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'Tis the season to kvetch about Christmas: because it's too commercial, too religious, or whatever. I won't do that. I'll look at why we celebrate instead. Also Scrooge and "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Besides, I think enjoying the holiday and doing what I say I believe makes more sense...." More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

Looking for some last minute inexpensive gifts for your Christian friends this Christmas? All four of my Christian novels– Rain from Heaven, Nearer the Dawn,   Amaranth, and Cherish –are now on sale for just 99¢ each on Amazon Kindle. That’s less than $4 for all four! For ages young adult and above. All net profits this year go to my parish, which is heavily in debt. Rain from Heaven  https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Heaven-J-Avila-ebook/dp/B00DPO6A3E Nearer the Dawn  https://www.amazon.com/Nearer-Dawn-J-Avila-ebook/dp/B00J1AVQLM Amaranth  https://www.amazon.com/Amaranth-J-Avila-ebook/dp/B00WSCJT64 Cherish  https://www.amazon.com/Cherish-J-Avila-ebook/dp/B071DCW1PM

Do we wait for Christmas morning with a joyful expectation or has life’s disappointments left us jaded and closed to any spiritual surprises or gifts from God? Many of us are actually just like Scrooge, that traditional symbol for someone who has been so wounded by disappointment and jaded by life that he cannot embrace the spirit of giving during Christmas. Scrooge wasn’t just stingy, he was miserable, with his heart closed to other people and to love and joy. Come to think of it, how many of us actually expect to receive any spiritual joy on Christmas morning? When we are secretly cynical, we will not receive a thing, not even a tiny flicker of Light because we have locked the door to our hearts. Then, our cynicism will be confirmed once again, just like last year and we will cement our cynicism in place until next year. Yet we all long for the dark, empty places within us to be flooded with His light. The answer to our dilemma can be discovered when we observe children becau

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About 78 folks were on Amtrak Cascades passenger train 501 Monday morning. They'll be late. At best. I'll be looking at what happened, new and old technology. Also how I see change and progress.... More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

The Annunciation, El Greco [ Web Gallery of Art ] Readings (New American Bible: Philippines, USA) Readings (Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa) Gospel Luke 1:26-38 ( NRSV, CatholicEd ) In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be

Jackie Parkes: Memories of a young Irishman : Christmas morning in Old Court  That Christmas morning we awoke earlier than usual under the watchful eyes of mother. “Mother of P...

As we near Christmas Day, I want to take some time to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas! May the celebration of the Incarnation of Christ fill your hearts with His Love, Peace, Joy and Hope. At Christmas, Jesus showers us with many virtues, as His gifts to us. What do you think Jesus would like from you, in return, as His birthday present from you? Maybe He would like for you to reach out to a relative, or neighbor, who is suffering. You could grace that person with caring compassion. Perhaps He would like for you to forgive a co-worker, or friend, who has wronged you. You could extend that person a little mercy. Might it be a donation to the local food bank/homeless shelter?  Consider giving kindness and comfort to those in need. Or perhaps Jesus wants you to open your own heart, in faith and trust, so that He can heal you of a longstanding inner pain. What does Jesus want for His birthday? Have you ever given that any thought?... Read more...

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Here is a Christmas gift for you!  My nephew Andy videotaped my presentation on prayer that I gave at the South Euclid-Lyndhurst library on December 1.  If you have time, you might enjoy watching it. Before I began, I asked the audience to state their name and their favorite prayer or favorite way of praying. They had the option of saying, “I pass,” but no one did. What is your favorite prayer or favorite way of praying? Merry Christmas! Click to continue

A friend took me to a Christmas dinner at a local pub noted for its good food. It was also noted for something else too that nearly forced me  into a fight. I am referring to its seasonal cider punch, served hot with a sprinkling of spices. It was so moreish that you couldn't help having more and more of it. Two locals had already had too much of it before I had my first glass. By the time I had my second glass they were already fighting - but fortunately not with their fists. One said that Charles Dickens was more responsible for the way we celebrate Christmas today than anyone else. The other insisted that it was Prince Albert who introduced the Christmas tree with all its decorations. I don't drink much, in fact hardly at all, so two glasses of punch were enough to get me going, so I insisted that they were both wrong.  Then I  started to hold forth on St Francis of Assisi and what he had done to bring Christ back, not just into Christmas, but into Christianity.   rea

By Laura Durant There are many reasons why Christmas is special to me, many reasons why it is the second most special time of the year for me (second only to Easter). However, last year, Christmas became infinitely more special.  The Gift of Peace in God’s Will My husband and I began trying to have a child after a couple of years into our marriage. That was eight years ago, and we have not been able to conceive. We have been to the Vitae Clinic in Austin, Texas, which I highly recommend to anyone trying to conceive. While we were not able to become pregnant ourselves, I know many people who have through the help of this wonderful clinic. They were always very kind, always mindful of the struggle we were going through. I could go on and on about the kind and thoughtful ways in which they treated us and others struggling with infertility, but that is the subject for a different blog. After some time, and with a sense of peace from God to do so, we decided to discontinue try

It was my husband’s turn to have “one of those weeks”. I don’t like it when he is stressed or upset. It makes me sad for him! So, I made sure he had coffee in one hand and a loaded lunch bag in the other as he left, and he’ll have one of his dinner favorites waiting for him when he get’s home. I’m a big fan of the idea that the way to a man’s heart is through his tummy. But there’s only so much food can do. As he walked out the door this morning, I was left wishing that I could have done more. I feel this way a lot. I’m a “fixer”, if something is wrong, I want to fix it. I’m probably a very bad listener because of it. I have a hard time just sitting and being compassionate. My brain immediately jumps to all the things that should be done to resolve the situation. And of course (insert sarcastic tone here), my advice is simply excellent all the time, because I am just at that right age where I’m young enough to think I know everything and old enough to think that I’m old enoug

My neighbors’ generators hum in the background as I rummage through a pile of work assignments in search of one I can perform without benefit of internet. The power’s out, after an overnight storm. As a freelance writer and researcher, I find the lack of internet access nettlesome. Even cell service is affected today. It’s quiet as I select the files I can work on. Only a few billable hours in there, but that’s better than nothing. I can work without distractions. The only device at hand is a pen. As I realize that, it occurs to me that I’ve spent much of my life wishing for days like this. I was sure that if I only had more peace and quiet, less need for structured time, I could…fill in the blank: pray more, study more Scripture, read more devotions, study Church history. I’d go on retreats. I’d have time for more than a morning offering before diving into the day. I am blessed with children, and grateful for them.  I was blessed to be their “stay-at-home” mom. My husband made

Stirring Slumbering Souls is a compilation of 250 quotes, selectively chosen by Michael Seagriff, to promote Eucharistic Adoration of Jesus Christ, in the Most Blessed Sacrament. In this stirring book, Seagriff holds nothing back! The stellar quotes selected, come from the giants of the Saints. We read the thoughts of such greats as Catherine of Siena, John Chrysostom, Maria Faustina Kowalska, Francis de Sales, Alphonsus di Liguori, Popes John XXIII and John Paul II. Let’s not leave out Saints Maximilian Kolbe, Catherine Laboure, Margaret Mary Alacoque, Padre Pio, Bishop Fulton Sheen, Teresa of Avila and John Vianney. But, Seagriff doesn’t stop there! He quotes some gems from holy people living today. Lending their voices are Pope Benedict XVI, Peter Kreeft, and Bishop James Conley, to name a few. The list is exhaustive, and the quality of quotes is truly inspirational. Seagriff compiled a list, that when read together in one book, tell us one thing. Whether it... Read more... 

If I thought my faith depended on feeling cheerful, I'd be worried.If I thought my faith depended on feeling cheerful, I'd be worried. Since I'm a Catholic, I think faith is willingly and consciously embracing "the whole truth that God has revealed." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 142 - 150 ) Faith is easier when my emotions are in sync with my reason. So is acting as if what I believe matters. Emotions can tell me that something needs attention, but "...conscience is a law of the mind...." (Catechism, 1777 - 1782 ) More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

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      En esta época navideña de reuniones festivas y planes familiares, muchas mujeres sufren soledad o abandono por vivir la compleja realidad de una familia dividida. Sin poder “pasar la Navidad juntos” como ellas quisieran, su corazón se parte en mil pedazos para poder estar, de alguna forma, con todos sus seres queridos. El dolor es especialmente fuerte para las mujeres católicas que quieren seguir viviendo su fe cerca de Jesús y buscar el refugio del Amor de Dios en este momento oscuro. Pero…¿Cómo lograrlo cuando todo está hecho pedazos y no se   vislumbra más que división y conflictos, además del desconcierto de los propios hijos? Su situación irregular por la separación o divorcio trae inquietud y dudas a su corazón y, a veces, no se atreven ni a acercarse a los sacramentos o a la Iglesia. Inclusive se alejan de ella al pensar que se han vuelto “católicas de segunda”.

The good news is that only a small fraction of California is on fire or incinerated. The bad news is that this year's California wildfires have been big, destructive, and aren't over yet. I'll be talking about a few of the fires, why I think troubles aren't over for folks living in California, a little about wildfires in general. Also how I see disasters, God, nature and beliefs: sensible and otherwise. More at A Catholic Citizen in America .

St John the Baptist, Donatello [ Web Gallery of Art ] Readings (New American Bible: Philippines, USA) Readings (Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa) Gospel John 1:6-8, 19-28 ( NRSV, Catholic Ed .) There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord”’, as

Saint Lucy was born in 283 A.D. in Syracuse, Italy, what we refer to today as Sicily. Little is known about this Saint, except that she died young (age 21 in 304 A.D.) because of the Emperor Diocletian’s persecution. The one thing I can tell you about Saint Lucy is that she is the patron saint of the blind and those with eye disorders. My Affinity for Saint Lucy I have a special place in my heart for Saint Lucy, as she got me through a very difficult time in my life. In 2000, I was diagnosed with Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy. This eye disease is supposedly hereditary, yet I knew of no one in my family who suffered from what I suffered. Every eye has thousands of water pumps in them that regulate the amount of water retained within the eye. When those water pumps break down, water is retained within the eye, and you have Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy. The symptoms come on gradually. You begin to see through a “mist” during early mornings, with the eye somewhat drying out as the day wears o

In honor of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, I'm reprising a post about her story. This should be of interest to all because under this title, the Blessed Mother is the patroness of the Americas, both North and South. In addition, she is relevant today when abortion is an acceptable practice, for Mary appeared to Juan Diego as a pregnant Aztec woman. Her Aztec dress was tied with a black belt, which signified that she was pregnant. First a summary of her appearance 500 years ago, then an explanation of the photos here:  Click to continue

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The very existence of a joyful mother of nine children seems to confound people. Embracing an outdated lifestyle on a traditional, small, family farm has been a struggle through confusion, guilt, and even public condemnation. I finally reached the point where I can now shout loudly, “This is my call, this is my vocation, this is my witness to the world!” Any modern woman whose heartfelt desire is to become a mother often feels dismissed and ridiculed for wanting to embrace this sacred, natural role. Even forty years ago, in the late seventies, becoming a mother was hardly seen as a worthwhile life ambition. I agreed with that sentiment as a young person and strove to be different than my stay at home mother. After converting to Catholicism, I wanted to make a difference in the world by studying for a meaningful career. I took a year of pre-med and then an English degree with an eye on teaching because I was struggling to figure out how to serve in some way, anyway I could. I d

Recently, I experienced a situation on the interstate in which I really had to reach for my big girl jeans. via GIPHY  I was stuck in traffic. It was standstill and a tractor trailer had flipped, blocking the entire interstate. On a curve, and on a hill. Cars were creeping slower than Christmas, and it. was. terrible. We waited for 30 minutes (at min), we had a full car as I was on the way home from school pick-up, and I believe everyone in the car had to use the restroom except those wearing diapers. I was about to sprout some real tears. Read it here

Most people think of Advent as the time for preparation for the celebration of the incarnation of Christ; when Jesus entered humanity. Advent is just that, but it is also a time for healing and forgiveness, as we see in today’s Gospel from Luke 5:17-26, In this Gospel reading, we learn of the power and authority of Jesus to forgive sins. We hear about the paralyzed man lowered from the roof into the place where Jesus was preaching. Jesus not only forgives the man of his sins, but because of the confidence in God, expressed by his friends, Jesus also heals the man of his paralysis. What sin may be paralyzing you; preventing you from embracing the joy and peace of the Christmas season? Now is the time to seek... Read more...  

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