The apostles were commissioned by Jesus to be his witnesses to the world. But as soon as Jesus leaves them, they go to their upper room and hide themselves. And we are left only to imagine what they talked about in that room. Someone may have said that there was no way that they could afford to go into the entire world. Someone else may have suggested that it was dangerous to leave that upper room, for who would do the work if they were killed or thrown in prison. Perhaps another disciple said that they were no good at evangelism, or they were too old, too tired, or too poorly educated to speak of what moves them towards God. That upper room must have felt so safe, so comfortable. They were afraid of the Jews. They knew that the people did not like them. They knew that their message was different than the popular message of the time, and they just felt like not going out to face the hostile society. Read More
Deacon Allen | Deacon Allen Tatara Catholic Speaker - Part 42
On the Inside; On the Outside
With Mother’s Day being this Sunday, I wanted to share this blog post written by Mary Bielski this week. Mary is a Catholic Youth Minister and national speaker. This is a good reminder not only for teens, but for adults as well.
For many years, I have found Mother Teresa to be a major influence on my life. I have read numerous books about her life, and have also listened to many of her lectures. When I saw this article in Our Sunday Visitor, I knew that I had to share it on my blog. As we are only seven days away from Mother’s Day, I hope that you find this to be thought-provoking if not inspirational. Read More
Of the many images in John’s Gospel, probably one of the most descriptive is that of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. For like a shepherd, Jesus is concerned with the welfare and care of his sheep.
Jesus tells us that sheep follow the shepherd because “they recognize his voice.” In other words, sheep become used to a particular shepherd and the sound of his voice, and so come to trust him – and that gives them a sense of security. Read More
When I was ordained a deacon, a friend of mine gave me a book written by Fulton Sheen. It was a very good read, and I now have a special fondness for this amazing man. Check out this story on this incredible preacher:
Last evening, my wife asked me to take her to see the movie The Hunger Games. She had already read the books, and wanted to see the movie. I had not read the books, but I agreed to take her to see the movie. Plus, it was a great opportunity to have “date night” with my wife – something that doesn’t happen all that often. Read More
The Easter Triduum, the “Three Days”, is the celebration of the Christian Passover. Just as our Jewish ancestors gathered annually to remember the events of their release from slavery in Egypt, so too, we gather to celebrate our Passover from death to life in Christ. The Triduum is at the heart and soul of our Christian faith, commemorating the triumph of God’s love over darkness and death. It’s the fullest ritual expression of what it means to be a Christian. In our reliving and remembering, we’re renewed and reborn along with the newly initiated members of our community. Read More
As I was driving on my way to work this morning, I was saying my morning prayers as my usual custom when driving to work early in the morning. It was then that I approached a red traffic light. As I pulled up, there was a pick-up truck on my left side with a dog sitting in the passenger seat with his head out the window. After an initial chuckle at the sight, I began to stare at the dog. He rested his head on the door (since the window was lowered all the way down), as if in a state of contemplation. Even the look on his face indicated that he was deep in thought. Now I know that scientists have found evidence that dogs do not think. However, after watching this dog for what seemed like hours, there was no doubt in my mind that he had something on his mind. I couldn’t take a picture quick enough, so this photo is not of that dog I witnessed. Read More
A little more than a week ago, I was leaving the place where I work out in the morning. Nothing out of the ordinary there. Well, as I proceeded into the intersection, another driver decided to turn left while I had the go-ahead green light. I couldn’t stop in time, and ended up colliding with the other driver. Luckily, neither of us was hurt. But that’s more than I can say for my vehicle.
This reflection comes from Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis:
A live body is not one that never gets hurt, but one that can to some extent repair itself. In the same way a Christian is not a man who never goes wrong, but a man who is enabled to repent and pick himself up and begin over again after each stumble – because the Christ-life is inside him, repairing him all the time, enabling him to repeat (in some degree) the kind of voluntary death which Christ himself carried out. Read More
