Association Of Catholic Bloggers

Jesus warned to not be like the scribes and Pharisees, “For they preach but they do not practice,” another way of looking at that, “ practice what you preach .”    Sadly, I can think of at least one (okay, who am I fooling really MANY more than one) example in our lives, either now or in the past, when this could be said about me. However, as I read these words, I thought of something I am far more often guilty of, “I practice but I do not preach,”  Instead of the ole'  do as I say, not as I do,  I have created my own version with  do as I do, not as I fail to say .  Which is fine, because as St. Francis of Assisi is credited with saying, "Pray the Gospel always, when necessary use words," but sometimes WORDS are necessary.  As this lifelong Catholic, who has just in the last 10 years begun truly practicing her faith, has learned; Catholicism is a very rich and beautiful faith about which most people know very little.  Those who have ...

Moments of conversion seem to come when we least expect them. I was recently in the middle of a spirited conversation with my husband when I suddenly realised that my perception of the situation might not be correct. In fact, I became aware of my tendency to jump to the 'only logical conclusion' without considering other explanations.  Self-righteousness can be a telltale sign that we are caught in in what Paul calls 'the desire of the flesh'. Nothing feeds our pride and inflames our rage like being convinced that we are in the right side of the cause. How many families have suffered permanent damage because no one was willing to step back and consider that their adversary's point of view might have some validity? Spirit of love, continue to remind me that patience, kindness and generosity are the authentic signs of your presence.