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Lent | Deacon Allen Tatara Catholic Speaker - Part 4

Lent | Deacon Allen Tatara Catholic Speaker - Part 4

On the Inside; On the Outside


 
Feb 18 2015
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We Need a Lenten “Unselfie”

Posted by | Everyday Life | 7 Comments

DeaconAllen selfieAh, the “selfie.” We just can’t seem to get enough of ourselves. So much so, that we need to constantly take pictures of ourselves in order to show everyone where we are, what we’re doing, and even what we’re wearing. We always seem to find new ways to make things all about us! The Urban Dictionary defines “selfie” in the following ways…

  • A picture taken of yourself that is uploaded to a social networking website.
  • The taking of a picture of yourself and posting it online because you have extremely low self-esteem and you need people to comment to tell you how good you look. In reality you just look desperate for attention. And no matter how attractive you might be, you still look pathetic.

And speaking of pathetic, reality TV star Kim Kardashian is slated to put out a selfie book in April fittingly titled “Selfish,” of 352 of the best photos taken by, well, her. I think that “Selfish” is the perfect book title and the perfect theme for our Lenten reflection. Read More

Mar 06 2014
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So Long, Old Self!

Posted by | Everyday Life | No Comments

man_silhouette_clip_art_9510As we begin this season of Lent, today’s Gospel (Luke 9:22-25) is a difficult message to hear and an even tougher one to carry out. We are told that we each need to carry our own cross and follow Jesus, and be prepared to do so every day. We are also told that we must renounce “self” in order for us to live. Now this goes against our every desire to want to advance ourselves in the eyes of others as well as to focus our attention on our own needs and wants. Read More

Mar 04 2014
Love1

Ways to Pray During Lent

Posted by | Prayer | 4 Comments

LentPeople are always asking me for ideas for what “things” they can do during Lent to partake in the hallmarks of a Christian life of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. As our Lenten journey is about to begin, I want to focus on the first hallmark: prayer.

There are many ways to pray, but there are a few methods that can really help us spiritually prepare ourselves during Lent. Read More

Mar 07 2013
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Listen Up!

Posted by | Discipleship | No Comments

As you may have known from my previous posts, I had taken a retreat a couple of weeks ago to spend some time with the Lord. I needed to sort things out, and the best way to do that was through silence, solitude, and prayer. With all of the stuff that is going on in my life, I needed to stop what I was doing and listen for the voice of the Lord and to find where God was calling me.

Feb 27 2013
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One Returns; One Departs

Posted by | Prayer | No Comments

I have returned from my week of silence and solitude, peace and prayer. There was a great number of things on my mind that I had to clear out, sort out, and clean up. It was a great week where I needed to face my trials, fears, and future – experienced all through tears, prayers, meditation, and incredible silence. Read More

Feb 14 2013
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Choose Life

Posted by | Everyday Life | No Comments

If you have been following my blog, you have noticed that I lost my job three weeks ago today. Along with that, there have been additional health concerns that have developed within my family. Needless to say, it’s been a rough few weeks.

In today’s reading from Deuteronomy, Moses lays it out clearly for the people of Israel:

“I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life then, that you and your descendants may live…” Read More

Feb 14 2013
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Our One Great Big "I"

Posted by | Prayer | No Comments

Everybody knows what a Cyclops is, right? It’s that strange monster with one big eye in the middle of its forehead. And we think, what a bizarre creature, this Cyclops, with one big eye. But for 325 days of each year, we are all Cyclopes! Let me explain. Read More