Holy Spirit at Work

My apologies for being so lax with my posts – not that I think they will make or break anyone’s day. I have still been able to read and appreciate all of your posts, and for that I give thanks.

My lady friend mentioned in my Oct. 26 post needed attention as to her living conditions. She has nursing help coming in, but she really needed to be where she could have more human contact. The retirement apartments most often recommended and already visited by another friend seemed to be the best option.

I called this morning and an apartment had just become available today. We buzzed by after her doctor appointment and we were both dazzled. There is a beautiful dining room, many wonderful activities, and transportation to doctor appointments, shopping, and other outside activities. Her apartment is a studio and has a wonderful view of the enclosed garden area. She wrote out a deposit check on the spot and will be able to move in when the painting is complete and new carpet is installed.

Another friend, who thinks he’s an atheist, was along and he remarked about how lucky we were. No Nameless friend, that’s not luck - that’s how the Holy Spirit works.

Are we not blessed to be able to see the hand of God at work in our lives??

Bella has Arrived

Bella has arrived in Coeur d’ Alene. Wahoo!! That’s where we’ll be Saturday night.

Catholic Carnival Time

Check out Catholic Carnival here.

I'm working up the nerve to host one myself. I figure if Uncle Jim can do it, so can I. Only kidding, Uncle Jim!

Can You Get Excited?

Bishop Zubik's 1st Homily as Pittsburgh's Bishop

September 28, 2007

We all need to hear what Bishop Zubik has to say. Go here and listen to a wonderful speaker with a wonderful message for all of us. The heart of the message starts at about 7:15. Feel free to jump forward.

Jesus in the Gospels

If we want to know Jesus we need to know what is written about Him in the Scriptures. The four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, in particular, were written so “that you may [come to] believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in His name” (John 20:31).

In the Gospels, Jesus becomes present to us. Through the parables, Sermon on the Mount, and my personal favorite, the Last Supper Discourses, we can hear the voice of God calling to us.

For many older cradle Catholics, who were not raised to study the Scripture on their own, there was often a disconnect between what was read at Mass and the study of the Scripture. We actually received massive amounts of Scripture and still believed we did not “study the Bible." This put us at a disadvantage when speaking with a non-Catholic about our faith.

The time has come, gentle reader, to make that connection. Believe what the Catholic Church teaches because it is true but, also, take the time to study the scripture on your own. If you are not sure where to start, consider picking up a copy of “Where is That in the Bible?” by Patrick Madrid or Karl Keating’s, “What Catholics Really Believe.” Both are excellent at connecting the truths of the Catholic faith with the Scripture. Another resource for those of us addicted to our computer is Sacred Space, run by the Irish Jesuits. At Sacred Space you may either read or listen to a scripture reading, meditation, and prayer for the day.

If you don’t have a Bible study at your church, consider starting one with the help of your pastor and the many fine Catholic study aids available. And, how about having a group meet in your home or a local restaurant for scripture study? I think that last one is such a great idea I am going to make out an invitation list right now and get one started.

(picture stolen from the British On-Line Library . They may not prosecute if I send folks to their wonderful site.)

Problem

I have a serious problem. Popped onto Archangel’s blog and took the test to check the cognitive level of my blog. The bad news? This blog was rated high school level. I have consistently tried to keep the writing at about 6th grade level and now I come to find out I’m waaaaaay smarter than I thought.

Glory to God in the Highest!!!

Thanks, ma beck

Official thanks to ma beck for this link I just found on her blog. You can look at old manuscripts up close and personal. Since I am fascinated by penmanship, it was a rare treat to see Jane Austen's beautiful cursive. There are also famous music manuscripts and religious texts. It is the site of the The British Library, which is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the world's greatest libraries. Their headquarters is at St Pancras, London, and is open seven days a week.

Thanks to ma, I have been too busy cruising this fun site to have anything intelligent to say about the Catholic faith.

Appearing Now

If the headline in the local newspaper stated, “Appearing in Person, Jesus”, and the following story gave the time and place, you would probably call all your friends and plan a big group party. After all, this was promising to be a “happening.” Since we always strive to be a part of the “in crowd”, we would immediately start planning what we were going to wear, the location for pre-event supper, and after-event drinks.

Well, guess what, gentle reader, that is exactly what happens every Sunday in our Catholic Churches. At least the part about the appearance of Jesus happens. As for the rest of the hoopla, well, you can just forget that.

The centerpiece of our Catholic faith, the Holy Eucharist, has for many of us become a ho-hum event to which we drag ourselves every Sunday. There is no excitement, no special preparations, and no special family meal to celebrate the day. We don’t even bother to dress up, which is a human way to show respect and honor to an event.

I’m just as guilty as the next person for slipping into this mindset. One of the ways we can combat this human deficiency might be to start treating Sunday Mass as we would any other big event in our life. As we always prepare for a party or secular holiday, preparation would be the first step here as well. Take out your missal (I do hope you have one), and go over the readings for the day. Lay out your Sunday clothes the night before. Plan a special family meal for after Mass and invite some friends. Turn Mass into the event it deserves to be. After all, Jesus will be there, “live and in person”.

Sunday Assignment November 11

Young folks of St. George's:

Wow!! You guys did really well last week. The comments were very good. Angels are fun to read about, and knowing you have a guardian angel is very important.

This week you need to click on this link http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/YU/ay0404.asp <---- Click on this

After you have read the article, come back here and comment on one thing you are going to do differently when you attend Mass.

Confirmation Candidates:

Yes, yes, I know - it doesn't seem fair that you have to do more. However, you are older and capable of much more. Scripture tells us that when more is given, more will be expected. Confirmation is one of the most important sacraments and you must be prepared well so you will receive all the wonderful gifts God has for you.

In addition to the above assignment you must also go here:
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/YU/ay0497.asp
and read this article on Confirmation. No comment will be required but as before questions will be asked.

Erica's Story

As we came down our road one night early last summer, a little creature hopped across the road. I thought it was a rabbit and was pretty amazed, as we had never had rabbits on or around our five acres before.

It was several more days before I saw the tiny cat in our back field and realized it was the hopping creature I had seen. For many days I saw the little cat but could not get close to her. She was wearing a collar so I wasn’t too concerned. After a few weeks, I decided to feed her. When I could finally pet her, I was shocked to discover she was a skeleton wearing a fur coat.

As the weather became colder, she was given a bed in the barn. Soon the bed was put in a large insulation-wrapped cardboard box, and shortly thereafter, my own heating pad made its way into the bed. By now she had a name; Erica.

Every day Erica sat by our back door and gazed into the house already populated with two dogs and another cat. Her face said it all, “I want to be part of this family.” One night the temperature was to drop very low and yes, gentle reader, Erica was allowed to sleep in my office. As I write this she is curled in a ball on her very own table next to my computer.

I’ve thought often of the faith that little scraggly cat demonstrated. She knew in her little animal “soul” that she would have what she desired. She was always calm and quiet as she watched through that door. Her persistence and patience paid off.

How would our lives change if we had just a little bit of the faith Erica had; if we could gaze through the eyes of faith at Our Lord with calmness and quiet? How would it feel if we absolutely knew, with no reservations, that the Faith of Our Fathers – the Catholic faith -- contained all the answers we would ever need?

Erica taught me about patience, persistence, and most importantly, about the power of faith. Be vigilant, gentle reader, for you never know who or what is going to teach you a lesson.

P.S. Erica is named after the Phantom of the Opera, Erik, to whom she bears a striking resemblance.

Non-Denominational Bible Study?

Unfortunately, I’m seeing more and more Catholics attending what they call “non-denominational Bible studies." Attendees are almost always ladies who are probably more attracted to the social aspect of such gatherings than by what they may learn about scripture. In most cases they are the only Catholics attending.

My usual response to this information is, “there is no such thing as a non-denominational Bible study; it is either Catholic or it’s not Catholic.” When questioned about how they deal with such passages as John 20:23 concerning the Sacrament of Penance or, Matthew 16:18-19, with all that pesky Peter/Rock stuff, their answer is, “they just don’t go there.” Huh? You’re going to have Bible study with whole parts left out because you may disagree?

The saddest part of this scenario is that the folks attending these non-Catholic Bible studies are usually the ones who know the least about their faith. If they knew their faith, they wouldn’t be there. So, here they are, sitting ducks for the other attendees to “kick sand in the eyes of their faith.” Are the non-Catholics bad people? Of course not. What they are is people who have a faith based on “Bible only” and they are going to do their best to help their poor deluded Catholic friends. Many times they help them right out of the one, true Church.

How much better, gentle reader, to start a Bible study in your church, or at least, coerce someone else to start one. I’m good at that! Non-Catholics recognize the need for community and use Bible study gatherings to good effect. Let’s learn a lesson from them, and some scripture, too.

By the way – we are not a “denomination” (which means “to take a new name”); we are the Church. Those who are separated from the Church are members of denominations.

Sunday Assignment November 3

First read the entire assignment

Hello young people of St. George's. This week, please go here <-----Click on the word "here"

1. Read the information presented on the other web site. When you have finished reading come back here (to my blog) and tell me at least one new thing you learned about the subject. Please try to have this completed by Thursday or no more Knights of Columbus breakfasts. Starvation will be the order of the day!!
2. Oh yes, dear hearts, there is more. Read my entry of November 2 which is about All Saints Day, purgatory, and prayer. No comment is needed but, be aware, I will be asking questions next week. LOTS of them!!!!

For all of you preparing for Confirmation:

1. In addition to the above two assignment please go here and read this short article about the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Have a happy and holy week!!

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matt. 7:7


Today is All Souls Day. The Feast of All Souls follows All Saints Day, and commemorates the faithful departed, those who die in God's faith and friendship.

However, Catholics believe that not all who die immediately are ready for heaven. Some of us need a bit more work. We call this time set aside for the fine-tuning of our character purgatory. We don’t really know how long purgatory lasts. Upon our death we leave behind time as we experience it. Our spirits will be outside of “time” – no more clocks or appointment books. For me, that puts the whole dilemma into the category of “time will tell”, not to make a pun.

My favorite aspect of All Souls Day is being told exactly how I am to pray. I am told to pray for all the souls floating around in purgatory, hopefully, cutting some time off of their sentence.

Prayer is very difficult for me and I don’t think I’m the Lone Ranger when it comes to this issue. I never seem to have the time, am too tired, too distracted, and sometimes can’t even figure out what to pray about. I am much more likely to read a book about prayer, of which I have bunches, then I am to just pray.

So, gentle reader, what are we to do?? Perhaps we need to first pray for ourselves. I know, I know – that seems awfully selfish. But, is it really? If we don’t first ask for the help we need in prayer, we’ll never pray. And if we never pray, some poor soul might have to hang around purgatory longer than necessary. I envision a horrible downward spiral in the world in general, all based on our not praying.

So, tomorrow, first thing you do is ask for the graces you need to improve your prayer life. Your prayers do matter to God, to others, and most of all, to yourself. Just a few minutes in the morning and a few in the evening will be sufficient in the beginning. Most importantly, do not be discouraged by the accountings some people give of their prayer life. You pray in the way that is right for you.