Sow a thought, reap an act.
Sow an act, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny.
--Taken from Peter Kreeft’s “Fundamentals of the Faith”
This hit me hard when I read it, because it is true. It is so easy for fallen human beings to go from a single thought to a destiny, without even realizing it.
It reminds me of an F. Scott Fitzgerald quote: “Have a drink. The drink has a drink. And the drink has you.”
All it takes is the seed of evil to be planted within us, and an entire garden of bad fruit can grow, and ultimately devour our paths toward God.
Jesus said, “Love thy neighbor,” for a reason. He also taught us to pray to the Father by saying “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,” for a reason. We cannot enter the gates of Heaven with any hate in us, just as we are turned down at the stadium if we are carrying a firearm. There are no exceptions—leave the gun behind, and you shall enter the stadium, leave the hate behind, we shall enter into God’s Stadium.
Therefore, human relationships are the most important possessions we have on earth, because it is a direct connection between one of God’s creations with another. God’s LOVE connected with God’s LOVE.
Just as it is hard for an alcoholic to acknowledge his addiction when surrounded by other alcoholics in a bar, it is hard for two people to acknowledge that they are in a sinful union until they are apart. That is why so many people stay within the “comfort zone” of an abusive relationship, because by leaving it, they will have to acknowledge it is truly abusive.
The difference is that two human beings make up a marriage (union with God), whereas a human and a material item (alcohol, products of shopping, pornography, etc) make up no relationship at all, but rather, a sinful disillusion.
Human beings can find God’s LIGHT, the path of righteousness, and follow it, but a material object will forever be a material object, and a material object will NEVER bring you happiness, because happiness is God.
The drunk must eliminate the booze to get better. Human beings, to get better, need each other. Even the most holy of saints needed other people, because if there were no other people, there would have been no one to pray for.
We all sow thoughts into actions, actions into habits, habits into characters, and characters into destinies. We do not have a choice, because we all have a destiny. And we cannot control our every thought, therefore, bad seeds will exist in the garden. But a good farmer tends to his fields. A good farmer does not allow the bad seeds to overcome the good seeds, otherwise he ends up with a harvest full of bad crops.
Just as the good farmer possesses the necessary tools of discovering the bad seeds before they grow into plants, God provides us the necessary tools of discovering the bad thoughts we sow into actions, and so on, and so on.
Because of free will, it is up to us to tend our fields. That is, if we would like a profitable harvest.
Love and GOD Forever!
Anthony Paul
Monday, December 7, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Why We Look to the Sky
“If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is void of content and your faith is empty too…If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless. You are still in your sins…If our hopes in Christ are limited to this life only, we are the most pitiable of all men.”
--1 Corinthians 15:14, 17, 19
To paraphrase Bishop Fulton Sheen ‘Christ is the only person ever born to die.’ The reason for this is the Resurrection. If Christ would not have suffered and died on Calvary, He would not have resurrected from the dead, and ascended into Heaven, thus raising us from the death of our sins, and making us, not worthy (for we can never be worthy), but made possible to reach salvation.
It can be said that the Resurrection is the cornerstone, the absolute foundation of Christianity—His Church. If we deny the Resurrection we deny our own salvation, which is what our hearts most fervently desire. We are put on this earth as preparation for the homeland—Heaven. And we can only reach the homeland if we are invited by the homeland’s resident landlord—God.
If you or I were to greatly offend and hurt another person, as far as brutally murdering the person’s only son with no remorse, would we expect that person to welcome us into their home with open arms? We wouldn’t even ask.
Yet, we feel as if we can do it to God? The Creator? He who made us with and through His LOVE, and continues to forgive us our trespasses time after time?
Sounds pretty naïve and foolish to me.
“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless, you are still in your sins…”
What is the point of believing anything if we do not believe in the Resurrection? We can believe every other facet of Christ’s life, however large or minute, but what would it matter? We have to believe ALL of it! Just as a car needs an ignition (the Annunciation) to start the engine, it needs a gas pedal (the Resurrection) to allow the car to propel forward to its destination (Heaven).
Lastly, “If our hopes in Christ are limited to this life only, we are the most pitiable of all men.”
Christ came down to this earth, professed the Father’s Word, and endured His Passion, so the gates of Heaven would swing open, making it possible for us to enter our REAL lives—a life with God. If there is no Heaven, no life after this world, we are already living in hell!
Love and GOD Forever!
Anthony Paul
--1 Corinthians 15:14, 17, 19
To paraphrase Bishop Fulton Sheen ‘Christ is the only person ever born to die.’ The reason for this is the Resurrection. If Christ would not have suffered and died on Calvary, He would not have resurrected from the dead, and ascended into Heaven, thus raising us from the death of our sins, and making us, not worthy (for we can never be worthy), but made possible to reach salvation.
It can be said that the Resurrection is the cornerstone, the absolute foundation of Christianity—His Church. If we deny the Resurrection we deny our own salvation, which is what our hearts most fervently desire. We are put on this earth as preparation for the homeland—Heaven. And we can only reach the homeland if we are invited by the homeland’s resident landlord—God.
If you or I were to greatly offend and hurt another person, as far as brutally murdering the person’s only son with no remorse, would we expect that person to welcome us into their home with open arms? We wouldn’t even ask.
Yet, we feel as if we can do it to God? The Creator? He who made us with and through His LOVE, and continues to forgive us our trespasses time after time?
Sounds pretty naïve and foolish to me.
“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless, you are still in your sins…”
What is the point of believing anything if we do not believe in the Resurrection? We can believe every other facet of Christ’s life, however large or minute, but what would it matter? We have to believe ALL of it! Just as a car needs an ignition (the Annunciation) to start the engine, it needs a gas pedal (the Resurrection) to allow the car to propel forward to its destination (Heaven).
Lastly, “If our hopes in Christ are limited to this life only, we are the most pitiable of all men.”
Christ came down to this earth, professed the Father’s Word, and endured His Passion, so the gates of Heaven would swing open, making it possible for us to enter our REAL lives—a life with God. If there is no Heaven, no life after this world, we are already living in hell!
Love and GOD Forever!
Anthony Paul
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Live Right Now; Not for Yourself but Others
“Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you you can do with what there is.”
--The Old Man and the Sea
I was struggling today while saying my mid-day prayers. I was feeling helpless, and fighting as hard as I could to keep from feeling hopeless. Aside from the physical discomfort of doubt and anxiety, I feel great spiritual emptiness when I allow doubt and anxiety to overcome me—I feel it is a great offense to God, a lack of faith and trust in Him.
Why should I expect to have anything more than what I have at the moment?
Why should I feel as if what I have—from Him—at the moment, is not good enough?
Often I see people sitting with others, looking down at the i-Phone or Blackberry in their hands, rather than appreciating the person right in front of them. And not just a person but a creation made from, by, and for God’s LOVE.
How often do we sit down with others for a meal in front of the television? Or not with each other at all, but in separate rooms?
How often do we kneel down alongside one another and pray together?
How often do we thank God for the present moment? How often do we look towards the sky, or bow our heads in reverence, and thank Him for providing such a beautiful day? And not just the sunny and warm days, without a cloud in the sky, but the cold, dreary, rainy days, as well? Every day is beautiful, and should be accepted as a blessing and gift from God!
I have tried my best to offer such short prayers to God, during all moments of my day, and I feel at peace, knowing that He is happy, and He will continue to bless me.
Very recently, I have been more mindful of these things, but I still have my shortfalls. I feel more and more homesick than ever, and I keep telling myself that I only have one month until I am near many dearly beloved family members and friends. But then, I try to remind myself that I am ALWAYS near dearly beloved family and friends—no matter where I am—because, not only is God ALWAYS with me, but every person I pass is a family member—brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.
“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
--Luke 10:20
I hope and pray that my name is written in heaven, but I have been trying to pray more and more each day, that as many names as possible, will be written next to mine.
Love and GOD FOREVER,
Anthony Paul
--The Old Man and the Sea
I was struggling today while saying my mid-day prayers. I was feeling helpless, and fighting as hard as I could to keep from feeling hopeless. Aside from the physical discomfort of doubt and anxiety, I feel great spiritual emptiness when I allow doubt and anxiety to overcome me—I feel it is a great offense to God, a lack of faith and trust in Him.
Why should I expect to have anything more than what I have at the moment?
Why should I feel as if what I have—from Him—at the moment, is not good enough?
Often I see people sitting with others, looking down at the i-Phone or Blackberry in their hands, rather than appreciating the person right in front of them. And not just a person but a creation made from, by, and for God’s LOVE.
How often do we sit down with others for a meal in front of the television? Or not with each other at all, but in separate rooms?
How often do we kneel down alongside one another and pray together?
How often do we thank God for the present moment? How often do we look towards the sky, or bow our heads in reverence, and thank Him for providing such a beautiful day? And not just the sunny and warm days, without a cloud in the sky, but the cold, dreary, rainy days, as well? Every day is beautiful, and should be accepted as a blessing and gift from God!
I have tried my best to offer such short prayers to God, during all moments of my day, and I feel at peace, knowing that He is happy, and He will continue to bless me.
Very recently, I have been more mindful of these things, but I still have my shortfalls. I feel more and more homesick than ever, and I keep telling myself that I only have one month until I am near many dearly beloved family members and friends. But then, I try to remind myself that I am ALWAYS near dearly beloved family and friends—no matter where I am—because, not only is God ALWAYS with me, but every person I pass is a family member—brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.
“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
--Luke 10:20
I hope and pray that my name is written in heaven, but I have been trying to pray more and more each day, that as many names as possible, will be written next to mine.
Love and GOD FOREVER,
Anthony Paul
Thursday, November 19, 2009
JESUS; OUR EUCHARISTIC LOVE
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and Himself for me.”
--Galatians 2:20
We were ALL crucified with Christ. Through His crucifixion and death it was made possible for ALL souls to enter the gates of Heaven, and spend eternity with the Father and all His Glory!
Before Christ, the gates of Heaven were closed—no matter how virtuous a life someone lived, he or she had to wait for the Son of Man to take flesh, preach love and forgiveness, be ridiculed and slain, and rise up on the third day, so they could enter the Presence of God.
How sad and meaningless is life without the reward of Heaven on the other side? With Christ’s death this reality died.
What I want to stress is the necessity of God’s sacrifice—Christ, and in turn, Christ’s sacrifice—His body and blood, which is ever-present in the Eucharist.
Saint Paul says, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” I would have to imagine Saint Paul was referring to the Eucharist in this statement. There is no replacement, no better way for Christ to live in us that through the Blessed Sacrament! There is NOTHING more surreal, beautiful, miraculous, and all-LOVING than the celebration of Holy Mass, which occurs so close to us, so many times a day, re-enacting the ultimate sacrifice—that of GOD, for us…for us sinners!
There are countless saints whose ONLY desire, ONLY passion, every minute of every day, was to celebrate Mass and receive Christ into their bodies through the Eucharist. And how happy God was with them! How merciful He must have been when their earthly lives came to an end!
There is NO greater way to praise, give thanks, obtain healing of body, mind and spirit, as well as humble thyself, than to receive Christ into us. But be very mindful of your sins. We should always be as pure of heart and soul as possible when receiving the Blessed Sacrament. And receiving the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin is actually damaging to the soul (see the saintly quotes at the end of post for further explanation of this)!
So be mindful of Mass. Pick up a copy of “JESUS; OUR EUCHARISTIC LOVE” by Father Stefano M. Manelli, FI, to learn of all the majesty and holiness of the Mass.
Make time for Mass. We make time for countless hours of smut and temptation-inspiring television, but we are too busy to attend Mass? Daily Mass is twenty minutes at the most. An episode of “Nip Tuck” is thirty minutes. An episode of “Desperate Housewives” is three times longer than daily Mass. Which do you think serves God, and makes him happy? I’ll put it on a line all its own for further emphasis:
We are too busy for Mass? For God? For the One who was wounded over 5,000 times so that we can be forgiven, and obtain eternal bliss?
Really? What if God was too busy to ever create us? What if He was too busy to create the world?
I am not perfect. I am far from perfect. Do I go to Daily Mass? No. And I should. I need to.
Go to confession, repent your sins, attend Mass as often as possible, and let Christ LIVE inside of you!
I will conclude this post with a series of quotes from various saints, regarding the Eucharist. I found these quotes in a little book, aforementioned, “JESUS; OUR EUCHARISTIC LOVE” by Fr. Stefano M. Manelli, FI. Thank you, Sean, it took me a few years to pick this book up, but is a life-changer, indeed!
“The Eucharist is a daily Bread that we take as remedy for the frailty we suffer from daily.” --Saint Augustine
“Every consecrated Host is made to burn Itself up with love in a human heart.”
--Cure´ of Ars
“We should not forget that Holy Thursday was the day for which Jesus had longed.”
--Luke 22:15
“It is not in order to occupy a golden ciborium that Jesus every day comes down from Heaven, namely, our soul, in which He takes delight, and when a soul well able to do so does not want to receive Jesus into its heart, Jesus weeps. Therefore, when the devil cannot enter with sin into a soul’s sanctuary, he wants the soul to be at least unoccupied, with no Master, and well removed from Holy Communion.”
--Saint Therese of Lisieux
“Endeavor not to miss Communion. We can scarcely give our enemy, the devil, greater joy than when we withdraw from Jesus, who takes away the power the enemy has over us.”
--Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
“My distractions are numerous, and with Jesus I learn to recollect myself. The occasions of offending God are frequent, and I receive strength every day from Him to flee from them. I need light and prudence to manage very difficult affairs, and every day I can consult Jesus in the Holy Communion. He is my great Teacher.”
--Saint Thomas More
“Those who have little to do must receive Communion often, since it is not inconvenient for them; the same also goes for those who have much to do, since then they have more need of it.”
--Saint Francis Desales
I pray that this post may inspire all to, not only attend Mass more regularly, but to do it with greater passion, love, and humility.
Love and GOD FOREVER!
Anthony Paul
--Galatians 2:20
We were ALL crucified with Christ. Through His crucifixion and death it was made possible for ALL souls to enter the gates of Heaven, and spend eternity with the Father and all His Glory!
Before Christ, the gates of Heaven were closed—no matter how virtuous a life someone lived, he or she had to wait for the Son of Man to take flesh, preach love and forgiveness, be ridiculed and slain, and rise up on the third day, so they could enter the Presence of God.
How sad and meaningless is life without the reward of Heaven on the other side? With Christ’s death this reality died.
What I want to stress is the necessity of God’s sacrifice—Christ, and in turn, Christ’s sacrifice—His body and blood, which is ever-present in the Eucharist.
Saint Paul says, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” I would have to imagine Saint Paul was referring to the Eucharist in this statement. There is no replacement, no better way for Christ to live in us that through the Blessed Sacrament! There is NOTHING more surreal, beautiful, miraculous, and all-LOVING than the celebration of Holy Mass, which occurs so close to us, so many times a day, re-enacting the ultimate sacrifice—that of GOD, for us…for us sinners!
There are countless saints whose ONLY desire, ONLY passion, every minute of every day, was to celebrate Mass and receive Christ into their bodies through the Eucharist. And how happy God was with them! How merciful He must have been when their earthly lives came to an end!
There is NO greater way to praise, give thanks, obtain healing of body, mind and spirit, as well as humble thyself, than to receive Christ into us. But be very mindful of your sins. We should always be as pure of heart and soul as possible when receiving the Blessed Sacrament. And receiving the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin is actually damaging to the soul (see the saintly quotes at the end of post for further explanation of this)!
So be mindful of Mass. Pick up a copy of “JESUS; OUR EUCHARISTIC LOVE” by Father Stefano M. Manelli, FI, to learn of all the majesty and holiness of the Mass.
Make time for Mass. We make time for countless hours of smut and temptation-inspiring television, but we are too busy to attend Mass? Daily Mass is twenty minutes at the most. An episode of “Nip Tuck” is thirty minutes. An episode of “Desperate Housewives” is three times longer than daily Mass. Which do you think serves God, and makes him happy? I’ll put it on a line all its own for further emphasis:
We are too busy for Mass? For God? For the One who was wounded over 5,000 times so that we can be forgiven, and obtain eternal bliss?
Really? What if God was too busy to ever create us? What if He was too busy to create the world?
I am not perfect. I am far from perfect. Do I go to Daily Mass? No. And I should. I need to.
Go to confession, repent your sins, attend Mass as often as possible, and let Christ LIVE inside of you!
I will conclude this post with a series of quotes from various saints, regarding the Eucharist. I found these quotes in a little book, aforementioned, “JESUS; OUR EUCHARISTIC LOVE” by Fr. Stefano M. Manelli, FI. Thank you, Sean, it took me a few years to pick this book up, but is a life-changer, indeed!
“The Eucharist is a daily Bread that we take as remedy for the frailty we suffer from daily.” --Saint Augustine
“Every consecrated Host is made to burn Itself up with love in a human heart.”
--Cure´ of Ars
“We should not forget that Holy Thursday was the day for which Jesus had longed.”
--Luke 22:15
“It is not in order to occupy a golden ciborium that Jesus every day comes down from Heaven, namely, our soul, in which He takes delight, and when a soul well able to do so does not want to receive Jesus into its heart, Jesus weeps. Therefore, when the devil cannot enter with sin into a soul’s sanctuary, he wants the soul to be at least unoccupied, with no Master, and well removed from Holy Communion.”
--Saint Therese of Lisieux
“Endeavor not to miss Communion. We can scarcely give our enemy, the devil, greater joy than when we withdraw from Jesus, who takes away the power the enemy has over us.”
--Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
“My distractions are numerous, and with Jesus I learn to recollect myself. The occasions of offending God are frequent, and I receive strength every day from Him to flee from them. I need light and prudence to manage very difficult affairs, and every day I can consult Jesus in the Holy Communion. He is my great Teacher.”
--Saint Thomas More
“Those who have little to do must receive Communion often, since it is not inconvenient for them; the same also goes for those who have much to do, since then they have more need of it.”
--Saint Francis Desales
I pray that this post may inspire all to, not only attend Mass more regularly, but to do it with greater passion, love, and humility.
Love and GOD FOREVER!
Anthony Paul
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Wait...wait...wait...He Answers Us Always!
“Let us conduct ourselves in all circumstances as God’s ministers, in much patience; in tribulations, in hardships, in distresses; in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults; in labors, in sleepless nights, in fastings; in innocence, in knowledge, in long-sufferings, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in unaffected love; in the word of truth, in the power of God; with the armor of justice on the right hand and on the left; in honor and dishonor, in evil report and good report; as deceivers and yet truthful, as unknown and yet well known, as dying and behold, we live, as chastised but not killed, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet enriching many, as having nothing yet possessing all things.”
2 Corinthians 6: 4-10
In this passage Saint Paul is describing the perfect apostolic man. It is especially important to take notice of the overlying theme—patience. God does not work on our clock. As put by the pastor of Saint Mary’s in Gatlinburg this past Sunday, “God does not acknowledge time. Time does not even exist to Him.” And in very eloquent, as well as beautiful imagery, he went on to mention that ‘we are as close to the foot of the Cross on Sunday in Mass, as Mary and Saint John were on the day of Christ’s crucifixion!’
How could this possibly be?
God transcends time. He transcends everything. And He so loves us that, not only did He give His only Son—an extension of Himself, to atone for our sins nearly 2,000 years ago (in human time), He continues to give Christ as a sacrifice to us every single time a Mass is celebrated!
Why are the doors not flung open, with people pouring out onto the streets to receive the Most Holy Blessed Sacrament?
Because we are too impatient to take a very short amount of our daily time—time that is a privilege given to us by the Father, not a right obtained at our conception, to learn of God’s unending, unfathomable love and mercy.
Last night there was a football game. Of course there was a football game; there were many of them; it was Sunday. That’s the day we wake up, consume alcohol, eat fattening food, drape ourselves in various colors, and worship football. The last game of the night ended with a “questionable” coaching decision. On 4th and 2, at their own 29-yard-line, the team winning by 6 points decided to go for first down rather than punt. They didn’t get it, and ultimately lost.
Why is this so important, you may ask. It’s not.
But every time I look up at the televisions of my workplace they are talking about it, discussing it, beating the issue over the head with a thousand pound club, until we are all sick to our stomachs over the very thought of it.
How many times today did I look up and see a program about God or the Eucharist? Not once.
For thousands of years man has given God every reason to lose His patience with us, and he remains merciful and loving, no matter how many sins we commit against Him. We miss Sunday Mass, but we do not miss a single second of the football game. We consume our minds and lives, seeking the answer for riches and the ‘good life’ through “Secrets of the Mega Rich” articles in man-made business magazines, yet our bibles and prayer books gather dust on the shelves, while our churches remain half full. The very moment something “bad” happens in our lives, we give up hope, lose patience, and question His very existence. But He remains patient.
It is difficult to sit back and wait, especially in the “want it now” society we have built with various forms of technology. We want even our prayers to be heard immediately, and rewarded immediately.
I remember being a sophomore in high school, and saying a nightly devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, hoping to become the starting point guard on the basketball team. I was more devout to that chaplet, and that cause, than many since.
Day after day went by, and I practiced harder and harder, to no initial answer of my prayers. I persevered through the rest of my sophomore year, and was even stripped of my varsity jersey by the end of the season.
Over the following seven months I practiced every day, and I prayed every night. As the beginning of the season neared I was sure that my time had come. Then, one week before opening tip-off, I was demoted to second string, and days later, third string. Ultimately I spent the majority of my time playing junior varsity basketball for the third consecutive year. My hopes were crushed, but I did my best to endure the internal disappointment.
Finally, my senior year rolled around, and shortly into the fall we began practicing for the upcoming season. The idea of sitting out the season never crossed my mind. I had put too much time, sweat, and devotion into that team for three years to give up. Also, I had not reached my ultimate goal—starting point guard. So I practiced every day, and prayed every night, and just as it happened the previous two years, I was demoted from first string to second string days before the first game.
I was not discouraged; I was irate. I wanted to quit, but I loved my teammates, and I didn’t want to walk out on them. I figured I would still get to play quite a bit, even if I wasn’t a starter. I was wrong. I hardly played at all.
Four games into the season, I quit. I have never revealed that to anyone before now. I didn’t turn my jersey in, though, which I still believe to be a blessing. I skipped four consecutive practices. In my mind, my career was over. Then, on the afternoon of the next game I felt an irreplaceable feeling of emptiness. I could not imagine what I would do, or how I would feel if that game went on as scheduled, and I was not in uniform with my teammates. So I swallowed my pride, walked back in that gymnasium, and then into my coach’s office, and I pleaded for my spot on the team. He must have been in a good mood, or God somehow intervened, because he agreed to let me rejoin the team. I was sure that I would almost never play again, except in practice. But I was okay with it. I was satisfied knowing that I had not quit.
Several games later, one guy went down with the flu, and could not play. I walked into the locker room from pre-game warm ups, and my name was on the chalkboard, along with the other four starters. I had waited three and half years for that moment, practiced three and a half years for that moment, but most importantly, I prayed for three and a half years for that moment. And I started every remaining game in that season. My patience and perseverance was rewarded.
I still remember that story, every time I want to quit or succumb to a hardship. And that’s when I pick up my Rosary and pray. He’s patiently waiting, always!
I would like to conclude this post with a passage from Saint John Chrysostom:
“The weak and lazy quit immediately at the first difficulty; the earnest and the ardent, instead, persevere in Divine pursuits even in the face of a thousand obstacles; and as much as it lies within their power, they accomplish all things. It is particularly characteristic of the lover never to cease doing what pleases his beloved.”
Love and GOD FOREVER,
Anthony Paul
2 Corinthians 6: 4-10
In this passage Saint Paul is describing the perfect apostolic man. It is especially important to take notice of the overlying theme—patience. God does not work on our clock. As put by the pastor of Saint Mary’s in Gatlinburg this past Sunday, “God does not acknowledge time. Time does not even exist to Him.” And in very eloquent, as well as beautiful imagery, he went on to mention that ‘we are as close to the foot of the Cross on Sunday in Mass, as Mary and Saint John were on the day of Christ’s crucifixion!’
How could this possibly be?
God transcends time. He transcends everything. And He so loves us that, not only did He give His only Son—an extension of Himself, to atone for our sins nearly 2,000 years ago (in human time), He continues to give Christ as a sacrifice to us every single time a Mass is celebrated!
Why are the doors not flung open, with people pouring out onto the streets to receive the Most Holy Blessed Sacrament?
Because we are too impatient to take a very short amount of our daily time—time that is a privilege given to us by the Father, not a right obtained at our conception, to learn of God’s unending, unfathomable love and mercy.
Last night there was a football game. Of course there was a football game; there were many of them; it was Sunday. That’s the day we wake up, consume alcohol, eat fattening food, drape ourselves in various colors, and worship football. The last game of the night ended with a “questionable” coaching decision. On 4th and 2, at their own 29-yard-line, the team winning by 6 points decided to go for first down rather than punt. They didn’t get it, and ultimately lost.
Why is this so important, you may ask. It’s not.
But every time I look up at the televisions of my workplace they are talking about it, discussing it, beating the issue over the head with a thousand pound club, until we are all sick to our stomachs over the very thought of it.
How many times today did I look up and see a program about God or the Eucharist? Not once.
For thousands of years man has given God every reason to lose His patience with us, and he remains merciful and loving, no matter how many sins we commit against Him. We miss Sunday Mass, but we do not miss a single second of the football game. We consume our minds and lives, seeking the answer for riches and the ‘good life’ through “Secrets of the Mega Rich” articles in man-made business magazines, yet our bibles and prayer books gather dust on the shelves, while our churches remain half full. The very moment something “bad” happens in our lives, we give up hope, lose patience, and question His very existence. But He remains patient.
It is difficult to sit back and wait, especially in the “want it now” society we have built with various forms of technology. We want even our prayers to be heard immediately, and rewarded immediately.
I remember being a sophomore in high school, and saying a nightly devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, hoping to become the starting point guard on the basketball team. I was more devout to that chaplet, and that cause, than many since.
Day after day went by, and I practiced harder and harder, to no initial answer of my prayers. I persevered through the rest of my sophomore year, and was even stripped of my varsity jersey by the end of the season.
Over the following seven months I practiced every day, and I prayed every night. As the beginning of the season neared I was sure that my time had come. Then, one week before opening tip-off, I was demoted to second string, and days later, third string. Ultimately I spent the majority of my time playing junior varsity basketball for the third consecutive year. My hopes were crushed, but I did my best to endure the internal disappointment.
Finally, my senior year rolled around, and shortly into the fall we began practicing for the upcoming season. The idea of sitting out the season never crossed my mind. I had put too much time, sweat, and devotion into that team for three years to give up. Also, I had not reached my ultimate goal—starting point guard. So I practiced every day, and prayed every night, and just as it happened the previous two years, I was demoted from first string to second string days before the first game.
I was not discouraged; I was irate. I wanted to quit, but I loved my teammates, and I didn’t want to walk out on them. I figured I would still get to play quite a bit, even if I wasn’t a starter. I was wrong. I hardly played at all.
Four games into the season, I quit. I have never revealed that to anyone before now. I didn’t turn my jersey in, though, which I still believe to be a blessing. I skipped four consecutive practices. In my mind, my career was over. Then, on the afternoon of the next game I felt an irreplaceable feeling of emptiness. I could not imagine what I would do, or how I would feel if that game went on as scheduled, and I was not in uniform with my teammates. So I swallowed my pride, walked back in that gymnasium, and then into my coach’s office, and I pleaded for my spot on the team. He must have been in a good mood, or God somehow intervened, because he agreed to let me rejoin the team. I was sure that I would almost never play again, except in practice. But I was okay with it. I was satisfied knowing that I had not quit.
Several games later, one guy went down with the flu, and could not play. I walked into the locker room from pre-game warm ups, and my name was on the chalkboard, along with the other four starters. I had waited three and half years for that moment, practiced three and a half years for that moment, but most importantly, I prayed for three and a half years for that moment. And I started every remaining game in that season. My patience and perseverance was rewarded.
I still remember that story, every time I want to quit or succumb to a hardship. And that’s when I pick up my Rosary and pray. He’s patiently waiting, always!
I would like to conclude this post with a passage from Saint John Chrysostom:
“The weak and lazy quit immediately at the first difficulty; the earnest and the ardent, instead, persevere in Divine pursuits even in the face of a thousand obstacles; and as much as it lies within their power, they accomplish all things. It is particularly characteristic of the lover never to cease doing what pleases his beloved.”
Love and GOD FOREVER,
Anthony Paul
Monday, November 16, 2009
Prayer to Saint Francis of Assisi
Dear Saint Francis,
you reflected the image of Christ
through a life of poverty and humility.
You touched the poor with compassion
and joyfully served the sick and oppressed.
You gave away all your earthly treasures
to bring the heavenly glory of God to all people.
Though marked with the wounds of our Precious Lord's Passion,
you never exalted yourself above others.
Meek and gentle Saint Francis,
pray for me that I may be willing
to dedicate my life to Christ as you did.
Amen
Love and GOD FOREVER!
Anthony Paul
you reflected the image of Christ
through a life of poverty and humility.
You touched the poor with compassion
and joyfully served the sick and oppressed.
You gave away all your earthly treasures
to bring the heavenly glory of God to all people.
Though marked with the wounds of our Precious Lord's Passion,
you never exalted yourself above others.
Meek and gentle Saint Francis,
pray for me that I may be willing
to dedicate my life to Christ as you did.
Amen
Love and GOD FOREVER!
Anthony Paul
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Prayer to Saint Anthony
Dear Saint Anthony,
Be near today,
Help me seek and find
What's gone astray.
When darkness enters
Show me the light
To bring the lost
Into God's sight.
With the Infant Child
Embrace my soul;
Bless all my ways
And make me whole.
Amen.
Love and GOD FOREVER!
Anthony Paul
Be near today,
Help me seek and find
What's gone astray.
When darkness enters
Show me the light
To bring the lost
Into God's sight.
With the Infant Child
Embrace my soul;
Bless all my ways
And make me whole.
Amen.
Love and GOD FOREVER!
Anthony Paul
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
“I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
3 For I say, through grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophesy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
7 Or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 He who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
11 Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 Therefore “If your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
--Chapter 12 of Paul the Apostle’s Epistle to the Romans
This chapter is a simple “guidebook” per se, to living a Christian life.
Paul starts off by saying, “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” A living sacrifice, there is much to be said about this apparent contradiction, but, in short, God wants us to do everything for Him, and with Him in mind.
Being good, or, being a Christian, is not easy. The devil waits around every corner to trick us into what “feels” good. When we get home from work how often do we sit down and read the Bible, as opposed to watching television? And watching television is not a bad or sinful act, but it very quickly can become one. Although there is a great deal of “good” content, there is also a great deal of “sinful” content, which misleads our minds. Programs that contain violence, sex, idolatry may feel like harmless entertainment, because we are merely watching, but God is clear in stating that a sin is a sin in the mind just as much as it is a sin when physically acted.
Further on, Paul mentions the often overlooked principle that we, “have many members in one body, but all members do not have the same function, So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one body.” Everyone gathers to hold hands and sing God’s praise at church every Saturday or Sunday. We listen to the words of the priest or preacher, and they fill our hearts with peace and joy. The words make sense, and during that moment we become filled with the Holy Spirit. Why does it turn upside down so quickly after we’re on the other side of those church walls? Is not the entire world God’s church? We could not bring ourselves to curse at another in church, or wish them evil in church, but we so naturally do it when we don’t like the way someone in front of us is driving. We so easily use insults and criticize others for the way they dress, talk, sing, act, but we would find such things blasphemous inside of a church. We must not forget that every place in the world is God’s church, and so we should try our best to act is if we are in God’s company, because, I assure you, we always are.
And we have gifts, so many gifts, but we do not use them, or even acknowledge them, because it is easier to do and think the opposite.
Some other line of work always seems more rewarding or fulfilling to us than what we are doing. Would daily life not be easier to enjoy and endure if we took pleasure in all the things we do, however menial, knowing we did our best job, and God is proud of us for it? Would we not sleep better at night if we took joy in our ability to accomplish the tasks we considered so meaningless when we were doing them? More often than not, I hear my co-workers complaining—about tips, getting refills, the way a customer ordered, the “stupid” questions the customer asked and how they are “stupid” for asking them. And when the customers leave a good tip, so rarely are the damaging words taken back. But when the customers leave a bad tip, every mean and evil comment one person can make towards another comes thoughtlessly flying out of their mouths—to the point, even, of wishing evil things upon them. It’s sad. It hurts God. He understands that we rely on those tips for a living, but would he ever condone or understand wishing illness on another person for any reason? No.
Very recently I decided to be very conscious of those negative habits of mine. By calling someone a bad name, I was calling God a bad name. By wishing them ill-fated occurrences, I was wishing God ill-fated occurrences. By valuing the money they would leave for my service over valuing my opportunity to serve them, for God, I was valuing money over God. And since I started looking at every table, every group of people, or just one person, as an opportunity to serve for God, I have found much greater daily peace. Even if I was required to wash their feet, and I used it as an opportunity to serve God, I could find reward in it. So I urge everyone to look at the tasks of your day in that way. You will find peace, I promise.
The second half of this chapter is rather self-explanatory. My favorite verse is 16, “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”
If you try to live like this, for no other reason that to please and serve God, you will be fulfilled. Even in times of darkness and hardship you will not give up, rather, you will overcome, and God will help you, and God will be happy with you. If you do.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
3 For I say, through grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophesy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
7 Or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 He who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
11 Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 Therefore “If your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
--Chapter 12 of Paul the Apostle’s Epistle to the Romans
This chapter is a simple “guidebook” per se, to living a Christian life.
Paul starts off by saying, “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” A living sacrifice, there is much to be said about this apparent contradiction, but, in short, God wants us to do everything for Him, and with Him in mind.
Being good, or, being a Christian, is not easy. The devil waits around every corner to trick us into what “feels” good. When we get home from work how often do we sit down and read the Bible, as opposed to watching television? And watching television is not a bad or sinful act, but it very quickly can become one. Although there is a great deal of “good” content, there is also a great deal of “sinful” content, which misleads our minds. Programs that contain violence, sex, idolatry may feel like harmless entertainment, because we are merely watching, but God is clear in stating that a sin is a sin in the mind just as much as it is a sin when physically acted.
Further on, Paul mentions the often overlooked principle that we, “have many members in one body, but all members do not have the same function, So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one body.” Everyone gathers to hold hands and sing God’s praise at church every Saturday or Sunday. We listen to the words of the priest or preacher, and they fill our hearts with peace and joy. The words make sense, and during that moment we become filled with the Holy Spirit. Why does it turn upside down so quickly after we’re on the other side of those church walls? Is not the entire world God’s church? We could not bring ourselves to curse at another in church, or wish them evil in church, but we so naturally do it when we don’t like the way someone in front of us is driving. We so easily use insults and criticize others for the way they dress, talk, sing, act, but we would find such things blasphemous inside of a church. We must not forget that every place in the world is God’s church, and so we should try our best to act is if we are in God’s company, because, I assure you, we always are.
And we have gifts, so many gifts, but we do not use them, or even acknowledge them, because it is easier to do and think the opposite.
Some other line of work always seems more rewarding or fulfilling to us than what we are doing. Would daily life not be easier to enjoy and endure if we took pleasure in all the things we do, however menial, knowing we did our best job, and God is proud of us for it? Would we not sleep better at night if we took joy in our ability to accomplish the tasks we considered so meaningless when we were doing them? More often than not, I hear my co-workers complaining—about tips, getting refills, the way a customer ordered, the “stupid” questions the customer asked and how they are “stupid” for asking them. And when the customers leave a good tip, so rarely are the damaging words taken back. But when the customers leave a bad tip, every mean and evil comment one person can make towards another comes thoughtlessly flying out of their mouths—to the point, even, of wishing evil things upon them. It’s sad. It hurts God. He understands that we rely on those tips for a living, but would he ever condone or understand wishing illness on another person for any reason? No.
Very recently I decided to be very conscious of those negative habits of mine. By calling someone a bad name, I was calling God a bad name. By wishing them ill-fated occurrences, I was wishing God ill-fated occurrences. By valuing the money they would leave for my service over valuing my opportunity to serve them, for God, I was valuing money over God. And since I started looking at every table, every group of people, or just one person, as an opportunity to serve for God, I have found much greater daily peace. Even if I was required to wash their feet, and I used it as an opportunity to serve God, I could find reward in it. So I urge everyone to look at the tasks of your day in that way. You will find peace, I promise.
The second half of this chapter is rather self-explanatory. My favorite verse is 16, “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”
If you try to live like this, for no other reason that to please and serve God, you will be fulfilled. Even in times of darkness and hardship you will not give up, rather, you will overcome, and God will help you, and God will be happy with you. If you do.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Endurance
“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
6 The hard working farmer must be first to partake of the crops.
7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel,
9 For which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 This is a faithful saying: for if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him.
12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
I just happened to stumble upon this passage while at work a few days ago, browsing my pocket bible for a passage on “endurance”. My very recent past has been filled with many obstacles and hardships. Fortunately, I saw the “light” and fearlessly walked towards it. That does not make me perfect, in the wildest of imaginations, rather, as I said, FORTUNATE.
No one, in the history of the world, endured greater hardship than Christ. The very carrying of Him in the Virgin Mary’s womb was a hardship, because it was known that she and Joseph were not married—and out-of-wedlock intercourse was a much more scandalous occurrence in that time.
His birth and early infancy were hardships, as He was born amongst the filth and unsanitary conditions of a manger, in the dead of winter. Then, the Holy Family were forced to flee, from one place to another, in fear of the wrath of King Herod.
No one knows much of Jesus’ adolescence and young adulthood, but, being that Joseph was a carpenter, it can be assumed that Jesus himself was, first an apprentice, and then a carpenter. Daily life alone was difficult in that time and place of the world, let alone, being a carpenter.
Moving on to when Jesus commenced His ministry (around the age of 30), He was constantly confronted with outward and inward difficulty. First, His purpose was not to come out of the sky as an unavoidable “light” or super-human being, such as the Jewish people believed he would be. His purpose was to be human, experiencing every facet of human existence, other than sin. Imagine how difficult it would be for you or I to convince others that we are the Son of God, the Savior of the world, through only our words. Our failure at doing so would hardly affect us at all, because we know we are not the Son of God. For Jesus, though, He knew He was the Son of God. He knew it was His mission, His sole purpose in life, to convince the world of it, and mostly through His words. Even His miracles could be disbelieved or rejected by any who did not witness them. There was no television, internet, or any other technological device to record them. And maybe that is one of the main reasons He lived when He did. The purpose of faith is to “believe in something you cannot see.” Not when someone puts it on YouTube.
The last of Christ’s hardships is, quite obviously, His crucifixion and death. We all know how that went. Over five thousand wounds covered His body at the moment of His death. That is incomprehensible, to say the least!
When we face hardships in our lives, physical or emotional, it is easy to lose faith in God, because we assume God should always want nothing but happiness for us. But, we are indeed closer to Christ and, in turn, His and our Father, when we are entrenched in despair and lowly times. We could never experience truly what it felt like to be Christ—nowhere even close! But we can “endure” our hardships, and even find joy in some of them if we always keep in mind Christ’s hardships.
I said yesterday, to a very dear friend of mine, “Count the blessings, not the hardships. But know that we must endure pain to appreciate the good when we have it.” And I believe that, to the core of my being.
Skipping ahead to the end of this passage, I think it is crucial to look at the final three verses by themselves.
“This is a faithful saying: for if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him.”
Because God is everything, so we are God—not literally the almighty Creator of all, but literally a creation of God, who is everything. That is nearly impossible to grasp. But when Christ died, so we died, since both He and us are creations of God, and therefore, a part of God Himself. The most important thing to remember is that Christ died so that we can live—not on earth, but in the company of God the Father, in heaven. And so, Christ died so we can die, and enter the gates of heaven, to LIVE with Him.
“If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.”
Once again, to revert back to what I said earlier about enduring hardships, God puts us in situations of hardship, because He wants us to overcome them by having faith in Him, so that we can enter the gates of heaven, and REIGN with Him.
“If we deny Him, He also will deny us.”
The second to last verse is rather self-explanatory. If we deny Him, and sin against Him, He will deny us entrance to heaven.
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.”
The last verse provides the most impact. I cannot find it in me to interpret this in any other way than: God was! God is! God will FOREVER BE! Whether we believe or not, the treasure of our existence lies with Him, and it is ours for the taking, if we believe!
Love and GOD forever!
Anthony Paul
2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
6 The hard working farmer must be first to partake of the crops.
7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel,
9 For which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 This is a faithful saying: for if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him.
12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
I just happened to stumble upon this passage while at work a few days ago, browsing my pocket bible for a passage on “endurance”. My very recent past has been filled with many obstacles and hardships. Fortunately, I saw the “light” and fearlessly walked towards it. That does not make me perfect, in the wildest of imaginations, rather, as I said, FORTUNATE.
No one, in the history of the world, endured greater hardship than Christ. The very carrying of Him in the Virgin Mary’s womb was a hardship, because it was known that she and Joseph were not married—and out-of-wedlock intercourse was a much more scandalous occurrence in that time.
His birth and early infancy were hardships, as He was born amongst the filth and unsanitary conditions of a manger, in the dead of winter. Then, the Holy Family were forced to flee, from one place to another, in fear of the wrath of King Herod.
No one knows much of Jesus’ adolescence and young adulthood, but, being that Joseph was a carpenter, it can be assumed that Jesus himself was, first an apprentice, and then a carpenter. Daily life alone was difficult in that time and place of the world, let alone, being a carpenter.
Moving on to when Jesus commenced His ministry (around the age of 30), He was constantly confronted with outward and inward difficulty. First, His purpose was not to come out of the sky as an unavoidable “light” or super-human being, such as the Jewish people believed he would be. His purpose was to be human, experiencing every facet of human existence, other than sin. Imagine how difficult it would be for you or I to convince others that we are the Son of God, the Savior of the world, through only our words. Our failure at doing so would hardly affect us at all, because we know we are not the Son of God. For Jesus, though, He knew He was the Son of God. He knew it was His mission, His sole purpose in life, to convince the world of it, and mostly through His words. Even His miracles could be disbelieved or rejected by any who did not witness them. There was no television, internet, or any other technological device to record them. And maybe that is one of the main reasons He lived when He did. The purpose of faith is to “believe in something you cannot see.” Not when someone puts it on YouTube.
The last of Christ’s hardships is, quite obviously, His crucifixion and death. We all know how that went. Over five thousand wounds covered His body at the moment of His death. That is incomprehensible, to say the least!
When we face hardships in our lives, physical or emotional, it is easy to lose faith in God, because we assume God should always want nothing but happiness for us. But, we are indeed closer to Christ and, in turn, His and our Father, when we are entrenched in despair and lowly times. We could never experience truly what it felt like to be Christ—nowhere even close! But we can “endure” our hardships, and even find joy in some of them if we always keep in mind Christ’s hardships.
I said yesterday, to a very dear friend of mine, “Count the blessings, not the hardships. But know that we must endure pain to appreciate the good when we have it.” And I believe that, to the core of my being.
Skipping ahead to the end of this passage, I think it is crucial to look at the final three verses by themselves.
“This is a faithful saying: for if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him.”
Because God is everything, so we are God—not literally the almighty Creator of all, but literally a creation of God, who is everything. That is nearly impossible to grasp. But when Christ died, so we died, since both He and us are creations of God, and therefore, a part of God Himself. The most important thing to remember is that Christ died so that we can live—not on earth, but in the company of God the Father, in heaven. And so, Christ died so we can die, and enter the gates of heaven, to LIVE with Him.
“If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.”
Once again, to revert back to what I said earlier about enduring hardships, God puts us in situations of hardship, because He wants us to overcome them by having faith in Him, so that we can enter the gates of heaven, and REIGN with Him.
“If we deny Him, He also will deny us.”
The second to last verse is rather self-explanatory. If we deny Him, and sin against Him, He will deny us entrance to heaven.
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.”
The last verse provides the most impact. I cannot find it in me to interpret this in any other way than: God was! God is! God will FOREVER BE! Whether we believe or not, the treasure of our existence lies with Him, and it is ours for the taking, if we believe!
Love and GOD forever!
Anthony Paul
Thursday, November 5, 2009
All We Need Is Love
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging symbol.
2 And though I have the gift of prophesy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
5 Does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
6 Does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide in faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these IS LOVE."
1 Corinthians Chapter 13
"Love--it is the only rational act."
--Stephen Levine
“Love is the only way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his personality.”
--Victor Frankl
There is the old saying, "If you love something let it go. If it comes back to you, you know it loves you, too."
Love and let love. Let go and let GOD.
The hardest thing for us humans to do is love, even though it should be the most natural thing for us to do. Love is God, therefore it is impossible for us to love in its purest form, because we are not God. To forgive is human, to forget is Divine. No matter what we do to God, He will not only forgive us, but He will forget our transgressions, as long as our hearts and souls genuinely long for it. However, I am not sure if He forgets before or after we enter the gates of heaven.
We may please another by providing he or she with the necessary means of life--shelter, food, protection. We may also please another with gifts, both big and small. But where our LOVE is for them resides within the work we do to obtaining the needs and gifts. We love each other by peeling, slicing, and boiling the potatoes. We love each other by washing, seasoning, and cooking the meat. We love each other by getting in our car, driving to the store, and purchasing the items that will nurse our counterpart back to good health. We love each other by folding the laundry so that our counterpart does not have to. We love each other by washing the dishes so that our counterpart does not have to. We love each other by taking a trip we do not want to take, because we want to keep our love one safe, secure, and entertained. We love each other by handing over the remote control, and watching the program the person opposite of us wants to watch.
All of these acts are acts of service for another. Because we know God loves us by serving us, we know that we love God when we serve Him, and likewise, we can know we love each other by serving each other. But be very mindful of how you are serving that person, because love can only exist if God is present--and God is not present in wicked ways. If someone desires drugs, it is not an act of love to go get them drugs. If someone wants to watch a movie or television program that strays the mind, it is not an act of love to give them access to that material. If your boyfriend or girlfriend--not spouse--wants to feel the pleasure of intercourse, it is not an act of love to perform intercourse with them. There are innumerable ways to love someone, and there are innumerable ways to think you are loving someone. But the only way to truly LOVE someone is to bring them closer to God, with the help of GOD.
That is why a family that prays together stays together. Praying is LOVE. Asking God to protect someone, nourish someone, heal someone--that is LOVE. When we begin praying more for others than we do for ourselves, that is when LOVE will reign supreme, and all the earth will be happy and rejoice.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE...it is the ONLY rational act.
Love and GOD Forever,
Anthony Paul
2 And though I have the gift of prophesy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
5 Does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
6 Does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide in faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these IS LOVE."
1 Corinthians Chapter 13
"Love--it is the only rational act."
--Stephen Levine
“Love is the only way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his personality.”
--Victor Frankl
There is the old saying, "If you love something let it go. If it comes back to you, you know it loves you, too."
Love and let love. Let go and let GOD.
The hardest thing for us humans to do is love, even though it should be the most natural thing for us to do. Love is God, therefore it is impossible for us to love in its purest form, because we are not God. To forgive is human, to forget is Divine. No matter what we do to God, He will not only forgive us, but He will forget our transgressions, as long as our hearts and souls genuinely long for it. However, I am not sure if He forgets before or after we enter the gates of heaven.
We may please another by providing he or she with the necessary means of life--shelter, food, protection. We may also please another with gifts, both big and small. But where our LOVE is for them resides within the work we do to obtaining the needs and gifts. We love each other by peeling, slicing, and boiling the potatoes. We love each other by washing, seasoning, and cooking the meat. We love each other by getting in our car, driving to the store, and purchasing the items that will nurse our counterpart back to good health. We love each other by folding the laundry so that our counterpart does not have to. We love each other by washing the dishes so that our counterpart does not have to. We love each other by taking a trip we do not want to take, because we want to keep our love one safe, secure, and entertained. We love each other by handing over the remote control, and watching the program the person opposite of us wants to watch.
All of these acts are acts of service for another. Because we know God loves us by serving us, we know that we love God when we serve Him, and likewise, we can know we love each other by serving each other. But be very mindful of how you are serving that person, because love can only exist if God is present--and God is not present in wicked ways. If someone desires drugs, it is not an act of love to go get them drugs. If someone wants to watch a movie or television program that strays the mind, it is not an act of love to give them access to that material. If your boyfriend or girlfriend--not spouse--wants to feel the pleasure of intercourse, it is not an act of love to perform intercourse with them. There are innumerable ways to love someone, and there are innumerable ways to think you are loving someone. But the only way to truly LOVE someone is to bring them closer to God, with the help of GOD.
That is why a family that prays together stays together. Praying is LOVE. Asking God to protect someone, nourish someone, heal someone--that is LOVE. When we begin praying more for others than we do for ourselves, that is when LOVE will reign supreme, and all the earth will be happy and rejoice.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE...it is the ONLY rational act.
Love and GOD Forever,
Anthony Paul
Saturday, October 31, 2009
A PRAYER FOR HEALING
Lord,
You invite all who are burdened to come to You.
Allow Your healing hand to heal me.
Touch my soul with Your compassion for others.
Touch my heart with Your courage and infinite love for all.
Touch my mind with Your wisdom, that my mouth may always proclaim Your praise.
Teach me to reach out to You in my need, and help me to lead others to You by my example.
Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve You with all my strength.
Touch gently this life which You have created, now and forever.
Amen.
Love and GOD forever,
Anthony Paul
You invite all who are burdened to come to You.
Allow Your healing hand to heal me.
Touch my soul with Your compassion for others.
Touch my heart with Your courage and infinite love for all.
Touch my mind with Your wisdom, that my mouth may always proclaim Your praise.
Teach me to reach out to You in my need, and help me to lead others to You by my example.
Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve You with all my strength.
Touch gently this life which You have created, now and forever.
Amen.
Love and GOD forever,
Anthony Paul
Friday, October 30, 2009
This Little Light of Mine
"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set, his disciples came unto him, and he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see GOD. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of GOD. Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt have lost his savior, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
--Matthew 5: 1-16
Be your true self. That is what Jesus is saying in this speech to the multitudes. But know, that by being your TRUE self, you are an extension of God and all of His wonderful creations. God is pure, and so we were created pure, but by the Fall, and ensuing presence of Original Sin, we are destined to become impure, time after time, until our sins are washed away in purgatory, and we are admitted to God's kingdom in heaven.
However, just because we are inevitably destined to sin against God, does not mean that we should EVER take ANY pleasure in doing so. It is next to impossible for any of us to be perfect, and I say "next to impossible" because with God ALL things are possible--hence, the Immaculate Conception of Mary--just don't count on it in your case.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." The definition of "meek" is: 1. characterized by patience and long-suffering; 2. deficient in spirit and courage.
This sounds like a gift and a punishment, if you ask me. The gift is for the members of the first definition--patient and long-suffering, who are worthy of obtaining God's most awesome creation. The punishment is for the members of the second definition--deficient in spirit and courage, who are unworthy (at present, not forever) of obtaining the ultimate goal, heaven. He blesses both. One in applause, the other in hope for change. Try putting your head around that...it's hard, I know.
All of the things Jesus talks about are virtues. And the definition of "virtue" is thus: 1. conformity to a standard of right; 2. a particular moral excellence; 3. manly strength or courage.
Therefore, a virtue is hand-in-hand with God, because He is ALWAYS right, and He can do NO wrong. On the contrary, we are prone to do wrong, because of the Fall, and when we do "right" we finally find ourselves in the company of GOD.
The most virtuous thing we can do is be loyal to GOD. And by being loyal to GOD we imitate Him as closely as humanly possible. Therefore, when evil and wicked spirits take over the hearts of men and women, we must stand strong and profess the Goodness of GOD, no matter the earthly consequences. We must be a "light", a "house on a hill" for all of those we encounter throughout life. And if we do so, we will be greatly rewarded by He, in His house--the only place we should ever truly wish to go.
Time after time we find ourselves asking God, "What do you want? Just tell me." The funny thing is, He does, and has, since the creation of man. We just don't listen. He wants us to imitate Him as well as we can...to be a light that sheds love on everything that passes us. Our lives, our existence, means NOTHING unless we do.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
--Matthew 5: 1-16
Be your true self. That is what Jesus is saying in this speech to the multitudes. But know, that by being your TRUE self, you are an extension of God and all of His wonderful creations. God is pure, and so we were created pure, but by the Fall, and ensuing presence of Original Sin, we are destined to become impure, time after time, until our sins are washed away in purgatory, and we are admitted to God's kingdom in heaven.
However, just because we are inevitably destined to sin against God, does not mean that we should EVER take ANY pleasure in doing so. It is next to impossible for any of us to be perfect, and I say "next to impossible" because with God ALL things are possible--hence, the Immaculate Conception of Mary--just don't count on it in your case.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." The definition of "meek" is: 1. characterized by patience and long-suffering; 2. deficient in spirit and courage.
This sounds like a gift and a punishment, if you ask me. The gift is for the members of the first definition--patient and long-suffering, who are worthy of obtaining God's most awesome creation. The punishment is for the members of the second definition--deficient in spirit and courage, who are unworthy (at present, not forever) of obtaining the ultimate goal, heaven. He blesses both. One in applause, the other in hope for change. Try putting your head around that...it's hard, I know.
All of the things Jesus talks about are virtues. And the definition of "virtue" is thus: 1. conformity to a standard of right; 2. a particular moral excellence; 3. manly strength or courage.
Therefore, a virtue is hand-in-hand with God, because He is ALWAYS right, and He can do NO wrong. On the contrary, we are prone to do wrong, because of the Fall, and when we do "right" we finally find ourselves in the company of GOD.
The most virtuous thing we can do is be loyal to GOD. And by being loyal to GOD we imitate Him as closely as humanly possible. Therefore, when evil and wicked spirits take over the hearts of men and women, we must stand strong and profess the Goodness of GOD, no matter the earthly consequences. We must be a "light", a "house on a hill" for all of those we encounter throughout life. And if we do so, we will be greatly rewarded by He, in His house--the only place we should ever truly wish to go.
Time after time we find ourselves asking God, "What do you want? Just tell me." The funny thing is, He does, and has, since the creation of man. We just don't listen. He wants us to imitate Him as well as we can...to be a light that sheds love on everything that passes us. Our lives, our existence, means NOTHING unless we do.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
Thursday, October 29, 2009
He is Our Only Protection
"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust. Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day; Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways."
--PSALM 91: 1-11
First and foremost, I would just like to say that I really like everything this guy Psalm has to say. He and his brother Proverb were truly enlightened individuals...light years ahead of their time. With that said, I would like to dive into the meaning of this passage.
It is so easy to be overwhelmed by life, as a whole, because life is a giant collaboration of obstacles and pitfalls. Too often we look at the big picture, and feel helpless, because it is too much for us to handle at one time. And it is. Even with all of the technological advances in the very recent past, man is STILL man, and a man or woman is only capable of accomplishing one goal at a time.
Whether you are a fan of sports or not, you can appreciate the old saying, "We're taking it one game at a time...one play at a time." It is such an over-used and overheard soundbite in postgame news conferences, but it is the only successful way to go about winning ballgames, and, in turn, championships. Life is very much the same. For one to accomplish the equivalent of a "life championship" he or she must first focus on the goals of day-to-day life. Do not overlook the importance of any given task, no matter how minute it may appear to you.
Have no fear, too, because the LORD will never abandon you. The Holy Spirit is Ever-Present, insatiably waiting for our call of distress. Our guardian angels, as well, wait, just to be acknowledged by us, and even when they are not, they perform their role of protection with fervor and passion. I have been in many dangerous situations, and I have survived all of them, because of my guardian angel, who is an extension (an outstretched wing) of the LORD.
God wants us to succeed, as long as the main purpose and end result is to serve and please HIM and His agenda. And He will protect us, through anything, as long as that is our main goal. He will never leave us unprotected, period. He built this beautiful world, with all of its splendor and wonder, so that we may dwell in it and give thanks to Him!
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
--PSALM 91: 1-11
First and foremost, I would just like to say that I really like everything this guy Psalm has to say. He and his brother Proverb were truly enlightened individuals...light years ahead of their time. With that said, I would like to dive into the meaning of this passage.
It is so easy to be overwhelmed by life, as a whole, because life is a giant collaboration of obstacles and pitfalls. Too often we look at the big picture, and feel helpless, because it is too much for us to handle at one time. And it is. Even with all of the technological advances in the very recent past, man is STILL man, and a man or woman is only capable of accomplishing one goal at a time.
Whether you are a fan of sports or not, you can appreciate the old saying, "We're taking it one game at a time...one play at a time." It is such an over-used and overheard soundbite in postgame news conferences, but it is the only successful way to go about winning ballgames, and, in turn, championships. Life is very much the same. For one to accomplish the equivalent of a "life championship" he or she must first focus on the goals of day-to-day life. Do not overlook the importance of any given task, no matter how minute it may appear to you.
Have no fear, too, because the LORD will never abandon you. The Holy Spirit is Ever-Present, insatiably waiting for our call of distress. Our guardian angels, as well, wait, just to be acknowledged by us, and even when they are not, they perform their role of protection with fervor and passion. I have been in many dangerous situations, and I have survived all of them, because of my guardian angel, who is an extension (an outstretched wing) of the LORD.
God wants us to succeed, as long as the main purpose and end result is to serve and please HIM and His agenda. And He will protect us, through anything, as long as that is our main goal. He will never leave us unprotected, period. He built this beautiful world, with all of its splendor and wonder, so that we may dwell in it and give thanks to Him!
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Be Careful What You Wish, I Mean, Pray For
"So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, "Be removed and be cast into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. "And whenever you stand praying if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. "But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."
--Mark 11: 22-26
I really struggled with this passage today, because, after reading it, I said a few prayers, and then I walked over to the corner store to purchases a lottery ticket. I scratched away all of the numbers, and I didn't win crap. So I said a few more prayers, scratched away again, and nothing! I was close to giving up all-together.
Obviously, I'm joking. But the funny thing is how often we pray for such concrete but meaningless material items--sometimes without even knowing. I am actually guilty of saying short prayers before playing $2 scratch off lottery tickets in the past. I know it sounds lame, because it is...110% LAME. I'm not even sure if they can be called "prayers" when the outcome is winning a couple hundred dollars you don't deserve in the slightest.
Similarly, I remember when I was a kid, playing baseball, and I had a ritual of performing the Sign of the Cross while in the batter's box or on the pitcher's mound. I did it for two reasons: 1. That I would be successful at getting a base hit; 2. I would be successful striking out the opposing batter. When I look back now, I am sure that God did not care whether I was successful as a pitcher or a hitter. But he must have been interested in my well-being, because I was never hurt while in the batter's box or on the pitcher's mound.
A common misconception is that it is "only human" to be selfish. It is actually entirely inhuman to do so, because we are created in the likeness of God, and He is anything but selfish. That is most evident by Him sending down His only Son to atone for our sins! The Will of God WILL ALWAYS prevail! Therefore, when we pray it must be for something that is truly in His name and for His cause. When that is the case, we CAN throw mountains into the sea.
God wants us to be happy. He is happiest when we are happy. But it is impossible to be truly happy unless we are at peace with Him. He is Love, and his only commandment is for us to love one another. And we cannot truly love each other unless we forgive each other for the inhuman things we do to one another. Since we are all connected, when we sin, we not only sin against God, but everything that is God. Therefore, we must not only ask God for forgiveness, but our brothers and sisters, as well, to be truly absolved from the sin. It is then that we can live happily together, many branches, connected by One Vine.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
--Mark 11: 22-26
I really struggled with this passage today, because, after reading it, I said a few prayers, and then I walked over to the corner store to purchases a lottery ticket. I scratched away all of the numbers, and I didn't win crap. So I said a few more prayers, scratched away again, and nothing! I was close to giving up all-together.
Obviously, I'm joking. But the funny thing is how often we pray for such concrete but meaningless material items--sometimes without even knowing. I am actually guilty of saying short prayers before playing $2 scratch off lottery tickets in the past. I know it sounds lame, because it is...110% LAME. I'm not even sure if they can be called "prayers" when the outcome is winning a couple hundred dollars you don't deserve in the slightest.
Similarly, I remember when I was a kid, playing baseball, and I had a ritual of performing the Sign of the Cross while in the batter's box or on the pitcher's mound. I did it for two reasons: 1. That I would be successful at getting a base hit; 2. I would be successful striking out the opposing batter. When I look back now, I am sure that God did not care whether I was successful as a pitcher or a hitter. But he must have been interested in my well-being, because I was never hurt while in the batter's box or on the pitcher's mound.
A common misconception is that it is "only human" to be selfish. It is actually entirely inhuman to do so, because we are created in the likeness of God, and He is anything but selfish. That is most evident by Him sending down His only Son to atone for our sins! The Will of God WILL ALWAYS prevail! Therefore, when we pray it must be for something that is truly in His name and for His cause. When that is the case, we CAN throw mountains into the sea.
God wants us to be happy. He is happiest when we are happy. But it is impossible to be truly happy unless we are at peace with Him. He is Love, and his only commandment is for us to love one another. And we cannot truly love each other unless we forgive each other for the inhuman things we do to one another. Since we are all connected, when we sin, we not only sin against God, but everything that is God. Therefore, we must not only ask God for forgiveness, but our brothers and sisters, as well, to be truly absolved from the sin. It is then that we can live happily together, many branches, connected by One Vine.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
Apples and Oranges are Actually the Same
"I am the vine, you ARE the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in Him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."
--John 15: 5-7
What I find to be so important in this passage, is the notion that we are all connected. We wake up, shower, brush our teeth, dress, make ourselves breakfast, start the car, drive to work, and go on with our daily tasks feeling mostly independent, though we are so unknowingly dependent each step of the way.
First, we can only wake up at the proper time if by chance, or if our alarm clock works effectively. The alarm clock that wakes us was indeed designed and made by the hands of another human being, who we will most certainly never meet, or sadly, even acknowledge.
Then, we can only shower because of the resources of water (the men and women at the city or county water department), soap (the men and women at the soap factory), shampoo and conditioner (the men and women at the shampoo company), and the washcloth (the men and women at the fabric company).
When we brush our teeth, how often do we think of the men and women who created the toothpaste and toothbrush we use?
When we get dressed, do we ever consciously give thanks to the men and women who labored to sew and hem the garments we wear?
Even if we bow our heads to give thanks to God for the food at our breakfast table, do we take into mind those wonderful beings who grew the food, packaged the food, transported the food?
As we utilize our mode of transportation, do we focus more on what the car is not (a fancier, more sleek and powerful vehicle) or do we appreciate what it is, and the men and women who devote most of their lives to design and construct the vehicle that is doing what we ask of it?
When we drive to work, or elsewhere, do we become unnecessarily angry by the stoplights which impede our path, or are we mindful enough to appreciate that someone invented a device that keeps us from crashing into other vehicles?
The list could go on forever, and that is the point. We become so wrapped up in ourselves, as the only piece of fruit, that we forget to acknowledge that we are a part of God's vine. Without the vine, there is no fruit. Without God, there is no "us". One small bunch of grapes does not yield a full bottle of wine. Rather, many bunches, growing and sharing the vine together makes the bottle of wine. And that can be said about anything, literally.
No single grape will ever grow or even exist without the vine first. No single apple will ever grow or even exist without the tree first. Neither can we, nor do we.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
--John 15: 5-7
What I find to be so important in this passage, is the notion that we are all connected. We wake up, shower, brush our teeth, dress, make ourselves breakfast, start the car, drive to work, and go on with our daily tasks feeling mostly independent, though we are so unknowingly dependent each step of the way.
First, we can only wake up at the proper time if by chance, or if our alarm clock works effectively. The alarm clock that wakes us was indeed designed and made by the hands of another human being, who we will most certainly never meet, or sadly, even acknowledge.
Then, we can only shower because of the resources of water (the men and women at the city or county water department), soap (the men and women at the soap factory), shampoo and conditioner (the men and women at the shampoo company), and the washcloth (the men and women at the fabric company).
When we brush our teeth, how often do we think of the men and women who created the toothpaste and toothbrush we use?
When we get dressed, do we ever consciously give thanks to the men and women who labored to sew and hem the garments we wear?
Even if we bow our heads to give thanks to God for the food at our breakfast table, do we take into mind those wonderful beings who grew the food, packaged the food, transported the food?
As we utilize our mode of transportation, do we focus more on what the car is not (a fancier, more sleek and powerful vehicle) or do we appreciate what it is, and the men and women who devote most of their lives to design and construct the vehicle that is doing what we ask of it?
When we drive to work, or elsewhere, do we become unnecessarily angry by the stoplights which impede our path, or are we mindful enough to appreciate that someone invented a device that keeps us from crashing into other vehicles?
The list could go on forever, and that is the point. We become so wrapped up in ourselves, as the only piece of fruit, that we forget to acknowledge that we are a part of God's vine. Without the vine, there is no fruit. Without God, there is no "us". One small bunch of grapes does not yield a full bottle of wine. Rather, many bunches, growing and sharing the vine together makes the bottle of wine. And that can be said about anything, literally.
No single grape will ever grow or even exist without the vine first. No single apple will ever grow or even exist without the tree first. Neither can we, nor do we.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
Monday, October 26, 2009
Believe in Forgiveness, Seek Forgiveness
"And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unriteousness."
--1 John 1: 4-9
Brothers and Sisters:
We are so easily comforted by the distortions of our own mind. We simply forget our wrongdoings while taking so much pleasure in our so-called accomplishments. All along we forget Him. He is in everything! He is in the wrong we do, because, by ignoring His commandments, we do wrong. He is in the good we do, because He is in everything good. Either way, we shall acknowledge Him in everything we do--good or bad. By doing something good, we shall give praise and glory to His name, not ours. By doing something bad, we shall ask His forgiveness, and accept our humble existence.
We shall not fool ourselves or anyone around us into thinking the dark path yields any good fruit. When a path arouses your senses stand guard, and ask yourself if you are aroused by the Goodness of God or by the inquiry of evil.
But most of all, accept your subservience to Him, and be not afraid to ask forgiveness.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
--1 John 1: 4-9
Brothers and Sisters:
We are so easily comforted by the distortions of our own mind. We simply forget our wrongdoings while taking so much pleasure in our so-called accomplishments. All along we forget Him. He is in everything! He is in the wrong we do, because, by ignoring His commandments, we do wrong. He is in the good we do, because He is in everything good. Either way, we shall acknowledge Him in everything we do--good or bad. By doing something good, we shall give praise and glory to His name, not ours. By doing something bad, we shall ask His forgiveness, and accept our humble existence.
We shall not fool ourselves or anyone around us into thinking the dark path yields any good fruit. When a path arouses your senses stand guard, and ask yourself if you are aroused by the Goodness of God or by the inquiry of evil.
But most of all, accept your subservience to Him, and be not afraid to ask forgiveness.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
Saturday, October 24, 2009
God Gave Us Eyes to SEE
"As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizeable crowd, Bartinaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside, begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, son of David, have pity on me." And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you." He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied, "Master, I want to see." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way."
Mark 10: 46-52
Today's Gospel was very special to me. Of course, much of that had to do with my confession before Mass. We pray to God, but we do not always open our eyes to what he is showing us. We ask for things we want, rather than what He wants. And then, we get discouraged when we don't get what we want, and, in turn, lose faith.
I am somewhat reminded of the joke from the movie "Pursuit of Happyness" when the little boy talks about a man who makes a deal with God. He asks God to save him if ever he is in danger--God agrees. So, as fate has it, the man finds himself at sea, trying not to drown. One boat comes by and offers to save him, and the man says, "No, the good Lord has agreed to save me." So the boat leaves, and another boat shows up. Again, they offer to save him, but again he says, "No, the good Lord has agreed to save me." So the boat leaves, and the man drowns. When he gets to Heaven he asks God, "Where were you when I was drowning in the ocean? Didn't we have a deal?" In response, God simply says, "I sent two boats to save you...dummy! Why didn't you get in one?"
God works in so many mysterious ways. Ways that we cannot conceive with our inadequate human minds. But if we BELIEVE in HIM, and that He is always at our side, we will be able to SEE HIM wherever we may go.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
Mark 10: 46-52
Today's Gospel was very special to me. Of course, much of that had to do with my confession before Mass. We pray to God, but we do not always open our eyes to what he is showing us. We ask for things we want, rather than what He wants. And then, we get discouraged when we don't get what we want, and, in turn, lose faith.
I am somewhat reminded of the joke from the movie "Pursuit of Happyness" when the little boy talks about a man who makes a deal with God. He asks God to save him if ever he is in danger--God agrees. So, as fate has it, the man finds himself at sea, trying not to drown. One boat comes by and offers to save him, and the man says, "No, the good Lord has agreed to save me." So the boat leaves, and another boat shows up. Again, they offer to save him, but again he says, "No, the good Lord has agreed to save me." So the boat leaves, and the man drowns. When he gets to Heaven he asks God, "Where were you when I was drowning in the ocean? Didn't we have a deal?" In response, God simply says, "I sent two boats to save you...dummy! Why didn't you get in one?"
God works in so many mysterious ways. Ways that we cannot conceive with our inadequate human minds. But if we BELIEVE in HIM, and that He is always at our side, we will be able to SEE HIM wherever we may go.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
A Call To Action
I have found my Faith again, and I wish to share it with anyone and everyone who wishes to join.
"BLESSED is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. The Lord bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel."
--PSALM 128
I am a fortunate soul. I have been blessed with so many gifts and treasures, and for too long I have taken them for granted. I am a firm believer in God's plan, I just tried doing things my own way for too long now. I feel at peace to be back on the straight path, letting God guide me. I know I will not be perfect in the present or the future, but I will try. And when I fail, I will look to God again for the guidance I need. His Love is everlasting and ever-enduring, through any tragedy, downfall, trial or tribulation. I am just so blessed to be back in His good company.
Tomorrow I will be attending the Blessed Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time in four years. It is more than daunting and scary, it will be life-changing! I strongly urge all followers of the Cross to do GOD a favor and REPENT! I will not be without sin for long after, but I will try.
I look forward to bringing the Word of God into as many lives and souls as God allows me, for the rest of my days.
Love, Forgiveness, GOD FOREVER! Amen,
Anthony Paul Vasko
"BLESSED is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. The Lord bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel."
--PSALM 128
I am a fortunate soul. I have been blessed with so many gifts and treasures, and for too long I have taken them for granted. I am a firm believer in God's plan, I just tried doing things my own way for too long now. I feel at peace to be back on the straight path, letting God guide me. I know I will not be perfect in the present or the future, but I will try. And when I fail, I will look to God again for the guidance I need. His Love is everlasting and ever-enduring, through any tragedy, downfall, trial or tribulation. I am just so blessed to be back in His good company.
Tomorrow I will be attending the Blessed Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time in four years. It is more than daunting and scary, it will be life-changing! I strongly urge all followers of the Cross to do GOD a favor and REPENT! I will not be without sin for long after, but I will try.
I look forward to bringing the Word of God into as many lives and souls as God allows me, for the rest of my days.
Love, Forgiveness, GOD FOREVER! Amen,
Anthony Paul Vasko
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Prayers that Help the Artist
I thought I would share with you my nightly prayers. They have helped me get through the past several years, and many obstacles that I have ultimately overcome, or did not overcome but was reassured (through my prayers) that sometimes we must fail--whatever the reason. Ask HIM, not me. I have very few answers :)
PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH
Oh Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
Oh Saint Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from the Divine LORD all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ our Lord so that having engaged here below your heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers.
Oh Saint Joseph I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press HIM in my name, kiss His fine head for me, and ask HIM to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.
Oh Saint Joseph, patron of departing, please pray for me to the Lord our GOD.
PRAYER TO THE HOLY TRINITY
ALL GLORY BE TO THE FATHER, WHO BY HIS ALMIGHTY POWER AND LOVE CREATED ME, MAKING ME IN THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS OF GOD.
ALL GLORY BE TO THE SON, WHO BY HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD DELIVERED ME FROM HELL, AND OPENED FOR ME THE GATES OF HEAVEN.
ALL GLORY BE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO HAS SANCTIFIED ME BY SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM, AND CONTINUES TO SANCTIFY BY THE GRACES I RECEIVE DAILY FROM HIS BOUNTY.
ALL GLORY BE TO THE THREE ADORABLE PERSONS OF THE HOLY TRINITY, NOW AND FOREVER…AMEN!
PRAYER TO JESUS
“I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and THE LIFE! No one comes to the father but through me.” Live in us, Oh Jesus with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit so that we may love YOU with our whole my mind strength and heart; Love our neighbors for LOVE of YOU. Increase charity in us, so that one day, called from the sepulcher to the glorious life, we may be united with YOU in the ETERNAL HAPPINESS OF HEAVEN.
JESUS, MASTER, WAY TRUTH AND LIFE, have mercy on us.
PRAYER FOR SANCTITY
Wisdom
Knowledge
Counsel
Fortitude
Understanding
Piety
Fear of the LORD
I am going to reveal to you the secret of sanctity and happiness. Every day for five minutes, control your imagination, close your eyes to the things of sense and your ears to all the noises in the world in order to enter into HIM. Then, in sanctity of your baptized soul, speak to that DIVINE SPIRIT, saying to HIM,
“Oh HOLY SPIRIT, beloved of my soul, I adore YOU. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me, tell me what I should do. Give me your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that you desire of me and accept all that you permit to happen to me. Let me only know YOUR WILL.
If you do this your life will flow along happily, serenely, and full of consolation. Even in the midst of trials GRACE will be proportioned to you, and you will arrive at the GATE OF HEAVEN laden with merit. This is the secret of Sanctity.
Our Father, Who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace.
Our Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
ALL GLORY BE TO THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. NOW AND FOREVER, AMEN.
PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH
Oh Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
Oh Saint Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from the Divine LORD all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ our Lord so that having engaged here below your heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers.
Oh Saint Joseph I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press HIM in my name, kiss His fine head for me, and ask HIM to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.
Oh Saint Joseph, patron of departing, please pray for me to the Lord our GOD.
PRAYER TO THE HOLY TRINITY
ALL GLORY BE TO THE FATHER, WHO BY HIS ALMIGHTY POWER AND LOVE CREATED ME, MAKING ME IN THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS OF GOD.
ALL GLORY BE TO THE SON, WHO BY HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD DELIVERED ME FROM HELL, AND OPENED FOR ME THE GATES OF HEAVEN.
ALL GLORY BE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO HAS SANCTIFIED ME BY SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM, AND CONTINUES TO SANCTIFY BY THE GRACES I RECEIVE DAILY FROM HIS BOUNTY.
ALL GLORY BE TO THE THREE ADORABLE PERSONS OF THE HOLY TRINITY, NOW AND FOREVER…AMEN!
PRAYER TO JESUS
“I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and THE LIFE! No one comes to the father but through me.” Live in us, Oh Jesus with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit so that we may love YOU with our whole my mind strength and heart; Love our neighbors for LOVE of YOU. Increase charity in us, so that one day, called from the sepulcher to the glorious life, we may be united with YOU in the ETERNAL HAPPINESS OF HEAVEN.
JESUS, MASTER, WAY TRUTH AND LIFE, have mercy on us.
PRAYER FOR SANCTITY
Wisdom
Knowledge
Counsel
Fortitude
Understanding
Piety
Fear of the LORD
I am going to reveal to you the secret of sanctity and happiness. Every day for five minutes, control your imagination, close your eyes to the things of sense and your ears to all the noises in the world in order to enter into HIM. Then, in sanctity of your baptized soul, speak to that DIVINE SPIRIT, saying to HIM,
“Oh HOLY SPIRIT, beloved of my soul, I adore YOU. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me, tell me what I should do. Give me your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that you desire of me and accept all that you permit to happen to me. Let me only know YOUR WILL.
If you do this your life will flow along happily, serenely, and full of consolation. Even in the midst of trials GRACE will be proportioned to you, and you will arrive at the GATE OF HEAVEN laden with merit. This is the secret of Sanctity.
Our Father, Who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace.
Our Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
ALL GLORY BE TO THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. NOW AND FOREVER, AMEN.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Dear Mr. President
So the Obama machine (I would call it an administration, but let’s be honest—it’s more similar to an army howitzer, bulldozing through the Constitution and all of our inherent rights) planted people in the town hall crowd yesterday to promote the Obama Wealthcare, I mean, healthcare plan.
Does this really surprise anyone?
Honestly, no president that I can recall has promised more and delivered less. A reference to Jekyll and Hyde is like comparing an anthill to Mount Everest. He promised “change” and that is just about the only truth to come out of his mouth since…well, maybe ever.
Americans raced to the voting booths in November (50% of voters did not pay taxes last year mind you) and penciled in their country’s “savior”. He feels a lot more like a villain to me—and not just when the teleprompter technician falls asleep.
He was the man who would end big government, and weed out the wealthy crooks from the hard-working blue collar citizens who deserved more…and they got it—more taxes for more government programs than ever before.
But don’t forget, this man who has spent more money in his first six months in office than every other president combined, rushed to sign his book deal before he took the oath in front of the nation’s Capitol building, sparing himself a substantial amount of taxes.
Apparently we all need to sacrifice a little bit more—live within our means—unless we’ve earned it by lying our way into the most powerful position in the world…then you should probably treat your wife to $300,000 date to the theatre...courtesy of the American citizens.
P.S. Barak, you’re not very good at the “doom and gloom” game, either. You are so much better at smiling and promising hope, and then hijacking our paychecks to pay back all of the worthless, crime-ridden government programs who helped get you into office. Your ratings would look a lot better, too.
But you couldn’t resist, could you? You couldn’t resist the control and power. You will be replaced in 2012, unless you pull an Ayatollah on all of us (which I do not doubt at this point). Unfortunately, you’ve already left your mark, or better put, your geyser on this nation’s history. With any luck you will have sold our children and grandchildren into Chinese slavery—well done!
Just another day at the office…for another slimy, all-too-smooth, politician. That is all you are—a politician.
Does this really surprise anyone?
Honestly, no president that I can recall has promised more and delivered less. A reference to Jekyll and Hyde is like comparing an anthill to Mount Everest. He promised “change” and that is just about the only truth to come out of his mouth since…well, maybe ever.
Americans raced to the voting booths in November (50% of voters did not pay taxes last year mind you) and penciled in their country’s “savior”. He feels a lot more like a villain to me—and not just when the teleprompter technician falls asleep.
He was the man who would end big government, and weed out the wealthy crooks from the hard-working blue collar citizens who deserved more…and they got it—more taxes for more government programs than ever before.
But don’t forget, this man who has spent more money in his first six months in office than every other president combined, rushed to sign his book deal before he took the oath in front of the nation’s Capitol building, sparing himself a substantial amount of taxes.
Apparently we all need to sacrifice a little bit more—live within our means—unless we’ve earned it by lying our way into the most powerful position in the world…then you should probably treat your wife to $300,000 date to the theatre...courtesy of the American citizens.
P.S. Barak, you’re not very good at the “doom and gloom” game, either. You are so much better at smiling and promising hope, and then hijacking our paychecks to pay back all of the worthless, crime-ridden government programs who helped get you into office. Your ratings would look a lot better, too.
But you couldn’t resist, could you? You couldn’t resist the control and power. You will be replaced in 2012, unless you pull an Ayatollah on all of us (which I do not doubt at this point). Unfortunately, you’ve already left your mark, or better put, your geyser on this nation’s history. With any luck you will have sold our children and grandchildren into Chinese slavery—well done!
Just another day at the office…for another slimy, all-too-smooth, politician. That is all you are—a politician.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Don't Poke This Bear, ACCU
As a devout and practicing Catholic, I would appreciate very much if the ACCU did not take it upon itself to decide what is morally appropriate and what is not when dealing with higher education in the United States. To say “that it would be desirable for the [U.S. bishops] to withdraw” their 2004 policy...and "that juridical expressions of bishops’ or universities’ responsibilities should be kept to a minimum" is OUTRAGEOUS and ARROGANT!
Without the unending study, devotion and leadership of said bishops the ACCU would not exist, nor would the entire Catholic Church. To put yourself above the authorities of the church for political gain is not only preposterous but gravely sinful. Catholic institutions are solely responsible for upholding the core values and beliefs at the higher education level. I attended a secular, public university, and although I shone my light on as many people as possible, it was nearly impossible to reach as many people as is granted to higher education Catholic institutions.
I understand that President Obama and other noteworthy politicians create a "buzz" or attention nationally when they speak at universities such as Notre Dame, but at what cost? Is it really worth ignoring Christ's words and teachings to raise the academic admissions standards for incoming freshman, and therefore raise the cost of tuition and gather more donations from more sources? No. It is not.
But as long as organizations such as the ACCU continue to work hand in hand with the oppressors or our Catholic liberties, values and beliefs, and disregard the leadership and guidance of the authorities of the church, they will continue to head down a gravely sinful path. Not only are the ACCU and institutions such as Notre Dame doing their supporters and students a disservice, they are doing God and his church a disservice.
Please reconsider who you answer to.
God Bless You,
A.P. Vasko
Without the unending study, devotion and leadership of said bishops the ACCU would not exist, nor would the entire Catholic Church. To put yourself above the authorities of the church for political gain is not only preposterous but gravely sinful. Catholic institutions are solely responsible for upholding the core values and beliefs at the higher education level. I attended a secular, public university, and although I shone my light on as many people as possible, it was nearly impossible to reach as many people as is granted to higher education Catholic institutions.
I understand that President Obama and other noteworthy politicians create a "buzz" or attention nationally when they speak at universities such as Notre Dame, but at what cost? Is it really worth ignoring Christ's words and teachings to raise the academic admissions standards for incoming freshman, and therefore raise the cost of tuition and gather more donations from more sources? No. It is not.
But as long as organizations such as the ACCU continue to work hand in hand with the oppressors or our Catholic liberties, values and beliefs, and disregard the leadership and guidance of the authorities of the church, they will continue to head down a gravely sinful path. Not only are the ACCU and institutions such as Notre Dame doing their supporters and students a disservice, they are doing God and his church a disservice.
Please reconsider who you answer to.
God Bless You,
A.P. Vasko
Thursday, March 26, 2009
I Urge All To Do The Same
Dear Rev. John I. Jenkins, CSC:
I am a devout Roman Catholic, who has direct ties to the University of Notre Dame, and I am immensely discouraged by the disgraceful and downright shameful invitation extended by Notre Dame University to President Obama for its 2009 spring commencement address.
This an extremely sinful political exhibition by the university, which should protect, defend and honor the core values of the Roman Catholic faith first and foremost.
Notre Dame University should be revered as the United States leader in higher Catholic education. Sadly, that cannot be the case any longer if this invitation to President Obama is not rescinded.
Abortion is a disgusting act of individual selfishness, disregarding the will of our Creator. Any man, woman or organization who condone it no longer hold the privilige of calling themselves a Christian.
It is a tradition for Notre Dame to invite standing presidents to give commencement addresses, however, the traditions and practices of the Roman Catholic Church and God should be held in higher regard.
God Bless You,
Anthony P. Vasko
Contact Rev. Jenkins at:
president@nd.edu
I am a devout Roman Catholic, who has direct ties to the University of Notre Dame, and I am immensely discouraged by the disgraceful and downright shameful invitation extended by Notre Dame University to President Obama for its 2009 spring commencement address.
This an extremely sinful political exhibition by the university, which should protect, defend and honor the core values of the Roman Catholic faith first and foremost.
Notre Dame University should be revered as the United States leader in higher Catholic education. Sadly, that cannot be the case any longer if this invitation to President Obama is not rescinded.
Abortion is a disgusting act of individual selfishness, disregarding the will of our Creator. Any man, woman or organization who condone it no longer hold the privilige of calling themselves a Christian.
It is a tradition for Notre Dame to invite standing presidents to give commencement addresses, however, the traditions and practices of the Roman Catholic Church and God should be held in higher regard.
God Bless You,
Anthony P. Vasko
Contact Rev. Jenkins at:
president@nd.edu
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