Association Of Catholic Bloggers

Where the Ten Commandments tell us, for the most part, what not to do, the Beatitudes tell us how to live in a Christ-like manner. They highlight all the good virtues that we should possess. The Beatitudes serve us well. Virtues Associated with the Beatitudes Humility : “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:3). Caring/Compassion : “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matt 5:4). Meekness : “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land” (Matt 5:5). Justice : “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied” (Matt 5:6). Mercy : “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matt 5:7). Piety :  “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God (Matt 5:8). Peace : “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God” (Matt 5:9). Faith : “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingd...

If we have no desire for growth in piety in this life, then why should God think that we would want to spend eternal life with Him? You see, the soul must be perfected and made holy before it can stand before God. So, even though we dismiss piety in this life, we must embrace it wholeheartedly in the next life, if we are to obtain eternal bliss. The holiness we ignore today will result in more time in Purgatory, as our souls will need more work to reach perfection. I don’t know about you, but I would welcome a minimal sentence in Purgatory. Therefore, I am working on my growth in piety, in the here and now. Obtaining Growth in Piety How can we become holier now? Here are a few suggestions:  Read more,,,

Many people overlook the virtue of piety, as if it is a virtue out of their grasp. Such folks believe that only the Saints can claim a right to piety. But that’s not true. Every Saint in Heaven was once a sinner, just like you and me. Yet, every Saint, once living on earth, would seek piety – there’s the difference! There is nothing wrong, or odd, with: Living a holy life in accordance with Divine Revelation Having a reverence for all things holy, especially God, family and country Keeping God’s Commandments and following His Beatitudes Worshiping God and doing good for others out of reverence for God This is piety! Seek Piety Lent is the perfect time to embrace the virtue of Piety, because Lent is a time that we typically look for ways to draw ourselves closer to God. Here are some ways that you can embrace Piety during this Lenten season, and beyond: Read more...

I must admit that I had never heard of Saint Magnus, until I read Saint Magnus: The Last Viking , by Susan Peek. With this action-packed novel, set around 1,000 A.D., we find a dual hierarchy established on the deathbed of the monarch Thorfinn. Rather than leaving his throne to his eldest son, he creates a dual hierarchy, where both of his sons, Erland and Paal, are to rule over the Orkney homeland together. Tensions rise as the brother’s descendants seethe in animosity for each other. Hakon, the son of Paal is a troublemaker; whereas Aerling, the son of Erland, is hot-tempered. Hakon and Aerling are competitive, and do not wish to rule jointly, as their fathers successfully did. However, before that can happen, circumstances come to pass that make Hakon vow revenge. From this point, early within the book, the story becomes mesmerizing. What will Hakon do to get revenge? How will Aerling respond? And what role will Magnus play, given that Magnus becomes the protagonist of this...

Piety Pointers We could all use some. So here is my little list to share with you. Perhaps you have additional ones to add to this list. If so, please share with the group: Have reverence for God by worshiping Him By reverence, I mean to hold God in awe, recognizing His omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing), omnipresent (all present) Being. Have respect for God, and all that He is, when worshipping Him. Be on time for church services. Dress modestly in church. Actively participate in church services (be fully present in mind and body). Revere the silence of… Read more...

Pious – What’s it all about? Pious must mean somebody else, and not you or me, right? Hmm…No, I’m talking to you and to myself. We all have the capability of being pious, because we have each been gifted with piety at our Confirmations, when the Holy Spirit descended upon each of us and bestowed His seven gifts, of which Piety is one of them. You say, “all well and good, but what’s in it for me to be holy, a.k.a. pious? How is being pious any fun?” Let me share with you Pope Francis’ brief catechesis on piety, and… Read more...

Reflection Choosing the topic of holiness, I provided a quote on day 1 that addressed holiness stemming from the family. On day two, we moved to the workplace, and today we speak of holiness’ impact when allowed to permeate society: “How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing, it is irresistible.” – C.S. Lewis When we pray together as a family, within the confines of our homes, we become more comfortable with prayer in general. When we pray, we grow closer to Christ. Through our prayers, Jesus gives us the strength to take virtue into the workplace to act with honesty, integrity, generosity, and kindness. These virtues help us to grow in holiness and we become beacons of light to others; beacons of joy. As a beacon of light shone outward, our holiness begins to permeate society. Others see our beacon of light and are drawn to it. Our joy is infectious. Our virtue is esteemed by others. People want what we have – they want holiness, b...

Heaven How often do you think about it? Do you ever wonder what it is going to be like? Mansions in the sky? A feast to top all feasts? Whatever your concept of Heaven might be, there is something that you need to be working on right now if you ever want to see it: developing the virtue of Piety, in the here and now. Piety is both a gift from the Holy Spirit and a virtue. To be pious, or in other words, to possess piety, means that you are holy, or saintly, in your thoughts words and deeds. Do you think of others’ needs and address them before your own? Do you speak well of others, and of God, or... Read more...

Holiness is achievable for you!Do you believe me, or do you buy into the greatest lie ever told? “ Holiness is not possible…is the greatest lie that we tell ourselves .” – Matthew Kelly, renowned Catholic public speaker, Dynamic Catholic I thought this to be an appropriate quote to share for the second of three days in meeting the Three Day Quote Challenge offered to me by Melanie Jean Juneau of Joy of Nine9 . Thanks Melanie for this challenge. I am having a lot of fun with it, addressing the virtue of piety that begins at home (day 1’s post), moves to the workplace (today’s post) and permeates throughout society (tomorrow’s post). The rules of this challenge: Post one quotation a day for three days (they can be from other sources or one of your own). Nominate 3 other bloggers to participate per post. Thank the blogger who nominated you. Reflection It was just yesterday, that I was listening to Matthew Kelly’s audio broadcast, Faith at Work and the Holy Moment , cour...

Melanie Jean Juneau, of Joy of Nine 9 , noted for her sense of humor, and motherly skills, has tagged me for the Three Day Quote Challenge . I’m always up for a challenge, so thanks Melanie for the honor of participating in this little endeavor to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.The rules of this challenge: Post one quotation a day for three days (they can be from other sources or one of your own). Nominate 3 other bloggers to participate per post. Thank the blogger who nominated you. Being one to blog about the virtues, of course, my quotes will center on the virtues that bring us to holiness. There are so many to choose from, it is going to be hard to pick. However,... Read more...