I rarely remember even the simplest joke but I have never forgotten this intellectual, theological joke told 30 years ago by a Jesuit priest in front of a University New Testament class. Jesus was walking alongside the Sea of Galilee when he turned to Simon Peter and asked him “Who do you say that I…… Continue reading A Jesuit Theological Joke
Tag: Jesus
January 1: Mary, Mother of God
Today we honour Blessed Mary Ever-Virgin, Most Holy Mother of God because she is the True Theotokos – God Bearer – Dei Genitrix.Let us pray As we begin this New Year let us accompany the Mother of God in following her Son. Let us fall deeper in love with our Saviour. Today, on this Solemnity of…… Continue reading January 1: Mary, Mother of God
Why Boxing Day is the Feast of the Martyr St. Stephen
Why would the Church celebrate the death of a martyr the day after Christmas?Remember the old English carol Good King Wenceslaus? St. Stephen’s charity is the reason for the songs and customs which have become the traditional way of celebrating his feast. The old English carol Good King Wenceslaus celebrates how King Wenceslaus went out on St. Stephen’s day to…… Continue reading Why Boxing Day is the Feast of the Martyr St. Stephen
Ave Maris Stella Illustrated with Icons
Ave Maris Stella Hail, O Star of the ocean God’s own Mother blest, ever sinless Virgin, gate of heav’nly rest. Taking that sweet Ave, which from Gabriel came, peace confirm within us, changing Eve’s name. Break the sinners’ fetters, …… Continue reading Ave Maris Stella Illustrated with Icons
I Guess That Means God Is In My Feet
As David waited expectantly for my wise answer, I scrambled to think quickly but truthfully. I was preparing dinner one afternoon, when five-year old David came running up to me with a serious look on his face. He was always full of energy and mischief but he also had a delightful spirituality that was not…… Continue reading I Guess That Means God Is In My Feet
This Christmas: LET Your Children Come to Him
But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 These words are especially poignant at Christmas time. Yes, we must teach our kids about God and prayer but often we try to control their relationship to…… Continue reading This Christmas: LET Your Children Come to Him
Born of the Light of God: The Art of Ron DiCianni
I love Ron DiCianni’s work, especially Simeon’s Moment. DiCianni has a unique ability to capture the inner essence of the light of the Holy Spirit in a manner that is vibrant and realistic, not sentimental or sappy. His paintings evoke tangible joy in the viewer; this is a unique gift that I want to share…… Continue reading Born of the Light of God: The Art of Ron DiCianni
Baby Jesus Healed and Loved His Mother
Like all mothers of a newborn, I was tired. No, that is too mild a description; actually I was exhausted and felt completely depleted. I sat in the dark nursing my infant, struggling to centre myself in the Lord’s presence but I could not focus. Suddenly, an unexpected flow of heat, the fire of God’s love flowed…… Continue reading Baby Jesus Healed and Loved His Mother
“Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?”
“Every Knee Shall Bow” Philippians 2:10 by Gaye Frances Willard This is one of the most heart warming paintings of Christ in the manger with a kneeling Sanata. Gaye Francis captures on Santa’s face is intriguing because it expresses a combination of personal humility and revereance for the infant Jesus with a touch of pain. Perhaps it…… Continue reading “Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?”
The Face of Mary?
Apparently this painting of Mary, with a deep look in her eyes, is a forensic artist’s rendering of the Virgin Mary based on the image of our Lord on the Shroud of Turin, in combination with a painting by William-Adolphe_Bouguereau. Maria (accurate face matching the Shroud of Turin)by JulienLasbleiz Digital Art / Drawings & Paintings / Illustrations / Technical©2011-2013 JulienLasbleiz This is a “Tribute…… Continue reading The Face of Mary?
Advent Prayers of the Heart, For the Heart
ADVENT PRAYER God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy, so that we may share his wisdom and become one with him when…… Continue reading Advent Prayers of the Heart, For the Heart
Pushed to My Limits
First of all Jen, it is not Thanksgiving in Canada; we celebrated 6 weeks ago, so I am free to write. I write short stories for ReadWave. After four of my stories were posted on a parenting theme page, the editor asked me if I could write about moments when mothering pushed me to my limits,…… Continue reading Pushed to My Limits
Self-Important Humility
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” -Ephesians 2:8,9 When many Christians think of humility and sanctity, they often think of ascetic fasting and the heroic acts of the saints but these…… Continue reading Self-Important Humility
“The Woman Who Is Always Praying”
He who has Jesus has everything St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, Virgin (Feast day…… Continue reading “The Woman Who Is Always Praying”
Sabbath Moments: The Sacrament of the Sick
Sabbath moments are a way of taking time to rest in God, to enjoy God in silence or in nature. The word sabbath comes from a Hebrew word meaning “cease.” And that is what we need to do sometimes, cease our activity and live in the moment and breathe in God. Yesterday, both my husband…… Continue reading Sabbath Moments: The Sacrament of the Sick
Small Success: Grateful That God Loved This Miserable Dwarf
Your turn! What are your small successes? Share your three (or more…or less) small successes from this week . This week is about gratitude. I am so grateful that God takes the initiative to love and transform us. Left to my own devices, I would stay hunkered down, living in a dark cave, miserable and…… Continue reading Small Success: Grateful That God Loved This Miserable Dwarf
Spirituality: Child’s Play
A relationship to the living God is child’s play. Children are open to the Spirit in a simple and natural way; their spirituality is not only taught, it rises from within them as they listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit in their own hearts.St. Paul assures us that all men have the basic laws…… Continue reading Spirituality: Child’s Play
The Souls in Purgatory NEED Us: A Personal Experience
Before I give you all the official Church teaching on the souls in purgatory. I must tell you why this subject is close to my heart. I KNOW personally, the agony of a soul who is desperate for my prayers. I have learned through personal experience, that souls in purgatory, although they cannot pray for…… Continue reading The Souls in Purgatory NEED Us: A Personal Experience
Small Success Thursday: God Is Working Under My Radar
This week I celebrate a victory over a big issue;I have received the breathing presence of God’s grace in my life. I sense that these posts should be light, related to situations about living in grace in the real world and rejoicing in our small successes. But this week I cannot…… Continue reading Small Success Thursday: God Is Working Under My Radar
The Light of God
This refrain often plays in the background of my mind, deep in my heart THE LIGHT OF CHRIST Refrain: The light of Christ has come into the world 2 Samuel 22:29 -You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light Job 33:28- He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit,…… Continue reading The Light of God
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