Love of St. Paul: June 2010

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Ephesians 2:14-16

For he is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh,

abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace,

and might reconcile both with God, in one body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death by it.

What strikes me most today

"abolishing differences," "breaking down the dividing wall of enmity," "He is our peace."

I think back to early lessons of getting rid of differences between people. The first lessons I remember were from George and Weezy Jefferson. They showed us how wrong it was to treat people differently just because of skin color. Even after being financially successful with his own dry cleaning business, the Jeffersons were still treated differently because they were African American. It became obvious that others were treated differently for a variety of reasons (disabilities, poverty, physical appearance, nationality, etc.) "Through his flesh" and "through the cross" we can become one body in Christ!

What strikes you most today?

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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Ephesians 2:13

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become near by the blood of Christ.

What strikes me most today

What strikes me is the idea of becoming closer. There is usually some sacrifice that makes us feel closer to others - our parents who gave us life and sacrificed so much for our benefit; spouses, friends, and extended family/neighbors/co-workers who watch out for us and help us on our journey. It reminds me of George Bailey in It's A Wonderful Life. He sacrificed so often and so freely - saving his brother from drowning, giving up his personal wealth to save his neighbors, and jumping in after Clarence, the drowning Guardian Angel. George Bailey helps me understand how we "who once were far off have become near by the blood of Christ" - the greatest sacrifice of all!

What strikes you most today?

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Sunday, June 27, 2010

Monday, June 28, 2010

Ephesians 2:6-7

(God) raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus,

that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

What strikes me most today

The immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. How much we love God and God loves us was very evident to me when I witnessed Sr. Emi Magnificat renewing her vows. She has been an awesome witness for me because she does not live a life of suffering and sacrifice and misery - she is one of the happiest, joy-filled, fun-loving person I know. She has taught me that God wants us to be happy on Earth and in Eternity. If we try our best to take part in the Sacraments and grow in our relationship with the Blessed Trinity through Christ and His Church, we will find that joy in this world and the next.

What strikes you most today?

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Saturday, June 26, 2010

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Ephesians 2:4-5

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us,

even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ (by grace you have been saved)

What strikes me most today

The God of Mercy brought us to life with Christ. Jesus is the Divine Mercy in whom we trust. This Mercy is the grace we need to be saved.

What strikes you most today?

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Saturday, June 26, 2010

Ephesians 1:22-23

And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,

which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

What strikes me most today

The Church is the body of Christ. We have to remember this. I've just started reading the book Fatherless by Brian Gail. I'm not very far in it, but the main character is a good young priest dealing with the human members who make up the Church on earth. But the book already tries to make clear that the Church is Christ's Church, His body, even though it must be run by very human people. So, even when mistakes are made, it does not decrease the reality that the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church is the Body of Christ.

What strikes you most today?

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Friday, June 25, 2010

Ephesians 1:11-12

In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the one who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,

so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ.

What strikes me most today

I love the idea that we were chosen and destined. It reinforces the sanctity of all human life. I love the Umbert the Unborn Cartoons. I posted one of my favorites above. From conception to natural death, all life exists for the praise of God's glory!

What strikes you most today?

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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Galatians 6:14

But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

What strikes me most today

The idea of "the world being crucified to me" is what strikes me most today. It is so easy for me to become caught up in worldly things. I know that this life on Earth is so incredibly brief when compared with Eternity. I also know that God wants us to enjoy this life - but that enjoyment has to be a joy-filled existence moving toward God. If it is too worldly and pleasure-seeking and self-centered, I risk moving away from the God who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life - and jeopardize my salvation. The times I have chosen Christ have been the times I do find real joy and even true freedom. Then there are times I thought I was seeking freedom by doing what I wanted even though it went against a Commandment or Church teaching, and I could see that was ultimately leading to slavery and death. Even the cross seems like something to avoid, but that is where we find Christ. I certainly don't search out crosses in my life - enough come along with being human. But when crosses come along, I try to embrace it as Christ did and offer it up for Christ - it makes those crosses easier to bear, and clarifies the picture of Heaven just down the road!

What strikes you most today?

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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Galatians 6:9-10

9 Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.

10 So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith."

What strikes me most today

"let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith." This is why I love being a Pauline Cooperator and doing what I can to help the Daughters of St. Paul and all the Pauline Family. I receive much more from them than I can ever offer them. Right now, they are praying a Novena to St. Paul for all of our intentions. The video above is less than 6 minutes, but it is worth the time - Sr. Julia and Sr. Anne are singing Novena prayers to St. Paul on our behalf.

St. Paul, Pray for Us!

What strikes you most today?

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Saturday, June 19, 2010

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Galatians 6:2

Bear one another's burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.

What strikes me most today

This quote seems perfect for Father's Day - After I became a father, I realized just how much my dad loved me and sacrificed for me, and bore my burdens for me as much as he could. He was a great example of Fatherhood for me!

What strikes you most today?

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Friday, June 18, 2010

John Lennon - Jealous Guy

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Galatians 5:26

Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another.

What strikes me most today

Envy. Jealousy is such an easy trap to fall into. We all have crosses to bear, so we assume others have it much better than we do. I remember a priest saying that we shouldn't compare ourselves to others, because God doesn't compare us to others - we should focus on our own personal relationship with God. Even at our Judgment, there's no comparing, like "I'm not as bad as _______."

John Lennon's song "Jealous Guy" reminds me of how foolish it is to be jealous. He apologizes in the song for hurting someone due to jealousy. And I think how short John Lennon's life was. No matter how long a life we are given, I need to avoid wasting time on jealousy!

What strikes you most today?

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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Galatians 5:17

For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want.

What strikes me most today

I heard a talk by Sr. Helena Burns last year, and I finally got TOB (Theology of the Body). In the context of TOB, St. Paul's words in Galatians 5:17 now make total sense to me. In the past I would have read this as flesh=body=bad and Spirit=soul=good. But God didn't create us as good souls trapped in bad bodies; He created us as individuals - body and soul. THAT is who we are. So now I see the Spirit as the Spirit of God, representing purity, agape, and gift. This Spirit of Christ did not turn me against or away from sex, but encouraged it as an awesome gift within my marriage that resulted in Jeff Jr, Elizabeth, John, Tom, and Anne Marie. The flesh, on the other hand, is the tendency that we (body and soul) can have to use sex as a selfish, self-serving, lifeless act, completely opposed to the Spirit of the flesh. So St. Paul's message is that much more vital for us - because the flesh and the Spirit are directly opposed to one another, and the choice we make has consequences in this life and in Eternity.

In light of all this, what strikes me most today is: GIFT! Thank you, God, for Your AWESOME GIFT of LIFE!

What strikes you most today?

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Sunday, June 13, 2010

Monday, June 14, 2010 - Braveheart Freedom Speech

Monday, June 14, 2010

Galatians 5:1

For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.

What strikes me most today

This line reminds me of the "Freedom" speech in Braveheart - one of my all time favorite movies. The 90 second clip is posted above.

What strikes you most today?

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Saturday, June 12, 2010

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Galatians 4:13-14

you know that it was because of a physical illness that I originally preached the gospel to you,

and you did not show disdain or contempt because of the trial caused you by my physical condition, but rather you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.

What strikes me most today

What was St. Paul's physical illness? Was it the blindness? I always thought he did not start preaching until after his vision was restored. Perhaps his eyes still looked different? I have also heard people speculate that he may have stuttered or had a lisp or some other speech impediment, as he mentions his terrible speaking ability.

And was this thorn in his flesh the same thing as this physical illness? I'm trying to find out; does anyone have any thoughts or ideas or additional information?

Click on "COMMENTS" to leave your thoughts or ideas.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Galatians 4:6-7

God sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!"

So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

What strikes me most today

I love the image of a child of God. It reminds me that all my worries about work, family, finances, etc. are all things I didn't worry about as a child, and if I'm a child of God, I really shouldn't be overly worried now - I just need to keep praying for God to be in charge and for me to listen (that's the hard part!)

By the way, does anybody else think this picture of Jesus looks a little like Andrea Bocelli (maybe it's just me because I really like Andrea Bocelli)!

What strikes you most today?

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We Are One Body

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Friday, June 11, 2010

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

What strikes me most today

I love this thought; our differences disappear. We are all one; we are one body.

What strikes you most today?

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Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Corinthians 3:23-27

Before faith came, we were held in custody under law, confined for the faith that was to be revealed.

Consequently, the law was our disciplinarian for Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a disciplinarian.

For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus.

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

What strikes me most today

Our faith is not a set of laws, it is a person, Jesus Christ, the Divine Master, the Way, the Truth, and the Life!!! Thank God!!!

What strikes you most today?

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Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Galatians 2:20

yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me.

What strikes me most today

2 things:

1. I printed all of Galatians 2:20 - the first half is the famous quote, but I really love the second half along with it.

2. I don't think I'll ever get a tattoo (like today's photo), but Galatians 2:20 would be a strong consideration if I ever decide to get one!

What strikes you most today?

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Monday, June 7, 2010

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Galatians 1:10

"Am I now currying favor with human beings or God? Or am I seeking to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ."

What strikes me most today

"Doulos" is the Greek word for a slave. And we know, we must serve someone. Whom will we choose to serve? Human beings in our life? Satan (whom we choose whenever we choose sin)? Or will we serve God? As for me, I choose to be a slave for Christ (which, ironically, gives us the greatest freedom when we choose this). We would be lost and miserable if we choose to serve human beings or Satan.

Whom do you choose to serve?

What strikes you most today?

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Monday, June 7, 2010

Galatians 1:1-5

Paul, an apostle not from human beings nor through a human being but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead,

and all the brothers who are with me, to the churches of Galatia:

grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

who gave himself for our sins that he might rescue us from the present evil age in accord with the will of our God and Father,

to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

What strikes me most today

Geography! As I started reading Galatians, I thought I should look up this area on a map, so here it is. Then I read St. Paul talking about "the present evil age." Really? It just confirms for me that the Letters of St. Paul are just as important for our "present evil age" as they were for his!

What strikes you most today?

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Saturday, June 5, 2010

Sunday, June 6, 2010

2 Corinthians 13:11

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

What strikes me most today

"the God of love and peace will be with you." What a great thought. I love this picture giving us that image of being in a peace-filled meadow with a babbling brook with Jesus. That is worth any mending of ways and encouraging of others so we can all attain this!

What strikes you most today?

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Saturday, June 5, 2010

2 Corinthians 13:5

4 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves? That Jesus Christ is in you, unless indeed you fail the test.

What strikes me most today

I'm trying to think how to test myself. The best way I know is the Examination of Conscience I learned at the Jesuit High School I attended. And, at least as important, if Jesus Christ is in me, do I show this to others in my actions? If I am embarrassed to discuss, educate, and demonstrate Jesus to the world, I have failed the test!

What strikes you most today?

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Thursday, June 3, 2010

Friday, June 4, 2010

2 Corinthians 12:11

For I am in no way inferior to these "superapostles," even though I am nothing.

What strikes me most today

"Superapostles!" OK, here's another thing I never remember reading in the Bible before, but I like it. I don't know if it's just me, or does everybody have this secret desire to be a superhero? For me, it's always been Batman. He's not from another planet, he doesn't have superhuman powers, and he's not indestructable. He's 100% human, and he knows it. But he sacrifices all for love of neighbor, to use his gifts for good, and to inspire others. I believe St. Paul was a "superapostle." So maybe my goal will be to be a cross between St. Paul and Batman!

What strikes you most today?

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Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Thursday, June 3, 2010

2 Corinthians 12:7-9

That I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated.

Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me,

but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness."

What strikes me most today

I'm thinking of the times bad things have happened in my life, or times when I thought God didn't answer my prayers, or He answered - but not in the way I wanted. Then I look at St. Paul who dedicated every second of every day to God - and he still was the recipient of a thorn in the flesh. I'm not sure what that thorn was, but St. Paul obviously didn't like it and wanted it removed, but God's answer was "no." I think the thorn is a direct reference to the "angel of Satan," but I'm not sure exactly how that angel worked in St. Paul's life. I think we are not told what St. Paul's specific "thorn" was so we can all relate with the various "thorns" we carry in our flesh.

What strikes you most today?

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Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

2 Corinthians 11:29-30

Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led to sin, and I am not indignant?

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

What strikes me most today

I really like this modern day version of Doubting Thomas. I feel like doubts of all kinds that come up in life are a tremendous weakness for me. But St. Paul boasts of the things that show his weakness. Why? Because the world can see God's power more clearly when He speaks to us through a weak person, almost as clearly as if we were putting our fingers in the holes in His Sacred Body!

What strikes you most today?

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Why?

Why a blog? Why St. Paul? Why do I think I have any business doing this?
We are all on a spiritual journey. We all want that journey to lead us to heaven, to eternity with God. For this journey, we need one another.
The journey so far has led me to read and learn about so many forms of authentic Catholic spirituality - Ignatian, Benedictine, Carmelite, Dominican, Franciscan, etc. My biggest problem was that I came to love each one tremendously. I began reading more and more, spending more and more time at the Daughters of St. Paul bookstore on Watson Road here in St. Louis. Who would have thought my greatest conversion story would take place in a bookstore? Mine was not quite as sudden or dramatic as St. Paul on the road to Damascus, but getting to know the Daughters of St. Paul affected me no less significantly.
The sisters are Eucharistic by nature. The first time I entered the chapel in their bookstore, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed and one of the sisters was on her knees, gazing at Christ, with an indescribably beautiful smile on her face. I had a glimpse of heaven. I knelt at one of the other kneelers and noticed on the wall behind the monstrance the words: "Fear not, I am with you. From here I want to enlighten. Atone for sin." I had that brief moment of absolute certainty that I was on the right path.
Over the last several years I have worked my way through as many books, CD's, DVD's and conversations with the Daughters of St. Paul that time has allowed. Time is at such a premium for all of us. Years ago we were told that with advances in technology we would have much more free time on our hands. We all know this has not been the case. Our lives are busier and more hectic than ever. Even if we are unable to find time to read good books, see enlightening movies or attend lectures and discussions, maybe we could all spend a little time on the internet supporting one another on our faith journeys. Many of you know more about many aspects of Catholic spirituality than I do.
Pope John Paul the Great called us all to a New Evangelization, to share the Gospel with the world. I am hoping we can all be St. Paul in this blog space by sharing Christ with one another and with others. St. Paul travelled to many foreign and often hostile regions to evangelize the world; we are fortunate to be able to use the internet to reach even farther and more quickly.
The idea of using today's means of social communication to spread the Gospel was given to Blessed James Alberione on the night between the centuries (December 31, 1900 - January 1, 1901). He was a 16 year-old seminary student adoring Christ in the Blessed Sacrament when a special light came to him from the Host. Following this, Blessed James Alberione became the founder of the Society of St. Paul priests, the Daughters of St. Paul, the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master, Sisters of Jesus the Good Shepherd, Sisters of the Queen of Apostles, and numerous institutes that are also part of the Pauline family.
So what is Pauline spirituality? In my experience, Pauline spirituality encompasses all the teachings of Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and love of all the other spiritualities and Saints of the Church. It is the members of the Pauline family who are the happiest people I know! It is loving God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit with all our hearts and souls, through the intercession of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, and St. Paul.
So why St. Paul? I can relate to St. Paul. We first meet him in the New Testament as a sinner. He has a thorn in his side that God decides is best not to take away. I sometimes wish I knew what that thorn was, but it's probably better I don't know. I like to pretend it is one of my many weaknesses or faults. If St. Paul could go from persecuting Christ and His Church to becoming the person responsible for spreading the Gospel and establishing the Church in foreign lands, the least I can do is start a blog. I have been especially inspired by my two favorite bloggers, Sr. Margaret Charles Kerry, fsp, and a Pauline Cooperator named Rae Stabosz. I believe Sr. Margaret and Rae are doing just what St. Paul and Blessed James Alberione would be doing with the internet.
In future blogs (which will be shorter than this first post!), I would like to share writings of St. Paul, Blessed James Alberione, and many others. I look forward to others sharing writings from other Catholic spiritualities and writers. An especially Pauline way of sharing is to point out to one another what aspects particularly speak to each of us.
Another Pauline trait is to pray for one another. My prayer is that we support one another on our path to holiness. Our goal is to glorify God in all that we do - so let's do it!