Association Of Catholic Bloggers

Today, we celebrate the awesome event of when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she would bear a Son, who would be called the Son of God. Today is the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord. The Annunciation Can you imagine what that moment must have been like for Mary? She was a young teen, barely a woman! Yet, she knew enough about the facts of life to know how procreation works. She wondered, how could this be, since she did not know man? She was engaged to Joseph, but they had not yet married. Therefore, Mary was a virgin. Yet, with God, all things are possible. We consider the Annunciation, the conception of Jesus, to be one of the mysteries of our faith. With Mary’s “yes,” Jesus, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, (ever Divine) entered humanity, through the power of the Holy Spirit, by Mary conceiving Jesus in her womb. This young teen then went on to become the greatest mother of all the living. It was because of Mary’s “yes,” that God was able

The Raising of Lazarus Rembrandt [ Web Gallery of Art ] There is  a very good commentary  on this painting in the March 2020 issue of the liturgical monthly  Magnificat. A Comment on the Covid-19 Pandemic A diocesan priest in Canada, officially retired but very active pastorally in his diocese and who is a good friend, sent me the following, which I have slightly edited, a few days ago . I can see how this trial can make for a great Easter. Only our relationship with Christ cannot be destroyed by the horrors of the world. The prayer on the opening Sunday of Lent reads:  Grant, almighty God, through the yearly observance of holy Lent,  that we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ  and by worthy conduct pursue their effects .  Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who ives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.  The Season of Lent will deliver us into the riches hidden in Christ  [ emphasis  ad

I saw a compilation of television evangelists’ preaching at the onset of the Covid-19 Virus that shows what some of them were telling people.   I mention it here because it is important to have a healthy perspective when it comes to understanding “God versus the virus”. The evangelists continued to encourage people to defy the science of the spread of community contagions by inviting people to come to worship together and greet each other closely, some defying their governor’s edict. One guy said he woke up at 2:30 in the morning and was told by God that “We’re looking at the virus and the virus is nothing.” So did he, or God, get this wrong? Here are some of the other comments offered in response to the virus outbreak by various television evangelists: “If we die, we die for Christ.   If we live, we live for Christ, so what do you lose?” “The power of the government stops at the door of our church.   If you look around our church, you didn’t stop these p

Looking for something uplifting to do this Lent that increases your own spiritual awareness? Look no further than the Spiritual Works of Mercy. Spiritual Works of Mercy Counseling the Doubtful : Encourage someone who is struggling with their faith to speak with your parish priest, where they can receive the answers needed to grow in faith. Instructing the Ignorant : Volunteer and participate in faith formation groups in your parish. Becoming a Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) sponsor is a great place to start. At this time of crisis, look for ways to communicate virtually (by phone, Skype, or Google Hangout, to name just a few ways). Admonishing the Sinner : Without judging, help others find their way to correct their mistakes. Start by learning what the Church teaches on the topic in question. You can learn more at... Read more...

Rutledge Falls, Manchester, TN Finding Peace and Hope This weekend, Stephen and I took a hike to Rutledge Falls. With the torrential downpour we had the days and nights leading up to it, it was in peak form. In a hectic time, I felt the whispers of peace and the rush of sanity while out in nature. Here are some thoughts which began to form in my mind over the quietness of the weekend. During this time of trial and pandemonium, are you keeping your children safe? Are you keeping loved ones and the elderly safe in the wake of the pandemic? Are you doing your part, by not being too dismissive about the current Coronavirus scare and lockdown? On a spiritual level, do you have peace? Do you feel paralyzed by fear and anxiety during this time because of what you are hearing on the news or from those close to you? Is God truly with you and with us during this time? Remember that not only is God with you, but he has many promises for you.  “The least of these