WHAT IS YOUR PASSION?

When you hear the word passion, what is the first thought that enters your mind? Is it that intense love you feel for someone very special? Maybe you get fired up when you think about your favourite sports team winning the next game? While passion is a very intense feeling, that brings an unusual excitement and yearning from the heart, its meaning goes deeper. The word Passion comes from the Latin verb patere meaning to suffer. Based upon this definition, how intense is your passion? What moves you? Are you willing to work hard for what it may cost you? How much are you willing to suffer?

Easter Sunday is fast approaching. It is the culmination of the Passion of Christ. The word Passion is incomprehensible in relation to Jesus who was willing to suffer in pain and agony on his way to the cross. How fiery was his love to endure the steps leading up to and included in His crucifixion?  I know that I can’t help but see the greatest sign of love when I sit and gaze upon the crucifix.

The past month I have been dealing with personal hardships that have been very emotional and hard for me. I guess you could say, I have been handed my cross. In our human frailty, it is difficult to carry it with as much zeal as Jesus did- with passion! It is at these times of suffering that we remind ourselves that we have the opportunity to be the closest to our Saviour. We only need to invite Him to journey with us? He is certainly familiar with our burdens and fears. He recognizes our feeling of abandonment and hopelessness.

His witness of love and sacrifice can strengthen us. It is up to us, that we chose to passionately love Him back. It’s when we die to self that He lives in us. What an incredible gift! We trust that He will take care of our needs and the needs of others. I find the more we invest our hearts in Him and surrender to His will, the easier our sorrows and struggles are to deal with. As Bono, so brilliantly said from the band U2 “I pray to know the will of God… the prayers have more of a chance of coming true”.  I think it’s that simple!

This Good Friday we celebrate the Lord’s Passion and venerate the Cross of Christ. I am always brought to tears when I think of how He laid down His life to give us life. My cross is tiny compared to His. In fact it feels a lot lighter as I reflect. I realize that when I am too tired to carry it, as a loving God, He will lift it from me.  It is then that I can lay it all down at the foot of the cross.  I am basking in His goodness and rejoicing in what He has done for you and me! He died to set us free. Thank you Jesus! Happy Easter everyone!

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

The family just got bigger!

I have always believed that God turns bad into good. 

The bad is we are witnessing religious genocide happening in the cradle of where Christianity was born. Lives have been lost in the most barbaric ways. Households and villages are torn apart because of their religious beliefs. Christians would not renounce their faith, no matter how much evil pressed into them emotionally...mentally... physically. These brave men, women and children of Mosul and other war torn places need our continual prayers. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are suffering persecution and death that is too hard to comprehend.

These days when I am in conversation with God, my eyes regularly well up with tears, especially during Mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. What we have, they no longer have. The realization that they are unable to go to Church and worship and receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist is heart-wrenching. Knowing that they are willing to die for this and suffer on behalf of their beliefs, I am overwhelmed by their evident love for God. May we honour them by realizing how blessed we are to receive Jesus, attend Mass and practice our faith. 

We can find peace in our hearts during this time of madness. In the past months, I believe, the Church has gained many Saints in the heavenly realm. A sense of hope is in reach, if you believe in the Communion of Saints. They are able to take our prayer requests to the throne of God and intercede on our behalf. These faithful people that appear to be walking the same path as  many martyrs before them are in spiritual union with the Christian Church. Our family is getting bigger! They have also been a powerful witness to the world and may be instrumental in the  conversion of souls for Christ. History has shown us the positive influence of those who came before us that were willing to die for what they believed and give us reason to believe- and we call them Saints. The persecuted Christians of today have not died, nor suffered in vain as they have accomplished much good and are rewarded with a seat at the heavenly banquet. 

Though the devils army looks threatening and aggressive, God and his angels and saints are most powerful. Good trumps evil. They will topple the enemy that propagates evil and hate in a world that so desperately needs  the love of God. Just when you think jihad, war, relativism and all the the secular world  can throw at you is swallowing up God's kingdom, you find that Jesus is alive and well.  We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. You teach us what profound faith looks like in our modern world- thank you for your testimony! We pray with you for the conversion of souls, especially the Islamic terrorists. Holy martyrs of Iraq, pray for us! 

Saints go marching into our lives and out...

"Death cannot separate Christians from Christ or from one another"~ Rom 8:35-39

In times of trouble or ill health we ask our family or friends "would you pray for me?" Believers pray to Jesus also, and some believers wonder, why do Catholics pray to dead people...and why to anyone else but Jesus...I mean, He is God! We only need one mediator? Well if that is what you believe, why are you asking others here on earth to pray for you? Besides, St. Paul clearly urges Christians in 1 Tim 2:1, to intercede and pray for "all" men. All prayers, whether in heaven or on earth are encouraged. I would suspect  prayers from those in heaven are most powerful, as the saints are with God. 

We, as believers, that are alive and dead are called saints. Our bond of supernatural unity is called the communion of saints. We are a part of the mystical body of Christ. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5). We can call on the help of our family in heaven and our family on earth. 

But Catholics, can be accused of speaking to the dead (necromancy) when they pray to saints -which is condemned in Deut 18. Well, we don't! The saints are alive and with God. Just as Jesus spoke to the thief on the cross beside him that he would "today" be in paradise and when He spoke to Elijah and Moses after they had already died.....so do we realize they are more alive than we are...in heaven! We have friends in high places  flooded with God's love, taking our prayers to God. How wonderful to have many people  pray for us and as far as saints go there are over 10,000 recognized in the Church that we can call on. I don't know about you, but I don't have that many friends on Facebook or in my email account. I feel so popular :)

I gave my sister a St. Sebastian medal, as she is doing a half marathon tomorrow. Now, if she prays tomorrow for his prayer assistance and someone in Peru is praying to him, and  1,000's of people at the same time are praying to St. Sebastian- how can he hear so many voices? Well, if this computer's inanimate microchip can process millions of instructions simultaneously, can God not have His living saints process millions of requests at the same time? I mean, He is God! I wouldn't put Him in a box.

Tomorrow, marks a day of joy in the Church as 7 people become saints, like Kateri Tekakwitha, North America's first aboriginal saint. But today, marked a day of sadness as a saint among us has passed away, my cousin Sarah Sorrell. She asked me to pray for her recently and I did. But, now I ask Sarah, that I believe is in heaven, to intercede for me as she did while she was here on earth. Be with God Sarah and rest in our Savior's loving embrace. I have no doubt you will intercede to our Father, that your children be covered with his banner of light and protection. I pray to see my "entire" family some day...so there are no tears. I have happiness and peace knowing we are bound in mutual love (Rom 12:10) and so glad we have so many souls that rally for us each day we live.

And then the Lions ate him!

I met with and facilitated a prayer meeting with some great Catholic Youth this week. We reflected on the Holy Spirit and then on an Early Church Father/Apostolic Father. "Huh!?" they said. Maybe you are saying the same?! So, here it goes in a nut shell.

First an Apostolic Father is an early Chrisitian and a church father of the first or second century A.D. who was believed to have received personal instruction from the 12 Apostles or from their disciples. Ignatius was one of the earliest of the lot. He passed down the truths of Jesus and very early Christian theology (study of God). The baton was passed so to speak, from Jesus to apostle John to Ignatius. It is amazing to me, that Ignatius knew and was taught by the apostle John. Ignatius lived in Antioch (now Antakya, Turkey), the 3th largest city of the Roman empire in the 1st century. He became Bishop of Antioch which in the bible, the book of Acts, speaks of Antioch (one of the first pagan (non-believing) communities to receive evangelism/teachings about Christ.) Thank you Ignatius.

He was the first man to pen the word "Catholic" to describe our Church in one of his 7 letters/epistles. He also wrote about the order in the Church (ecclesiolgy), mainly Bishop, priests and then Deacons. He spoke about the "real presence" of Jesus in the Eucharist and other Sacraments (a sacred rite recognized as of particular importance). He uses the word Eucharist. Yes, this word is not in the bible. But, as quoted from John 20:25, “But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” This is such a book/letter. (I could get into Sola Scriptura, a whole other topic...another post)

Some of his letters are addressed to the Romans, the Ephesians. Sound familiar, those of you who read the bible? His letters, and a letter on his Martyrdom can be viewed online for free. Just do a search. They are fascinating and eye opening. He was a brave, brave and devoted man that tried his best to walk the life of Christ. He was fed to the Lion's for not renouncing his faith in God, thus he is always pictured with Lions biting him. His feast day (Holy day of commemoration) is October 17th. This is why I spoke to the youth about him, as that day is almost here. They really enjoyed the video I presented from Steve Ray on the Apostolic Fathers, and learned a lot. I hope you learned something too.

Pray for us St. Ignatius of Antioch...we need your prayers! Amen.

Canadian Martyrs....huh!?

My family and I traveled to Midland, Ontario this summer. We had surprising revelations that brought further meaning to our faith during our stay. I, as a Catholic revert, have been getting my head wrapped around the lives of Saints and Martyrs these past years. As of last week, it was really drilled home as to why they are held in such high esteem as you will see below.

After kayaking in the Wye Marsh (right beside St. Maire), we made our way through Ontario's first European community (1639) "St. Marie among the Hurons". The headquarters for the French Jesuit Mission to the Huron (Wendat) people. It struck me that Canada did not even exist yet...this was 400 years ago that the Jesuit Order (Catholic religious order) first spread Christianity to many people in our land.They traveled 3-4 weeks in dangerous conditions (from Quebec to the foreign Midland area) in cramped bark canoes with strangers. Talk about back aches and adventure?! What sacrifice, courage, dedication and great Missionaries for God as follows next...
 

During one of many Huron Village captures, the Iroquois, on March 16, 1649, seized St. Jean de Brebeuf and his fellow Jesuit St. Gabriel Lallemant and brought them back to St. Ignace (6 miles from St. Marie).There they were fastened to stakes at the church and tortured to death by scalping, mock baptism using boiling water, fire, necklaces of red hot hatchets and mutilation. Brebeuf did not make a single outcry while he was being tortured but instead tried consoling the Wendats. The Iroquois bashed his chin off to silence him during the 17 hours of torture. He astounded the Iroquois and so after he died, they cut out and ate his heart, in hopes of acquiring his courage.

As recorded about his fellow priest Lallemant tied to a stake beside him: "At the height of these torments, Father Gabriel Lallemant lifted his eyes to Heaven, clasping his hands from time to time and uttering sighs to God, whom he invoked to his aid. He had received a hatchet blow on the left ear, which they had driven into his brain, which appeared exposed: we saw no part of his body, from the feet even to the head, which had not been broiled, and in which he had not been burned alive -even his eyes, into which those impious ones had thrust burning coals." This is hard to read but relevant to understand our history of sacrifice and love for God and His people.

We lastly, on our trip, made our way across the street to the Martyr's Shrine. The Shrine now makes sense to me. It is a Roman Catholic Church consecrated to the memory of the Canadian Martyrs that I now understand more intimately. A place of worship to God and a place to remember what real faith can and should be. Where am I in my faith, where are you? Well, I am sure these men are in heaven due to their reverence for God and great miracles that have occurred from these prayer warriors, in the heavenly realm. They carry prayer requests to the throne of God. Many crutches in the church and  testimony letters  witness to the healing miracles occurring at this holy place.

We ask our friends and family to pray for us. So I conclude by saying, St. Jean de Brebeuf and St. Gabriel Lallemant and all the Canadian Martyrs, pray for us. Please take our prayer petitions to God as you are surely with Him. May we learn by your example, to carry our small crosses in life, compared to what you endured.

Great love song!

"And because of You, I come alive"

I sing this song at the top of my lungs in my car as I drive about. I just got back from a drive and my vocal cords are raw and my heart is pounding with love.  This is a love song.

Audrey Assad is my favorite Christian/Catholic female artist. I find this song just breathes life into me. But, of course it does...with every inhale, I breathe in God as I sing it:)

I like it when it gets windy!

Yes, I like the wind. You heard right! Sounds crazy after all the wind storms we have had lately. I also like the heat of a burning fire. OK, let's cut to the chase, I love the Holy Spirit. I am happy to be celebrating Pentecost today!

That sounded a bit strange didn't it? Well, the Holy Spirit is often times refereed to as being a mighty wind and a fire. So does that mean that to experience the Holy Spirit that we need to be roasting marshmallows on a windy day at a campfire? Then "Whamo" you get the Holy Spirit?! NO...though I suppose you could ask the Holy Spirit to come into your life and move in your life while these scenario's play out. However, you might get on fire in the wrong way. There is a better way to be on fire. That is...be on fire for God.

"Oh no", you say, "not me...I don't want that Holy Roller thing happening to me!" I know, there is always this fear of the unknown. I definitely had those feelings and then some. But there came a point in my life when I was feeling so empty and that something was lacking. I went reluctantly to a prayer group one night, and heard things about the Holy Spirit. So, one day I surrendered and asked for this Spirit to move in my life. The spirit of God. I was willing to ask Him into my life, as that is the only way the fire can build up inside of you. That is, a raging fire of love for God. I always had the pilot light on, but, it wasn't serving any purpose until I allowed the flame to grow.

Once I opened myself the the Spirit of God, to move and take control of my life -He came in like a raging wind. Powerful and life changing. Like the McDonald commercials sing "I'm lovin' it"! I became forgiving, fulfilled, content. But, I can't do it on my own. I already tried to be in charge in the past and I that didn't accomplish much. By the Spirit, I am now a happy sinner, that sins less *smile*, and sleeps well at night. I am content knowing that I have a Redeemer that lives and His Spirit lives in me:D

He is in charge and when I finally let go of my pride and gave my life to Him, my life changed. I was really worried though, that my life would have a lot of rules and it would be misery doing the "Christian thing". Well, honestly, I can now say, I really had no clue that life could get really awesome. For me being a practicing Christian is a heck of a lot easier way to live than not being one. "Happy Happy Joy Joy" (Ren and Stimpy fans get this).

Christmas, Easter are great times of celebration in the Church. Pentecost is treated like an ordinary day. Yet, it is a very very important day! Pentecost (50 days post Easter, thus the name) commemorates the day the Holy Spirit descended on Mary, the Apostles and 1,000's of people. The Birthday of the Catholic Church.With no Holy Spirit to move in our lives there would be nothing. With the Holy Spirit- we can pray and have the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control amongst many other gifts of the Spirit can manifest in our lives in life changing ways.  It's like Christmas with gifts under the tree just waiting to be unwrapped.

Veni Sanctus Spiritus/Come Holy Spirit. A simple and powerful prayer, you can say, allowing the fire and wind to sweep through your soul. To blow out and burn up the sadness, hurt, pain etc.that you are carrying inside.  Then, the fire set ablaze in your soul, will radiate true love and true happiness. The mighty wind of the Spirit will breathe into you new life.

"Come Holy Spirit"- it's that simple.

The Catholic story is being told by the wrong people

"There are not a hundred people in America who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions of people who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church, which is, of course, quite a different thing."

~Bishop Fulton Sheen~

I look forward to viewing this positive and brilliant masterpiece, set to be released this Fall. Father Barron is a very intelligent man of faith. An acclaimed author, speaker, and theologian. I wait to be inspired, enriched and enlightened by his words and the beauty that will unfold in this 10 part series. Considering the Church is 2,000 years old, there is, I am sure, a lot of info and footage jammed into only 10 parts. I understand that being a world wide church, they traveled and filmed in over 20 countries.

I agree with Father Barron, that the Catholic story has been told by the wrong people and it is time to set the story right.

Thank you Father Barron and the Word on Fire team for your years of hard work and dedication to a great project. With my hubby, children, the big flat screen TV, and our bowls of buttery popcorn we will enjoy this epic cinematic experience in the near future.We are proud to be Catholic, the oldest Christian faith in existence. This film will bring that reality to new heights.

Pardon me, please!

 

 Singing the Divine Mercy in song

Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Jesus I trust in You!

Have you ever done something wrong to someone? Caused them hurt or harm and wished you could go back in time and change things? Not an easy task. Well, mercy can mean being pardoned for a wrongful act or being released of a punishment. However, in the Catholic Church, the word mercy, means much more than this.

If we look at the New Testament, the Greek word that is usually translated as "mercy" is the word "eleos." It can also be translated as loving kindness or tender compassion. In short, eleos is God's love poured out upon His people. In Pope John Paul II's encyclical letter "Dives in Miesericordia" (Rich in Mercy) he made two very important statements about mercy. First, he wrote, "Mercy is love's second name." Secondly, he taught that mercy is "the greatest attribute of God.

So, today, we prayed/sang the Divine Mercy Chaplet to God, asking for Mercy to be poured over all mankind. You, me and all the people we love and those that don't even make the top 10 list.*smile* A beautiful day of blessing and drawing closer to Jesus and his sacred heart of love.

The Divine Mercy is based on the writings of Saint Faustina Kowalska, an uneducated Polish nun who, in obedience to her spiritual director, wrote a diary of about 600 pages recording the revelations she received about God's mercy. Even before her death in 1938, the devotion to The Divine Mercy had begun to spread.

The message of The Divine Mercy is simple. It is that God loves us — all of us. And, he wants us to recognize that His mercy is greater than our sins, so that we will call upon Him with trust, receive His mercy, and let it flow through us to others. Thus, all will come to share His joy. Spend time to learn more about the mercy of God, learn to trust in Jesus, and live your life as merciful to others, as Christ is merciful to you. Below are acts of work/mercy that we can do for others in our lives:

Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, cloth the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit those in prison, bury the dead, instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, admonish the sinner, comfort the sorrowful, forgive injuries, bear wrong patiently, pray for the living and the dead.

A tall list of works, but while we can't fix everyone's problem, we can support and help lots of people in little ways. Look at the example of Jesus. While He did not wipe out all disease in the world, He did cure many diseased people. Jesus himself did not personally counsel every discouraged, confused person, but, He did give those whose lives touched His a golden ray of real hope. And then he told his disciples—including us—to go about doing the same thing.  

Sometimes they only seem little, but, small acts of kindness help people. We're all richer and better—and more like Jesus—when we put our faith to work with the works of mercy.

Faith without works is dead.(James 2:20)

Have you ever visited your family or friends grave?

What did you feel when you visited your friends grave, or family members grave? How about their funeral? I know, this is a gloomy and sad subject. But, how did you feel? Imagine if they they were not there. Their body was stolen? The tombstone was taken? What emotions would you experience? How must Jesus' family and friends have felt that day he was not in His tomb?A great reflection here, from Matt Maher, a great Catholic music artist. Our family can't wait to see him this May in Toronto!

Have we died to ourselves with Christ? Are we experiencing the passion, death and resurrection this season? What a great time in our lives to have a start at new life. To be resurrected with Christ. To be born again in the spirit. We are all spiritual after all. Emotional, Physical, Mental and Spiritual beings.If there is something missing in your life and you don't feel complete, it may be that you are missing that spiritual component-God. I know that I was feeling incomplete and empty...and now I do feel complete:) God filled that void.

In this time of Spring and new beginnings, and in this time of the Easter season (the next 50 days) we have opportunity for rebirth. I think we are always being reborn in spirit. It is a continual conversion of heart and mind and spirit that we undertake as Christians.

I personally, think that this is why Easter is celebrated in the Spring. Just look outside at all the trees with swelling buds. Flowers pushing through the soil. Birds scurrying about looking for debris to make their nests and lay eggs. There is new life all around us.  Easter eggs- signify new life. Now, I don't understand Easter bunnies, so, if anyone knows, please share. Anyways, the empty tomb of Christ represents eternal life. We can die to ourselves and live for Christ-eternal life. As it says in John 3:30 "he must increase and I must decrease." Do you chose to live for the world and its ways or the ways of God? Can you die to self? Can you surrender yourself to the Holy Spirit and follow Jesus? He gives us free will. So, you need to ask Him to help you draw closer...and He will. But, only if you ask Him.

Christ is Risen-Alleluia!

Have you ever missed someone so bad????

Have you ever missed someone so much? Someone that passed away, that was dear to you? Someone that has moved to another country? You miss them so much it hurts?! We have a hard time awaiting their return to us and reuniting with them. For those laid to rest, we have a hard time waiting to be reunited with them, we hope, in heaven. How must it have felt for the early followers of Christ when he died? What a day that must have been, almost 2,000 years ago, when he resurrected! 

Well, yesterday, we celebrated Christs resurrection. A great celebration is was. Last night, after the sun went down, we celebrated the Easter Vigil at our Church. The most beautiful liturgy in the RC Church. The church was is in darkness, with only the last bits of light coming through the stain glass windows (that tell stories of the bible). A bowl of fire, at the back of the Church is blessed and lit. The priest lights the Pascal candle (the Christ candle) from the new fire, saying: "May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds". Slowly the light travels, as all members of the Church had their candles lit from this candle. This signifies the light of Christ among his people. We call it the "Service of light."

Then the lights are all turned on and we all exclaim and sing "Glory to God in the Highest." This is a very moving part of the service, as the darkness is dispelled and the Church is filled with light. Symbolically the light of Christ.  

Then, during the service there can be up to 7 readings from the bible. Who says we Catholics are not into scripture? *grin*  We heard 3 readings from the Old Testament and 1 from the New Testament. I always marvel at how the Old Testament fulfills the New Testament. Readings from Ezekiel and Isaiah (the Old Testament) for example, prophesize the coming of Christ down to His Passion and Crucifixion in the New Testament. Amazing! I never really understood that until the past few years. It is a learning process being Catholic! *smile*

The Easter water is blessed, and new members are brought into the Church through water baptism.The faithful are blessed with water and renew their baptismal promises.We then got sprinkled with the Easter Holy water. My daughter loved that part! Sometimes my son and the other altar servers have received an extra sprinkle- all in good fun.

Lastly, we have the Mass. The whole church is called to join at the sacrificial table that Christ prepared for us through his death and resurrection. We remember. 

We all have special people that have gone to rest that we remember in our lives. That touched us deeply. That we loved deeply. There are those that we miss, that we will see again. I have chosen, during this Easter, to remember someone that died for me, and died an excruciating death as the sacrificial lamb for my sins. No one had a word to describe a pain as intense as a crucifixion , so a new word was created. The word excruciating literally means "out of the cross." 

There is no greater love then this.

What is so Good about Good Friday?

As Matt Maher says here in this video, it is a GOOD thing calling today "Good" Friday. I originally thought, how could anyone surmise that the Passion (the suffering of Jesus Christ)  and His death is a day to call "Good". maybe Bad Friday, but Good? But, as Matt reflects, it is truly a Good Friday, as He died for our sins so that we may live.

Today, at Mass after a long and reflective Gospel reading we got to see good. We got to see God. God on a cross, crucified. Myself and all that filled the Church today at 3pm had an intimate encounter with Jesus, as we humbly bent down to kiss his face or foot. No, not as idol worship, though some may misunderstand or misinterpret that action. The cross is a reminder of the sacrifice of Jesus, of his death and resurrection which was the ultimate gift of love to all creation. The cross is therefore a reminder, to the faithful, of all that God has done for all of us. I brought Kleenex along, because I  know that  I am going to cry. First, I cried when at the beginning of the service, Father Chris prostrated himself on the floor in front of the altar. Such a form of humility, servant hood and love for Christ. Such a great tradition that lends example, and a role model of true devotion to us all sitting in the pews. Then the tears flowed again, as I solemnly went up to kiss the cross. My son, who altar serves held the crucifix, as I made my way to the altar. I know he held that cross with love. I marveled at this young mans maturity and knowing who God is, and it touched my heart deeply. As I felt that special bond between mother and son, I thought of Mary. How must have Mary felt kissing the feet of her dying son, as he was hanging on that cross? Her love so immense for her son and Lord!

Good Friday is the first full day of the Triduum (Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday follow) and it is a day of meditation, mourning and fasting, and is when Christians remember the Passion and his crucifixion. As a sign of grieving and to show the somber nature of the day, no Mass is held on Good Friday and all candles, flowers, icons etc are removed from churches or covered up.

Every Mass we have an intimate encounter with Christ. When we kneel at Mass for the consecration of the Host/bread (the Eucharist), we are kneeling at Calvary. We partake in consuming His body and blood. I look to the crucifix on the wall and marvel at the gift He gave us. You can't put God in a box. Look at how He changed the water to wine at the Wedding of Cana. He can therefore, change wine into His blood. He multiplied the loaves of bread. Well, He can also make the bread into His body. Look to John 6 and read about the Mass as it happened for the first time at the Last Supper (which was the focal point of  Holy Thursday along with the washing of feet).
 
Some non-Catholics will  raise the objection that Catholics believe that Christ is crucified and dies again at every Mass; thus, they will say that we believe that the one sacrifice of Christ was not efficacious, that it was not sufficient. WE DO NOT BELIEVE that Christ is crucified and dies at every Mass; rather, we believe that it is the unbloody, re-presentation of the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary. The one sacrifice of Jesus Christ was sufficient, and we as Roman Catholics believe this. However, the infinite merits of the Redemption which Christ won for us must still be applied; and this is what occurs in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass by the power of the Holy Spirit.

It was a Good Friday...as I look to the time. It is now the start of Holy Saturday/Easter Saturday. I better get to bed. GOOD night:).

Unleash the strength inside of you!

I have been reflecting this Lent about my faith journey. I am really amazed about the way these past 7 years have unfolded. From a "C and E" Catholic (Christmas and Easter), I have become an "every Sunday I am at Mass and more" Catholic. Actually, those that know me would say I am a little overly excited about my faith. It continues to grow by leaps and bounds. I can't say that I am ready for Sainthood, but, I humbly will strive for it. Anyone that hangs around with me enough knows that I still sin. But, boy when I do, I know it! The Holy Spirit convicts me regularly, and that is a good thing. Due to being aware of my sins, I have a new found freedom in my life. I know when I am about to make a bad choice or decision. I can stop damage from happening, through Him that strengthens me. There is a lot less collateral damage now. I have been stripped of the chains that binded me. My life is happier and peaceful. The opposite of what my years were previous to this new found love in Jesus Christ and His Church. Yes, I know it sounds crazy. Trust me, I can see where most people I know, are coming from. I would be on the sidelines too, making the crazy sign by twirling my finger beside my head. You really have to experience this to know it. But, I tell you, walking in my shoes is awesome!

Wow...that sounded awfully proud, didn't it? But, after the beat up shoes I was wearing before, I have to say, these new ones are GREAT! The old shoes I wore gave me sore callouses and bruising. As I have pondered the way I viewed life before, and how I felt, did things, treated others and myself, I discovered much. I found that I was a selfish, angry, sad and hurting person. God had a lot of work to do and He STILL does! But, it was the asking, that gave me the key to get out of the prison I was in. I received the new key to the Kingdom of God. Let me tell you, that it sure it prettier here! I don't understand why people don't get it. But, then again, I was one of those beautiful people, so I have to step back and recall that this all does sound strange and bizarre. I guess any foreign land can be unfamiliar and therefore intimidating. I found that you have to ask God for the directions. Let Him know He can be in the drivers seat. Give Him control. Something that is not easy for us to do as humans. But, he can do the supernatural. He can take you to a world you have not yet experienced. It then becomes our choice whether we stay of leave. I like to stay parked at the palace gates. He loves me even when I screw up. He knows when I am sorry for what I have done wrong. He always welcomes me back if the car goes in reverse. I try my best to keep it in park with His help. Would you take His invitation to be a part of something bigger than you? What have you got to lose!?

As Mark Hart the "Bible Geek" said in this attached video- "Unleash the strength inside of you."  As you let the Holy Spirit work in you, things start to happen. The Sacrament of Confirmation provides and equips you with the power of the Holy Spirit to have the virtue of fortitude/strength. The fortitude to be a strong Christian. We can be lukewarm or we can be on fire for God. I asked Him to give me the further strength I need to be a Christian. I know He is right there beside me, carrying the load when the ridicule starts. He keeps me focused and firmly planted in my faith even when others misunderstand me. He continues to provide for me in so many wonderful ways. I am happy being a Christian. I am happy being Roman Catholic. If you haven't already,  I hope you might someday discover, the greatest gift there is to receive. It even comes with an instruction manual *grin* and His Church and Sacraments. He just thinks of everything, doesn't He!?

You are what you eat!

Is it possible? That we don't know what we have sometimes. That we take the Eucharist for granted. Do we take our Savior for granted? He loves us so much! He became a man out of love for us.

In this video, Jesse Romero a father of three children, shares his view and story about a gangster youth and his pit bull. He communicates to this boy about the Holy Eucharist and Jesus in a thought provoking way. Jesse, was three-time World Police Olympics boxing champion, a former U.S.A. middleweight kick boxing champion and a retired veteran of the LA County Sheriff's Department. He is a lay Catholic evangelist that passionately shares his Catholic faith. I heard him speak years ago at a Rally in Toronto. His words ring true to me in this video. Maybe I will share it with my daughter, as she is receiving her first Holy Communion this May. The more I can teach her, the more she will understand what I did not at her age. 

When you look at the crucifix at home or in your Church, remember, He is not done giving of Himself to you. This beautiful sacrifice, is not where it ends. He continues each and everyday, during every Mass, through the Holy Eucharist, to renew His love for us-in us. 

We are what we eat!!!! Amen.

Give me an "E", give me a "C", give me a "F"!!!!!!!

Early Church Fathers! What brought me 180 degrees back to the Catholic Church. This is not very creative, but, all I can say is I love these guys!!! I wish they could be taught more to all Catholics and non-Catholics alike. They teach about The Church, hierarchy of the Church, unity of the Church, the Eucharist, Priesthood, primacy of the See of Rome etc.

From Polycarp to Iraneaus, Ignatius of Antioch and St. Justin Martyr - I can't get enough of these men and their bravery, wisdom and love for Christ!

You can read their epistles online at "newadvent.org/fathers" and view the many writings of these great saints! They will appear just like the epistles you have read in your bible from St. Paul to St. Peter.Sometimes writing to the same crowd of people like the Ephesians or the Corinthians.

Here is a link to the Saint Ignatius of Antioch to get you started :

http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0108.htm

He was in the central area that Paul, Peter and Barnabas preached. He was the 3rd Bishop of Antioch and friends with Polycarp that was taught by St. John himself. WoW!

If you feel so inspired, drop me a comment as I would love to hear from you! Blessings, Karen

Soul Sisters

Don't we all have misconceptions of nuns and who and what they are? Perhaps, we visualize a nun wielding a ruler and smacking school children's hands. A lady whose password on the computer is not "Ms. Fashionista", never mind the fact that she probably doesn't even own a computer. Possibly they are just living in another century for that matter with no real sense of the world around them. How could they when all they do is pray a lot and hang out in church? But,is this really so? 

I must be honest, that was the way I viewed these ladies and I wanted "nun" of it, as I thought them rather useless and it was all pretty black and white to me! I mean, that is what society has told me and etched in my head, in one way or another. Watch a movie and the nun is usually cruel. I watched a recent movie the other night called Arn: The Knight Templar, and the Mother Superior was sheer evil. Just one of many times I have viewed on TV, this depiction of a nun, that makes these preconceived notions come to life. Admittedly, nuns are human and not perfect and there may be a few out there that need a little of God's grace in their lives. But, generally, I feel  these women of sacrifice and love are inaccurately depicted. Perhaps our vision is skewed and we need to try on a new pair of glasses to see much clearer who these women of the Church are and the valued role they deliver to the world.

I personally, over the years, have come to respect nuns. My perspective changed when I actually met some and spoke with them. I have learned much about all that they do for individuals, families, children, the poor, the hungry and the sick and dying. They pray for us. They bless us in many ways with their charitable hearts. This is what the Church calls us to do, and to do it with love.They are called by God to be his hands and feet in the religious life and vocation they chose.  Due to their humbleness, we do not hear of their deeds, as we do in many organizations. Fortunately, we know of or have heard of Mother Teresa a bride of Christ, due to media exposure. For Oprah to air a show about  nuns, I was extremely surprised, as it is rare to get a glimpse inside the life of a nun. There is hope that the media can share something about the Catholic faith that is positive. May I humbly quip, the media would have a steady stream of  good news if they shared what priests, nuns, laity in the Church positively are doing daily for society all over the world. A living testament of God's love for mankind. But....I digressed.

I learned that there are nearly a million catholic nuns worldwide. That is a lot of hands and feet doing God's work. I tip my hat off to them. For example, to become a postulant ( a candidate for admission into an order) in a Benedictine order they try out the experience of being a nun first. They go to live in the abbey, bringing with them clothing, a limited number of photos, 15 each of books, CDs and DVDs, but no pets, cell phones, laptops or cosmetics. For a period of six months or more,they  live with the community and follow their timetables, practicing silence from 9 p.m to 7:30 a.m, rising at 6:30 a.m, joining in prayer with other sisters four times each day, taking daily Eucharist and spending 2 to 3 hours each day in personal prayer.

They enter their novitiate (training and proving), a period of approximately two years. At this time they make their First Monastic Profession and receive their first habit. The Benedictine nun's garb consists of a black and/or white skirt (worn with a blouse of the sister's choosing), or black and/or white dresses along with a Benedictine hat, cross and ring. They profess their vows. This happens in two phases: as a juniorate, a nun takes vows for a period of three years. At this time she will also take on additional duties in the abbey. After three years, a Benedictine nun takes solemn lifetime vows. Through these vows, she undertakes: stability, binding herself to the order; conversion of life, agreeing to renew herself daily in Christ; and finally, obedience to Christ. She becomes a Bride of Christ.

Many religious communities like applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree before they take their vows. On average 6- 9 1/2 years of formation/deepened understanding of order/vocation to run to their Divine Bridegroom. Even priests come with brains...my next blog?? But, for now, Go sisters, soul sisters!!

Great Scott...covenants???

Scott Hahn for the past 21 years, has been a Professor of Theology and Scripture at St. Franciscan University of Steubenville. He had 10 years of pastoral ministry in Protestant congregations. He has been instrumental in many people's understanding of the Catholic Church at an intellectual level. "Rome Sweet Home" is one of his most sought after books. I was catching the end of one of his talks on EWTN tonight, and was impressed by what he had to say. I will try to summarize what he spoke about, regarding the Salvation History Time line found in the bible. How God punctuates salvation history with covenants in "family" terms. Covenants are sealed agreements between God and man.

1st Covenant (Marital Covenant) is Adam and Eve in family form (2 people)
2nd Covenant (Household Covenant) through Moses and his wife, children and their wives. (8 people)
3rd Covenant (Tribal Covenant) through Abraham as a chieftain of 1,000's of people "Gen 12-22"
4th Covenant (National Covenant) through Moses with Israel's 12 Tribes "Exod, Num, Deut, Levit"
5th Covenant (National Kingdom Covenant) through King David that begins to incl. all nations and gentiles "2 Sam"
6th Covenant (International Kingdom Covenant) through our Lord Jesus Christ's body and blood.
God the father, through Jesus has expanded the human family, His family, to be a world wide all encompassing family. The word for that in Latin is "Catholicos" That is why the Early Church fathers fixed their eyes on the word Catholic. It is the catholic nature of the Church that represents the newness of the new covenant. The difference between the 1st 5 covenants and the new covenant is that it is now worldwide, with no distinctions. All are brothers and sisters in Christ. The 6th Covenant is a Catholic Covenant. Where God has fathered a world wide family for the past 2,000 years.

It is suggested according to Scott Hahn, that there will be a 7th Covenant (Covenant of Consummation) Where at the end of time, God the Father, through the Son and in the Spirit, will raise all of the dead in Christ. It will be the Cosmic Covenant, where we all will experience a glorious homecoming in our heavenly family. God is our home. I thought that this was a brilliant revelation!

In viewing the flow of salvation history, in the light of the family bond, Scott was led to entertain the notion and possibility that the Catholic Church, is in fact, the culmination and climax of Salvation history. That the goal of history is to enter into God's family, united to that of life and love~ the beatific vision.

Only in a world wide family can we see the full fledged work of Jesus Christ. God is our family.Thank you Father!

Catholics do matter and Girls ROCK!

CM Episode 43.flv

Awesome evening! Thank you Niagara Catholic District School Board and all of the wonderful people that made this evening a success! It was a packed house. We hope for more evenings like this. Maybe Mark Hart next year for the boys? (my son's favorite-hint hint)

The evening was held at St. Micheal's High School,  where Teresa Tomeo, a broadcast-journalist, highlighted the evening with her presence and words of faith and wisdom. I had a great time with my daughter, sister and niece. So many friends, I bumped into, that also shared in the laughter and fun of the evening. Beautiful young voices sang for us and an impressive speech from one young lady resulted in a standing ovation. She spoke about self esteem from a youth's perspective. Where can I get a copy of that speech? Anyways... Zumba, crafts, draws, food and bonding with women. A well planned and organized event! Oh, and we all loved the cupcakes!!! Thank you Teresa, NCDSB and everyone that made tonight a great success!

Teresa spoke the truth. I could relate to her talk, as I too was a fall away Catholic, that came back to the faith. She helped us realize our worth as girls and women. She told us to use the special gifts and talents that God has given us. During Teresa's talk she yelled "girls".We collectively responded with "rock". GIRLS ROCK!  As women and girls, we do not always hold ourselves in high esteem.We don't realize, that we really do rock. We can carry ourselves with dignity. We sometimes allow the media and society to tell us different. I hope we walked away tonight, realizing we are God's daughters and He loves us right where we are! Sins, imperfections and all, He loves us! We found in our goody bags, this poem. I would like to share it with you ~

I am a diamond.

I am beautiful.

I am precious.

 I am strong.

I am a diamond 

created by God

and loved by my family.

I am never alone

for His light is in me.

This poem is simple but grand in it's message. Diamonds are made up of one single element-Carbon. The process of tremendous heat and pressure causes this element to change into a diamond. Like a diamond,  we can allow ourselves to be changed from something mediocre into something beautiful. We just need to ask God to work in us, with the help of His holy fire. To shape, press and mold us into new creations. May His light shine through us when we encounter others.  I end this post by saying "We are diamonds in Christ and Girl's do Rock!!!" Let us not forget our true value and worth.

Is it OK to cancel your birthday, Christmas??

Traditions? Who needs traditions?? We don't need birthdays, anniversaries, all those get together on special days. We don't need Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter ...the traditions we uphold in our families! Or do we?

We, of course revolve around different traditions with our family and our friends. It is a natural part of what we do in our lives. I remember attending many different churches in my search for coming back to the faith and deciding on a church. I heard over and over again that traditions belong to "those" churches. It didn't take a brain surgeon to know that they were talking about the Catholic Church I was baptized in as a baby. I grew up with the tradition of the Church. I would read about other Christian's negative point of views on our Church traditions. Other Christians would tell me about not needing any traditions in Christianity. "You just needed to love Christ. Profess Him as your Lord and Saviour". Then, I would be told that being baptized as a baby is wrong. I can go on and on with what I have heard in my search, and now as a professed  Catholic. I know these people were well intended and I won't judge them for their lack of understanding as to why we have traditions. I didn't know... and I was born Catholic. How can anyone know if they don't dig deeper for answers? I think it is important to ask and question these matters.

Many converts and myself, now appreciate and understand what these traditions are all about. The Early Church Fathers and early writers just after the last apostles died spoke and wrote about the traditions we still do to this day, every Sunday Mass. 2,000 years of history occur daily all around the world.


I know, I would be upset if any traditions in our family were broken. I think God weeps over the loss of what he established on earth. Paul his apostle spoke to the Thessalonian people, teaching them what we read in the bible today- "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter" 2 Thess. 2:15.  Here, traditions are those ordinances, precepts and teachings transmitted through the apostles of Christ, and intended for all future generations. The present and future Catholic Church. I am not going to argue with this teaching that has been passed down. I am not going to argue with numerous Scripture passages that verify these teachings of our faith. Available on request:)

Christ established his Church on the day of Pentecost and who I am I to argue with the big guy:) As a child of God, I will obey my Father...and follow the traditions set in place in his Church. I use to find them tedious and mechanical but now find it rich and meaningful. Anyone can follow traditions. We can go to a party that happens every year for our grandmother for example, and go there with a yawn or as a duty. Or we go there happy and ready to share in the special moments to unfold because we love her.  Where is Jesus in your heart? Where do you place these ancient traditions in your life?

A Personal Relationship With Jesus

This song depicts a relationship with God so well. I have nothing to write. This song does it all. It is now in my iTUNES library:)  I discovered via this video, an amazing and anointed artist named Jason Upton.  This song is called Peace. 
May you be blessed while you listen. I am going to close my eyes and meditate on this.