I have a request. Please, without consulting anyone or any reference, briefly describe what it means to you to ‘be holy.’
Thanking you in advance,
Chrysostomos
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Reflection: If we had the same passion to become a man of God, we can all become saints and change this world into His Kingdom. Most people have heard about Miss CA’s comments regarding gay marriage and the “nude” photos of her that went into circulation soon thereafter. But, as clear as it may be to some people, I’m having a hard time connecting the dots. Seems people are trying to suggest that someone who poses for risque photos has no credibility. After all, she’s a “hypocrite” for defending one Christian value but violating another. Right? Well, that’s where I think the dots don’t come together. How many of us can cast the first stone anyway? We’re all sinners who need a savior, right? In no way does Christianity ever hold that you can’t try to climb to high heights and fall every now and then. We all do things that violate our moral standards. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t uphold those standards, speak about them publicly, and try every day to live up to them. My point is that it’s possible that Carrie Prejean (AKA Miss CA) is a Christian who doesn’t always practice what she preaches YET still sincerely believes she’s trying to do the right thing. The fact that people found less than virtuous photos of her reveals that she did something that violates her Christian values, but how is that relevant to her statement on gay marriage? We all hold to higher standards than we actually practice. Sure it’s more compelling to hear a message from someone who is extremely holy and righteous. But the critical thing is we don’t make excuses when we do wrong, that we always try with our entire being to do what’s right, not that we’re perfect. Otherwise, only perfect people would be qualified to talk about their values, cause only perfect people would always live up to said values. The only other option is if we just chuck our moral Click here to continue reading “Hypocrites We Are”
St. John Bosco’s method of going to Confessions frequently has produced 29 official saints. So, I decided to make it a family routine to go every Saturday. My nine year old has become more docile and my wife more collaborative. One can go even if one has no grave sins. It is beneficial because of the grace that the sacrament provides.
From a parenting aspect, it makes it easier because the children are now conscious about obeying God’s laws. St. John Bosco said, “Our words become God’s words.” And the kids will be trained to do good all the time whether others see them or not because God always sees them.
It was also hard to start. The kids were saying how boring it will be & the wife is wondering why I needed to go. But after the first time, I got my wife to support it and my kids don’t find it that bad. And why would it be that bad, God is there.
Frequent confession is a technique given by God to St. John Bosco through visions. It was a revolutionary idea back in the 19th century but as history shows, it works.
(Picture: Saturday night family event – Confessions )
This morning, I read about 6 young women & their quest to serve God in http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2009/01/21/DI2009012102496.html Back in 1993, Albert Herbert lists more than 20 visionaries & stigmatists in the book “The Visionaries –USA- Today”. And you have probably seen the video “Marian Apparitions of the 20th Century” that documents our Lady’s “recent” supposed apparitions in Zeitun, Medugorje, Kibeho, Garabandal & Akita. Then there’s the 200+ who were canonized by the late John Paul II. If you check out: http://www.usccb.org/pope/canon.htm , you’ll see quite a diverse population. I ‘ve heard of a family whose teenage daughter would go into a prayerful trance neither eating, sleeping nor doing anything else for hours, even days. The family is keeping it quiet & understandably so. And I’ve met people whom I or others consider saintly: a pastor – Fr. McGreedy, a novice master – Fr. Cogliandro, a CEO of Fiat & a Carmelite nun. There’s an aura, a refreshing joy, a deep & constant serenity about them. It must be the transforming union with God referred to in spiritual theology.
What’s cool about it is that everyone is meant to be filled with God – maybe in that way or another. When I sought how, Fr. Cogliandro, shared with me what the Lord told a perturbed Salesian sister in a vision.
I entered the seminary after high school though I wanted to enter earlier. In view of eternity, every career pales in comparison. But after the first year, I felt uneasy. I confided my doubts to my spiritual director but he encouraged me to persevere year after year. But by the end of my 9th year of temporary vows, I had to make them “perpetually” or leave – per canon law. Though I kept my vows faithfully, I do not have the “moral certainty” that I can be celibate for life meaning I know I can do it for 3 years but I seriously doubt whether I can last for life. I am sure about the other vows – poverty & obedience, but not with chastity. So, I bailed. I did want to make a promise & take it back – especially to God. It was hard starting over. I did not have a sweetie waiting with open arms. It took 12 years before I even met her. I have marriage vows now & I know I can keep those. I speak highly of religious life & the priesthood to my children in case God wants to call them later. One does not need to be sure about God’s call to enter the seminary. Seminary comes from “semen” meaning seed – the seed Click here to continue reading “The best of both worlds” |
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