Abortion and Magical Thinking

Abortion and Magical Thinking

Day Three: Monday, January 19, 2015

Intercession: May those who long for a child of their own be filled with trust in God’s loving plan.

Pray the Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, and a Glory Be.

Reflection: It can be very difficult and painful when the Lord doesn’t answer our prayers the way we hope. We may have many doubts and questions, wondering why we face the challenges that we do. Yet even though our suffering is often shrouded in a sense of mystery, we believe that the Lord loves us with great tenderness and compassion that is beyond our imagination. Knowing this, we can trust that “all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28).

• Smile. Ask God today for the grace to be extra joyful and share your love for Christ with those who need that encouragement the most today.
• Pray the Rosary, or even just a decade, today for someone who has hurt or disappointed you, and ask for the grace to forgive that person.
• We can sometimes forget how blessed we are to have many of our daily comforts. Give up sleeping with your pillow tonight.

Here... Let us catch up...

Day Four: Tuesday, January 20, 2015 (en español)

Printable versions of Day Four: (color) (black and white)

Intercession: May children awaiting adoption be welcomed into loving families.

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection: Let us reflect on today’s reading from Hebrews (6:10-20)^*, which reminds us to “hold fast to the hope that lies before us. This we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm” (Heb 6:18-19)^*. We pray that children awaiting adoption would be filled with the hope of Christ and “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding” (Phil 4:7)^*. We also remember that, we too, can cling fast to this anchor of hope, for we have received “a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’” (Rom 8:15)^*. May our loving Father envelop each of us in His love today and open our eyes in faith, that we may see and rejoice in it.

Acts of Reparation (choose one):

• Make an act of faith, hope or love. (www.bit.ly/9DaysFaithHopeLove)
  
• Today, ignore your sweet tooth. Make healthy eating choices.
  
• Make a “quiet hour” today, turning off all electronic devices (cell phone, iPod, computer, television, radio, video game system), and retreat to your room. Spend some time in prayer or prayerful reading.

Better late than never.

The UCCB has posted a novena for life. I thought I would share.
It starts (started) Saturday 1/17/2015.

Day One: Saturday, January 17, 2015 (en español)

Printable versions of Day One: (color) (black and white)

Intercession: For the conversion of all hearts and the end to abortion.

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection: Today’s Gospel reading from Mark (Mk 2:13-17)^* recounts Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners. When the Pharisees question Jesus about this, he responds, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” In a society where millions of people have fallen prey to the false promises of the culture of death, let us witness to the mercy of Jesus and invite all who’ve been wounded to experience his abundant love and healing.

Acts of Reparation (choose one):

• Go to an abortion clinic and pray, or set aside an hour today to pray for those who are struggling with a decision of life or death for their unborn child.
  
• Spend some time reflecting upon today’s Gospel passage.
  
• Use Facebook or another form of social media to post something that builds up the culture of life.

God Bless, Debbie

The Pope's Points to Ponder

Merry Christmas! I enjoyed this article. The Pope has some great points for us to ponder this Christmas.
Enjoy the time with your families.
In His Service,
Debbie


POPE-EMPLOYEES Dec-22-2014 (920 words) With photos. xxxi

Pope: Christmas is reminder to heal wounds, fix defects, play with kids

By Carol Glatz
Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Christmas is the time to heal wounds and fix whatever defects still linger in one's life and heart, Pope Francis told Vatican employees.

And leading by example, the pope asked everyone for their forgiveness -- for any errors or shortcomings he and his "colleagues" may be guilty of and "also for some scandals that cause so much harm. Forgive me."

The pope's comments came during a special audience in the Vatican's Paul VI hall Dec. 22. It was the first time the pope invited everyone who works at the Vatican, along with their family members and loved ones, to receive the pope's pre-Christmas greetings. In the past, popes have held smaller annual gatherings with certain groups, like the Vatican police force, for a moment of reflection and thanks.

Decorations on the Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square glisten as Pope Francis leads the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking the square at the Vatican Dec. 21. (CNS/Paul Haring)

The pope continued to follow tradition with a pre-Christmas meeting earlier in the day with members of the Roman Curia -- the church's central administrative offices -- as well as cardinals living in Rome and members of the papal household.

However, Pope Francis said he wanted to show his thanks and appreciation for all those who serve the church behind the scenes at the Vatican.

"I did not want to spend my second Christmas in Rome" without meeting the people whose hard work and dedication often go unnoticed, those who are "ironically defined as 'the unknown, the invisible,'" like the gardeners, doormen and maintenance staff.

He told the employees that he had spoken with their bosses about the importance of all the many and different members living as one harmonious body united in Christ.

Everyone has a different and yet essential role to play, and sometimes "those parts of the body that seem the weakest are the most important," he said.

While the pope had warned the heads of the Roman Curia against 15 "illnesses" to avoid in their work as leaders within the church, the pope talked to employees about the importance of care, by underlining the connection between the word "curia" and the Italian word, "curare," meaning "to take care of" and "to heal."

He asked that they use the Christmas season as an occasion "to heal every wound and to take care of every shortcoming."

The first thing to take care of is one's spiritual life -- one's relationship with God -- because that is "the backbone of everything we do and everything we are."

"Christians who do not nourish themselves with prayer, the sacraments and the Word of God inevitably shrivel up and run dry," he said.

Employees must take care of their families, he said. Their focus should not just be to provide an income, but to give all family members "time, attention and love."

"The family is a treasure, children are a treasure," he said.

He told everyone to ask themselves "Do I have time to play with my children or am I always busy and I have no time for them?" Playing with one's kids is so important and "it's so wonderful. It is sowing the seeds of the future," he said.

Among the other things the pope listed that people must take the time to do in their lives:

-- Take care of your relationships with others, transforming one's faith into good works through one's actions and words, especially toward the elderly, the homeless, the sick, the hungry and "the foreigner, because this is what we will be judged for."

-- Watch your mouth, "purifying" one's vocabulary of "offensive words, vulgarity and worldly decadence."

-- "Heal the wounds of the heart" by forgiving people who have wronged you and repairing the wrongs "we have caused others."

-- Be mindful of doing a good job by working "with enthusiasm, humility, competence and passion with a spirit that knows how to thank the Lord."

-- Heal oneself of "envy, lust, hatred and negative feelings that devour our inner peace and turn us into people who are destroyed and who destroy."

-- Pray to God for "the wisdom to bite your tongue in time, to not say insulting things that then leave a bitter taste in your mouth."

-- Take care of letting go of all "rancor that leads us to revenge and from laziness" that causes a sort of "euthanasia" of one's very being.

-- Stop pointing fingers, which only fuels pride and stop "complaining continuously, which leads us to desperation."

Pope Francis said he understood why it was so easy to speak poorly of others, especially when it is done as a way "to defend yourself. I understand these situations. But it ends up very badly. In the end we are all destroyed, right? And this is not needed."

He asked that everyone work hard to make sure Christmas "never be a holiday of commercial consumerism, of appearances or useless gifts or of unnecessary waste."

The holy season of Christmas must be a time of joy in "welcoming the Lord in the creche and the heart."

"Let's imagine how much our world would change if each one of us began right here and now and seriously took care of ourselves and generously took care of our relationship with God and our neighbor."

He asked that people look at others, especially those most in need, with God's eyes -- with "eyes of goodness and tenderness, the way God looks at us; he is waiting for us and he forgives us."

Often people are afraid of humility and tenderness, the pope said, but it is humility that "we find our strength, our treasure."

END

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Copyright (c) 2014 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250

It's Time for Catholics to Embrace Halloween | Word on Fire

It's Time for Catholics to Embrace Halloween | Word on Fire

Great Article!!

Is Google making students stupid?

This article was originally published at http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2014/09/is-google-making-students-stupid/380944/

Summer*

Purgatory

I remember when I was in grade school, I heard  a story of someone in Purgatory who appeared to a friend and asked for prayers. I vividly remember that he left a burned hand mark in the wooden desk. I am so glad I came across this priest's blog and the story again! It is amazing how some things leave such a vivid impression (no pun intended) on the mind of a child.  Let this be a reminder to us that we should strive for perfection ourselves and pray for the poor souls in Purgatory. See the attached link for the story.

Purgatory

The Illusion of Neutrality - Crisis Magazine

Logic! Aaaahhh, it is so nice in this world of confusion...

The Illusion of Neutrality - Crisis Magazine

Happy St. Augustine's Day!

Here’s a look at 15 Augustine quotes that have helped shape modern Christian thought.

On a Reading Scripture

The Bible was composed in such a way that as beginners mature, its meaning grows with them. - Confessions

On the Self-Reflection

Men go abroad to admire the heights of mountains, the mighty waves of the sea, the broad tides of rivers, the compass of the ocean, and the circuits of the stars, yet pass over the mystery of themselves without a thought. - Confessions

On Prestige in Ministry

No man can be a good bishop if he loves his title but not his task. – City of God

On Serving Those in Need

What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.

On Time

For You [God] are infinite and never change. In You, 'today' never comes to an end: and yet our 'today' does come to an end in You, because time, as well as everything else, exists in You. If it did not, it would have no means of passing. And since Your years never come to an end, for You they are simply 'today'... You yourself are eternally the same. In Your 'today' You will make all that is to exist tomorrow and thereafter, and in Your 'today' You have made all that existed yesterday and forever before. - Confessions

On Not Self-Editing the Bible

If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself. - Sermons

On Science and the Supernatural

Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature. – sourced in The Westminster Collection of Christian Quotations

On Being Open to New Interpretations of Scripture

In matters that are obscure and far beyond our vision, even in such as we may find treated in Holy Scripture, different Interpretations are sometimes possible without prejudice to the faith we have received. In such a case, we should not rush in headlong and so firmly take our stand on one side that, if further progress in the search of truth justly undermines this position, we too fall with it. That would be to battle not for the teaching of Holy Scripture but for our own, wishing its teaching to conform to ours, whereas we ought to wish ours to conform to that of Sacred Scripture. - Genesi Ad Litteram

Read more at http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/15-augustine-quotes-helped-shape-modern-christian-thought#UoVCD1De0sTYQHPb.99

Congratulations Taylor on your 1st Communion today! I love you, and I'm so proud of you. Love, Mom:)

The Spendor of Heaven's Presence in the Tabernacle

 

 

 

 

            Jesus says: “If you could only see My splendor in the tabernacle... My power and My tenderness and the guard of honor formed by My hosts of angels burning with zeal. What reverence, what a sense of nothingness you would feel! (...) You would see the utter unimportance of everything that is not love. You would realize too, that nothing could possibly give you more joy than to give Me joy. And you could no longer cease to gaze on Me and on Me alone. For I am all attractiveness. I am Charm and the Charmer. I am Heaven itself.

            Heaven is inside the tabernacle. Adore with all the heavenly hosts. Love with them. Sing. Praise. Never can you overdo it, since all you have is what I have given you and all My merits are yours for the taking.

            Do you know about My merits? Only the Father knows them all. And do you realize that if it were necessary I would begin all over again? Find a new way of praising Me every day. Keep on exploring My hidden treasures. You can never come to the end of them. Discover, discover, until fires undreamed of are kindled within you, and you will say, 'It was you, Lord. How blind I was! The best of me is always You.'

            And while you are talking to Me, I'll continue to heap blessings upon you, for My heart is filled with them, and to give eases it of its burden. It takes a mere nothing from you to make it overflow. If you only knew! My poor little ones, wake up to your power over Me. Get to know Me a little better. Stammer out your words of love. I'll complete them. You've seen the great sun dancing in tiny mirrors? Who can bear its dazzling brilliance? But what is a mirror without the sun?

 

 

***Message of Jesus given to Gabrielle Bossis in France on June 25, 1942.

Imprimatur: Msgr. Jean-Marie Fortier, Archbishop of Sherbrooke, November 14, 1969***

A great Article about the Assumption of Mary:

Mary was assumed into heaven.

 

 It’s one of the more difficult teachings for converts to grasp. But there are ways to approach the Assumption so that non-Catholics may come to believe.

 

 In 1995, I wrote an article for Protestant newspapers called “Trends in Christian Fiction” which considered the possibility that a Christian fiction book might hit the New York Times Bestseller List. I traveled to key Protestant publishers — Tyndale, Crossway, Moody, Victor and Bethany House — to interview editors. The publishers handed me galleys, and they all believed their books had that crossover appeal. Only one actually did. Left Behind was on the publishing turnpike back then, and it was among the galleys I brought home with me after that Chicago-Minneapolis trip. Tyndale released the book within six months of my visit, and the book (and subsequent series) was a huge success.

 

 Nicholas Cage and Lea Thompson star in a screen adaptation of that book. The movie opens Oct. 3. So the Left Behind craze continues.

 

 I have one question.

 

 And it isn’t about whether or not the idea of Rapture is biblical. My question has nothing to do with Christians disappearing when Christ returns. I’m not going to take the time to explain why Catholic teaching on eschatological things is solid and Left Behind theology is Hollywood science fiction.

 

 No. I’m pondering something else.

 

 Why is it so easy for people to believe that Jesus Christ will return and “rapture” those who love Him, leaving behind the rest of the world, but those same people find it impossible to believe that Jesus Christ came for His mother and assumed her, body and soul, into heaven?

 

 Why is that harder to believe?

 

 When I ponder the glorious Assumption of Mary into Heaven, I have to smile. It fits. It makes sense. A perfect and loving son would do that if he could.  A divine Son did do it because He could.

 

 Jesus Christ looked upon His mother, and Love broke through the veil.

 

 Jesus, the perfect Son of God, would not let His mother’s body know corruption. Not this mother who was so carefully created — so immaculately formed.

 

 In May, I traveled to the Holy Land. We visited many places, but one place that stands out in my mind is Dormition Abbey on Mount Zion (Jerusalem)

 

 Let me take you there for just a moment. Step with me into the Tomb of King David. Let’s pray there, together. Let’s think of David’s descendent, the Christ, who was given an eternal throne.

 

 Now, let me lead you just a few steps from the place where David is buried. There, you will find the doors to Dormition Abbey. According to tradition, Mary fell asleep and was assumed into heaven here.

 

 There is a place in Ephesus that also makes this claim, but many Catholic sources say Mount Zion is more likely. And I agree.

 

 The one who is Daughter Zion and mother of David’s eternal heir should end her earthly life here — and be visited by the Lord who lovingly laid claim to His mother — right here.

Come to me, my beloved mother. Come and see the place I have prepared.

 

 With angelic shouts and trumpet blast, she was raised and crowned Queen. Earth was silent. But heaven erupted with great jubilation.

 

 Why is it so easy to imagine a silly story about Jesus coming to Earth and Christians across the world disappearing? Airplanes crashing as pilots disappear into thin air. Cars crashing as drivers disappear. Students leaving behind open books and laptops? Why is that easier to imagine, but Mary’s Assumption seems far-fetched?

 

 I stood in the crypt of Dormition Abbey. I thought of King David’s bones which were just a few steps away. And yet, in this crypt, there are no bones. Mary is not here. And nobody has claimed to have Mary’s remains. Why? Because there are no remains.

 

 In fact, the disagreement about a possible site for the Assumption exists because there are no bones to settle the matter. The dueling claim underscores the reality of the Assumption. She is not here — or there!

 

 Yes, Jesus Christ will return again. And He will raise the living and the dead. It won’t follow the plotline of a Hollywood thriller. But there is precedent for our rising to meet the Lord. Although Mary’s Assumption is unique, the One who assumed His own mother will return — for us. The dead in Christ will be raised to new life. But the unfaithful won’t be left behind — although they probably will wish they had been left. Earth is preferable to eternal separation from God. The Bible tells us we will be divided — the faithful going one way, the unfaithful another.

 

 Leave the Left Behind hoopla in Hollywood.

 

 Turn your eyes to the Holy Land, or Ephesus, or even toward heaven. And celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. What Jesus did for Mary — in a unique and special way — gives us hope that one day Christ will return. So let’s model our lives after the Blessed Mother — remaining faithful until the end.

 

By Denise Bossert

Know someone who thinks marijuana is harmless or even helpful? -Great articles

https://www.osv.com/OSVNewsweekly/ByIssue/Article/TabId/735/ArtMID/13636/ArticleID/15812/Panel-group-warns-of-marijuana%E2%80%99s-dangers.aspx?utm_source=OSV+eNewsweekly+081014&utm_campaign=OSVNW081014&utm_medium=email


https://www.osv.com/OSVNewsweekly/ByIssue/Article/TabId/735/ArtMID/13636/ArticleID/15823/Editorial-Into-the-weeds.aspx?utm_source=OSV+eNewsweekly+081014&utm_campaign=OSVNW081014&utm_medium=email

A Saint in the Making! -Heartbreaking but so inspiring-

Promoter of peace-
Iraqi-born Mother Olga has devoted her life to advancing harmony in her homeland:

https://www.osv.com/OSVNewsweekly/Article/TabId/535/ArtMID/13567/ArticleID/15725/Conflict-in-Iraq-gives-nun-mission-of-peace.aspx?utm_source=OSV+eNewsweekly+072714&utm_campaign=OSVNW072714&utm_medium=email

Polish Doctors fight abortion

Conscience rights are debated after a dr. was fired for refusing to perform an abortion.


https://www.osv.com/OSVNewsweekly/Article/TabId/535/ArtMID/13567/ArticleID/15719/Conscience-rights-fuel-Poland-abortion-debate.aspx?utm_source=OSV+eNewsweekly+072714&utm_campaign=OSVNW072714&utm_medium=email

Love this quote! 2 Saints for the price of 1:)

"Blessed Angela of Foligni said that our Lord revealed to her that there was no kind of good deed more pleasing to Him than the ones we force ourselves to do, that is to say, the ones that a firmly resolved will accomplishes in spite of the languor of the flesh and the repugnance of our lower selves and in the face of dryness, sorrow, and interior dereliction.  How happy you will be if you are faithful amid the crosses that present themselves to you, faithful to the One who loved you so faithfully 'unto death, even death on a cross' (Phil 2:8)"  ~St. Francis de Sales

St. Anne Novena:

Here are the prayers for today:

Day 1 - The Saint Anne Novena Great Saint Anne, engrave indelibly on my heart and in my mind the words that have reclaimed and sanctified so many sinners: “What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world if he lose his own soul?” May this be the principle fruit of these prayers by which I will strive to honor you during this novena. At your feet renew my resolution to invoke you daily, not only for the success of my temporal affairs and to be preserved from sickness and suffering, but above all, that I may be preserved from all sin, that I may gain eternal salvation and that I will receive the special grace of… (State your intention here.) O most powerful Saint Anne, do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of heaven, there with you, your blessed spouse, and your glorious daughter, to sing the praise of the Most Holy and Adorable Trinity forever and ever. Amen. Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim! That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Submissive Wife, Happy Life ?

Submissive Wife, Happy Life ?

A conversion story I wish everyone could hear!

Thank You Carol for posting "Why Catholic" a beautiful conversion story!
I found one the other day, by accident on YouTube that blew me away! It brought me to tears. It is Dr. Peter Kreeft's conversion from Protestantism... that began when he was a child! The video comes in parts that automatically play one after the other. Each part is a bit long but soo worth it! I especially love his unique take on how to love and appreciate our Protestant brothers and sisters for where they are now, and to see how very important it is for us to support each other, look for common ground, pray for each other and stick together on important issues that our society is facing (especially right now!)


Watch "Dr. Peter Kreeft's conversion to Catholicism from Protestantism"  (Full) on YouTube:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO2NGGmWBQo&feature=youtube_gdata_player


Summer*

Starting a new Novena- Will you pray with me?

John-Paul and Annie with www.praymorenovenas.com are starting The St. Anne Novena on July 17th.

St. Anne is the mother of Our Lady and grandmother of Jesus. She is a very powerful intercessor! 

 

You may have heard that unmarried women often pray to St. Anne for help in finding a spouse. But, St. Anne is also known to intercede for people for any request. 

 

So, I hope you will join me in praying this novena for your prayer intentions!

 

Summer*