Ever wondered why many people in our society today claim to be spiritual, but not religious? Much research has been about this, but I think it’s actually fairly simple–people no longer have adequate fear of the Lord. What is fear of the Lord? According to Blessed Fr. John Hardon, SJ, fear of the Lord: “… inspires a person with profound respect for the majesty of God. Its corresponding effects are protection from sin through dread of offending the Lord, and a strong confidence in the power of His help. The fear of the Lord is not servile but filial. It […]
holiness
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“Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.” — St. Augustine This quote by St Augustine has made its rounds in various forms throughout the years since Augustine first wrote it back in the 4th century. However, the truth of it has never wavered. I have periodically shared this quote with folks, but usually in the context of encouraging them to do the work necessary and not simply wait on the Holy Spirit to take care of whatever situation or task they are doing. In this case, though, I am taking the opposite tact […]
One of the greatest challenges of life is how we respond to challenges, setbacks, and disappointments that invariably come along in the midst of life. In these moments, each of us has the choice to either give up, or to persevere. Many times we listen to the inner voice that tells us that we are not worthy, not capable, or not good enough, and we set aside the goal(s) that we are pursuing. Or we embrace the struggle, learn from the setbacks and continue to persevere in whatever it is that we are attempting to do on the journey. It […]
Many times when people hear stories about people who are saints, like Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Pope John Paul II, or Maximillian Kolbe, the response tends to be, “Well, that’s great, but I could never be like them.” The reality is actually quite the opposite, as all the people throughout history who eventually became saints share 7 common characteristics that we can incorporate and practice in our own lives, too. 1) Daily Prayer and Meditation All saints prayed every day. Their prayer styles were as different as each of them were, but the commonality was that each of them spent […]
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened. You will find rest. My yoke is easy.”–Matthew 11:28-30 In the midst of our crazy, chaotic world, finding rest, let alone peace can be a major accomplishment, particularly since our world tends to think that “being at rest”, or “being peaceful” is completely unproductive and a waste of time. In fact, although the world tends to perceive the practicing of one’s faith in God as restrictive of one’s freedom and onerously burdensome, so therefore not a restful or peaceful way of living, the reality is actually far different. “Coming to […]
“If today you hear the sound of God’s voice, harden not your hearts.” This verse from Scripture always gives me pause. Pause because I have to consider 2 things: 1) whether I have heard God’s voice, and if so, what have I heard? And 2) if I haven’t heard God’s voice, is it because my heart is closed to hearing? Or does my heart hear, but I ignore it because something is distracting me? Our Lord asks one thing of us, and that is for us to give Him our whole selves, and what this verse does is force me […]
I just spent the last 4 days with a phenomenal group of people at a Cursillo de Cursillo retreat that was held in Montgomery Alabama at St Bede’s Catholic Church. Everything throughout the days–the prayer and meditations (thanks, Deacon Mark!), the talks presented on the Cursillo charism and methodology, table discussions, the food!, the conversations at mealtimes, the singing (This Little Light of Mine!), the friendships and sharing, to the the Masses celebrated (big thanks and shout out to Fr Nicholas! Will be praying for you and your Youth next weekend!)–were enriching and meaningful and it was evident that the […]
I have had the privilege the last two days to be immersed in, and surrounded by, the transcendentals of this world as I acted as caddy for our youngest son as he attempted to qualify for the US Amateur Golf Tournament. What do I mean by that? Well, simply that while I was supporting and watching him, I found myself being prompted numerous times to reflect upon things that were good, true and the beautiful. Good golf shots, the truth of the score, and the beauty of the sunrise and the dew on the course in the morning have all […]
This weekend marks the end of the formal catechetical preparation for the current group of Confirmation high school students that I am responsible for preparing to receive the sacrament from our Bishop in August. The process itself during the last few years has been a work in progress as I have been slowly moving towards incorporating a variety of components into the process–weekly small discipleship groups, Works of Mercy Service Apprenticeships, a Capstone Project in which a discipleship assessment and Plan of Life are developed by the candidate for post-Confirmation living, Sponsor-Candidate Activities, and ten Family Catechesis sessions–presented in English […]
Yesterday, I invited you to come along on a journey. So for those of you here today, thanks for making the choice to show up! Am glad to have my brothers and sisters to walk beside me, particularly because you can see my blog’s title–I have a SERIOUS choice to make. For anyone that has traveled, be it overnight, a weekend, or for months at a time, just getting ready to leave on a journey is stressful. There are so many choices and decisions to make! What clothes to pack. What toiletries or medicines might I need? Where (or with […]