
St. Dominic Catholic Church, Murphy Center, Wednesdays, 7:00 a.m.
St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Marian Center, Tuesdays, 7:00 a.m. (Mass at 6:15 in the church)
St. Pius X Catholic Church, Sarto Center, Tuesdays, 7:00 a.m.
Spring Hill College, Coming Soon
Semmes, AL
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Thursday, 6:00 p.m.
Archdiocese of New Orleans
Covington, LA
Covington, LA Group, Tchefuncta Country Club pool house, Tuesdays, 6:30 am
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
Pensacola, FL
St. Paul Catholic Church, Cafetorium, Tuesdays, 6:00 a.m.
Daphne, AL
Christ the King Catholic Church, Immaculata Center, Tuesdays, 6:00 a.m.
Fairhope, AL
St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Seton Room, Family Center, Tuesdays, 6:30 a.m.
Mobile, AL
Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Coming Soon
St. Dominic Catholic Church, Murphy Center, Wednesdays, 7:00 a.m.
St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Marian Center, Tuesdays, 7:00 a.m. (Mass at 6:15 in the church)
St. Pius X Catholic Church, Sarto Center, Tuesdays, 7:00 a.m.
Spring Hill College, Coming Soon
Semmes, AL
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Thursday, 6:00 p.m.
Archdiocese of New Orleans
Covington, LA
Covington, LA Group, Tchefuncta Country Club pool house, Tuesdays, 6:30 am
Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
Pensacola, FL
St. Paul Catholic Church, Cafetorium, Tuesdays, 6:00 a.m.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Men of St. Joseph
By Chris Teague, Mobile, Ala. - St. Ignatius
What seems to be so incredible about the concept of a “universal” abiding men’s group with a singular purpose and format, is that it has not already been done successfully within a church as liturgical and “networked” as the Catholic Church!!! Bible studies and men’s groups, and service organizations are old hat in the Church, but there seems to be a real void that the Men of St. Joseph is filling. At least that is our prayer.
The Men of St. Joseph take "church going” men, honest believers who would consider themselves good Christians, but may have fallen into that Catholic trap of “going through the motions,” and help them to learn to walk with Christ daily, to strive harder, to get back up when they fall, and to hold each other accountable for doing so.
While few Catholics would openly admit or think they need to be “saved,” because Christ is a part of their life and they are believers, almost all will admit they have not truly surrendered to Christ. Part of the reason for this is that they think they are already doing enough by going to Mass each Sunday and sending their kids to Catholic school. In truth, for many that is enough. For those Catholics, their eyes are wide open, they are surrendered to Christ and when they go into Mass they do so with a heart that is truly open to Him, and live their daily lives accordingly. Many more treat their spiritual lives like they are punching a time clock.
I like to think many Catholics are “on the path” but most are standing in one place.
If MoSJ can help move men along that path, I truly believe we could spiritually awaken “the sleeping giant” that is the Catholic Church. Imagine the possibilities for the Kingdom if 1.3 billion Catholics became engaged to the degree they are capable. Truly, our Protestant brothers may have a hard time “saving” Catholics, but other Catholics don’t have that excuse. Through His will it can be done.
The MoSJ wants to help men to continue to move forward by helping them focus on the role of servant leadership, especially within their own families. Put the family in the hands of the Father.
Please, keep us in your prayers.
What seems to be so incredible about the concept of a “universal” abiding men’s group with a singular purpose and format, is that it has not already been done successfully within a church as liturgical and “networked” as the Catholic Church!!! Bible studies and men’s groups, and service organizations are old hat in the Church, but there seems to be a real void that the Men of St. Joseph is filling. At least that is our prayer.
The Men of St. Joseph take "church going” men, honest believers who would consider themselves good Christians, but may have fallen into that Catholic trap of “going through the motions,” and help them to learn to walk with Christ daily, to strive harder, to get back up when they fall, and to hold each other accountable for doing so.
While few Catholics would openly admit or think they need to be “saved,” because Christ is a part of their life and they are believers, almost all will admit they have not truly surrendered to Christ. Part of the reason for this is that they think they are already doing enough by going to Mass each Sunday and sending their kids to Catholic school. In truth, for many that is enough. For those Catholics, their eyes are wide open, they are surrendered to Christ and when they go into Mass they do so with a heart that is truly open to Him, and live their daily lives accordingly. Many more treat their spiritual lives like they are punching a time clock.
I like to think many Catholics are “on the path” but most are standing in one place.
If MoSJ can help move men along that path, I truly believe we could spiritually awaken “the sleeping giant” that is the Catholic Church. Imagine the possibilities for the Kingdom if 1.3 billion Catholics became engaged to the degree they are capable. Truly, our Protestant brothers may have a hard time “saving” Catholics, but other Catholics don’t have that excuse. Through His will it can be done.
The MoSJ wants to help men to continue to move forward by helping them focus on the role of servant leadership, especially within their own families. Put the family in the hands of the Father.
Please, keep us in your prayers.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Remember the Sabbath
Fr. Dwight Longenecker posted this blog over at his site, Standing on My Head. Fr. Longenecker, is a former Anglican priest, who converted to the Catholic faith and brought his wife and children with him. He is now a Catholic priest and serves as Chaplain to St. Joseph's Catholic School in Greenville, SC.
There is a running conversation at St Joseph's Catholic School about the frenetic pace of life for us, our families and our students. American middle class life is crazy in its fast pace and pressure for accomplishment and activity. In many families both Mom and Dad work full time and the kids' lives are packed with high pressure academic expectations, a busy social life and a whole range of excellent, but time consuming extra curriculars. In my family with four kids we have: a cross country champion, a chess champion, a soccer star, a fine pianist, budding actress, altar servers, stage crew, wrestling, softball and part time jobs mowing lawns, babysitting, life guarding, etc.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Feast of St. Teresa of Ávila
October 15, is the Feast of St. Teresa of Jesus (Teresa of Ávila, Spain), died 1582, Carmelite nun, prominant mystic, reformer, and Doctor of the Church.
"We shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavoring to know God; for, beholding His greatness, we realize our own littleness; His purity shows us our foulness; and by meditating upon His humility we find how very far we are from being humble."
- St. Teresa of Ávila
"We shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavoring to know God; for, beholding His greatness, we realize our own littleness; His purity shows us our foulness; and by meditating upon His humility we find how very far we are from being humble."
- St. Teresa of Ávila
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The First Forty Days (Plus One…)
By Tommy Fulton, Mobile, Ala., St. Dominic
On August 29th, I had the supreme pleasure of attending the Men of St. Joseph Retreat at the Visitation Monastery. If ever there are times in your life in which you are given an opportunity to choose your future, this was one for me. During all of our lives, we are given options…different paths which will lead to totally different experiences. My reasons for getting involved in the Men of St. Joseph may not be the same as most of those who are already there.
A long-time friend of mine has made it his life’s mission to get me to leave the Catholic Church. While I have never lost my love and devotion to my faith, I regretted that I’ve not done a great job of defending it. As I listened to all of the opportunities to meet with my Christian brothers in a small group setting, I really wanted to grow deeper in my own Catholic faith. I’ve enjoyed meeting with those men, and still enjoy their friendship and camaraderie, but it left me somewhat unfulfilled.
And then, several months ago, I saw a list of small-group meetings that included a 7:00 am meeting of Catholic men at St. Ignatius parish in Mobile, Ala. That list was the same one I had seen many times before, except that it had never included the St. Ignatius meeting. The odd thing is that I’ve not seen that meeting list ever again. That is, the meeting list is still out there, but it doesn’t include the Men of St. Joseph meeting.
As I attended the weekly meetings of the Men of St. Joseph (MoSJ), I soaked up the discussions. I was more excited than ever that we were concentrating on the Gospel and attendees were presenting the Bible in ways not often seen in Catholic circles. When the time came for the retreat, I eagerly signed up. I was not disappointed.
One retreat is not enough to change an entire life, but our lives take many turns. I know there will be times when it will seem so much easier to step back into the old ways…to find the easier path. There will always be new challenges which take us out of our comfort zone. It would have been so much easier to just continue to attend the MoSJ meetings at St. Ignatius. After all, other guys were doing all of the planning. All I had to do was show up. But, that wouldn’t have been the right thing…for me, or for my parish of St. Dominic.
We’ve had two meetings so far at the new St. Dominic chapter of The Men of St. Joseph. I’m thrilled at the early response and the support we’ve received. In a really ironic twist, I owe my rededication to my Catholic faith to the persistence of my friend. Thanks to his efforts to push me away from Catholicism, I’ve become even more dedicated to appreciating and cherishing my relationship with God through Our Lord Jesus Christ. I bet my friend may not see the beauty of that. Too bad…
(St. Dominic's Men of St. Joseph meet at the Murphy Center, St. Dominic parish in Mobile, Ala., on Wednesday mornings, 7:00 a.m.)
On August 29th, I had the supreme pleasure of attending the Men of St. Joseph Retreat at the Visitation Monastery. If ever there are times in your life in which you are given an opportunity to choose your future, this was one for me. During all of our lives, we are given options…different paths which will lead to totally different experiences. My reasons for getting involved in the Men of St. Joseph may not be the same as most of those who are already there.
A long-time friend of mine has made it his life’s mission to get me to leave the Catholic Church. While I have never lost my love and devotion to my faith, I regretted that I’ve not done a great job of defending it. As I listened to all of the opportunities to meet with my Christian brothers in a small group setting, I really wanted to grow deeper in my own Catholic faith. I’ve enjoyed meeting with those men, and still enjoy their friendship and camaraderie, but it left me somewhat unfulfilled.
And then, several months ago, I saw a list of small-group meetings that included a 7:00 am meeting of Catholic men at St. Ignatius parish in Mobile, Ala. That list was the same one I had seen many times before, except that it had never included the St. Ignatius meeting. The odd thing is that I’ve not seen that meeting list ever again. That is, the meeting list is still out there, but it doesn’t include the Men of St. Joseph meeting.
As I attended the weekly meetings of the Men of St. Joseph (MoSJ), I soaked up the discussions. I was more excited than ever that we were concentrating on the Gospel and attendees were presenting the Bible in ways not often seen in Catholic circles. When the time came for the retreat, I eagerly signed up. I was not disappointed.
One retreat is not enough to change an entire life, but our lives take many turns. I know there will be times when it will seem so much easier to step back into the old ways…to find the easier path. There will always be new challenges which take us out of our comfort zone. It would have been so much easier to just continue to attend the MoSJ meetings at St. Ignatius. After all, other guys were doing all of the planning. All I had to do was show up. But, that wouldn’t have been the right thing…for me, or for my parish of St. Dominic.
We’ve had two meetings so far at the new St. Dominic chapter of The Men of St. Joseph. I’m thrilled at the early response and the support we’ve received. In a really ironic twist, I owe my rededication to my Catholic faith to the persistence of my friend. Thanks to his efforts to push me away from Catholicism, I’ve become even more dedicated to appreciating and cherishing my relationship with God through Our Lord Jesus Christ. I bet my friend may not see the beauty of that. Too bad…
(St. Dominic's Men of St. Joseph meet at the Murphy Center, St. Dominic parish in Mobile, Ala., on Wednesday mornings, 7:00 a.m.)
Monday, October 12, 2009
Attention all men (and the women who love them):
The Archdiocese of New Orleans, is offering all men an opportunity to find God in a place of great struggle – the area of personal chastity and a truly integrated sexuality (see info below). The keynote speaker, Dan Spencer, has been active in various Catholic ministries at the parish, archdiocesan and national levels for over 15 years. He is the Founder of The St. Joseph Center - a lay Catholic Men's apostolate, a Co- Founder and Executive Director of the Kansas City Catholic Business Network, a Catholic Business Coach for executives, the Chairman of the Kansas City Catholic Men's Fellowship and serves on both the Kansas City Archdiocesan Board of Evangelism and "My House" Anti-Pornography initiative. In addition, Jason Angelette will be giving his testimony and Archbishop Aymond will be celebrating Mass, not to mention opportunities for Confession.
13th Morning of Men’s Spirituality
Saturday, October 17
9:00AM to 12:30PM (coffee & donuts at 8:15)
St. Rita Church – New Orleans, 2729 Lowerline St. Click here for directions
13th Morning of Men’s Spirituality
Saturday, October 17
9:00AM to 12:30PM (coffee & donuts at 8:15)
St. Rita Church – New Orleans, 2729 Lowerline St. Click here for directions
Friday, October 9, 2009
Commitment - Being ALL IN
By Todd Sylvester, Mobile, Ala. - St. Ignatius
I just returned from visiting my son at the seminary and it took me a few days to process the sea of emotions that I swam through. I was obviously elated at seeing him and the wonderful formation that he is ascribing to, but what took me by surprise was his sense of commitment. He honestly doesn’t know yet if God is calling him to the priesthood, but he is committed to finding out. He is committed to doing whatever it takes to grow closer to God and learn more about His love and His Church. He is committed to embracing all the precepts of the seminary schedule- the 6am Holy Hours, the daily prayer and spiritual direction. He is committed to not dating while he is discerning and he is committed to whatever God asks of him and wherever that may take him. In other words, he’s ALL IN. The word commitment comes from a Latin root that means to begin a course of action and to hold fast.
I think we get into trouble when we lose this sense of commitment. Letting my “Yes” mean “Yes” and my “No” mean “No” would solve so many of my mistakes and problems. God desires us to be fully committed. There is only one place in the whole Bible where the term “lukewarm” is used. Revelation 3:16- "So because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spew you out of my mouth." Not a pleasant image. Today I invite you to recommit yourselves to your faith in God. Let’s not just say the creed, let’s live it. Peace, Todd
(Todd's son, Stephen, is a first-year seminarian for the Archdiocese of Mobile, at St. John Vianney Seminary, in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he attends St. Thomas University.)
I just returned from visiting my son at the seminary and it took me a few days to process the sea of emotions that I swam through. I was obviously elated at seeing him and the wonderful formation that he is ascribing to, but what took me by surprise was his sense of commitment. He honestly doesn’t know yet if God is calling him to the priesthood, but he is committed to finding out. He is committed to doing whatever it takes to grow closer to God and learn more about His love and His Church. He is committed to embracing all the precepts of the seminary schedule- the 6am Holy Hours, the daily prayer and spiritual direction. He is committed to not dating while he is discerning and he is committed to whatever God asks of him and wherever that may take him. In other words, he’s ALL IN. The word commitment comes from a Latin root that means to begin a course of action and to hold fast.
I think we get into trouble when we lose this sense of commitment. Letting my “Yes” mean “Yes” and my “No” mean “No” would solve so many of my mistakes and problems. God desires us to be fully committed. There is only one place in the whole Bible where the term “lukewarm” is used. Revelation 3:16- "So because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spew you out of my mouth." Not a pleasant image. Today I invite you to recommit yourselves to your faith in God. Let’s not just say the creed, let’s live it. Peace, Todd
(Todd's son, Stephen, is a first-year seminarian for the Archdiocese of Mobile, at St. John Vianney Seminary, in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he attends St. Thomas University.)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Run the Race
By Anthony Tobin, Mobile, Ala. - St. Ignatius
Almost a month has gone by since the Men of St. Joseph retreat and it is so awesome to see you all working hard to be the spiritual leaders of your families. I see when you strive to come consistently to the Tuesday morning meetings, wanting to be there, with ears open to listen and ready to share your faith and even your hardships and struggles. I see this in the husbands and fathers who show up at Mass during the week with their families, committed to bringing their families closer to God. I see this at Sunday Mass when a father comes with his teenage son or daughter to the Lifeteen Mass, trying to instill priority in their lives. And yet, as I know through trying to be a better husband myself, we have to admit there is a struggle to be holy day in and day out.
This reminds me of a picture of the Resurrected Jesus that has a caption that reads “I never said it would be easy, only that it would be worth it.” I know that there are a lot of you who wanted to return home a new man, with a different attitude, a new way of thinking, and thought your wives and children would follow with smiles on their faces. And unfortunately you realized that wasn’t going to happen. All the years of not making God a priority in your family and all the decisions that were not focused on Him, left your family desensitized to God. And so, your wife thinks your “too holy” and your kids refuse to pray with you or go to Mass. It seems like your family is in a different book instead of being on a different page. And at that moment you may realize this, your heart sinks and you understand that this is not going to be easy. Maybe even some of you decided that it isn’t worth it.
I want to reassure you that it is worth it. We can see from our lives that anything that has worth, any accomplishment that has value, comes with struggle. To me working out is a great example of the spiritual life. My legs hurt when I run, but if the minute I feel pain I stop and sit down, I wouldn’t even have run out of my drive way. No, I continue to run through the pain because I know that this is best for my body, that this exercise will help me become healthy, and that as soon as I reach my goal I will be satisfied.
Unfortunately, for us this is a marathon- not a 100 yard sprint. There will be pain, there will be resistance, and there will be times when we just want to sit down or quit. But men, we need to keep running. If our families are not on board right away, keep running. If our kids cry and scream that they hate us, keep running. They will see by your tenacity and consistency that this is real and that more then anything will call them to holiness. So men keep fighting the good fight, keep running the race, so that in the end you and your family may not be disqualified.
Almost a month has gone by since the Men of St. Joseph retreat and it is so awesome to see you all working hard to be the spiritual leaders of your families. I see when you strive to come consistently to the Tuesday morning meetings, wanting to be there, with ears open to listen and ready to share your faith and even your hardships and struggles. I see this in the husbands and fathers who show up at Mass during the week with their families, committed to bringing their families closer to God. I see this at Sunday Mass when a father comes with his teenage son or daughter to the Lifeteen Mass, trying to instill priority in their lives. And yet, as I know through trying to be a better husband myself, we have to admit there is a struggle to be holy day in and day out.
This reminds me of a picture of the Resurrected Jesus that has a caption that reads “I never said it would be easy, only that it would be worth it.” I know that there are a lot of you who wanted to return home a new man, with a different attitude, a new way of thinking, and thought your wives and children would follow with smiles on their faces. And unfortunately you realized that wasn’t going to happen. All the years of not making God a priority in your family and all the decisions that were not focused on Him, left your family desensitized to God. And so, your wife thinks your “too holy” and your kids refuse to pray with you or go to Mass. It seems like your family is in a different book instead of being on a different page. And at that moment you may realize this, your heart sinks and you understand that this is not going to be easy. Maybe even some of you decided that it isn’t worth it.
I want to reassure you that it is worth it. We can see from our lives that anything that has worth, any accomplishment that has value, comes with struggle. To me working out is a great example of the spiritual life. My legs hurt when I run, but if the minute I feel pain I stop and sit down, I wouldn’t even have run out of my drive way. No, I continue to run through the pain because I know that this is best for my body, that this exercise will help me become healthy, and that as soon as I reach my goal I will be satisfied.
Unfortunately, for us this is a marathon- not a 100 yard sprint. There will be pain, there will be resistance, and there will be times when we just want to sit down or quit. But men, we need to keep running. If our families are not on board right away, keep running. If our kids cry and scream that they hate us, keep running. They will see by your tenacity and consistency that this is real and that more then anything will call them to holiness. So men keep fighting the good fight, keep running the race, so that in the end you and your family may not be disqualified.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
(Painting: "The Battle of Lepanto" by Paolo Veronese, c. 1572, Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice)
By Rob Moreland, Mobile, Ala. - St. Ignatius
Pope St. Pius V established October 7, as a feast day for Our Lady of Victory, in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary's assistance in securing victory for the Christian forces in the Battle of Lepanto. It was a horrific battle, with the loss of 30,000 Muslims and 7,500 Christians, but was a huge victory for Christian Europe. In thanksgiving Pius added "Help of Christians" to the Litany of Loreto. Later Pope Gregory XIII changed the name of the feast day to Our Lady of the Rosary because it was through the praying of the Rosary that the battle had been won.
On October 7, 1571, in the Bay of Lepanto, off the coast of western Greece, one of the bloodiest naval battles in history was fought between the Holy League and the Ottoman Muslims. The Ottoman Muslims had amassed a huge naval fleet of galley ships in an attempt to control the Mediterranean Sea and invade the continent of Europe.
Pope St. Pius V, in order to defend against the threat of the Ottoman Muslims, organized the Holy League composed of Spain, Venice, Tuscany, Savoy, the Knights of Malta, and the papacy. Together these powers amassed a fleet of war ships to meet the Muslim threat. John of Austria, a half-brother of King Philip II of Spain, was selected to be the commander-in-chief of the Christian fleet.
Entrusting the Christian fleet to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Pius urged every Christian to prepare for the battle by reciting the Rosary. But, it appears that Mary also assisted in the victory of Lepanto as Our Lady of Guadalupe.
In Maria of Guadelupe, German author, Paul Badde (Ignatius Press: 2008), writes about Our Lady of Guadalupe, who appeared to Juan Diego in Mexico in December 1531. The miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadelupe is imprinted on Juan Diego's cactus cloth cloak and is venerated today in a shrine in Mexico City.
Badde tells us of an interesting connection between Our Lady of Guadelupe and the Battle of Lepanto, fought 40 years after the St. Juan Diego's vision. He recounts that the Genoese ships were under the command of twenty-four year old Admiral Andrea Doria. (Yes, the same Andrea Doria the ill fated cruise ship was named for.) At one point during the battle, things were working against Doria and his ship. In desperation, he went below to his cabin, knelt and pleaded before a new miraculous image of the Virgin Mary. It was the first copy of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe to reach Europe. In 1570, the archbishop of Mexico had a copy of the original image made, and gifted it to the king of Spain, Philip II. The king passed it on to John of Austria, who, in turn, entrusted it Andrea Doria, to bring good fortune. Doria brought the image aboard his ship and it went into battle with him.
Soon, after Doria returned to deck, the winds changed to the favor of the Christian ships. This change in winds proved to be one of the deciding factors in their victory.
Badde relates that "after the battle of Lepanto, the image had been in the possession of the Doria family, in the Malaspina Castle, outside Genoa, until Cardinal Giuseppe Doria willed it, in 1811, to the tiny highland parish of Santa Stephano d'Aveto, whose church became a shrine for pilgrims." The image remains there today.
"Give me an army saying the Rosary and I will conquer the world"
Pope Blessed Pius IX
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