I read several books recently but I just don't feel like writing about them yet. Thought they were informative and instructional on the faith, I just feel lack of zeal for them.
Zeal is something that comes and goes in most of our lives. But zeal is what I long for. I want to have that ready to go feeling every morning when I wake up. I want to feel alive. I want to know that I am loved and I want to love with passion.
How do we get there? There are days I don't want to get out of bed. There are days I feel desperation, "nothing is going my way". There are days I am so disgusted with our pervasively morally decadent society that I want to scream. It is a constant attack on my senses. It is everywhere, movies, TV, schools, billboards and the church.
Yes I wrote the church. But notice I wrote with a little "c" meaning the organization and not the big "C" which is the Magisterium with people which protect and hand down the faith from generation to generation.
It is very sad but I feel I always have to be very critical of what I hear priests say to their flock. It seems that there is very little about "the way" which Jesus taught and only about that God loves us. Yes he does love us but he has sacrificed his only son so that we can be redeemed and that if we hear the word of God we live it. Basically what we hear everywhere is the same mantra. But does this save souls? If our priests truly cared, like a good father they would correct us when we are wrong by lovingly showing us the error of our ways. But from many you would believe that anything goes and we can do as we please.
It brings me back to my zeal. I try so hard to live the faith with zeal. But when I go out to many a mass I hear no inspiration. I hear no education of the faith and I hear no excitement from others.
I have decided it is not my responsibility to think about these inherent faults in our churches and let them bring me down. Instead I have found zeal through living and sharing my faith to its fullest. I seek inspiration where I can get it by sharing with my brothers in Christ, by going to daily mass and confession every two weeks. Almost everyday I hear the word of God and it inspires me and keeps me focused. I also receive the Blessed Sacrament and it gives me strength.
I won't lie, sometimes I loose my excitement and I am weak. I feel desperation and start to fall apart. But when I start the next day by going to mass it always brings me back.
Bottom-line what I am saying is look for inspiration from God and not from others or yourself. We are all human and will let each other down. But God who is close with us at mass and at prayer will never fail us.
VIVAT JESUS!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Mother Angelica
Mother Angelica
The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve and a Network of Miracles
By Raymond Arroyo
I met the author Raymond Arroyo in October. I was on my way to the office from morning mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral walking up Madison Avenue. He was standing on the corner of 52nd and Madison. To me he was like an old friend. I’d been watching his show “The World Over Live” on EWTN Cable network for the last fifteen years.
I went up to him and said “Hey, Raymond Arroyo!” He answered “Yes” He told me he was trying to catch a cab and I told him it would be easier up a couple of blocks because there were a few hotels there. So we walked together and he told me he was in town for the release of his book on Mother Angelica at the Doubleday offices over by Columbus circle. He could have walked but he was stressed out. Apparently this world traveler was behind schedule and he feared getting to his meeting late. I gave him my card and told him if he needed anything in New York that he could count on me.
I hoped he would call me but it didn’t happen. I really wanted to talk about Mother with him. To me she is a woman that I admire so much. I have been watching her show and network and over the years I have grown up with her and my life has been so much better because of it. Only Mother could make my son Stephen, a 10 year old boy at the time, laugh and enjoy learning about our faith. She is a Saint in my book.
Well anyway thanks to this book I feel like I got to personally spend time with her. The book is direct and honest as Mother has always been. It tells of Mother’s broken home growing up. Her Italian background and her call from God. It gives us all the trials and tribulations. But mostly it’s a book that tells a story of a woman inspired by God to do great works. As long as she trusted in Jesus all the money in the world seemed to be at her call.
There was the one story where due to a business contract with a cable company that they had problems with, they were being sued for over a million dollars. Mother, another sister and Bill Steltemeier, the President of EWTN flew to California to discuss the issue and hopefully solve this conflict. On the way to the meeting Mother asked for herself and Sister to be dropped of at a church where they prayed before the Blessed Sacrament while Bill went to the negotiations. Bill did not want to go without her but he followed her direction and as always happened with Mother and her Network, another miracle occurred, and things were settled to the satisfaction of both parties.
The book is filled with stories that make you laugh, cry and rejoice. It’s brought me more courage in my daily life through her inspiration to have the faith in Jesus everyday and in every situation. She was a simple woman who loved Christ and risked it all to saves souls. We have many Saints in this world doing the Lord’s work and Mother Angelica is one of them. Like so many others I want to say thank you Mother Angelica and we love you! And thanks to Raymond Arroyo for this wonderful book.
The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve and a Network of Miracles
By Raymond Arroyo
I met the author Raymond Arroyo in October. I was on my way to the office from morning mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral walking up Madison Avenue. He was standing on the corner of 52nd and Madison. To me he was like an old friend. I’d been watching his show “The World Over Live” on EWTN Cable network for the last fifteen years.
I went up to him and said “Hey, Raymond Arroyo!” He answered “Yes” He told me he was trying to catch a cab and I told him it would be easier up a couple of blocks because there were a few hotels there. So we walked together and he told me he was in town for the release of his book on Mother Angelica at the Doubleday offices over by Columbus circle. He could have walked but he was stressed out. Apparently this world traveler was behind schedule and he feared getting to his meeting late. I gave him my card and told him if he needed anything in New York that he could count on me.
I hoped he would call me but it didn’t happen. I really wanted to talk about Mother with him. To me she is a woman that I admire so much. I have been watching her show and network and over the years I have grown up with her and my life has been so much better because of it. Only Mother could make my son Stephen, a 10 year old boy at the time, laugh and enjoy learning about our faith. She is a Saint in my book.
Well anyway thanks to this book I feel like I got to personally spend time with her. The book is direct and honest as Mother has always been. It tells of Mother’s broken home growing up. Her Italian background and her call from God. It gives us all the trials and tribulations. But mostly it’s a book that tells a story of a woman inspired by God to do great works. As long as she trusted in Jesus all the money in the world seemed to be at her call.
There was the one story where due to a business contract with a cable company that they had problems with, they were being sued for over a million dollars. Mother, another sister and Bill Steltemeier, the President of EWTN flew to California to discuss the issue and hopefully solve this conflict. On the way to the meeting Mother asked for herself and Sister to be dropped of at a church where they prayed before the Blessed Sacrament while Bill went to the negotiations. Bill did not want to go without her but he followed her direction and as always happened with Mother and her Network, another miracle occurred, and things were settled to the satisfaction of both parties.
The book is filled with stories that make you laugh, cry and rejoice. It’s brought me more courage in my daily life through her inspiration to have the faith in Jesus everyday and in every situation. She was a simple woman who loved Christ and risked it all to saves souls. We have many Saints in this world doing the Lord’s work and Mother Angelica is one of them. Like so many others I want to say thank you Mother Angelica and we love you! And thanks to Raymond Arroyo for this wonderful book.
Wife and Mother
After reading Fulton Sheen's book on marriage I began think of my own attitudes and weaknesses. I also began to think about my wife.
Who is my wife? What am I to her and her to me?
Then I felt inspired to write in thanks for this gift that God has given me in marriage.
Wife
O woman born of
Woman's womb
The pain of Life
is yours to bare.
God gave you strength
to love and to care.
We joined with God
to bring new life.
That pain was short,
though life's reach
great heights.
You weep and laugh
and work all days.
As you take care of
your children and husband
each and everyday.
Your work is unsung,
but I see you.
Your love is strong
and it stays true.
The children grow
and we get old.
Then too soon
we will have to let go.
But your care never stops
and your love just grows.
Eternal peace will be yours forever
as you spend your life
for others.
I pray to God
to be by your side,
and ask
our bond never to sever.
Here on earth and in heaven,
for ever and ever.
Who is my wife? What am I to her and her to me?
Then I felt inspired to write in thanks for this gift that God has given me in marriage.
Wife
O woman born of
Woman's womb
The pain of Life
is yours to bare.
God gave you strength
to love and to care.
We joined with God
to bring new life.
That pain was short,
though life's reach
great heights.
You weep and laugh
and work all days.
As you take care of
your children and husband
each and everyday.
Your work is unsung,
but I see you.
Your love is strong
and it stays true.
The children grow
and we get old.
Then too soon
we will have to let go.
But your care never stops
and your love just grows.
Eternal peace will be yours forever
as you spend your life
for others.
I pray to God
to be by your side,
and ask
our bond never to sever.
Here on earth and in heaven,
for ever and ever.
Three to Get Married
Three to Get Married
by: Fulton J. Sheen
It amazes me how the more I read the writings of Fulton Sheen the more amazed I am at his deep understanding of the human condition. In this book he writes about the married life and what it is all about.
I know that there are those that will say "how can a priest understand marriage and its difficulties?" To those I simply respond by the grace of God. And this particular priest had more understanding than I, a married man of nearly twenty years! His perceptions and explanations are eye opening and endearing. I wish I could go into detail but I could not do this work justice.
If you are going through any kind of difficulties in your marriage this is a must read! In our throw away society where the materialist always seek happiness in greener pastures, this book will show you how the true christian responds to these challenges and why it is right and just to stick with your spouse.
"What God has joined together, let no man set asunder" is clearly explained and it will open your heart and mind to Christ. I was so amazed with this book that I asked my brother "How did Fulton Sheen write so clearly, with clarity and simplicity?" My brother Javier then informed a fact I was unaware of. "He wrote and studied in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament." I responded that I should have known.
So if you are looking for inspiration and understanding in your marriage or in any walk of life the word of God clearly resonates through this work. This is a keeper and I hope to reread it again soon. It is so deep yet simple that I think it would be a great idea to study this book in a group.
by: Fulton J. Sheen
It amazes me how the more I read the writings of Fulton Sheen the more amazed I am at his deep understanding of the human condition. In this book he writes about the married life and what it is all about.
I know that there are those that will say "how can a priest understand marriage and its difficulties?" To those I simply respond by the grace of God. And this particular priest had more understanding than I, a married man of nearly twenty years! His perceptions and explanations are eye opening and endearing. I wish I could go into detail but I could not do this work justice.
If you are going through any kind of difficulties in your marriage this is a must read! In our throw away society where the materialist always seek happiness in greener pastures, this book will show you how the true christian responds to these challenges and why it is right and just to stick with your spouse.
"What God has joined together, let no man set asunder" is clearly explained and it will open your heart and mind to Christ. I was so amazed with this book that I asked my brother "How did Fulton Sheen write so clearly, with clarity and simplicity?" My brother Javier then informed a fact I was unaware of. "He wrote and studied in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament." I responded that I should have known.
So if you are looking for inspiration and understanding in your marriage or in any walk of life the word of God clearly resonates through this work. This is a keeper and I hope to reread it again soon. It is so deep yet simple that I think it would be a great idea to study this book in a group.
What is Love?
I recently went on a one day retreat run by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. The title for this event, which they usually run twice a year, is called “Catholic Men’s Day of Prayer”. This specific retreat had as its focus Fatherhood.
Fatherhood is a very large topic but one of the topics we touched upon was the relationship with our spouses. It was during these conversations that many discussions were shared that opened my eyes to a widely known fact that is in most part ignored in our current society.
We currently live in a society that worships to an extreme individualism and materialism. It seems to be the focus of everyone to be independent, to have their own things etc. However, in a loving community this kind of attitude is actually hurtful and dangerous. It leads to anger, envy and greed. This selfish focus is not how we were created. Man is a social creature and we need each other to survive and to create a healthy and happy environment for all.
When discussing these issues it became apparent, as usual, that our catholic faith stands in stark contrast to what is promoted by our society. In the early church Christians gave up all their material possessions to join the community. This of course is not required of us now but that is because we have a different world economy altogether. But what is required of us is that we love our neighbors as ourselves.
It sounds so nice: love your neighbor as yourself. However it is difficult as we well know. But what makes it even more difficult is our understanding of the word Love. The dictionary has it as follows: 1 a (1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties (2) : attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers (3) : affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests b : an assurance of love This is the primary view of the understanding and use of the word in our society.
The problem lies in that our Lord asks us to do another kind of love. This love is an action word. It is something we do and not something we feel. It is a command as Christians that we are under strict orders to comply. We must love all as our neighbors. Not the soft weak mushy stuff that we are constantly sold but the tough hard love. The kind of love that tells a child no, cares for a sick person and bites its tongue not to say something hurtful. This world would be a much better place if all persons understood this.
One priest told a story that he was speaking to man who said to him “Father, I don’t Love my wife anymore” He looked at this man and said to him “Well, love your wife.” The man looked at him and was confused. He didn’t understand and simply put it is because he thought it was a feeling and not an act. There is one big prerequisite to be able to do this. We must die to ourselves. We must kill that selfish part of us and do what we are asked to do all the days of our lives. Look up to the greatest act of love ever done in the history of the world, our Lord giving his life for us on the cross. Then take up our cross.
If we can achieve this our lives will come together and bring us great joy. We will be able to put our wives and families first and our marriages will be happy and lifelong. We will put others always before ourselves and then the rewards will be great here and they will be even greater in heaven.
Fatherhood is a very large topic but one of the topics we touched upon was the relationship with our spouses. It was during these conversations that many discussions were shared that opened my eyes to a widely known fact that is in most part ignored in our current society.
We currently live in a society that worships to an extreme individualism and materialism. It seems to be the focus of everyone to be independent, to have their own things etc. However, in a loving community this kind of attitude is actually hurtful and dangerous. It leads to anger, envy and greed. This selfish focus is not how we were created. Man is a social creature and we need each other to survive and to create a healthy and happy environment for all.
When discussing these issues it became apparent, as usual, that our catholic faith stands in stark contrast to what is promoted by our society. In the early church Christians gave up all their material possessions to join the community. This of course is not required of us now but that is because we have a different world economy altogether. But what is required of us is that we love our neighbors as ourselves.
It sounds so nice: love your neighbor as yourself. However it is difficult as we well know. But what makes it even more difficult is our understanding of the word Love. The dictionary has it as follows: 1 a (1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties
The problem lies in that our Lord asks us to do another kind of love. This love is an action word. It is something we do and not something we feel. It is a command as Christians that we are under strict orders to comply. We must love all as our neighbors. Not the soft weak mushy stuff that we are constantly sold but the tough hard love. The kind of love that tells a child no, cares for a sick person and bites its tongue not to say something hurtful. This world would be a much better place if all persons understood this.
One priest told a story that he was speaking to man who said to him “Father, I don’t Love my wife anymore” He looked at this man and said to him “Well, love your wife.” The man looked at him and was confused. He didn’t understand and simply put it is because he thought it was a feeling and not an act. There is one big prerequisite to be able to do this. We must die to ourselves. We must kill that selfish part of us and do what we are asked to do all the days of our lives. Look up to the greatest act of love ever done in the history of the world, our Lord giving his life for us on the cross. Then take up our cross.
If we can achieve this our lives will come together and bring us great joy. We will be able to put our wives and families first and our marriages will be happy and lifelong. We will put others always before ourselves and then the rewards will be great here and they will be even greater in heaven.
Pregnancy is a Gift, It is Human Life Not a Disease!
It’s been a while since I have written for the knightline but this is a topic that is always close to my heart and mind. Now at the Christmas season when we celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus, it always seems more pertinent and it seems so more after the disregard for life that our current culture has and even worse 50% of the people that call themselves Roman Catholic share these views.
In general our society has become one of quick fixes and denial. We deny responsibility for almost everything, we have people suing others for things they do to themselves. People always decry that they are suffering because of others and not because of their own actions or inaction. It seems to me that whoever cries or screams the loudest gets the most attention and action whether or not they are in the right. The individual seems to loose more and more responsibility and becomes less and less important at the same time.
There is no real logic or reason. The people are so conditioned not to use their brains, not to analyze simply. They are for the most part conditioned not to look for the truth. Truth has become relative but not because the people believe in relativity it is because they are being trained to live life in relativity. But there is still a chance for this tide to be turned if we ourselves live life by truth.
Quo ist veritas? What is Truth? That is what we need to train our children to seek. They need to weigh all components and listen with both heart and mind. If they do so it will be apparent what is truth.
The biggest competition though is the constant barrage of images from the major media outlets. Whether it is music, movies, television or the internet our society just never take the time to think it is all set to keep you off guard. To be able to seek truth you have to remove yourself from a situation and look at it objectively. In general our society does not do that and in fact it just promotes the acceptance of a status quo of where we are. It also promotes the idea that someone else will solve your problems. This is the reason the basic truths of life are not understood.
I believe it is amazing that two plus two still equals five. In a society where they are constantly promote the false concept of “Gay Marriage”. This lie that is being perpetuated and successfully so is a great example. Everyone knows that there is no physical way that two people of the same gender can be joined together. But yet we have sane men and women supporting these people so that they can feel accepted. The truth is they want us to make a lie a truth.
Under the same guise in the business community from which the world is currently suffering they managed to perpetuate a lie. The lie was one of earnings with no real production or growth. Products that did nothing but hide truths, such a Sub prime lenders that lend money creating false growth to people or businesses that do not have the ability to pay. Notice just like gay marriage a lie twisted to appear true for the insipient purpose of the persons who benefit. In this case the brokers and others involved made off with billions of dollars.
Then finally and the saddest of all is the twisting of the truth of life. There is only one point at which Human Life is created. The point at which Human Life is created is called conception at that point a Human Being exists and is growing totally independent of the mother that carries that baby and feeds it from her body. We know by the science that at that exact moment a new DNA has been created and a new person exists. But instead we have an abortion industry, originally promoted in the USA by Planned Parenthood to control the growth of undesirable population of minorities, which is perpetuating the lie that it is not a baby, that it is not human life and that it is something else. They purport it to be a disease, a mistake not anybody’s fault. This is simply a lie they propose as a truth. Sadly it feeds on the irresponsibility built into the society these days that enables the individuals not to accept responsibility for their choices and at the same time not look for the truth because it may not be convenient at that time. The truth is that pregnancy is a gift it is a human life. One that will always change anyone’s life for the better even if the baby is infirmed. I have seen many blessings brought on families with children with disabilities but our society does not like to see this truth either.
From an article I read recently at a pro-life rally in front of a church a pro-abortion woman tried to chase the children that were there away. The children replied that they would stay. Then one of the young boys asked no one in particular, "What's the matter with her? Everyone knows that abortion is murder." It was a simple truth.
Now if only everyone would stick to the truth life would be much easier for everyone.
In general our society has become one of quick fixes and denial. We deny responsibility for almost everything, we have people suing others for things they do to themselves. People always decry that they are suffering because of others and not because of their own actions or inaction. It seems to me that whoever cries or screams the loudest gets the most attention and action whether or not they are in the right. The individual seems to loose more and more responsibility and becomes less and less important at the same time.
There is no real logic or reason. The people are so conditioned not to use their brains, not to analyze simply. They are for the most part conditioned not to look for the truth. Truth has become relative but not because the people believe in relativity it is because they are being trained to live life in relativity. But there is still a chance for this tide to be turned if we ourselves live life by truth.
Quo ist veritas? What is Truth? That is what we need to train our children to seek. They need to weigh all components and listen with both heart and mind. If they do so it will be apparent what is truth.
The biggest competition though is the constant barrage of images from the major media outlets. Whether it is music, movies, television or the internet our society just never take the time to think it is all set to keep you off guard. To be able to seek truth you have to remove yourself from a situation and look at it objectively. In general our society does not do that and in fact it just promotes the acceptance of a status quo of where we are. It also promotes the idea that someone else will solve your problems. This is the reason the basic truths of life are not understood.
I believe it is amazing that two plus two still equals five. In a society where they are constantly promote the false concept of “Gay Marriage”. This lie that is being perpetuated and successfully so is a great example. Everyone knows that there is no physical way that two people of the same gender can be joined together. But yet we have sane men and women supporting these people so that they can feel accepted. The truth is they want us to make a lie a truth.
Under the same guise in the business community from which the world is currently suffering they managed to perpetuate a lie. The lie was one of earnings with no real production or growth. Products that did nothing but hide truths, such a Sub prime lenders that lend money creating false growth to people or businesses that do not have the ability to pay. Notice just like gay marriage a lie twisted to appear true for the insipient purpose of the persons who benefit. In this case the brokers and others involved made off with billions of dollars.
Then finally and the saddest of all is the twisting of the truth of life. There is only one point at which Human Life is created. The point at which Human Life is created is called conception at that point a Human Being exists and is growing totally independent of the mother that carries that baby and feeds it from her body. We know by the science that at that exact moment a new DNA has been created and a new person exists. But instead we have an abortion industry, originally promoted in the USA by Planned Parenthood to control the growth of undesirable population of minorities, which is perpetuating the lie that it is not a baby, that it is not human life and that it is something else. They purport it to be a disease, a mistake not anybody’s fault. This is simply a lie they propose as a truth. Sadly it feeds on the irresponsibility built into the society these days that enables the individuals not to accept responsibility for their choices and at the same time not look for the truth because it may not be convenient at that time. The truth is that pregnancy is a gift it is a human life. One that will always change anyone’s life for the better even if the baby is infirmed. I have seen many blessings brought on families with children with disabilities but our society does not like to see this truth either.
From an article I read recently at a pro-life rally in front of a church a pro-abortion woman tried to chase the children that were there away. The children replied that they would stay. Then one of the young boys asked no one in particular, "What's the matter with her? Everyone knows that abortion is murder." It was a simple truth.
Now if only everyone would stick to the truth life would be much easier for everyone.
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