Sunday, August 1, 2010

Philippians 1:29

29

For to you has been granted, for the sake of Christ, not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him.

What strikes me most today

As I read the rest of the first Chapter of Philippians, the above passage stood out the most for me. As I try to advance on my journey to eternity with the Blessed Trinity, I am sometimes surprised that bad things still happen in my work and home life; mortgages, tuitions, and other bills just keep pouring in, and life is just not perfect liked I had hoped it would be! It reminded me of St. Theresa of Avila, who I remember writing about how even the closest relationship with God will not prevent us from suffering in this life. She is one of my favorite writers to quote (FYI Sr. Julia Darrenkamp, fsp, is the one who has taught me to LOVE quotes - she always finds the BEST!)

Below are some of my favorite quotes of St. Theresa of Avila that demonstrate what I mean:

“Let nothing disturb thee; Let nothing dismay thee; All thing pass; God never changes. Patience attains All that it strives for. He who has God Finds he lacks nothing:God alone suffices.”

“Pain is never permanent”

“To have courage for whatever comes in life - everything lies in that.”

“More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones.”

“It is true that we cannot be free from sin, but at least let our sins not be always the same.”

“Let nothing disturb thee, nothing affright thee; all things are passing; God never changeth.”

and my favorite St. Theresa of Avila quote, as she is praying to God...

“If this is the way you treat your friends, it's no wonder you have so few!”

What strikes you most today?

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Friday, July 30, 2010

Philippians 1:9-10

9

And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception,

10

to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

What strikes me most today

This reminds me of Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body. And speaking of TOB, the TOB Congress in Philadelphia has been sold out with a waiting list, and all the speakers are getting fantastic reviews. This evening, awards were presented - and the Daughters of St. Paul were honored for their service and dedication in spreading the messages of Theology of the Body using all means of media and social communication to the world. Sr. Helena Burns, FSP, gave one of the talks at the conference. Congratulations to the Daughters of St. Paul, and you for your efforts to increase our "knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that [we] may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."

What strikes you most today?

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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Philippians 1:6

6

I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.

What strikes me most today

Two of my sons and I "began a good work" several years ago and we are trying to complete it. We are trying to see baseball games at all 30 major league stadiums. We just returned from a road trip to Atlanta, Miami, and Tampa. We are up to 22 stadiums now; we have 8 more to go (God willing). It's a great father-son time to share just spending time together traveling and seeing baseball games. The long car rides seem to be the times we talk the most. It's awesome. And we are confident that we can complete this good work (hopefully before they go off to college!)

What strikes you most today?

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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Ephesians 6:1-3

1
Children, obey your parents (in the Lord), for this is right.
2
"Honor your father and mother." This is the first commandment with a promise,
3
"that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on earth."

What strikes me most today

Wow! This one came at a good time. I need my son (the independent-I-don't-need-parental-interference-anymore-about-to-be-a-college-freshman) to read this. I feel a little guilty because I always thought I'd be a little sadder when my first-born was getting old enough to move out. Uh-uh! I'm as ready as he is. Maybe God implants a timed device in teens to make them push every button and press every rule in the weeks leading up to dorm life - perhaps to ease the separation. If so --> it works!
I know there will be times I will miss him, and I hope there will be times he might even miss me.
Maybe a day will come when he doesn't think I'm a mean-arbitrary-dictator living only to find ways to make his life miserable. Who knows, he could even ask my advice or appreciate me some day. My head spins trying to imagine such a day!
No matter what, I will continue to pray for him daily. I realize the world is a tough place for kids to grow up these days. As difficult as society makes it for faith-filled young men and women - he really is turning into a great young man. I pray he continues to grow in his relationship with Christ into adulthood and whatever God has in store for his future!

What strikes you most today?
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Monday, July 19, 2010

Ephesians 5:25-27

25

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her

26

to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word,

27

that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

What strikes me most today

Today's reading made me think of Pope John Paul the Great. As the Vicar of Christ, I could imagine he would relax and take it easy and enjoy being Pope. But this Holy Father prayed 8 hours every day - FOR US! He only slept 4 hours each day. He wrote a lot (as we all know, I haven't caught up on reading his encyclicals; I can only imagine how long it take to write them - not to mention his awesome Theology of the Body). The point is that he saw the Church as a bride - and he loved her - meaning he sacrificed all for her.

May I sacrifice for my wife and for Christ and His Church the way Pope John Paul II demonstrated for us.

What strikes you most today?

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Sunday, July 18, 2010

Ephesians 5:13-14

13

Everything exposed by the light becomes visible,

14

for everything that becomes visible is light.

What strikes me most today

Today's passage reminded me of the movie The Miracle Worker, starring Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft.

Helen Keller grew up learning about the world around her without being able to see it. That is how I should be in my faith life - always working to get closer to the Blessed Trinity, even though I can't see them and the whole concept of One God in Three Persons is not that easy to grasp - but with faith I can accept it.

What strikes you most today?

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Friday, July 16, 2010

Ephesians 5:8-10

8

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light,

9

for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.

10

Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord

What strikes me most today

I remember Star Wars making such an impression on me, not just for what seemed like unbelievably great special effects, but for our choice between good and evil in this world. Jesus has brought us the light. We can choose to live as children of light, bringing goodness, righteousness, and truth. This will be pleasing to the Lord, and the key to our own happiness in this life and the next.

May the force be with you!

What strikes you most today?

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Thursday, July 15, 2010

Ephesians 5:5-7

5

Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

6

Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient. 2

7

So do not be associated with them.

What strikes me most today

To be honest, it's a little scary to read that no immoral or impure or greedy person has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. My first thought is that no one can even attempt to live such a life. But then I look at the happy faces of Blessed James Alberione and Blessed Timothy Giaccardo - and I know it can be done - I need to be like the Nike commercial and Just Do It!

What strikes you most today?

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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Ephesians 5:3-4

3

Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones,

4

no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place, but instead, thanksgiving.

What strikes me most today

Ozzie and Harriet! Now there was good family entertainment - happy, talented, respectful kids. Good ratings even without obscenities, silly or suggestive talking, and no need for sexual suggestiveness or demeaning women (or dads, who appear like clueless idiots in much TV today).

I give thanksgiving for this great TV show. I wish this was the kind of TV my kids were growing up on!

What strikes you most today?

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Monday, July 12, 2010

Ephesians 4:29

29

No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear.

What strikes me most today

I can't help thinking about Ralphie in A Christmas Story, after he accidentally dropped the F-bomb. I loved his descriptions of the various bars of soap he tasted over the years. So, even though there's little chance of Mom putting soap in my mouth now, I still need to remember to stick to language that can impart grace to those who hear - which is not only avoiding cussing, but also completely avoiding talking bad about anyone else.

What strikes you most today?

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Sunday, July 11, 2010

Ephesians 4:28

28

The thief must no longer steal, but rather labor, doing honest work with his (own) hands, so that he may have something to share with one in need.

What strikes me most today

Today's writing reminds me of an episode of Little House on the Prairie called The Collection- When Reverend Alden gets sick while collecting donations, and ex-convict named Caleb Hodgekiss (played by Johnny Cash), offers to get the donations from Walnut Grove for him. Caleb plans to keep the money himself, but he decides to do the right thing when he sees how nice the people of Walnut Grove are. He no longer stole, but began to do honest work with his own hands and shared with those in need.

What strikes you most today?

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Saturday, July 10, 2010

Ephesians 4:25-27

25

Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

26

Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger,

27

and do not leave room for the devil.

What strikes me most today

Today's reading reminded me of Harry Potter. People are afraid to utter Voldemort's name, except for Harry. Professor Dumbledore encourages this by telling Harry that the truth conquers fear.

Too often in today's world we rationalize sin and sinful behavior. Lies, anger, sinning are easy traps to fall into - but we must realize the truth that these all separate us from God and makes room for the devil. That's why we must be honest with ourselves and with others, and we must not leave room for the devil.

What strikes you most today?

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Friday, July 9, 2010

Ephesians 4:11-14

11

And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers,

12

to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

13

until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ,

14

so that we may no longer be infants, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming.

What strikes me most today

"tricking" and "scheming" This reminds me of The Patty Duke Show. Now here was a girl who could trick and scheme, taking advantage of her cousin's physical similarities. I think St. Paul is telling us today to mature beyond this stage, to "attain the full unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God." In this way, we can know, and then share with the world, Jesus the Divine Master, the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

What strikes you most today?

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Thursday, July 8, 2010

Ephesians 4:7-8

7

But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.

8

Therefore, it says: "He ascended on high and took prisoners captive; he gave gifts to men."

What strikes me most today

Christ giving different gifts to different people, and grace given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. This one reminds me of the Flying Nun. She was given a special gift. Although I don't personally know anyone who has been given the gift of flight, I know many people who have other awesome gifts that bring me closer to Christ.

(Those kinds of gifts are better than flying any day!)

What strikes you most today?

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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Ephesians 3:20-21

20

Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us,

21

to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

What strikes me most today

"to accomplish far more that all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us." This makes me think of Lucy Ricardo and all her schemes, imagination, and dreams. Why are we always wanting more? Why are we always searching? Why are we never satisfied?

St. Augustine got it right - God created our hearts, and our hearts are restless until they rest in God!

God grant eternal rest to Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley for the years of fun, love, and laughter they gave us! Amen.

What strikes you most today?

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Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Ephesians 3:14-15

14

I kneel before the Father,

15

from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.

What strikes me most today

When I hear family, I still think Brady Bunch! It was a different family, and I'm not sure if Mike and Carol were divorced or widowed from their first spouses, but they made a family. And though the Brady's were not perfect, the family members were grateful to be part of a family. Likewise, we should be grateful for the families we come from - we wouldn't be alive without the miracle of life God allowed our parents to participate in. For this life and the hope of eternal life with God, "I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named."

What strikes you most today?

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Monday, July 5, 2010

Ephesians

Chapter 3:1-3

1

Because of this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ (Jesus) for you Gentiles--

2

if, as I suppose, you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for your benefit,

3

(namely, that) the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly earlier.

What strikes me most today

OK, since I've been into pop culture/old TV shows, the first prisoner who comes to mind is Otis the Drunk from Mayberry RFD. In no means am I comparing St. Paul to Otis. Rather, we are all like Otis in some way. He has his demons, as we all must deal with in our own lives. Whether alcohol, overeating, talking badly about people, impure thoughts, immoral actions, or whatever, we try to avoid sin, but too often find ourselves taking the prison keys off Barney Fife's desk and admitting we have fallen again. What hope do we have: God's grace!

(Even now, I'm afraid if I came face to face with one of Aunt Bee's homemade blueberry pies, I would not be able to practice moderation!)

What faces you most today?

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Sunday, July 4, 2010

Ephesians 2:19-20

19

So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God,

20

built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.

What strikes me most today

"So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners." This reminds me of those poor officers and passengers on the Starship Enterprise, forever strangers and sojourners in this big world! What were they looking for? They wanted to find a planet suitable for life to replace Earth. What are we looking for? A place to spend Eternity in peace and happiness --> in other words, Heaven.

How scary for the crew of the Starship Enterprise if they never find what they are looking for.

How much scarier for us if we never find what we are looking for - at least we know the answer to our journey - His name is Jesus!

What strikes you most today?

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Saturday, July 3, 2010

Ephesians 2:17-22

17

He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near,

18

for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

19

So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God,

20

built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.

21

Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;

22

in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

What strikes me most today

He came and preached peace. This reminds me most of Kung Fu starring David Carradine. His character really was like the apostles, traveling from place to place. He really did try to teach peace, though he could pull out the Kung Fu when needed!

What strikes you most today?

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Friday, July 2, 2010

Ephesians 2:17-18

17

He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near,

18

for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

What strikes me most today

Peace to those far off and those who are near. I tend to relate many things to old TV shows. This one reminded me of "Lost in Space." No matter how far off the Robinson family got, they still loved and cared for one another (except for Dr. Smith, whom I quote: "Yours not to question why; yours to do as I say or die." - not the most Christian!) Even when they were lost in space, they all still had access in one Spirit to the Father.

What strikes you most today?

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