Association Of Catholic Bloggers

Justice, in the eyes of God, is viewed a bit differently than we, humans, view Justice. Giving God His due through worship, praise and thanksgiving is justice in God’s eyes. Respecting one’s neighbor’s goods and family is justice in God’s eyes. Embracing Justice, as God would like us to do, is not as easy as it sounds. The number of people who take the time on Sundays to worship God; to give Him praise and thanksgiving, is dwindling as each decade passes. We, as humans, are not giving God His due. In addition, we, as humans, fail to give the rightful respect due to our fellow men. Look at all the bickering you see on the news; the divisiveness rising in the country and around the world. Types of Justice Justice resides in the will of every person. Yet, a truly just person distinguishes himself by right reason and upright conduct. There are three different types of Justice. These forms of Justice enable us to live up to the call of giving one’s neighbor their just due: Read

By now many of us have probably slipped up on keeping our New Year’s resolutions. This is discouraging and our self-esteem deflates. It’s difficult to be persistent.  We might want to throw up our hands and quit.  But it’s much better to start anew.  For me, working crossword puzzles is a good analogy.  Sometimes when a puzzle is a real challenge, I’m tempted to stop and peek at the answers to complete it. But I’ve found that if I let the puzzle rest for a day and then return to it, some clues I thought were impossible I now can answer. Maybe today, it’s hard for me to pass up the dessert I resolved to forswear, but maybe tomorrow I can overcome my craving and be victorious. That would make me feel good about myself.  This reflection in my book “Heart to Mary with Mary” is a fitting follow-up to these thoughts:  Click to continue

This is the first year that I did not have a Christmas Card from Sr Wendy Beckett. Instead I had a little note from Sr Stephanie, the Prioress of the Carmelite monastery at Quidenham to say that her health was failing, but that she was happy and at peace. She died on 26th December 2018. Although she originally belonged to the teaching order of the Notre Dame sisters she became a hermit and lived in a rather primitive caravan in the grounds of the Carmelite monastery at Quidenham until her health deteriorated.   read on.....

Many of us make New Year’s resolutions, mainly because we want to see positive change in our lives. Perhaps we haven’t always made the wisest food choices. Or, maybe we haven’t been that good at handling our finances. We want to change for the better. By embracing Prudence, we can accomplish our New Year’s resolutions with success. True Goods versus Apparent Goods Prudence is the application of practical reason to the decision-making process, so that one may determine the true good every time, as well as choose the proper means of achieving the true good. Let’s first differentiate between a true good and an apparent good. A true good has no disguise. Take Christ, as an example; sinless and morally upright in all ways. An apparent good, on the other hand, may seem like a good on the surface, but have some hidden flaws. Take a higher paying job as an example. On the surface, it looks like a good thing. But, look closer to learn that... Read more...

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Este 2019, co mo cada empiezo de año en México se busc ó , a modo de celebración, al primer bebé nacido en los hospitales del país. En esta ocasión, Aylin fue la ganadora de l os reflectores del año nuevo en el Instituo Mexicano de l Segur o Social IMSS. Su madre “antes de la cirugía, dijo sentir una gran emoción por darle la bienvenida a su hija a este mundo, a la vida, “la amo, desde que empecé el embarazo la esperé con mucho amor”, enfatizó.” (1) Pero este año ha sido diferente. Co mo contraste a esta tradición de vida, en este amanecer del año, en otras partes del mundo se ha celebrado, con gran expectativa, la primera muerte.   leer más...

While writing about Epiphany, I meandered past Gothic cathedrals, kings and chancellors, and some of what's happened over the last two millennia. The magi, too: the first of many from all nations who recognized and welcomed the good news our Lord brings. That's in the day's Gospel reading this year, Matthew 2:1 - 12 . (More at A Catholic Citizen in America )

Then he said, “In truth I tell you, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven.” ( Matthew 18:3  NJB) The perfect New Year’s resolution for mothers would be to try and obey this request from Christ. Surrounded by kids, mums especially love this verse becomes it validates the charming qualities we see in our children in a society which tends to overlook the powerless and extol those who are rich and powerful. Most reflections on this verse also focus on our kids’ virtues, virtues Christ extolled throughout His life on earth — such as humility, vulnerability, dependence on others, and the beautiful ability to trust and love others unconditionally without censure. However, the most pressing question triggered by this verse is:  How is it possible for  adults to change and become like little children? I can see the wisdom of Christ’s request, and I have the power to alter my behaviour and actions, but it is impossible to transform

Adoration of the Magi , Rubens  [ Web Gallery of Art ] Readings  ( New American Bible: Philippines, USA) Readings   (Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, India [optional], Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa) Gospel   Matthew 2:1-12 ( New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition)      Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ru

In this Christmas season, we can’t help but be stunned by beautiful scenes: a church festooned with poinsettias and garlands, snow-covered mountains and frosted trees, a starlit sky, a dance in the Nutcracker, the faces of small children aglow with joy. We are programmed to thrill at beautiful sights. We take photos of them to capture and preserve them. We take pride in calling our country “American the Beautiful.” We also drink in beauty when gazing at certain artwork like the Pieta and when hearing certain pieces of music like Faure’s “Requiem.”  Beauty has power to take our breath away and bring tears to our eyes.  It is a reflection of the beauty of God, the Creator. Click to continue

It’s a new year, with new possibilities, and new beginnings. This new year offers us the opportunity to hope that our lives will be more fruitful and blessed. Perhaps you are hoping to get a new job this year. Or, maybe you hope to have a baby. Whatever you hope for in this new year, my wish for you is that you align it with Christ’s Hope for your life. What is God calling you to do? Have you sensed a pull in a certain direction? Maybe you are developing an interest in a certain ministry in your parish. Or, perhaps, you feel a tug toward getting that degree you’ve always wanted. What is holding you back from saying “yes” to God’s call? We find our happiness in responding positively to... Read more... 

For two dozen centuries, at least, a few folks have said that peace is a good idea. Many others have agreed. Making peace a practical reality has remained an elusive goal. But I think we're closer to it than when Chu won the Battle of Bi, or Sparta lost the Battle of Leuctra. 1 I'm quite certain that finding an alternative to war is a good idea. No matter how long it takes us to get there. More at World Day of Peace, 2019 ; brendans-island.com/catholic-citizen/world-day-peace/ . (More at A Catholic Citizen in America )

The Holy Night (The Nativity) , Carlo Maratti  [ Web Gallery of Art ] Today, New Year's Day 2019, is the darkest day in the history of the independent Ireland (the Republic of Ireland) that came into being in 1922.  Starting today , it is now legal in Ireland to kill an unborn baby for any reason whatever up to 12 weeks. After that the unborn child may be killed for specific reasons related to the health of the mother or to the perceived chances of a baby being born dead or not likely to live more than 28 days after birth. It will still be a serious crime to take the life of a child after 12 weeks except within the circumstances where the law allows abortion, though not in the case of a woman ending her own pregnancy. Early abortions will be carried out mainly by General Practitioners (GPs) who are willing to do them. Doctors and other medical personnel may refuse to carry out abortions but, as far as I know, doctors will be expected to refer the mother to a doc

Come on you lot ... cheer up. I don't know about you, but 2018 has been a year of ups and downs for me, and no doubt 2019 will be the same. I work as an elevator attendant in a department store. I noticed in Church over Christmas that everyone was miserable with long faces as if they had a permanent bad smell under their nose. Even when singing hymns. Come on you Christians ... is that what joy feels like? Is that the way to spread Christ's message of love and hope? I know we should be serious about God's message to us; but He also meant us to be happy in life, not to endure it as a punishment. Here's my New Year's resolution. Join me: CLICK HERE  

This has been a year of ups and downs for me, as I’m sure it has been for you, as well. With the passage of time, (a long time I might add), I finally got my new front top teeth this past year (three implants, and a five-tooth bridge) – ka-ching! Then later in the year, two more crowns! My dentist loves me! Yet, with that money going out the door, God has also blessed me with new business (editing manuscripts for Catholic authors). So, all in all, as 2018 comes to an end, I am counting my blessings. I look forward to new opportunities in 2019, without having a clue what God might have in mind for me. But, I am open to His will. I know that He has plans for me, plans to give me hope and to make me prosper (Jer 29:11). For that, I am grateful for His blessings. Your Blessings What might God have done for you, or given you, in 2018, for which you are grateful?  What new opportunities might you hope would be on your horizon, as we enter 2019? Read more...

Suenan las campanas en el reloj, Son las 12. Las 12 de la noche. Parece que los meses del año que termina, con sus días y sus horas se columpian en cada una de ellas...Doce meses, doce campanadas. El año se va. El año se acaba. Se esfuman los doce meses como en un conjuro de tiempo y eternidad. Los tuvimos en nuestras manos pero ya no volverán. Fueron instantes nuestros, únicos e irrepetibles, vividos dentro de nuestro libre albedrío, hora tras hora y ahora se van, perdiéndose en la noche última del año. La noche vieja.   El poeta dice:-  "El indivisible tiempo/ lo hemos dividido en años/ y así decimos que pasa/ cuando nosotros pasamos".  leer más...  

Christmas is not an event within history but is rather the invasion of time by eternity. (Hans Urs Von Balthasar) Eternity Is Not Linear From our point of view, the Infant Jesus was born in a moment in history more than 2,000 years ago. People see time as linear, measurable and so view the first Christmas from their point of view as creatures who are bound by time. This egocentric view completely misses the real ramifications of the Incarnation in our lives. Rather than fondly recounting the tale of Christ’s birth as if it were simply a charming tale we tell children on December 25th, we must stop and really think about this mystery. The fact that God became a man should baffle our mortal minds. If we step back and at least try to view the birth of the Son of God from the point of view of the Holy, Immortal, Almighty One, we can begin to open ourselves to a reality of cosmic proportions. The Eternal God entered time. He also invades us personally if we allow Him to implant

Throughout his life St Francis was consumed by a desire to give his life for Christ.  This desire burst into an unquenchable flame when he received news that six of his brothers had been martyred preaching to the Moslems in Morocco. Taking Peter Cattani, Brother Illuminato and several others he set out without delay for the Holy Land to visit the place where Christ was born, lived, preached and then died for us . read on.....

After all the baking, shopping, wrapping, partying and entertaining guests, do you experience post-Christmas blues? It can be quite a shock to the system, to suddenly slow down so much, that you don’t know what to do with your time. Rather than get depressed about it, use this time to reconnect with God. He is there waiting to hear from you; waiting to recharge your batteries. Reconnect with God Through Prayer Seek the solace of His guidance, friendship and love. I find the recitation of the daily Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet to be a great way to start the conversation with God, who knows me better than I know myself. He knows what’s in my heart, what is causing me concern, as well as my dreams. He also knows how to solve my problems. Through prayer, be ready to listen. Reconnect with God Through Reading of Scripture God has so much to tell us, and it’s all written down in the Bible, which is not some old book meant for people from ancient times. God’s Word is... Rea

Merry Christmas! As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us remember the reason for the Incarnation of God made man. Out of sheer unconditional love for mankind, “ God gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life ” (John 3:16). Therefore, through the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary conceived Jesus in her womb, and He entered humanity. The Father sent His Son to conquer sin and death for us, so that we might live eternally with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Why did God go through so much trouble? Because He loves each one of us – unconditionally!!! The depth of God’s love is unfathomable because “ God is love ” (1 John 4:8). God’s love is available to us all! The gift of God’s love is available to us all, every day, not only at Christmas. No matter what we have done, or will do, that goes against His will, He will continue to love us unconditionally. Why? Because He wants to have loving relationships with each one of us.

In the middle of what I call mental kung-fu, (picture words battling with each other in my head), I could “hear” a musical version of the  Our Father,  deep in my spirit, at the same time as I indulged in my own whirling thoughts. When I paid attention, the words Jesus taught His disciples rose up, sweeping away all my own thoughts, ushering in joyful worship and thanksgiving. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

The Holy Family , Heinrich Meyring  [ Web Gallery of Art ] Readings   (New American Bible: Philippines, USA) Readings   (Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, India [optional], Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa) Gospel  Luke 2:41-52 ( New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition)      Now every year the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover.  And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival.  When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it.  Assuming that he was in the group of travellers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends.  When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him.  After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.  And all