Liz Kearns +JMJ+

BIG MOUTH (reflection)

2011-09-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

"If your brother should commit some wrong against you, go and point out his fault, but keep it between the two of you." –Matthew 18:15

Go to Confession as soon as possible. You must admit you have sinned and receive God's forgiveness.
Pray for the strength not to sin again, and ask the Lord to turn your forgiven sins to the good (Rm 8:28).
Apologize to the person with whom you spoke.
If the person you talked about is aware of your sin, you must apologize and seek forgiveness.
Make reparation. Ask the Lord what He would have you do to repair the damage you've done.
Proceed with the three steps of reconciliation of Matthew 18:15ff.

The above reflection is from One Bread, One Body, (click HERE)

NOTE - Emphasis. Comment.

SCRIPTURE - From today's Gospel:

A Brother Who Sins.
15 “If your brother sins [against you], go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.

16 If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’

17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.

In this Gospel the rules / guidelines are clearly laid out for us to follow when someone sins against us.

The most important step for us to remember to do *before* going to the brother who has sinned against us, is to put on the heart of Christ. Not of this world that tells us to live "I'm right and you're wrong." Simply put on the heart of Christ and go to the one who has sinned against you. Speak to them in truth, but also with a heart that is willing to forgive.

Step 1: “If your brother sins [against you], go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.
This step isn't easy...in part because it asks of us to put on the heart and mind of Christ *before* we go to the one who has sinned against us. Difficult, yes. Impossible, no.

*Now* we're ready for Step 1.
Taking the steps to meet with (or at least talk with) the one who has sinned against us. Difficult, yes. But then again, *these* are clearly the steps our Lord has given us to take when we are wronged. Step 1 then has two possible outcomes...

Optional outcome #1 -
If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.
Whew. Great. Reconciliation. Good job, *both* of you.

Optional outcome #2 -
If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that 'every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.'
WOW. You mean now I must attempt to get an understanding between us after this brother has wronged me AND not listened when I tried talking alone. Now, Lord, you want me to continue seeking reconciliation?
And what steps am I to follow?
A. Put back on the heart & mind of Christ (if you lost it after Step 1 failed).
B. Get one or two to go along with me to attempt (for the 2nd time) with this brother who sinned against me AND didn't listen the first time I tried.

Again, this is clearly what the Lord asks of us when we are wronged. Difficult steps of dying to self, but obviously these steps are what the Lord is asking of us.

Step 2 has two possible outcomes:
Not repeated in Scripture but understood:

Optional Outcome #1:
If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.

Optional Outcome #2:
If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.

WOW. This sounds so harsh. And so 'politically incorrect' -- yet this is what Christ is clearly telling us. There are times where you must cut your ties to the brother who has sinned against you. This does *not* mean you hate this brother...No. You continue to pray for him. But you do not keep putting yourself in 'harms way' for this person to continue sinning against you.

Now, though, let's take a closer look at gossip and slander that often happen when one sins against another.

However, many times we sin by telling someone about the problem before we should. Our conversation sometimes even deteriorates into gossip and slander. These sins are major catastrophes even if the other person doesn't know it.

Gossip and slander are MAJOR CATASTROPHES. WOW.

Since there is obviously confusion on what exactly gossip is let's begin with the definition:

{definition 1}
c : a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others

a : rumor or report of an intimate nature

b : a chatty talk

{definition 2}
1. casual and idle chat to have a gossip with a friend

2. a conversation involving malicious chatter or rumours about other people a gossip about the neighbours

3. Also called gossipmonger a person who habitually talks about others, esp maliciously

It seems to me that there are a few reasons that gossip ends up being sinful.

Chatty talk about another (unnecessary)

Sensationalized talk about another

Malicious talk about another

I have encountered people who just do not understand that "even when stating the truth" IS GOSSIP. True.

Even among spouses, chatty/unnecessary talk can be sinful...
Even if the discussion is of a 'truthful' nature.

Is it necessary?

Is there malice in your heart?

Are you sensationalizing?

Gossip, today, is practically unrecognizable. Why? Because people talk...unceasingly.
{disclaimer}
And yes, this is coming from ME, who can keep up with the best talkers in the world {big grin}. I even cheered when I first heard our much-loved friend, Andres, say about himself, "Talking is my sport" Why? Because for the first time I then had a sport! HA HA.

People talk unceasingly. Talk shows abound, and to make matters worse people *thrive* on the endless talk. Talk about harmless things, i.e., recipes, cooking, decorating, etc. Harmless, but unceasing. Talk, talk, talk.

What's the problem with the unceasing talk?
No silence. No quiet. No slowing down to spend time with the Lord. Often, people talk & talk & talk to avoid spending time in silence, alone with themselves, and alone with the Lord. If you are unhappy with yourself it is too difficult to spend time in silence. Therefore, you talk unceasingly.

And as my mom taught me, I try to teach my children... If a friend is gossiping *to* you, you can pretty much count that they will gossip *about* you as well.

Also considering the unceasing talk on TV & radio. What's the problem? Let's take for instance the ones that pride themselves on 'airing dirty laundry'. These shows not only talk non-stop, but due to their very nature, they tend to make a society that is addicted to gossip, and even worse is that they become somewhat *immune* to 'dirty laundry'.

People are addicted to this. They can't seem to live without their talk shows. Why could this be a bad thing?

They are being fed constant *chatter* (even if it is true).
They are listening to *sensationalized* talk (even if it is in part true).
They are listening to chatter with *malice* or an *agenda*.
ALL OF THESE EQUAL GOSSIP. When people consistently listen to the 'dirty laundry' of others, they become somewhat immune to gossip, sensationalism, slander, idle chat, etc.

Why would we want to add gossip to our lives by listening to it?

What's the problem with gossip?
Let's go back to the problem when someone sins against us. And *gossip* enters the picture before (during or after) we follow the steps outlined in Scripture.
However, many times we sin by telling someone about the problem before we should. Our conversation sometimes even deteriorates into gossip and slander. These sins are major catastrophes even if the other person doesn't know it.

Gossip and slander are major catastrophes! But they are practically unrecognizable in our society today because people talk constantly about others. And they don't see that they are sinning. We need to look carefully and with *Holy Glasses* (eyes of Christ) and carefully look at our talk. Ask ourselves...Is it useless chatter? Am I sensationalizing? Is there malice in my heart?

So back to the original reflection and the connection to *gossip*

"If your brother should commit some wrong against you, go and point out his fault, but keep it between the two of you." –Matthew 18:15 (NOTE 'keep it between the two of you.)

If we have been wronged, it's absolutely essential to keep it to ourselves. Only after having talked to the other person are we free to bring someone else into the situation or refer it to the Church (Mt 18:16-17). However, many times we sin by telling someone about the problem before we should. Again, we're a society that's fed "talk, talk, talk" just like the talk shows, go and seek out if you are right or wrong. Our conversation sometimes even deteriorates into gossip and slander. Telling the truth, yes, can be gossip and slander. The Word of God clearly tells us to keep the matter between the two of you. These sins are major catastrophes even if the other person doesn't know it. God's word calls us to try to reconcile with the one who has sinned against us. If this person is open and docile to Christ, they then become aware of their sinfulness -- not so you can gloat -- but so that they can find sorrow and be reconciled to Christ (and to you). After we have ruined the Lord's process of reconciliation through sinful conversation and/or gossip, what do we do? Great advice below!

Go to Confession as soon as possible. You must admit you have sinned and receive God's forgiveness.
Pray for the strength not to sin again, and ask the Lord to turn your forgiven sins to the good (Rm 8:28).
Apologize to the person with whom you spoke.
If the person you talked about is aware of your sin, you must apologize and seek forgiveness.
Make reparation. Ask the Lord what He would have you do to repair the damage you've done.
Proceed with the three steps of reconciliation of Matthew 18:15ff.

Matthew 18:15 -17
“If your brother sins [against you], go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. 16 If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.

NOTE - Emphasis. Comment.

Opinions...

2011-08-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

Other Virtues
Never give your opinion if you are not asked for it, even if you think that your view is the best.

– St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, #674

Generosity ... Almsgiving

2011-07-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

Generosity
It is sad to see what some people understand by almsgiving: a few pennies or some old clothes. They seem not to have read the Gospel.

Don't be over-cautious: help people to acquire sufficient faith and fortitude to be ready to deny themselves generously, in this life, what they need.

To those who lag behind, explain that it is neither very noble nor very agreeable, even from an earthly point of view, to wait for the last moment, when they will be obliged to take nothing with them.

– St. Josemaria Escriva, Furrow, #26

{Liz}
As I read the above reflection, I thought of the many ways of almsgiving. We are all created unique by God, therefore, our call to giving will also be unique. The question is, are we denying ourselves generously for others? For God's kingdom?

Let us not wait to the last moment when we will be obliged to take *nothing* with us.

Almsgiving is the duty of all...

Some are called to give money...

Some are called to give money by sponsoring children or aged adults that desperately need help to survive...
(One of my favorite organizations is CFCA - website HERE )

Some are called to give their time and talents in missionary life...

Mother Teresa, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, continues to be a great example of giving of self because of Christ's call to give our all, no matter the cost of self-denial, to those in need.

God asks us all to deny ourselves for the sake of His kingdom...

How is He calling you to be generous to others?

Great teaching...

2011-03-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

EXCELLENT HOMILY HERE!

Prayer

2011-03-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

For those who use their intelligence and their study as a weapon, the Rosary is most effective. Because that apparently monotonous way of beseeching Our Lady as children do their Mother, can destroy every seed of vainglory and pride.

– St. Josemaria Escriva, Furrow, #474

Charity

2010-12-31T18:54:00.000-08:00

Never speak badly of your brother, not even when you have plenty of reasons. Go first to the Tabernacle, and then go to the priest your father, and tell him also what is worrying you.

And no one else.

– St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, #444

Catholic Catechism #2548

2010-12-30T10:39:00.000-08:00

Life in Christ: Catechism #2548

Desire for true happiness frees man from his immoderate attachment to the goods of this world so that he can find his fulfillment in the vision and beatitude of God. "The promise [of seeing God] surpasses all beatitude...In Scripture, to see is to possess...Whoever sees God has obtained all the goods of which he can conceive."

Reflection from St. Augustine

2010-12-30T10:38:00.000-08:00

We ought to be persuaded that what God refuses to our prayer, He grants to our salvation.

– St. Augustine

Reflection: Poverty, true poverty

2010-12-30T10:26:00.000-08:00

Rather than in not having, true poverty consists in being detached, in voluntarily renouncing one's dominion over things.

That is why there are poor who are really rich. And vice-versa.

– St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, #632

You Can! {follow Jesus}

2010-12-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

One Minute Meditations

You Can!
When Our Lord called the first Apostles they were busy mending their broken nets by the side of an old boat. Our Lord told them to follow him and statim – immediately – they left everything – relictis omnibus – everything! And followed him.

Sometimes, though we wish to imitate them, we find we don't manage to leave everything, and there remains some attachment in our heart, something wrong in our life which we're not willing to break with and offer it up to God.

Won't you examine your heart in depth? Nothing should remain there except what is his. If not, we aren't really loving him, neither you nor I.

– St. Josemaria Escriva, The Forge, #356

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As we approach Christmas Day, the birth of our Savior, let us spend some time reflecting on this *important* meditation -- Jesus is calling each of us, just as he did these *imperfect* fishermen...will we love him enough to leave everything and follow him *completely* as the fishermen did?

May we all ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and our hearts to see any and all attachments that we have *not* been willing to break and may the Holy Spirit change our hearts to docile and radically changed hearts that will follow Jesus NO MATTER THE COST as the fishermen did...they left *everything* behind to completely follow Jesus.

What is in our lives that Jesus asks us to *leave* behind (things we do that should not be actions of a Christian, Matthew 4:19-20, 22). We should seek to be "He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain."

What is in our lives that Jesus asks us to *change* (i.e., love those who persecute us, Romans 12:14).

The two great commandments that contain the whole law of God are:

1. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind, and with thy whole strength;

2. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

As we approach Christmas, let us renew our commitment to follow our Lord and Savior Jesus with all that we are. Let us be *completely* transformed and give our *all* by living lives fully committed to pleasing Jesus Christ in all we think, do, and say...and trust that he knows we are imperfect but that we are honestly trying our very best to love & serve him in all we do.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Oddly enough, just as I posted the above meditation, I read another (below). Although from a different perspective, I feel the advice is important. Let us be like the fishermen above, not the description below...whatever is in us from below, let us ask the Lord to change so we may better follow him.

One Minute Meditations

Other Virtues
I see you, christian gentleman – that is what you say you are – kissing an image, mumbling a vocal prayer, crying out against those who attack the Church of God..., and even frequenting the holy Sacraments.

But I don't see you making any sacrifice, or avoiding certain conversations of a 'worldly' nature (I could with justice use another term), or being generous towards those in need or towards that Church of Christ, or putting up with a failing in one of your brothers, or checking your pride for the sake of the common good, or getting rid of your tight cloak of selfishness, or... so many things more!

I see you... I don't see you... And yet you say that you are a christian gentleman? What a poor idea you have of Christ!

– St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, #683

Fishers of Men

2010-11-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

Christ expects a lot from your work. But you will have to look for souls, as the Good Shepherd went after the hundredth sheep: without waiting to be called. Then make use of your friends to do good to others. Tell each one of them that nobody can feel at ease with a spiritual life which, after filling him, does not overflow with apostolic zeal. {emphasis added}.

– St. Josemaria Escriva, Furrow, #223

Short description of our Catholic Faith

2010-11-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

{This is a repost from Insight Scoop, link follows article}

My favorite paragraph from the Catechism

I rarely go a day without reading or referring to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which has been one of my favorite books since I first read it in late 1995. And of the many wonderful passages and quotations contained therein, my favorite paragaph remains the opening paragraph, which I think expresses the essential core of the Christian Faith as well as anything I've ever read of similar length outside of Scripture:

God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Saviour. In his Son and through him, he invites men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life.

Many years ago (in 1998, if I remember correctly), not long after I entered the Church, I wrote a short piece about this paragraph; here it is, from deep in the vaults:

"Sola Gratia, Sola Christo" by Carl E. Olson

If asked to provide one paragraph explaining what the Catholic Faith is about, it would be hard to do better than the opening paragraph of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It offers a concise summary of what Catholics believe and lays the groundwork for the more involved details and nuances of the Faith. Here, broken into six phrases––each followed by brief commentary––is the first paragraph of the Catechism:

God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself,

There is but one God and he is complete and holy in and of himself. Jews, Muslims and Christians believe that God is One; all other major religions are pantheistic (everything is God), polytheistic (there are many gods), or atheistic (there is no God). Monotheists also believe that God is Other and He needs no other. Christians believe that God is Trinity: one nature and three persons, the greatest mystery of the Christian Faith. Modern man often tries to bring God to his level, seeking to stuff him into a box the size of our limited conceptions or disordered desires. Such attempts are futile, but the most amazing fact is that God, who we so often ignore and try to minimize, loves us and desires a relationship with us.

in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life.

This should be startling––shocking––to us. God created us out of the overflow of his Divine Love, that eternal and blinding exchange of self-giving between the three Persons of the Trinity. Creation is the expression of God’s nature (love) and the evidence of God’s goodness. All that is, is good. Evil is not a thing, but the absence of a good. That is why Catholics, more than some other Christians, revel in the beauty and wonder of creation. But while creation provides evidence of God’s existence, it does not emphatically prove it, for the Lover does not force himself on the beloved, but beckons us, always respecting our free will.

For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength.

God is a Lover; he is the one who initiates the relationship. He calls, he asks, he offers––but he never forces himself on us. The heart of love is freely deciding to give of oneself, as Jesus Christ states in all four Gospels: “For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.”

He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church.

There are many important truths implicit in this sentence. Mankind was originally a single family, with a common father named Adam. When Adam sinned, all of mankind fell with him from a life-giving relationship with God. At the Tower of Babel humanity attempted to reach God by their natural, futile efforts; God “confused their language” and scattered them throughout the earth. But God already had a plan for man’s salvation, involving a newly unified family bound together by supernatural life. This family is the Church, the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ, which is the “household of God” and “the pillar and support of truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).

To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Savior.

This is the second great mystery of the Christian Faith: the Incarnation. The Second Person of the Trinity, the Divine Word, became man and entered into time and space. As T.S. Eliot wrote, the Incarnation was “[a] moment in time but time was made through that moment: for without the meaning there is not time, and that moment of time gave the meaning.” Jesus Christ is “the center of the universe and of history” stated Pope John Paul II in Redemptor Hominis (Redeemer of Man), and so Christ should be the center of our lives––he is the exclusive Redeemer and Savior of humanity.

In his Son and through him, he invites men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life.

Christ is also the sole mediator between God and man. Through the sacrament of baptism, by water and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are “born again” (Jn. 3), made “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:4) and become true children of God (1 Jn. 3:1). By grace we become sons in the One who is Son by nature, the same one who guides us through his Church and nourishes us with his Body and Blood in the Eucharist.

The Catholic Faith is sola gratia, sola Christo: grace alone, Christ alone. Amen.

Link to original article HERE.

Reflections from the saints ...St. Charles Borromeo

2010-11-04T14:04:00.001-07:00

If we wish to make any progress in the service of God we must begin every day of our life with new eagerness. We must keep ourselves in the presence of God as much as possible and have no other view or end in all our actions but the divine honor.

– St. Charles Borromeo

Vicar of Christ

2010-11-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

Your deepest love, your greatest esteem, your most heartfelt veneration, your most complete obedience and your warmest affection have also to be shown towards the Vicar of Christ on earth, towards the Pope.

We Catholics should consider that after God and the most Holy Virgin, our Mother, the Holy Father comes next in the hierarchy of love and authority.

– St. Josemaria Escriva, The Forge, #135

{Liz here}
Oh how much this reflection fits my spirituality!

Being a convert to Catholicism, I find myself frustrated with the Catholics who boastfully *disagree* with teachings of Holy Mother Church, or are *free* with their opinions of *what* the Church should change (i.e., ordination of women, contraception, and abortion just to name a few in my own personal experiences).

I know as Catholics and since we're *human* that God created each of us unique we will have varying *opinions*...I can deal with that!! When I find myself frustrated, is when their opinion of Catholicism that is NOT IN LINE WITH THE POPE & TEACHING OF THE CHURCH. I get frustrated when those with opinions opposed to *mine* (actually the correct word would be HOLY MOTHER CHURCH), and those people go to extremes to attempt to *help me understand* or to clarify for me. That's fine if their intent is truly for GOOD. Does an opinion or advice coming from truly *good* intent feel a certain way when received? I wonder. I know sometimes, often, after receiving opinions or advice from those who see Catholicism differently than I do, I have a very uncomfortable feeling inside of me. When I compare that feeling to the advice I've received lovingly, I can't help but think that truly loving advice does feel different.

Or are we just so free with our own advice and opinions that we don't discern enough when to share them? I am positive I have shared an opinion or maybe 10,000 opinions that I should not have...

I guess I sorta got off track here...My point after reading & agreeing with this beautiful reflection regarding loving, esteeming, and being completely obedient to the Vicar of Christ on earth was meant to say, "AMEN! I COMPLETELY AGREE, ST. JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA. THANK YOU FOR THIS GIFT OF A REMINDER IN MY LIFE THAT AS LONG AS I MAKE SURE THAT *I* STAY IN LINE WITH HOLY MOTHER CHURCH THEN I AM TAKING CARE OF MY FIRST RESPONSIBILITY. WITHOUT TAKING CARE OF ME FIRST, I CANNOT BE A GOOD WITNESS OR EXAMPLE TO MY FAMILY OR ANYONE ELSE...SO I WILL KEEP WORKING ON ME & STAYING OBEDIENT TO MY CATHOLIC FAITH THAT I LOVE AND APPRECIATE SO VERY, VERY MUCH!!!"

Reflection: Struggle...Christianity vs. It's all about ME

2010-10-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

Struggle
If you are fatuous, if all you can think of is your own personal comfort, if you centre everyone else and even the world itself on yourself, then you have no right to call yourself a Christian or to consider yourself a disciple of Christ. He set the level of what can be demanded of us when he offered, for each of us: et animam suam – his own soul, his whole life.

– St. Josemaria Escriva, The Forge, #141

Catechism #2467 - TRUTH

2010-10-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

Life in Christ: Catechism #2467

Man tends by nature toward the truth. He is obliged to honor and bear witness to it: "It is in accordance with their dignity that all men, because they are persons... are both impelled by their nature and bound by a moral obligation to seek the truth, especially religious truth. They are also bound to adhere to the truth once they come to know it and direct their whole lives in accordance with the demands of truth."

"Man tends by nature toward the truth." Powerful.

"...bound by a moral obligation to seek the truth, especially religious truth." Bound by moral obligation to seek especially religious truth. Guide me in your truth, Lord. I thank you for my Catholic Church that I love so much!

"...also bound to adhere to the truth once they come to know it and direct their whole lives in accordance with the demands of truth." Direct their WHOLE life...lead me, Lord.

Scripture speaking to me...again??

2010-10-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 4:31-32

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

{Liz here}
God-incidence that this is the scripture for me today??
I love it when God does this!
Today, by the grace of God, a step toward forgiveness was taken...
painful and peaceful...thank you, Lord.

Could it be that you have a mistaken idea of what is proper?

2010-09-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

The Struggle
I will grant that you behave properly... But, allow me to speak sincerely. You must admit that you are doing things in such a leisurely way that, apart from not being entirely happy, you remain very far from holiness.

That is why I ask: Do you really behave properly? Could it be that you have a mistaken idea of what is proper?

– St. Josemaria Escriva, Furrow, #153

If liberals hate the new translation, it must be good

2010-09-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

I admit this has me laughing much more than the dog tired nap joke I just posted.

I found this adorable cartoon & post over at one of my much-loved blogs Catholic Cartoon Blog

I've read some of the reaction to the updated translation that will be put into effect in 2011. I can't help but laugh at the protesting and ugliness on display by those who are against it. Their argument is that they've had this translation for 40 years - why change it? What's funny is that some of these same aging hippies saw no problem with ditching 1900 years of tradition way back in 1969.

Now they're crying because a few words and phrases are changed? It's almost as if they're saying "Look, we've dumbed this down for 40 years and we're not going to stand for you 'smartening' it up!!!".

You can always judge the efficacy and worthiness of something by the reaction of liberals. If they love it, it can't be good, and if they hate it, it's GOT to be good.

As I see it, the new translation is a good start. They need to keep working.

Just for laughs, read some of the back and forth on the National Catholic Distorter site: http://ncronline.org/news/faith-parish/pope-receives-english-translation-roman-missal

(Liz again)
Although I am still a "baby" Catholic convert (1992), I admit I have mostly experienced the "traditional Mass" when traveling...AND I ADMIT I LOVE IT!!!!! The new "fluffy" Masses I've experienced remind me much of my Pentecostal services I grew up in...clap, clap, clap, sing, sing, sing, everybody feel good, everybody happy??? ...OKAY YOU GET THE POINT. Not to mention that I am the product of a 60's, James Dean, free love, free sex, free everything relationship (don't get me wrong, I LOVE MY PARENTS DEARLY, they can't help it that they were born in that generation!). Seriously here, I'm fairly certain I could even find a picture of myself wearing an outfit similar to the hippy in the cartoon...picked out by my parents, I'm sure! (laughing). I know for sure I had the headband. If I find the pic, I'll definitely post it & link it here.

Enjoy the chuckle, I sure did. Still chuckling...

And if you don't enjoy the chuckle, there's a fancy-dancy button on your keyboard labeled DELETE. I certainly won't be offended! Remember YOU CHOSE TO VISIT MY SITE, SO BE NICE OR LEAVE (as my cute little blinkie on the right says)!!

Cute joke...

2010-09-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

Thought this cute little joke was worth sharing . . .

Or it could be that thanks to this irritating sore throat & cold that I'm fighting that I am definitely dog tired & closely connected to the topic of NAPS...

especially considering I LOVE NAPS!

LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE

One afternoon, I was in the backyard hanging the laundry when an old, tired-looking dog wandered into the yard. I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home. But when I walked into the house, he followed me, sauntered down the hall and fell asleep in a corner. An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.

The next day he was back. He resumed his position in the hallway and slept for an hour. This continued for several weeks. Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: "Every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap. "

The next day he arrived with a different note pinned to his collar: "He lives in a home with ten children - he's trying to catch up on his sleep."

Reflection on Character . . .

2010-09-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

Character
Faith, cheerfulness, optimism.

But not the idiocy of closing one's eyes to reality.

– St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, #40

Sorrow and Suffering . . .

2010-09-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

Present sorrow and suffering is the way to glory, the way to the kingdom.

– St. Bernard

He is the Light

2010-09-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

Cheerfulness
Hope does not mean beginning to see the light, but trusting with one's eyes closed that the Lord possesses the light fully, and lives in its clarity. He is the Light.

– St. Josemaria Escriva, Furrow, #91

Do you strive to be recognized on earth or in heaven?

2010-09-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

Today's reflection:

Fruitfulness
Some poor people seem to get annoyed by the good works you are doing, as if a thing ceases to be good when it is not being carried out or organized by themselves.

This lack of understanding cannot be an excuse for you to slacken off in what you are doing. Try to do it even better, right now. When you get no applause on earth, your work will be all the more welcome in Heaven.

– St. Josemaria Escriva, The Forge, #962

As I read today's reflection something hit me...
"When you get no applause on earth, your work will be all the more welcome in Heaven."

"WHEN YOU GET NO APPLAUSE ON EARTH..."

WOW, isn't that contrary
to our "IT'S ALL ABOUT ME" way of life in America?

It's so apparent that our society is focused on ME, ME, ME...

I am human, I am powerful, I am educated, I am the boss, I am in charge...

I am awesome...
Most importantly I DESERVE RECOGNITION
tends to be the thought in our world today, everywhere...
It's all about me...I deserve it! I am awesome!

But the reflection says...
Some poor people seem to get annoyed by the good works you are doing, as if a thing ceases to be good when it is not being carried out or organized by themselves.

This lack of understanding cannot be an excuse for you to slacken off in what you are doing. Try to do it even better, right now. When you get no applause on earth, your work will be all the more welcome in Heaven.

– St. Josemaria Escriva, The Forge, #962

Why do we strive to live good, true, Christian lives?
Why should we strive to KEEP OUR EYES ON JESUS & NOT ON THIS WORLD???
WHY should we want our reward in HEAVEN AND NOT ON EARTH??

Because...

Yes, God loves you enough that he gave His son FOR YOU...FOR EACH OF US.

His love for you is evident, if you only search for it...

Let HIM love you...Letting HIM love you, allows HIM to increase and you to decrease.
(Going against the flow of "It's all about me")

Truly, God's love IS best of all!
Every moment of every day is an opportunity to
KEEP OUR EYES ON JESUS...
LOVE HIM WITH ALL THAT WE ARE...
LET HIM LOVE US...
BRING OTHERS TO HIS LOVE...
DESIRE OUR *REWARD* TO BE IN HEAVEN, NOT THE SELF-PLEASING RECOGNITION & REWARDS OF THIS PASSING WORLD.

Keep your eyes on Jesus. Live your life on this earth so that you may spend an eternity in heaven with God who loves you & created you to spend an eternity with him.

Personal retreat planning & anticipation!!!

2010-08-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

My amazing hubby has insisted that we take a little personal retreat weekend...just for us!
{trust me, he didn't have to do too much arm twisting!}

He mentioned BEACH! Oh yeah, let's go!
He mentioned HORSEBACK RIDING! Oh yeah, let's go. THIS is what I prefer to "hiking" (let the horse do all the work, ha ha).
He mentioned JET BOAT RIDE on the Rogue River! YES, YES, YES...LET'S GO!!

This is the breathtaking Oregon Coast, near Gold Beach, Oregon that our room will overlook! I'll grab a good book, a blankie, and a sweatshirt & enjoy this! Oh, how I do miss living near the ocean...walking along the beach & the crashing waves...memories of our life in San Diego come creeping in.

Beautiful bridge & river!
In Gold Beach, Oregon, the Rogue River meets the Pacific Ocean.

This is going to be us!!! Pat has never been on a horse before (deprived child,
ha ha). Horseback riding is one part of my childhood I truly miss. I will be dreaming of horseback riding on the beach until it happens!
Thank you for this surprise, Pat! You are the best hubby!

Another little excursion we will take during our days on the Oregon Coast, is something we'll both really enjoy (yes, I mean Pat may not really enjoy the horseback riding mentioned above, but he's doing that for me!). We will get to ride a jet boat on the Rogue River for an 80-mile excursion...
and I think these things go fast, too...wooo hooo!A getaway just husband and wife...I am really looking forward to this!
Thanks again, Pat...you really do spoil me!

Liz Kearns +JMJ+

BIG MOUTH (reflection)

"If your brother should commit some wrong against you, go and point out his fault, but keep it between the two of you." –Matthew 18:15

*NOTE* - Emphasis. Comment.

"If your brother should commit some wrong against you, go and point out his fault, but keep it between the two of you." –Matthew 18:15 (*NOTE* 'keep it between the two of you.)

*NOTE* - Emphasis. Comment.

Opinions...

Generosity ... Almsgiving

Great teaching...

Prayer

Charity

Catholic Catechism #2548

Life in Christ: Catechism #2548

Reflection from St. Augustine

Reflection: Poverty, true poverty

You Can! {follow Jesus}

One Minute Meditations

One Minute Meditations

Fishers of Men

Short description of our Catholic Faith

{This is a repost from Insight Scoop, link follows article}

My favorite paragraph from the Catechism

Reflections from the saints ...St. Charles Borromeo

Vicar of Christ

Reflection: Struggle...Christianity vs. It's all about ME

Catechism #2467 - TRUTH

Life in Christ: Catechism #2467

Scripture speaking to me...again??

Ephesians 4:31-32

Could it be that you have a mistaken idea of what is proper?

If liberals hate the new translation, it must be good

Cute joke...

Reflection on Character . . .

Sorrow and Suffering . . .

He is the Light

Do you strive to be recognized on earth or in heaven?

Personal retreat planning & anticipation!!!

NOTE - Emphasis. Comment.

"If your brother should commit some wrong against you, go and point out his fault, but keep it between the two of you." –Matthew 18:15 (NOTE 'keep it between the two of you.)

NOTE - Emphasis. Comment.