On the Inside; On the Outside


 
Jun 12 2012
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Prayer for Frustrated Catholics

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This was printed in America Magazine, written by Fr. James Martin, S.J.

Dear God, sometimes I get so frustrated with your church.

I know that I’m not alone.  So many people who love your church feel frustrated with the Body of Christ on earth.  Priests and deacons, and brothers and sisters, can feel frustrated, too.  And I’ll bet that even bishops and popes feel frustrated.  We grow worried and concerned and bothered and angry and sometimes scandalized because your divine institution, our home, is filled with human beings who are sinful.  Just like me. Read More
Jun 05 2012
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Crazy English Rules Poem

Posted by | Hodgepodge | No Comments

Someone shared this with me today, and I thought it was a fun way to start the month of June. This poem is about the crazy rules we find in the English language on a daily basis.  Enjoy!

We’ll Begin with a Box
We’ll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes,
But the plural of ox becomes oxen, not oxes. Read More
May 27 2012
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It’s Time to Leave our Upper Room!

Posted by | Discipleship | No Comments
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
May 06 2012
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Motherly Wisdom from Blessed Teresa

Posted by | Family | No Comments

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

Apr 30 2012
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Do I Really Know the Shepherd?

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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

Apr 14 2012
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The Hunger Games

Posted by | Emotions/Feelings | No Comments

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

Apr 05 2012
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The Easter Triduum

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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