See what's happening at St. Peter's Church in Omaha, NE: http://www.stpeterchurch.net/
For the video, click HERE.
The Feast of St George
7 hours ago
Friday, April 12, 2013
Best tool, Part II
A strong pastor and a parish that thrives on sacred tradition doesn't hurt either...
See what's happening at St. Peter's Church in Omaha, NE: http://www.stpeterchurch.net/
For the video, click HERE.
See what's happening at St. Peter's Church in Omaha, NE: http://www.stpeterchurch.net/
For the video, click HERE.
Best tool for preaching the Good News? Live Authentically Catholic!
Sadly, we have lost the culture war using words. Anti-Christian bias is on the rise, with no end in sight. We have talked until we are blue in the face about the Truth and our rights to live in the Light with the laws of God as our moral compass...to no avail. The persecution of those with Faith will continue in the U.S. and the world. We can no longer make use of reasonable arguments to persuade those of little to no remaining reason that we Christians do not hate.
But, we have hope and we still have tools to evangelize the masses.
If we commit to happily, joyfully living authentically Catholic, our current society, like that of the people of ancient Rome, will come to want what we have. Sure, there will always be those cockroaches that scurry in the Light, but most will be like moths...irresistibly drawn to it. When we live like we believe with our faces toward the eternal goal of the beatific vision in the divine hereafter, the once-meaningful secular trappings of the now will vanish. We've got to stop approaching this life as if it is all that there is for us. Cast aside the burdens of the rich man who is completely wrapped up in attachment to his belongings. I am not advocating the wholesale abandonment of material goods (unless this is your call)...just let go of having things (money, status, power, being "cool") give your life meaning. Embrace God's plan for your life: get married and have babies (or become religious or ordained if this is God's Holy Will), teach your children well, support vocations, share your wealth, shore up your relationships, make long-lasting memories, pray, read Scripture, go to Mass regularly, proclaim your faith, celebrate God in all that you do. In other words take good care of your mind, body and soul and serve others. In this, you will find infectious peace and joy, the kind that those on the outside will want for themselves and who will emulate instead of trying to manufacture out of worldly straw.
How much better it is for the lost one to fill the chasm in his soul with God's Truth and a life of true service than to live life pretending that he is a good man for being "tolerant" of others' and his own sinful passions? Things constructed from the earthly realm are destined to rot, eventually, but the good things of Heaven do not pass away. Ever.
The Serenity Prayer is most appropriate...
But, we have hope and we still have tools to evangelize the masses.
If we commit to happily, joyfully living authentically Catholic, our current society, like that of the people of ancient Rome, will come to want what we have. Sure, there will always be those cockroaches that scurry in the Light, but most will be like moths...irresistibly drawn to it. When we live like we believe with our faces toward the eternal goal of the beatific vision in the divine hereafter, the once-meaningful secular trappings of the now will vanish. We've got to stop approaching this life as if it is all that there is for us. Cast aside the burdens of the rich man who is completely wrapped up in attachment to his belongings. I am not advocating the wholesale abandonment of material goods (unless this is your call)...just let go of having things (money, status, power, being "cool") give your life meaning. Embrace God's plan for your life: get married and have babies (or become religious or ordained if this is God's Holy Will), teach your children well, support vocations, share your wealth, shore up your relationships, make long-lasting memories, pray, read Scripture, go to Mass regularly, proclaim your faith, celebrate God in all that you do. In other words take good care of your mind, body and soul and serve others. In this, you will find infectious peace and joy, the kind that those on the outside will want for themselves and who will emulate instead of trying to manufacture out of worldly straw.
How much better it is for the lost one to fill the chasm in his soul with God's Truth and a life of true service than to live life pretending that he is a good man for being "tolerant" of others' and his own sinful passions? Things constructed from the earthly realm are destined to rot, eventually, but the good things of Heaven do not pass away. Ever.
The Serenity Prayer is most appropriate...
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Help me to live one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time. Help me to accept hardships as the pathway to peace, taking as Your Son did, this world as it is, not as I would have it.
Let me trust that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your Will. May I be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
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