Association Of Catholic Bloggers

With all that we see on the news these days, it is easy to slip into despair, a feeling of hopelessness. Yet, we cannot lose hope! No matter how bad things seem, the light is ahead of us; the darkness will ebb. As Winston Churchill so aptly exclaimed: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” There are better days ahead. So, keep looking forward and move toward God. Despair or hope – It is your choice! I choose hope. Despair or Hope God wants nothing but good things for us. He tells us as much in Scripture: For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe!  Plans to give you a future full of hope . (Jer. 29:11). So, do not despair. Know that God has plans for you, and a purpose worthy of honor. Therefore, you will do great things for the glory of God. So, no matter how gloomy life may seem, hold onto hope, a hope in Christ. We Make A Series of Choices Daily Each day, we wake up and make a series of choices. We can aw

The Sin I Hate to Admit to is Envy A few years ago I was sitting in a conference hall awaiting the next speaker.  It was Jeff Cavins and he was coming up to speak about envy.  I actually contemplated going to do something else for that hour because although I knew I had an occasional issue with jealousy, I was all set in the envy arena. OH my, was I wrong!!  Probably why the Spirit sat me mid-row that day; and as I looked down the row and realized how many people I'd have to vault and navigate to leave, I decided to leave my bottom planted and listen.

Someone called my father-in-law, asking which set of Bible readings were were using this week. It's a reasonable question. One set for this fifth Sunday in Lent is Ezekiel 37:12 - 14 ; Romans 8:8 - 11 ; and John 11:1 - 45 . The other, labeled "Fifth Sunday of Lent - Year A Scrutinies," is Jeremiah 31:31 - 33 ; Hebrews 5:7 - 9 ; and John 12:20 - 33 . Having options isn't odd: readings for some Sundays include an abbreviated version — I'm not a big fan of those, since I like hearing Sacred Scripture, and my attention span doesn't time out quite that fast.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

How is your Lent going? Did you accidentally eat meat today? Did you give in and eat chocolate, drink coffee, or indulge in whatever else you promised to give up? Have you missed your prayer time, slept through daily Mass, or skipped your spiritual reading? Don't despair. This could still be your best Lent yet. Continue reading.