Emotions.

A discussion the other day: What if you could eliminate one characteristic out of human nature, which one would it be?

Someone suggested anger. Someone else said envy … jealousy, hatred, prejudice, fear … and so on.

What if this were possible; what would you get as a result?

A robot. Someone pre-programmed by you with whatever emotions you feel should stay in and which ones taken out.

But God decided differently.

He gave us all these emotions, both positive and negative ones, and with them He gave us a responsibility.

The responsibility to keep them under control and to use them properly.

Even some negative emotions have a purpose if controlled properly and used in the right circumstances. If we didn’t have anger we would not be so disposed to stand up against evil. Fear keeps us from being foolhardy and reckless at times.

So there you have it: negative and positive emotions and a responsibility to control them.

Phew … I’m suddenly tired with all these responsibilities!

Interview

Hello, fellow Catholic Bloggers!

Recently, I had the pleasure and honor of being interviewed for an interesting blog entitled, "You, Me, & Religion". The author attempts to forge bridges amongst a diverse group of people from various faith backgrounds by allowing her blog to be used as an ecumenical sounding board via the interview process.

I was very happy that, as a guest, I was free to express my thoughts and opinions without sensor and my interview was published exactly as I submitted it.

I hope you will take a moment and stop by the following link to read it:

http://youmereligion.blogspot.com/2011/07/judy-dudich.html



Peace and joy to each and all of you as we strive to share the Faith with the world by means of "blogging"!

True Wisdom - Dependence on God

Thus says the Lord:

Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings,
who seeks strength in flesh,
whose heart turns away from the Lord.
He is like a barren bush in the desert that
enjoys no change of season,
But stands in a lava waste,
a salt and empty earth.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose hope is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted beside the waters
that stretches out its roots to the stream:
It fears not the heat when it comes,
its leaves stay green;
In the year of drought it shows no distress,
but still bears fruit.

More tortuous than all else is the human heart,
beyond remedy; who can understand it?
I, the Lord, alone probe the mind and test the heart,
To reward everyone according to his ways,
according to the merit of his deeds.

~Jeremiah 17: 5-10

~~~

O Lord, plant me in the rich soil where Your Love abides. Let me not be thrown onto the shallow path to be devoured by the evil one. Let me not fall on the rocky ground where my roots do not reach You and I whither and am scorched for lack of roots. Let me not be sown among thorns of worldly anxiety and lure of world riches which choke Your Word in my soul and keep me from bearing Your fruit.

Let me be as the tree planted beside the waters, that I may stretch out my roots deep in Your Abiding Love to reach You, the Everlasting Stream of Water, the Source of all Life. Lord, let me fear not the heat when it comes and give me no distress during the drought that I may still have green leaves and bear Your fruit.

Thank You for life and Love and Grace and all that comes our way. All is Grace. All is You. I abandon myself to Your Will. I Love You.

In Your Most Holy Name, Amen.

~~~

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the filed, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will He not much more provide for you, O you of little faith. So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.
~Matthew 7: 25 - 34


Prayer adapted from Matthew 13:1-23


Posted by Kathryn at Heart for God

The Mountain of Marriage

When we make our vows, we are entering into a covenant relationship with God in the institution of marriage.  This relationship binds us with our spouse, by the power of God, in the purpose of becoming one.  "We need to see marriage as a commitment in the Lord and by doing so, we can have the courage and grace to take up our crosses of incompatibility and work on learning how to truly love."

I read this examination of conscience in a book written by the Catholic author, Chantal R. Howard, and I wanted to share it since there is much soul searching in these questions on how we treat our spouse on a daily basis.  I believe that any marriage could be stronger if we took the time to ponder these questions and act on them.  These questions were originally written by Charles E. Hansen, The Technology of Love, and are "based on ten practical components of love, or ten action elements, that help us to evaluate whether we are actually loving our spouse."

1.  Attentiveness~  Have I been attentive to my spouse's emotional and physical needs this day?

2.  Listening~  When my spouse shares his/her concerns, dreams or desires, do I truly listen or am I quick to interrupt, trying to usurp the conversation for my own benefit?  Do I honor my spouse with the greatest respect, seeking to understand his/her world through what he/she shares?

3.  Thanking~  Am I in the habit of thanking my spouse for his/her acts of kindness, service and love?  Do I take my spouse for granted?

4.  Praising~  Do I make it a priority of love to affirm my spouse?  Do I think and speak well of my spouse?  Do I accept my spouse for who he/she is, reinforcing his/her dignity with words of kindness and praise?

5.  Encouraging~  Have I made efforts to encourage my spouse in his/her pursuits?  Do I seek to motivate my spouse to take time for spiritual and physical disciplines and free time?

6.  Comforting~  Am I quick to offer support and strength to my spouse?  Do I reach out to my spouse, trying to ease his/her pain?  Have I sought to cheer my spouse in times of tension and stressfulness?

7.  Assisting~  Am I willing to set aside my own preferences and self-will so as to assist my spouse whenever he/she needs me?  Have I made an effort today to anticipate the ways in which I can serve my spouse?

8.  Sharing~  Do I share my heart with my spouse?  Did I make an effort to be affectionate and close to my spouse this day?  Do I open myself up physically, emotionally and spiritually so that my marriage relationship is always discovering greater depth?

9.  Contributing~  Am I continually seeking to build up my relationship with Christ, deepening my understanding of my vocation so that I can contribute in new ways to the growth of my marriage?

10.  Protecting~  Have I protected my marriage from the attacks of division, lust, selfishness and the allurements of other unhealthy distractions?  Do I guard our union by seeking to keep my spouse as my first priority after God?  Am I willing to always stand up for my spouse in public?  Am I ready to lay my life down for the sake of my spouse?

G.K. Chesteron said "The whole aim of marriage is to fight through and survive the instant when incompatibility becomes unquestionable.  For a man and a woman, as such, are incompatible."

This post is based off of the book, The School of the Family, written by Chantal R. Howard.  She's a new author for me and I'm learning a great deal from her about the Catholic perspective on love, marriage, children and Our Lord.

Prayer Of The Seraphic Doctor

St Bonaventure, whose feast we celebrate today, is known as the "Seraphic Doctor of the Church" because of his burning zeal and holy passion which is very evident in his writing. Bonaventure was a friend of St Francis and was cured of an illness by Francis.  Bonaventure joined the Franciscans. He lectured at the University of Paris before becoming a Cardinal-Bishop. He instituted reforms, settled internal conflicts, and wrote the first biography of St. Francis. 
I will leave you with this beautiful by St Bonaventure. Let us ask his intercession for the grace to be filled with his great zeal, holy passion and love for Christ and His Church.

Prayer of St Bonaventure

Pierce, O most sweet Lord Jesus, my inmost soul with the most

joyous and healthful wound of Thy love, and with true, calm

and most holy apostolic charity, that my soul may ever languish

and melt with entire love and longing for Thee, may yearn for

Thee and for thy courts, may long to be dissolved and to be

with Thee.  Grant that my soul may hunger after Thee, the

Bread of Angels, the refreshment of holy souls, our daily and

supersubstantial bread, having all sweetness and savor and every

delightful taste.

May my heart ever hunger after and feed upon Thee, Whom

the angels desire to look upon, and may my inmost soul be

filled with the sweetness of Thy savor; may it ever thirst for Thee, the fountain of life, the

fountain of wisdom and knowledge, the fountain of eternal light, the torrent of pleasure, the

fullness of the house of God; may it ever compass Thee, seek Thee, find Thee, run to Thee,

come up to Thee, meditate on Thee, speak of Thee, and do all for the praise and glory of

Thy name, with humility and discretion, with love and delight, with ease and affection, with

perseverance to the end; and be Thou alone ever my hope, my entire confidence, my riches,

my delight, my pleasure, my joy, my rest and tranquility, my peace, my sweetness, my food,

my refreshment, my refuge, my help, my wisdom, my portion, my possession, my treasure; in

Whom may my mind and my heart be ever fixed and firm and rooted immovably. 

 Amen.

I protest.

“I protest … This is a sit down protest … I’ve been told to come out to the woods today for a big surprise barefaced protest … I’m not sure what we’re protesting about … No one has turned up and I feel silly … I won’t move though, otherwise all those people looking at me will think I’m silly … I’ll stay … I’ll protest alone!”

Sometimes we insist that we are correct and we stick to our point of view no matter what. We may realize that perhaps we’re mistaken, but we will certainly not admit it. We’d rather dig our heels and brazen it out regardless.

It takes real courage to admit one’s errors and learn from them than to progress blindly down the wrong road.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Temporal Suffering: Punishment or Gift?

As  I sat, knelt, and laid by my father's deathbed  just two weeks ago, the Lord taught me many things; and showered me in such graces and blessings and mercy that I was left in awe of His kindness and humbled at His generosity.

If you have never experienced it before, it is REALLY difficult to watch someone slowly die. Of course, when that "someone" is a person you love, cherish, rely on, and NEED in your life, it becomes a heart-wrenching challenge to accept and embrace the events that are unfolding before your eyes.

My Dad was a hard-working man. Even in high school, he had to drop out a year to go to work and help his family; returning later to finish school with my mother's graduating class. (That's how God brought them together and went on to bless them with 64 years of marriage!)

During my father's last 3 days, he had long periods of AGONY. At times, I didn't think I could bear a single moment more...it was especially traumatic to see a look of "FEAR" on his fragile, and suffering face. (I would sing hymns to him and comfort him with the Divine Mercy Chaplet...stroking his hair and telling him it was OK to let go and reach out for Christ's welcoming arms).

At one point, I begged God out loud, "Dear Lord...he has done nothing but work and work HARD for You his whole, entire life...does he also have to 'WORK" now to DIE????? PLEASE spare him of this agony".

I can not adequately articulate what next transpired. Thus, I hope you will forgive my rudimentary attempt.

Somehow...(and for those who are accustomed to the quiet way in which God sometimes speaks to our hearts, you might relate)...God spoke to my heart in that instant...in silence...and yet SO clearly and lovingly...and...I think...sternly.

He asked, "Oh Judy...don't you see? Why can't you understand? THIS is his Purgatory; which I am allowing him to serve  on EARTH so that He may join me in Heaven today".

All at once, each and every moment that my father moaned, cried out, choked, or gasped for air, became, not a punishment or aimless trial or suffering IN VAIN...but rather...a  BEAUTIFUL, MERCIFUL, WONDERFUL GIFT from his own LOVING FATHER in HEAVEN.

"I am SO SORRY, Lord", I cried. "Yes...NOW I see".

And, I realize too, that in some way...WATCHING my Dad in his hour of agony...though it caused ME great suffering...was also a gift...because I was able to offer up each moment of my own pain and grief for the reparation of my sins and for so many intentions. (YOU were all a part of those prayers, as well!)


During the last five years of my father's life...he suffered greatly. Actually, all THROUGH my father's life...he was never a stranger to suffering. But, during those last years, when he was in and out of hospitals almost weekly, at times...he said to me, "I'm hoping that I can take care of all of this suffering so that you kids won't have to".

I believe that God hears and answers prayers like these. I believe that He would, indeed, allow my Dad to "suffer for His children's sake".

I believe He DID allow it.

And, I believe, that because the Lord offered "Purgatory" to my father on earth...he was able to join the Saints in Paradise when he released his final breath on June 27th, 2011.

Suffering the temporal punishments for our sins, and enduring trials and sufferings while we are on earth, is not some form of a curse, dished out by a cruel and thoughtless God.

It is a GIFT. It is a means for Jesus to allow us to take part in the Cup of His Passion, so that united with Him, and made worthy by His merits and grace, we are able to be cleansed, healed, and prepared to enter into His heavenly kingdom when our time comes that He will call us HOME.

Catholics Eucharistic Flash Mob Litany.

On Sunday 3 July I posted a video on this Blog about an event in the UK recently. Some of our readers may be interested in the Litany recited during that event. Here it is as posted by its authors (see link below):

This ‘litany’, which was used in the Eucharistic flash mob, has been a very popular element. Many have requested the text, and many who haven’t asked might still appreciate it.

Jesus Christ is in every book of the Bible…

In Genesis Jesus is...

“The Seed of the Woman”

In Exodus He is…

“The Passover Lamb”

In Leviticus He is…

“The Priest, the Altar & the Sacrifice”

In Numbers He is…

“The Pillar of Cloud by Day and the Pillar of Fire by Night”

In Deuteronomy Jesus is…

“The Prophet Like Moses”

Come and kneel before Him now

In Joshua Jesus is…

“The Captain of Our Salvation”

In Judges He is…

“Our Judge and Lawgiver”

In Ruth He is…

“Our Kinsman-Redeemer“

In I & II Samuel He is…

“Our Trusted Prophet”

In Kings & Chronicles He is…

“Our Reigning King”

In Ezra He is…

“The Rebuilder of the Broken-Down Walls of Human Life”

Come and kneel before Him now

In Nehemiah Jesus is…

“Our Restorer”

In Tobit He is…

“The Messenger of New Life”

In Judith He is…

“Weakness Turned into Victory”

In Esther He is…

“Our Advocate”

In I & II Maccabees He is…

“The Leader Who Dies for God’s Law”

Come and kneel before Him now

In Job Jesus is…

“Our Ever-Living Redeemer”

In Psalms He is…

“Our Shepherd”

In Proverbs He is…

“Our Wisdom”

In Ecclesiastes He is…

“Our Hope of Resurrection”

In the Song of Songs He is…

“Our Loving Bridegroom”

In Wisdom He is…

“The Emanation of God’s Thought”

In Ecclesiasticus Jesus is…

“Our Security”

Come and kneel before Him now

In Isaiah Jesus is…

“The Suffering Servant”

In Jeremiah He is…

“The Righteous Branch”

In Lamentations He is…

“Our Weeping Prophet”

In Baruch He is…

“The Mercy From the Eternal One”

In Ezekiel He is…

“The One With the Right To Rule”

In Daniel Jesus is...

“The Fourth Man in the Firey Furnace”

Come and kneel before Him now

In Hosea Jesus is…

“The Faithful Husband Forever Married to the Sinner”

In Joel He is…

“The One who Baptises with the Holy Spirit and Fire”

In Amos He is…

“The Restorer of Justice”

In Obadiah He is…

“Mighty to Save”

In Jonah He is…

“Our Great Foreign Missionary”

In Micah Jesus is…

“The Feet of One Who Brings Good News”

Come and kneel before Him now

In Nahum Jesus is…

“Our Stronghold in the Day of Trouble”

In Habakkuk He is…

“God My Saviour”

In Zephaniah He is…

“The King of Israel”

In Haggai He is…

“The Signet Ring”

In Zechariah He is…

“Our Humble King Riding on a Colt”

In Malachi Jesus is…

“The Sun of Righteousness”

Come and kneel before Him now

In Matthew Jesus is…

“God with us”

In Mark He is…

“The Son of God”

In Luke He is…

“The Son of Mary – feeling what you feel”

In John He is…

“The Bread of Life”

In Acts Jesus is…

“The Saviour of the world”

Come and kneel before Him now

In Romans Jesus is…

“The Righteousness of God”

In I Corinthians He is…

“The Resurrection”

In II Corinthians He is…

“The God of All Comfort”

In Galatians He is…

“Your Liberty. He sets you free.”

In Ephesians Jesus is…

“The Head of the Church”

Come and kneel before Him now

In Philippians Jesus is…

“Your joy”

In Colossians He is…

“Your completeness”

In I & II Thessalonians He is…

“Your hope”

In I Timothy He is…

“Your faith”

In II Timothy Jesus is…

“Your stability”

Come and kneel before Him now

In Titus Jesus is…

“Truth”

In Philemon He is…

“Your benefactor “

In Hebrews He is…

“Your perfection”

In James He is…

“The power behind your faith”

In I Peter He is…

“Your example”

In II Peter Jesus is…

“Your purity”

Come and kneel before Him now

In I John Jesus is…

“Your life”

In II John He is…

“Your pattern”

In III John He is…

“Your motivation”

In Jude He is…

“The foundation of your faith”

In Revelation Jesus is…

“Your coming King.”

He is…

the first and the last;

the beginning and the end.

He is the keeper of creation and the creator of all.

He is the architect of the universe and the manager of all time.

He always was, He always is and He always will be

unmoved, unchanged, undefeated and never undone.

He was bruised and brought healing,

He was pierced and eased pain,

He was persecuted and brought freedom,

He was dead and brought life,

He is risen and brings power,

He reigns and brings peace.

The world can’t understand him;

the armies can’t defeat him;

schools can’t explain him;

and the leaders can’t ignore him.

Herod couldn’t kill him;

the Pharisees couldn’t confuse him;

the people couldn’t hold him;

Nero couldn’t crush him;

Hitler couldn’t silence him;

the new age can’t replace him;

and Oprah can’t explain him away!

He is life, love, longevity & Lord.

He is goodness, kindness, gentleness and God.

He is holy, righteous, mighty, powerful, pure.

His ways are right, His words eternal, His rules unchanging,

and His mind… is on me.

He is my redeemer.

He is my saviour.

He is my God.

He is my Priest.

He is my Joy.

He is my Comfort.

He is my Lord

and He rules my life.

Posted by Brother Paul HERE