God's love and goodness never ceases to amaze me, and this morning He once again showed me what a kind and loving God he is (and what a brat I am). Seriously. How do I just keep getting brattier??
Anyway. This morning I had a 7:30am flight to catch. Being an avid -no, neurotic- runner, I needed to be up to get in a good run before a day of travel. I guess my guardian angel preferred that I sleep in a bit, because I did not wake until about 30 minutes before I needed to leave for the airport.
I am stubborn, so I fit in a 20 minute run and super quick shower before I left. I ended up leaving like 10 minutes late and there was a bit of traffic, but I made it to the airport in plenty of time! At least, I thought I did.
When I went to check my bag, the informed me that I had missed the bag check time by five minutes. Apparently, in order to check a bag one must arrive at the airport with 45 minutes to spare. I guess it's been a really long time since I've checked a bag...
I already have high anxiety, but this news took me by surprise and totally broke my spirit. I am meeting people in Virginia at 6:30! We have a rental car! I have a connection to make! How on earth could this be happening!?
So this man (rather rudely, if I may add) directed me to the line to change my flight. There I encountered other less than friendly individuals. At this point, I couldn't hold back the tears. This has never happened before (the whole missed flight thing), and I just felt so sad and confused. I know they recommend being at the airport 90 mins early. I know I cut it close. Really close. But 5 minutes late?
So I waited for 50 minutes in a line to get on stand by. By now I was all puffy eyed and gross, and trying my hardest to hold in my tears. In the words of Judy Funnie, "Oh, brave new world that has such people in it!" Things seemed so unjust. I was so alone.
Embarrassingly enough, I had hardly prayed until I got past security. I asked God to "come on!!!" and "please get me to VA today, please please?!" but I hadn't really submitted to his will. I called my mom, trying to compose myself and let her know about the change in plans.
And so... my mother is my super hero. She prayed with me. "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" Matthew 6:26-30 That's what she prayed. And it was exactly what God wanted me to hear.
I hung up the phone and truly felt the holy spirit moving. I felt calm. And then they called my name, and asked me if I wanted a window or an aisle seat. I literally praised the Lord out loud, and walking to my seat and realized that yes -the man sitting across from me was indeed CHRIS HARRISON from the bachelor/ette. I thought, "why not!?" and took a picture with him. This was, of course, after he caught me trying to sneak a covert picture of him without him knowing. Soooo Chris Harrison thinks I'm a creeper and I'll probably never be on the bachelor/ette.
God wanted me on that flight, maybe because he wanted me to meet Chris Harrison.
So now I sit listening to Belle and Sebastian, and feeling so loved. I feel God's grace truly working. And I do not know if I will make my next flight. If I don't, maybe it's because Ron Paul is hiding somewhere in the DFW airport and God wants me to take a picture with him too :)
UPDATE
I made it to DFW with ten minutes to make my original connecting flight. I ran and prayed. Prayed and Ran. Made it to the gate with 2 minutes to spare...and the attendants were nowhere to be found. I am glad my prayer was, "Your will be done, God!!" because obviously Jesus wanted me to chill in the airport for a while, with some bud light and internet access. His will is better than mine....
.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Saturday, May 1, 2010
The Princess and the Frog
I saw this movie at work a couple weeks ago. I know, my job is chill. But moving on.
I remember that as I was watching it, I thought to myself, "Self," (because that is how I refer myself in my head) "you should blog about this." I don't think I ever did. I read through some previous posts and didn't see anything about it, but I totally thought I'd gotten off my lazy bum (or just relocated it to the computer chair) and blogged what I saw in this movie. I guess not.
I hadn't heard much about it before I saw it. Nothing good or bad. It was one of those days right before spring break when classes were winding down and the teacher threw in a feel good movie to pass the time. The princess was pretty, the music was whimsical and catchy, and the story was cute. In a lot of ways it was a typical disney movie.
But there were a few scenes that apparently parents felt were potentially too scary for some kids. They were right -I think they should even be too scary for an adult. Before you ask, this isn't a movie review of the Princess and the Frog. I thought that a good point was made when the "princess" found out that the prince had used voodoo, and she thought he was a fool. It was a good point that she rejected the glamour of evil at the end (uh...spoiler alert?) and smashed the talisman. She wasn't going to give in to the promises of the witch doctor, or make a deal with the devil.
I highly doubt Disney set out to create a movie about the danger of voodoo and spiritual warfare. To them this is all fantasy. It's a made up story that just happens to actually walk the line of some kind of theological idea. They don't outright recognize it, but any Catholic with some most remote understanding of Satan could probably draw their own conclusion here.
There it is in the mainstream entertainment industry, folks: Satan is real. Evil exists. And maybe a lot of voodoo practicers aren't happy with Disney's portrayal of life on the bayou and dealings with witch doctors, but we as Christians need to realize the danger in consulting mediums and objects of superstition. Disney animated an extreme idea, and threw in snazzy colors and jazzy tunes. Getting involved with voodoo, seances, satanism, whatever it is, probably won't (usually?) lead to a musical number with the room filling with neon demons, at least not in a way we can perceive. But actually, Disney wasn't SUPER far off in showing the affects of getting involved with evil -looking to anyone but God for help in this life.
Evil works the same way in our lives. The ways Satan "helps" us (whether you even recognize his influence and involvement or not) is similar to what happens in the movie. The promises are false. They aren't lasting the way God's are. They leave us dependent on evil. Dealing with Satan. We become pawns in his game.
So watch the movie. Think about it. Maybe you'll see what I mean. I had more clearer thoughts, but these allergies are kinda clouding up my head.
One last piece of advice to everyone. Pray the rosary. Mary is the one human that has every existed who wasn't fully divine (referring to Jesus there) who Satan is afraid of. She is the co-redemtrix -she played an irreplaceable role in salvation, her fiat was the answer God needed to execute His plan to save us. With her son, she crushed the head of Satan. A meek humble virgin defeated the Devil, and she will protect you from him.
I remember that as I was watching it, I thought to myself, "Self," (because that is how I refer myself in my head) "you should blog about this." I don't think I ever did. I read through some previous posts and didn't see anything about it, but I totally thought I'd gotten off my lazy bum (or just relocated it to the computer chair) and blogged what I saw in this movie. I guess not.
I hadn't heard much about it before I saw it. Nothing good or bad. It was one of those days right before spring break when classes were winding down and the teacher threw in a feel good movie to pass the time. The princess was pretty, the music was whimsical and catchy, and the story was cute. In a lot of ways it was a typical disney movie.
But there were a few scenes that apparently parents felt were potentially too scary for some kids. They were right -I think they should even be too scary for an adult. Before you ask, this isn't a movie review of the Princess and the Frog. I thought that a good point was made when the "princess" found out that the prince had used voodoo, and she thought he was a fool. It was a good point that she rejected the glamour of evil at the end (uh...spoiler alert?) and smashed the talisman. She wasn't going to give in to the promises of the witch doctor, or make a deal with the devil.
I highly doubt Disney set out to create a movie about the danger of voodoo and spiritual warfare. To them this is all fantasy. It's a made up story that just happens to actually walk the line of some kind of theological idea. They don't outright recognize it, but any Catholic with some most remote understanding of Satan could probably draw their own conclusion here.
There it is in the mainstream entertainment industry, folks: Satan is real. Evil exists. And maybe a lot of voodoo practicers aren't happy with Disney's portrayal of life on the bayou and dealings with witch doctors, but we as Christians need to realize the danger in consulting mediums and objects of superstition. Disney animated an extreme idea, and threw in snazzy colors and jazzy tunes. Getting involved with voodoo, seances, satanism, whatever it is, probably won't (usually?) lead to a musical number with the room filling with neon demons, at least not in a way we can perceive. But actually, Disney wasn't SUPER far off in showing the affects of getting involved with evil -looking to anyone but God for help in this life.
Evil works the same way in our lives. The ways Satan "helps" us (whether you even recognize his influence and involvement or not) is similar to what happens in the movie. The promises are false. They aren't lasting the way God's are. They leave us dependent on evil. Dealing with Satan. We become pawns in his game.
So watch the movie. Think about it. Maybe you'll see what I mean. I had more clearer thoughts, but these allergies are kinda clouding up my head.
One last piece of advice to everyone. Pray the rosary. Mary is the one human that has every existed who wasn't fully divine (referring to Jesus there) who Satan is afraid of. She is the co-redemtrix -she played an irreplaceable role in salvation, her fiat was the answer God needed to execute His plan to save us. With her son, she crushed the head of Satan. A meek humble virgin defeated the Devil, and she will protect you from him.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Highway to the Danger Zone
Kenny Loggins said it best...
Actually, I'm sure he didn't. Sorry, Kenny. It was just the first thing that popped into my head when I thought "danger!" So let's move on.
It's been on my mind so much recently, and I've been meaning to write about it somewhere. Maybe I already have, I don't really remember. But here goes.
I think Satan's greatest weapon in his arsenal is the trick he plays to make us believe that things that are dangerous for our spirituality are completely harmless.
Think about it -in a war, the enemy doesn't necessarily want to be standing in plain sight waiting for their target, they hide and make us think we're alone when we're actually surrounded. They plant mines in the middle of the desert, for unsuspecting soldiers to drive through. They may even hide bombs in the toys of children like the Soviets did in Afghanistan.
I remember speaking to a Confirmation class about spiritual warfare, and mentioning the dangers of the Ouiji board. A girl asked how a Ouiji board could pose any threat to us when Target sells them in the game section -and they are pink!
That's how we're most vulnerable. Leading exorcists will tell you that the greatest misconception in the Catholic Church today is that evil isn't real. That Satan is just a symbol. That the demons of scripture don't exist anymore, and couldn't possibly effect a Cristian in modern times.
In fact, many well meaning Christians look at a belief in demons as an archaic superstition -when in fact, not acknowledging the existence of true evil is not only theologically incorrect, but dangerous. It leaves us truly exposed, defenses down...and isn't that exactly where the adversary wants us?
I guess since my time at Franciscan University, joining my household and pledging to fight the good fight of faith, I have become a lot more aware of how unaware others are. They forget or choose not to believe that demons are fallen angel; they are like the angels that protect us and guide us, only inverted and perverse. They have the same hierarchy and power, they have more knowledge than we do, while our guardian angels intervene in our daily lives in a positive and holy way, we cannot be blissfully ignorant of the fact that demons too can affect us. And if we give them even an inch, they'll become a ruler... (bam! i saw than pun on a marquee once)
We can't just choose to ignore evil influences in our world. More so, we cannot let the lies of the world convince us that spiritual dangers are mere entertainment and games. That's the trap set for us. Satan hates those who love Christ, but he finds an easy target in those who don't know or recognize his power. Palm readers, wizards, Ouiji boards...it may sound strange to some readers when I refer to them as dangerous, but others know too well the threat they pose to our spiritual well being.
This is a topic I'll probably write about a lot. Just to let you know.
Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Actually, I'm sure he didn't. Sorry, Kenny. It was just the first thing that popped into my head when I thought "danger!" So let's move on.
It's been on my mind so much recently, and I've been meaning to write about it somewhere. Maybe I already have, I don't really remember. But here goes.
I think Satan's greatest weapon in his arsenal is the trick he plays to make us believe that things that are dangerous for our spirituality are completely harmless.
Think about it -in a war, the enemy doesn't necessarily want to be standing in plain sight waiting for their target, they hide and make us think we're alone when we're actually surrounded. They plant mines in the middle of the desert, for unsuspecting soldiers to drive through. They may even hide bombs in the toys of children like the Soviets did in Afghanistan.
I remember speaking to a Confirmation class about spiritual warfare, and mentioning the dangers of the Ouiji board. A girl asked how a Ouiji board could pose any threat to us when Target sells them in the game section -and they are pink!
That's how we're most vulnerable. Leading exorcists will tell you that the greatest misconception in the Catholic Church today is that evil isn't real. That Satan is just a symbol. That the demons of scripture don't exist anymore, and couldn't possibly effect a Cristian in modern times.
In fact, many well meaning Christians look at a belief in demons as an archaic superstition -when in fact, not acknowledging the existence of true evil is not only theologically incorrect, but dangerous. It leaves us truly exposed, defenses down...and isn't that exactly where the adversary wants us?
I guess since my time at Franciscan University, joining my household and pledging to fight the good fight of faith, I have become a lot more aware of how unaware others are. They forget or choose not to believe that demons are fallen angel; they are like the angels that protect us and guide us, only inverted and perverse. They have the same hierarchy and power, they have more knowledge than we do, while our guardian angels intervene in our daily lives in a positive and holy way, we cannot be blissfully ignorant of the fact that demons too can affect us. And if we give them even an inch, they'll become a ruler... (bam! i saw than pun on a marquee once)
We can't just choose to ignore evil influences in our world. More so, we cannot let the lies of the world convince us that spiritual dangers are mere entertainment and games. That's the trap set for us. Satan hates those who love Christ, but he finds an easy target in those who don't know or recognize his power. Palm readers, wizards, Ouiji boards...it may sound strange to some readers when I refer to them as dangerous, but others know too well the threat they pose to our spiritual well being.
This is a topic I'll probably write about a lot. Just to let you know.
Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
What's That Scripture Saying?
Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..."
Yeah. He does.
I pouted for a while about things not going my way in life. I should have known better.
A friend recently asked me to pray for her, via text message. I responded that I would, and than quickly realized how lame I had been. I then thanked her for the reminder she was to me. She needed prayers because for the first time in a while she was totally putting her trust in God. What had I been doing this whole time??? Well, not totally trusting Him, that's for sure. Thank you April, for that humbling reminder.
I probably couldn't have planned my life any better than it is beginning to tun out. But I guess God knew that, didn't He? It doesn't matter what our plans and disappointments, or how much things change around us. Sometimes our expectations don't seem like they could possibly be met, and in the end they are truly exceeded. It's just so funny to me how God does work. And yet I wonder, why is it that I am always surprised? I should know better by now.
I guess the apostle Paul was right...
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..."
Yeah. He does.
I pouted for a while about things not going my way in life. I should have known better.
A friend recently asked me to pray for her, via text message. I responded that I would, and than quickly realized how lame I had been. I then thanked her for the reminder she was to me. She needed prayers because for the first time in a while she was totally putting her trust in God. What had I been doing this whole time??? Well, not totally trusting Him, that's for sure. Thank you April, for that humbling reminder.
I probably couldn't have planned my life any better than it is beginning to tun out. But I guess God knew that, didn't He? It doesn't matter what our plans and disappointments, or how much things change around us. Sometimes our expectations don't seem like they could possibly be met, and in the end they are truly exceeded. It's just so funny to me how God does work. And yet I wonder, why is it that I am always surprised? I should know better by now.
I guess the apostle Paul was right...
Monday, March 22, 2010
GAH!
It's been a while since my last post.
I didn't really have anything to blog about, or so I thought. Then i figured I should throw something up here -and the first thing that came to mind was the frustration of the last two weeks.
The only way I could possibly describe it was just, GAH!! Everything seemed to be falling apart around me. I had escaped to that pitiful place in my mind where I am the victim of such injustices -did anyone ever watch that Nickelodeon show "Doug?" He had a sister named Judy, and in one episode I remember her reciting poetry or something and the line she repeated was, "Oh cruel, cruel world, with such people in it!!!" That has been me. For the past twelve days. Pretty obnoxious.
Life is full of little (and BIG) frustrations. Road blocks and challenges. I don't know if or when anything really changed between that perspective and a new one. It all seemed to come tumbling down around me of late.
Once I centered myself -which took days, it seems- things all came together. I was done with the pity party, feelings of worthlessness and unimportance, and frustrations.
Those mentalities are just lies. Straight from the mouth of the king of lies. Our Lord is so much bigger than our adversary. And we can't ever forget it.
But there is a line from a Mike Doughty song. "Let me know your enormity and my tininess. Help me see your infinity and my finiteness." God is infinite. He is bigger than anything. And he sees me through these challenges. And He sends me angels -my guardian angel, the amazing women in my life that are truly angels to me...He gives us the body of Christ.
It doesn't make it easy. Actually, sometimes things do genuinely suck. And they are hard. And we get lost in it. But we are totally equipped to get through, and when we keep the faith, and we hold onto hope, we make it. Against all odds, we survive.
No matter what challenges may come, no matter how out of control the world around us is...we are given all the tools we need to persevere. Just look to the cross.
I didn't really have anything to blog about, or so I thought. Then i figured I should throw something up here -and the first thing that came to mind was the frustration of the last two weeks.
The only way I could possibly describe it was just, GAH!! Everything seemed to be falling apart around me. I had escaped to that pitiful place in my mind where I am the victim of such injustices -did anyone ever watch that Nickelodeon show "Doug?" He had a sister named Judy, and in one episode I remember her reciting poetry or something and the line she repeated was, "Oh cruel, cruel world, with such people in it!!!" That has been me. For the past twelve days. Pretty obnoxious.
Life is full of little (and BIG) frustrations. Road blocks and challenges. I don't know if or when anything really changed between that perspective and a new one. It all seemed to come tumbling down around me of late.
Once I centered myself -which took days, it seems- things all came together. I was done with the pity party, feelings of worthlessness and unimportance, and frustrations.
Those mentalities are just lies. Straight from the mouth of the king of lies. Our Lord is so much bigger than our adversary. And we can't ever forget it.
But there is a line from a Mike Doughty song. "Let me know your enormity and my tininess. Help me see your infinity and my finiteness." God is infinite. He is bigger than anything. And he sees me through these challenges. And He sends me angels -my guardian angel, the amazing women in my life that are truly angels to me...He gives us the body of Christ.
It doesn't make it easy. Actually, sometimes things do genuinely suck. And they are hard. And we get lost in it. But we are totally equipped to get through, and when we keep the faith, and we hold onto hope, we make it. Against all odds, we survive.
No matter what challenges may come, no matter how out of control the world around us is...we are given all the tools we need to persevere. Just look to the cross.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Tweet tweet!
I've had some grimmer thoughts lately. Lent is an amazing time for penance, a time for repairing and strengthening our relationship with Christ. Maybe it's the act of reconciliation that's got me on this line of thought. Especially during this liturgical season, we recognize our sinfulness. We try to make reparation to the beautiful heart of Our Lady that is pierced by the sins we commit against her Son. Our God longs for us to make our way back to Him -our Shepard waits, with his arms open wide.
It's somehow lead me to the topic of abortion. God knows us intimately in the womb, he formed us all individually in His image and with all the love he has within Him. Let's refer to Psalm 139:
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
After spending some time really reflecting on the tragedy of abortion, I feel like it must just break Our Lady's heart -the mother of all people- to see the slaughter of her little ones. Our God must constantly ache over the disregard we have for the gift of life, and our failure to protect the most defenseless and innocent among us.
I don't have much more to say about abortion in general in this post, but today i was reminded of AN interview by Bryan Kemper of the pro-life ministry Stan True. It was with Angie the Anti-theist. If you don't know about her, She tweeted her abortion.
You can read the interview here:
http://bryankemper.com/2010/02/24/my-interview-with-angie-the-girl-who-live-tweeted-her-abortion
For whatever reason that interview came to mind while looking at Little-Disciples.com (super cute christian baby clothes). To look at these adorable onesies, the cute and punny sayings, and think about what a blessing babies are. But to remember that so many of those bundles of joy don't even survive to the world God made them for.
So Angie states that her goal in doing this was to"demystify" abortion or "reduce stigma." To explain what's going on, I guess. Maybe to make it less taboo? But so taking her train of thought, a light went on in my head.
This was just an idea, here -what if one of us Catholics "live tweeted" our confession?
I mean, I'm not volunteering to do it. I don't know if that takes away from the nature of the sacrament in anyway. I'm pretty sure the priest wouldn't care for you typing away on your iphone as you give your act of contrition, but it was just food for thought. I just thought it would be a pretty stark contrast -the "stigma" of an abortion vs the "stigma" and mystery (and grace!!!) and Sacrament of Reconciliation being brought live to the world to see.
**Just a note to readers, please don't tweet and receive sacraments. Probably a very bad idea.**
I guess that's one thing I personally have to pray more about. The end to abortion. And I would encourage you all to get involved too. Here's a list of some web sites to visit:
www.Rockforlife.org
www.Standtrue.org
www.AbortionNO.org
Financial contribute if you can, spiritually support the movement with prayer, or think about representing the cause with an awesome t-shirt (everyone loves awesome t-shirts right!?).
You can read a lot more from Bryan Kemper's awesome blog at www.Bryankemper.com.
Ok, hopefully we are all equipped to go out and fight the good fight! Remember what Mother Theresa said,"I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself."
And for all you sister suffragettes, Susan B Anthony (one of the 1st feminists ladies!) once stated, ""Guilty? Yes. No matter what the motive, love of ease, or a desire to save from suffering the unborn innocent, the woman is awfully guilty who commits the deed. It will burden her conscience in life, it will burden her soul in death; But oh, thrice guilty is he who drove her to the desperation which impelled her to the crime!"
**** This blog does NOT recommend tweeting while receiving any of the sacraments.
It's somehow lead me to the topic of abortion. God knows us intimately in the womb, he formed us all individually in His image and with all the love he has within Him. Let's refer to Psalm 139:
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
After spending some time really reflecting on the tragedy of abortion, I feel like it must just break Our Lady's heart -the mother of all people- to see the slaughter of her little ones. Our God must constantly ache over the disregard we have for the gift of life, and our failure to protect the most defenseless and innocent among us.
I don't have much more to say about abortion in general in this post, but today i was reminded of AN interview by Bryan Kemper of the pro-life ministry Stan True. It was with Angie the Anti-theist. If you don't know about her, She tweeted her abortion.
You can read the interview here:
http://bryankemper.com/2010/02/24/my-interview-with-angie-the-girl-who-live-tweeted-her-abortion
For whatever reason that interview came to mind while looking at Little-Disciples.com (super cute christian baby clothes). To look at these adorable onesies, the cute and punny sayings, and think about what a blessing babies are. But to remember that so many of those bundles of joy don't even survive to the world God made them for.
So Angie states that her goal in doing this was to"demystify" abortion or "reduce stigma." To explain what's going on, I guess. Maybe to make it less taboo? But so taking her train of thought, a light went on in my head.
This was just an idea, here -what if one of us Catholics "live tweeted" our confession?
I mean, I'm not volunteering to do it. I don't know if that takes away from the nature of the sacrament in anyway. I'm pretty sure the priest wouldn't care for you typing away on your iphone as you give your act of contrition, but it was just food for thought. I just thought it would be a pretty stark contrast -the "stigma" of an abortion vs the "stigma" and mystery (and grace!!!) and Sacrament of Reconciliation being brought live to the world to see.
**Just a note to readers, please don't tweet and receive sacraments. Probably a very bad idea.**
I guess that's one thing I personally have to pray more about. The end to abortion. And I would encourage you all to get involved too. Here's a list of some web sites to visit:
www.Rockforlife.org
www.Standtrue.org
www.AbortionNO.org
Financial contribute if you can, spiritually support the movement with prayer, or think about representing the cause with an awesome t-shirt (everyone loves awesome t-shirts right!?).
You can read a lot more from Bryan Kemper's awesome blog at www.Bryankemper.com.
Ok, hopefully we are all equipped to go out and fight the good fight! Remember what Mother Theresa said,"I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself."
And for all you sister suffragettes, Susan B Anthony (one of the 1st feminists ladies!) once stated, ""Guilty? Yes. No matter what the motive, love of ease, or a desire to save from suffering the unborn innocent, the woman is awfully guilty who commits the deed. It will burden her conscience in life, it will burden her soul in death; But oh, thrice guilty is he who drove her to the desperation which impelled her to the crime!"
**** This blog does NOT recommend tweeting while receiving any of the sacraments.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Sacrifice
So Lent is upon us.
No, it isn't a Catholic 40 day diet plan. It does, however, offer us a time to cleanse -not a physical detox, but spiritually (although, kudos to people who actually are detoxing physically for Lent. Jesus approves).
I've had some time to reflect on the idea of us as Church using these 40 days to fast and abstain, to sacrifice something for God. Our Lenten practices should be something that lead us to prayer and to Christ, something to prepare our souls for His death and Resurrection.
I think a lot of us struggle with that idea -that whatever we do, it should lead us to Christ. For years I gave up junk food because Lent was a convenient time to cut out the extra calories, and if it happened to lead me to prayer that would be great, but it seldom did.
In my experience I've learned that for myself, taking something on for Lent has been much more spiritually rewarding. Rather than using Lent for my selfish purposes, I find that taking on extra responsibilities helps me to make the effort to shed my sinful ways and seek Him more deeply.
Whichever way you roll this time of year, whether you abstain from something or take on new spiritual practices, the end result should always be the same. We work to bring ourselves to the same place on Good Friday -at the foot of the Cross, and on the same place Easter Sunday -rejoicing in the glory of the Risen Lord.
There is absolutely grace in fully immersing ourselves in whatever we have given to the Lord anytime of year, but Lent offers those of us who have not been as feverishly devout all year to come back in some way.
The main two thoughts that have been on my mind this first week of Lent are simple: Lent is an opportunity for those who have strayed to find their roots in the Church -and even if the simplest offering is made during this season, it is an opportunity for Christ to open the door to ones heart and deepen their faith a bit more. The second thought is that for all of us -Sunday catholics, daily massers, or CEA's (Christmas, Easter, Ash Wednesday Catholics) there is real and abundant grace in every sacrifice we make for the Lord -actual grace that stays with us and moves our hearts in the direction of Christ.
Some people bash the Catholics who abstain from meat on Fridays of Lent and give up candy bars for 40 days. For some of the Christians who daily receive Eucharist, they see this sacrifice as too little. For those who do not know Christ, they see these practices as meaningless and unimportant -just something we do for tradition's sake. But I maintain that however one chooses to make an offering to God -no matter how small, it is still beautiful in the eyes of our Lord.
More so, even IF it is a sacrifice that is made because out of tradition's sake, it is still an opportunity for one of the flock to find their way home. So what if they were binge drinking on Bourbon Street for Mardi Gras, and woke up Wednesday morning to the blurry realization that Lent had begun? Maybe it was a thought that was second nature and almost overlooked, and on the spur of the moment one thought, "I guess I'll give up cookies this year." Maybe they don't even know what Lent is really about, they just know that Catholics do it, and by golly, they are Catholic. So what? It doesn't matter how we come to Christ or how we choose to show Him our devotion, even in the littlest ways we can come to better know our Savior. When we least expect or realize it, Jesus takes hold of our hearts and brings us into deeper communion with Him. He reawakens that longing for Him. Lent is the perfect opportunity.
I am seeing more and more clearly that whatever we give to Christ brings grace and blessings into every aspect of our lives. As much as sacrificing can be inconvenient, when we put God first, all other things fall into place.
I have gradually noticed this effect in the past few years that I have really given myself over to the idea of a hearty Lenten practice. For example, this year I have taken on going to daily mass for Lent. I am a youth minister -I LIKE sleeping in. So to get up early for MASS of all things is about as big a sacrifice as I could have thought to make. I can get up to do the selfish things I need to do, but I have never really taken advantage of the gift of daily mass, and I thought this would be a great opportunity.
Getting up for mass has, in many secular ways, done me a lot of good. It gets me going for the day -it gets my running shoes on my feet ON TIME, it gets me to work early, it even gave me the chance to realize my tire pressure was low so that I could allow time to go to Tire Pros before work.
But spiritually, the grace and closeness to Christ I experience is worth so much more than the sacrifices I had to make to get to mass. More so, the conveniences of getting out of bed earlier than I would like to is NOTHING compared to the amazing feeling of partaking in Communion and hearing the word of God every morning before the day gets started. Eucharist strengthens us spiritually, and what better way to prepare for the day? I even think it makes me RUN better in the morning!
Long story short, Lent is awesome. It is an incredible gift from our Lord, and no matter what we do to during this liturgical season, the more important part of Lent is keeping an open heart, and our minds and spirits focused on that Cross.
No, it isn't a Catholic 40 day diet plan. It does, however, offer us a time to cleanse -not a physical detox, but spiritually (although, kudos to people who actually are detoxing physically for Lent. Jesus approves).
I've had some time to reflect on the idea of us as Church using these 40 days to fast and abstain, to sacrifice something for God. Our Lenten practices should be something that lead us to prayer and to Christ, something to prepare our souls for His death and Resurrection.
I think a lot of us struggle with that idea -that whatever we do, it should lead us to Christ. For years I gave up junk food because Lent was a convenient time to cut out the extra calories, and if it happened to lead me to prayer that would be great, but it seldom did.
In my experience I've learned that for myself, taking something on for Lent has been much more spiritually rewarding. Rather than using Lent for my selfish purposes, I find that taking on extra responsibilities helps me to make the effort to shed my sinful ways and seek Him more deeply.
Whichever way you roll this time of year, whether you abstain from something or take on new spiritual practices, the end result should always be the same. We work to bring ourselves to the same place on Good Friday -at the foot of the Cross, and on the same place Easter Sunday -rejoicing in the glory of the Risen Lord.
There is absolutely grace in fully immersing ourselves in whatever we have given to the Lord anytime of year, but Lent offers those of us who have not been as feverishly devout all year to come back in some way.
The main two thoughts that have been on my mind this first week of Lent are simple: Lent is an opportunity for those who have strayed to find their roots in the Church -and even if the simplest offering is made during this season, it is an opportunity for Christ to open the door to ones heart and deepen their faith a bit more. The second thought is that for all of us -Sunday catholics, daily massers, or CEA's (Christmas, Easter, Ash Wednesday Catholics) there is real and abundant grace in every sacrifice we make for the Lord -actual grace that stays with us and moves our hearts in the direction of Christ.
Some people bash the Catholics who abstain from meat on Fridays of Lent and give up candy bars for 40 days. For some of the Christians who daily receive Eucharist, they see this sacrifice as too little. For those who do not know Christ, they see these practices as meaningless and unimportant -just something we do for tradition's sake. But I maintain that however one chooses to make an offering to God -no matter how small, it is still beautiful in the eyes of our Lord.
More so, even IF it is a sacrifice that is made because out of tradition's sake, it is still an opportunity for one of the flock to find their way home. So what if they were binge drinking on Bourbon Street for Mardi Gras, and woke up Wednesday morning to the blurry realization that Lent had begun? Maybe it was a thought that was second nature and almost overlooked, and on the spur of the moment one thought, "I guess I'll give up cookies this year." Maybe they don't even know what Lent is really about, they just know that Catholics do it, and by golly, they are Catholic. So what? It doesn't matter how we come to Christ or how we choose to show Him our devotion, even in the littlest ways we can come to better know our Savior. When we least expect or realize it, Jesus takes hold of our hearts and brings us into deeper communion with Him. He reawakens that longing for Him. Lent is the perfect opportunity.
I am seeing more and more clearly that whatever we give to Christ brings grace and blessings into every aspect of our lives. As much as sacrificing can be inconvenient, when we put God first, all other things fall into place.
I have gradually noticed this effect in the past few years that I have really given myself over to the idea of a hearty Lenten practice. For example, this year I have taken on going to daily mass for Lent. I am a youth minister -I LIKE sleeping in. So to get up early for MASS of all things is about as big a sacrifice as I could have thought to make. I can get up to do the selfish things I need to do, but I have never really taken advantage of the gift of daily mass, and I thought this would be a great opportunity.
Getting up for mass has, in many secular ways, done me a lot of good. It gets me going for the day -it gets my running shoes on my feet ON TIME, it gets me to work early, it even gave me the chance to realize my tire pressure was low so that I could allow time to go to Tire Pros before work.
But spiritually, the grace and closeness to Christ I experience is worth so much more than the sacrifices I had to make to get to mass. More so, the conveniences of getting out of bed earlier than I would like to is NOTHING compared to the amazing feeling of partaking in Communion and hearing the word of God every morning before the day gets started. Eucharist strengthens us spiritually, and what better way to prepare for the day? I even think it makes me RUN better in the morning!
Long story short, Lent is awesome. It is an incredible gift from our Lord, and no matter what we do to during this liturgical season, the more important part of Lent is keeping an open heart, and our minds and spirits focused on that Cross.
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