Limits

Recently I have found that no longer may I read, use the computer, or engage in other eye intensive pursuits for more than thirty minutes.  I am struggling with this task of time management.

Taking Time

In seventh grade my art teacher challenged the class to take time and Really Look at nature. From time to time I do. Without fail the sight of God's handiwork fills me with His peace and wonder.

When Did I Miss The Wonder?

This Sunday I attended a parish where the Liturgy seemed to bridge thousands of years in the space of an hour.  This is the wonder of Christ.

Words To Live By

Joseph P. Wannenmacher told his son to: "Do right...and fear nothing."  And that is what Phil did and my family was blessed to have our lives touched by his.

Why Wait?

If Christians agree in Heaven why not now?


    
"ECUMENISM OF MARTYRS" PRESENTED AS PATH TO UNITY

Cardinal Koch Points to Perfect Communion Already Achieved

By Marine Soreau

MUNICH, Germany, SEPT. 16, 2011 (Zenit.org). - Despite ecumenical efforts, Christians in this world live in a "still imperfect communion." Martyrs in heavenly glory, however, have already achieved perfect communion. And their blood poured out in defense of the faith can be the seed of full unity in the Body of Christ, says the Vatican's director of ecumenism.

This reflection was offered Monday by Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, when he addressed an inter religious gathering organized by the Catholic lay Sant'Egidio Community. The Sunday through Tuesday event was held in Munich.

Speaking at a round table on Christian Unity and love of the poor, Cardinal Koch noted how Christians are the religious group most persecuted today -- in fact 80% of the people suffering for their faith around the world are Christians.

"This disconcerting assessment" is "a great challenge for Christian ecumenism, which is called to manifest a true solidarity," said the cardinal.

"Given that today all Christian Churches and ecclesial communities have their martyrs, we must speak of a real ecumenism of martyrs, which contains within itself a beautiful promise: Despite the tragedy of the divisions between the Churches, these solid testimonies of faith have shown that God himself maintains, at a more profound level, the communion of faith among the baptized, attested by the supreme sacrifice of their life," Cardinal Koch reflected.

"Whereas we, as Christians and as Churches, live on this earth in a communion that is still imperfect, the martyrs in the heavenly glory are now in a full and perfect communion," he explained.   To read more... Posted at: Zenit~ 

A Link To Beauty

What could be more beautiful than a Domestic Church?
My thanks to Thomas Turner and Kimberlee Conway Ireton for their insightful blogs.

Learning to Lean

Yesterday, I accidentally jammed my hand into a metal shelf at the grocery store.  My hand did not work very well for the remainder of my shopping and I favored it as I took the items out of my cart. A young woman employee approached and asked if I needed help.  "No, thank you," I said.

Why did I refuse this gift of help -- sent like an angel of God?  Why must I be so independent?

What To Do?

As a Protestant I knew my mission was to be the hand of Christ extended. That I was to be ready to give an account of the life of Christ within me at work in the world.

As a Catholic, who has asked me, "What have you done for Jesus" lately? 

Are There Signs of Death?

We took down a pine tree in our back yard today. It had been dying for the past five years. When the needles turned rust color this spring we knew it was dead.

Why does this tree story sound so familiar?

The Sacraments

The Church provides a set of opportunities to remind us whose we are and how we should act.
Why do some view this as regulation and not gift?

Matthew 12:36-37

Why did I stop singing, "Be careful little mouth what you say?"

Where is the Sin?

Over and over St. Catherine cries out,"I have sinned against the Lord. Have mercy on me!"
Why is there so little teaching on sin and so much on self-esteem?

A Prayer For Ministers

"I beg you to guide toward yourself
the heart and will of the ministers of holy church, your bride,
so that they may follow you,
the slain Lamb,
poor, humble, and meek,
along the way of the most holy cross--
in your way, not their own."

~St. Catherine of Siena
Translated by Suzanne Noffke, OP

Interior-Why?

"IT'S EVEN MORE IMPRESSIVE ON THE INSIDE," reads the text about a new hospital.
Where is my life focused? Why do I accept my status quo?

Walking In Christ

Some of us define ourselves by the denomination or church building we attend. What would happen if we defined ourselves by our actions and attitudes?

Sunday A Day of Rest and Reflection

Sunday Morning At Mass 

I completed this work last year. 

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

“I’m not asking you now that you think about Him or that you draw out a lot of concepts or make long and subtle reflections with your intellect. I’m not asking you to do anything more than look at Him. For who can keep you from turning the eyes of your soul toward this Lord, even if you do so just for a moment, if you can’t do more?” – St. Teresa of Avila

Why Not Listen

Pope Benedict stated in May 25, 2006, that married Christians from different traditions were a gift to the Church. Why are the Holy Father's words falling on deaf ears?

I am a new Catholic...I am also an old Christian. Being a Catholic Christian or a Baptist Christian (for example) seems very natural to me. If we are Christian (Disciples of Christ - ones who intend to live, act, be like Christ) why should it matter?

FYI

This blog is under construction... but everyone is waiting patiently.