Litany of Coversion - He Loves Righteousness

Jesus had warned his disciples "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." The secular world today, especially in America, will love you if you subscribe to its standards of belief. Stray beyond them and you will shunned, ridiculed, ostracized, belittled, and otherwise ignored. We must not be deceived into membership into that "world", God's universe is much larger. I believe and have professed here that we are about to engage in an era where the Church and our faith is going to be actively pursued by government and forces in the secular world. The pendulum has swung. I believe that many Americans will be shocked by the changes that are about to occur. There is an underlying attitude behind this hysteria that seeks revenge and there is an "activists" mentality that will cross beyond previous borders. America in its ignorance has given the okay to do so. Hold on for the ride because it is going to get bumpy. Jesus' life is the model to follow. At the time He was preaching, the Roman Empire was flexing its muscles and persecuting those who did not fall lockstep with it. Jesus recognized and understood them. He was not however in active opposition to them. This does not mean that we are to be silent when these evils rear their ugly head. We must always and everywhere support the sanctity and dignity of all human life. We must defend our right to practice our faith and not be compromised. First and foremost we must place our trust in God. No matter what anybody does, says, thinks, God always stands for righteousness and truth. We must find courage to stay faithful to Him when threatened. Satan has thrown a veil over the secular world causing it to live in darkness. If anything we can learn from the long history of our Church it is that "the gates of hell will not prevail against it". We must live our lives in ways that Christ can be a Light to the world piercing the darkness.

United in the mystery of the conversion of Paul, we pray for the grace of conversion in our own life:
R. Lord, Give me the Grace of Conversion

Lord Jesus,

When I look at my life from the starting point of my own insufficiences, instead of from the fact of your compassion, grace, and love for me. R.

When I would prefer to live by my own thoughts and my own understanding instead of by your Truth which alone can set me free. R.

When I would rather brood over what annoys me than turn myself over to you always invite me to come to you. R.

When I obsess over self-absorption, complacency, and self-assertiveness. R.

When I get dejected about my sin, not because it offends you, but because it prevents me from being able to take delight in myself. R.

Whenever I live in a dualistic way, as if my faith and "my real life" are two separate things, R.

When I am deceived into thinking that my happiness depends on something in the future instead of what you give me in the present moment, R.

When discouragement and shame make hard for me to be faithful, R.

When I become distraught over the evil I would commit if left to myself, forgetting that I do not live according to myself but that I live in you, R.

When self-doubt and fear seem to have the last say, R.

When I miss the point of my fragility, a gift you give me so that I will always be prompted to rely on you, R.

When I am inclined to interpret my problems as punishments and my miseries as being abandoned by God, R.

When impenetrability takes over my life, making me resistant to your beauty and all the little ways you ordain yourself to me, R.

When I get distracted by my feelings, my emotions, my passions, my regrets, R.
When I get duped into thinking that I must fix myself up in order to have a relationship with you, forgetting that you come to me with your love just the way I am, R.

When I treat my faith like some abstract answer to be sought instead of as a loving Presence to be affirmed, R.

When I get discouraged by chronic or recurring sins in my life, R.

When I would attempt to earn you favor by achievements, forgetting that I did not choose you, but it is you who chose me, R.

When scandalized by my own selfishness and self assertion, R.

When the oppressive nihilism of life makes me ignore or reduce the desires of my heart that lead me to you, R.

When independence and self-sufficiency make me resist the companionship with others through which you will give me your friendship and tenderness, R.

Whenever I treaty my preconceptions like idols that drain my life of wonder and simplicity, R.

When the evidence of all that is wrong with my life leads me to become paralyzed, indifferent or lax, R.

When I get preoccupied with my self-justifications trying to convince myself that I am loveable, R.

When I would rather live my life in a safe or sheltered way instead of living my life as a risk, putting your will first in all things, R.

When the daily inner rebellion makes me cynical and negative about what really matters, R.

When my misgivings keep me from receiving the fresh embrace of love you offer me at every moment, R.


Composed by Father Peter John Cameron, O.P. editor Magnificat

On Discarding Things

The closer we move towards materialistic things, the further we move away from spiritual things. Material things of this world distract us from God, leaving us with less time invested in contemplating Him. It is unlikely we will truly get to know Him and how we envision Him will be further from the truth. This can lead to misrepresenting God, giving attributes to Him that are not His. It is like describing a place we've never been to. We are left to relying on how others have described it or maybe what we have learned from a book, but it is not the same as being there. Concurrently living a materialistic life lends itself to many opportunities for Satan to work on us. The trappings are in place for the immoral life especially if you are not governed by a virtuous heart. We as God's creation, begin our journey to spiritual life by subtracting things that pull us in an opposite direction. It is imperative that we allow the time to contemplate Him and use the graces He bestows us to deepen our awareness. In order to answer the questions you yearn to know, you must first ask them. Simplify your life by decreasing your attachments to material things if just by a little at first, find a moment or two each day for prayer and contemplation, cultivate a spiritual life and Our Lord who desires your love will come to you.

Litany of Ongoing Conversion - The Envelope

St. Paul is my patron saint and my name sake. I truly believe that his conversion demonstrates two important aspects of how God works. We are all important in God's plans and that conversion is possible no matter what the circumstances are. In the Old Testament God used a murderer (Moses), an adulterer (David), someone too young, (Jeremiah), and someone too old (Sara). Jesus chose an assortment of disciples from fishermen to tax collectors. If we have learned one thing from the history of the Almighty's handiwork it is this: there is no status, personality, intellectual profile, or state of worthiness that is necessary. God seeks you and in finding Him you become transformed. When Saul was on the road to Damascus and heard the heavenly voice, he asked one question "Who are you?" That question can be the foundation of our spiritual life as we seek to know Him. Saint Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei once said the he was the envelope. The envelope is usually discarded for it is the message we keep. Pray daily that you can be a messenger of the Good News. Pray that whatever gift has been given to you that you find the way to use it in building God's kingdom. Pray for others that God will enter their hearts and and transform them. What may seem impossible to you is never out of the realm of possible to Our Heavenly Father. Keep a candle burning for that lost loved one, for the friend that just doesn't get it, for the child who has grown up and walked away. God is searching for them, searching tirelessly.

United in the mystery of the conversion of Paul, we pray for the grace of conversion in our own life:
R. Lord, Give me the Grace of Conversion

Lord Jesus,

When I look at my life from the starting point of my own insufficiences, instead of from the fact of your compassion, grace, and love for me. R.

When I would prefer to live by my own thoughts and my own understanding instead of by your Truth which alone can set me free. R.

When I would rather brood over what annoys me than turn myself over to you always invite me to come to you. R.

When I obsess over self-absorption, complacency, and self-assertiveness. R.

When I get dejected about my sin, not because it offends you, but because it prevents me from being able to take delight in myself. R.

Whenever I live in a dualistic way, as if my faith and "my real life" are two separate things, R.

When I am deceived into thinking that my happiness depends on something in the future instead of what you give me in the present moment, R.

When discouragement and shame make hard for me to be faithful, R.

When I become distraught over the evil I would commit if left to myself, forgetting that I do not live according to myself but that I live in you, R.

When self-doubt and fear seem to have the last say, R.

When I miss the point of my fragility, a gift you give me so that I will always be prompted to rely on you, R.

When I am inclined to interpret my problems as punishments and my miseries as being abandoned by God, R.

When impenetrability takes over my life, making me resistant to your beauty and all the little ways you ordain yourself to me, R.

When I get distracted by my feelings, my emotions, my passions, my regrets, R.

When I get duped into thinking that I must fix myself up in order to have a relationship with you, forgetting that you come to me with your love just the way I am, R.

When I treat my faith like some abstract answer to be sought instead of as a loving Presence to be affirmed, R.

When I get discouraged by chronic or recurring sins in my life, R.

When I would attempt to earn you favor by achievements, forgetting that I did not choose you, but it is you who chose me, R.

When scandalized by my own selfishness and self assertion, R.

When the oppressive nihilism of life makes me ignore or reduce the desires of my heart that lead me to you, R.

When independence and self-sufficiency make me resist the companionship with others through which you will give me your friendship and tenderness, R.

Whenever I treaty my preconceptions like idols that drain my life of wonder and simplicity, R.

When the evidence of all that is wrong with my life leads me to become paralyzed, indifferent or lax, R.

When I get preoccupied with my self-justifications trying to convince myself that I am loveable, R.

When I would rather live my life in a safe or sheltered way instead of living my life as a risk, putting your will first in all things, R.

Composed by Father Peter John Cameron, O.P. editor Magnificat

Crossing the Chasm of Trust

In God alone is my soul at rest;
my help comes from him.
he alone is my rock, my stronghold,
my fortress: I stand firm.

In God is my safety and glory,
the rock of my strength.
Take refuge in God all you people.
Trust him at all times.
Pour out you hearts before him
for God is our refuge.

Do not put trust in oppression,
nor vain hopes on plunder.
Do not set your heart on riches
even when they increase.

For God has said one thing:
only two do I know:
that to God alone belongs power
and to you Lord, love;
and that you repay each man
according to his deeds. Psalm 62

I had the joy and pleasure of visiting Assisi last Spring. Of all the Saints whom I love and admire, I believe that St. Francis modeled his life closer to Christ's than anyone else. God was his refuge, there was nothing in the material world that he was vested in. Trust comes in varying degrees. We all struggle to let go of the doubt that we have stored inside us. We fear that we will lose something if we dare cross the chasm that Christ asks us to cross. Dying to oneself is a risk. Surrendering means giving up that final outpost in the vast desert landscape of our minds. Moving spiritually is giving up more territory each and every day. As the ancient saying goes "every journey begins with but one step" Contrast St. Francis to Adolf Merckle, the German billionaire. The 74 year old Merckle committed suicide a few weeks ago because his financial empire began to show cracks in it. Apparently having to live on less than 9.4 billion dollars was too much to take. How far away was his life from Psalm 62. If only he had received the good news. Don't let all this so called "bad news" about the economy dictate how you feel every day. It is not that important with regards to your salvation. St. Ignatius wrote:

Man is created to praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord, and by this means to save his soul.
And the other things on the face of the earth are created for man and that they may help him in prosecuting the end for which he is created.
From this it follows that man is to use them as much as they help him on to his end, and ought to rid himself of them so far as they hinder him as to it.
For this it is necessary to make ourselves indifferent to all created things in all that is allowed to the choice of our free will and is not prohibited to it; so that, on our part, we want not health rather than sickness, riches rather than poverty, honor rather than dishonor, long rather than short life, and so in all the rest; desiring and choosing only what is most conducive for us to the end for which we are created.

Prayer
O Lord, support us all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, in your mercy, grant us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at last. Amen
(Venerable John Henry Newman)

Beware the Jabberwock, My Son

Back on February 1st, 2007, Emma Beck was found hanging in her room. She was declared dead early the following day her 31st birthday. Her suicide note read "I told everyone I didn't want to do it, even at the hospital. I was frightened, now it is too late. I died when my babies died. I want to be with my babies: they need me no one else does." You see Emma's boyfriend had reacted badly to the news that she was pregnant with twins and although she initially missed her first appointment for the abortion. She reluctantly showed up and at eight weeks had her babies murdered even against her protests that she had changed her mind. All this because her stupid boyfriend Ben "reacted badly".
Emma was a successful artist who had sold many of her paintings. She could not deal with the fact that she murdered her babies, it was too much to bear. This is a true story, but one that plays out all too often. There are a lot dynamics going on here. Personally, I would like to smack Ben over the head with a two by four. I'm more than impartial for I have a twin brother myself. Again I ask "why does this world produce selfish, arrogant, ignorant, and immoral fools like Ben?". Equally so why do so many women against their conscience and their feelings go along with their dumb boyfriends? How is it that we produce hospital personnel who refuse to recognize a persons request to choose life? Why did Emma believe that there was life in her and at the same time our current president-elect not know when life begins? How does world produce people who would not permit a doctor to be present after an abortion when a baby miraculously survives the murder attempt.



Why? Why? Why? I'm sorry but the name of this blog is Stranger in a Strange Land and maybe I am missing this gene that causes people to become stupid and ignorant of the obvious. I am sorry, but I am not impressed with anybody who cannot recognize the dignity of life. I'm tired of this mindset wrapped in a small selfish world where human life is cheap, children are nothing more than pets and many times less than that, the disabled or the elderly are deemed useless, ready to pull the plug on them whether they want it or not. Many of the Old Testament prophets railed against the sinful ways that God's chosen people had taken. I am not a prophet, not worthy of anything like that, but after 50+ years on this planet I can tell you this, the world is not smarter, is not more civil, does not care more about human life, does not have more respect for faith, religion, and God. Despite all the technological advancements we are producing human beings who have a smaller and smaller worldview. Things that passed for pornography and indecency pass for an everyday look. God has been tossed out of the schools, the workplace, any where in the public square replaced with ignorance and squalor. For what? More toys, more ways to be amused, more self indulgence. You can have it.

Again Here is the Litany of Conversion with a few more verse added:

United in the mystery of the conversion of Paul, we pray for the grace of conversion in our own life:
R. Lord, Give me the Grace of Conversion

Lord Jesus,

When I look at my life from the starting point of my own insufficiences, instead of from the fact of your compassion, grace, and love for me. R.

When I would prefer to live by my own thoughts and my own understanding instead of by your Truth which alone can set me free. R.

When I would rather brood over what annoys me than turn myself over to you always invite me to come to you. R.

When I obsess over self-absorption, complacency, and self-assertiveness. R.

When I get dejected about my sin, not because it offends you, but because it prevents me from being able to take delight in myself. R.

Whenever I live in a dualistic way, as if my faith and "my real life" are two separate things, R.

When I am deceived into thinking that my happiness depends on something in the future instead of what you give me in the present moment, R.

When discouragement and shame make hard for me to be faithful, R.

When I become distraught over the evil I would commit if left to myself, forgetting that I do not live according to myself but that I live in you, R.

When self-doubt and fear seem to have the last say, R.

When I miss the point of my fragility, a gift you give me so that I will always be prompted to rely on you, R.

When I am inclined to interpret my problems as punishments and my miseries as being abandoned by God, R.

When impenetrability takes over my life, making me resistant to your beauty and all the little ways you ordain yourself to me, R.

When I get distracted by my feelings, my emotions, my passions, my regrets, R.

When I get duped into thinking that I must fix myself up in order to have a relationship with you, forgetting that you come to me with your love just the way I am, R.

When I treat my faith like some abstract answer to be sought instead of as a loving Presence to be affirmed, R.

When I get discouraged by chronic or recurring sins in my life, R.

When I would attempt to earn you favor by achievements, forgetting that I did not choose you, but it is you who chose me, R.

When scandalized by my own selfishness and self assertion, R.

When the oppressive nihilism of life makes me ignore or reduce the desires of my heart that lead me to you, R.

When independence and self-sufficiency make me resist the companionship with others through which you will give me your friendship and tenderness, R.

Whenever I treaty my preconceptions like idols that drain my life of wonder and simplicity, R.

When the evidence of all that is wrong with my life leads me to become paralyzed, indifferent or lax, R.

Only God Can Make A Tree

Happy indeed is the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked; nor lingers in the way of sinners nor sits in the company of scorners, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord. He is like a tree that is planted beside the flowing waters, that yields its fruit in due season and whose leaves shall never fade; and all that he does shall prosper. Not so are the wicked, not so! For they like winnowed chaff shall be driven away by the wind. When the wicked are judged they shall not stand, nor find room among those who are just; for the Lord guards the way of the just but the way of the wicked leads to doom.
Psalm 1
Happiness is what we ultimately seek. The very first Psalm addresses how we go about attaining it, namely by obeying God's laws. Jesus also tells us that he who obeys His commandments loves Him. There is a difference of course between temporal pleasure and happiness. In a sense because the "world" rejects God, the world rejects happiness and thus seeks endless means to fill the void. Chesterton said, "Every man who knocks on the door of a brothel is looking for God" True happiness cannot be found in earthly things. We were not created for this world. The plans of God require us to risk and try a new adventure. The plans of the world are to delight in things that posses a very limited and narrow scope. God is much grander. "He is like a tree planted beside the flowing waters..." What a wonderful image. I love trees. I am not kidding. I always observe trees whenever I walk. I am amazed at how day after day whether it is the heat of the summer, the winds of a storm, the frost of winter, they endure. When I was little sprout at St. Joseph's Elementary, our school was on Kilmer Avenue. I found out one day that Kilmer Avenue was named after Joyce Kilmer. One day Sister had us read the Poem by Joyce Kilmer called Trees. It goes like this:

I Think I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree.
A Tree whose hungry mouth is pressed against the earth's sweet flowing breast.
A Tree that looks at God all day and lifts her leafy arms to pray.
A Tree that may in summer wear a nest of robins in her hair.
Upon whose bosom snow has lain and intimately lives with rain
Poems are made by fools like me but only God can make a tree.

Jesus described faith as the seed of mustard tree that grew so enormous. I believe that there was a reason that the ultimate sacrifice, the hope and our salvation, happened on a tree. If we are rooted in Jesus Christ "we shall prosper" God Bless !

Do You Renounce Satan?

In being tempted by the Devil, Jesus was presented with what was, and still is, our current world view. That should not come as a surprise because evil, no matter how you dress it, up is evil. The Devil appeals to our corporeal desires as he appealed to Christ, suggesting He change the stones into bread. He is manipulative and deceptive telling Jesus everything will be alright if Jesus jumps off the cliff. Finally, the Devil progresses to the point where he wants us also to be, asking Jesus to worship him. These three stages are the progression that all mankind goes through. We all have desires of the flesh. I watched a segment on CNN of how the pornography industry wants federal money like the auto industry. What was so stunning to me was how the reporters were not in the least bit shameful or uncomfortable talking about it, as though the pornography industry is another business like a dairy farmer or parts manufacturer. Pornography is big business. I read recently where 35% of office workers look at porn during their workday. We are a nation of materialistic, self satisfying, self indulgent people, who want it and want it now. The second stage is of course the deception and manipulation." It's alright to do what you want when you want it, for there are no consequences" The Devil appeals to our own pride and self interest pumping us up, making us feel good about ourselves. This reinforces our belief that we must be right. It also produces the hatred and scorn for religion, faith, morality, goodness, and God Himself. The third stage is of course worshiping the Devil. Now I am not referring to those people who belong to a Satanic cult, mutilate animals, or doing anything of that nature. That kind of perversion is evident. No, I am referring to those who reject God. I am referring to those who place the materialistic, sinful, and self indulgent desires on their own altar. We become a slave to sin and a slave to the Devil. In the 1950's a movie came out that has been remade several times. "Invasion of The Body Snatchers". You know the story. The plan is out of the Devil's playbook, infiltrate, deceive, and slowly but surely take over to the point where we can't tell who is who. Don't kid yourself, but our country is going that direction. As Jesus said repeatedly "be on guard".

Again Here is the Litany of Conversion with a few more verse added:

United in the mystery of the conversion of Paul, we pray for the grace of conversion in our own life:
R. Lord, Give me the Grace of Conversion

Lord Jesus,

When I look at my life from the starting point of my own insufficiences, instead of from the fact of your compassion, grace, and love for me. R.

When I would prefer to live by my own thoughts and my own understanding instead of by your Truth which alone can set me free. R.

When I would rather brood over what annoys me than turn myself over to you always invite me to come to you. R.

When I obsess over self-absorption, complacency, and self-assertiveness. R.

When I get dejected about my sin, not because it offends you, but because it prevents me from being able to take delight in myself. R.

Whenever I live in a dualistic way, as if my faith and "my real life" are two separate things, R.

When I am deceived into thinking that my happiness depends on something in the future instead of what you give me in the present moment, R.

When discouragement and shame make hard for me to be faithful, R.

When I become distraught over the evil I would commit if left to myself, forgetting that I do not live according to myself but that I live in you, R.

When self-doubt and fear seem to have the last say, R.

When I miss the point of my fragility, a gift you give me so that I will always be prompted to rely on you, R.

When I am inclined to interpret my problems as punishments and my miseries as being abandoned by God, R.

When impenetrability takes over my life, making me resistant to your beauty and all the little ways you ordain yourself to me, R.

When I get distracted by my feelings, my emotions, my passions, my regrets, R.

When I get duped into thinking that I must fix myself up in order to have a relationship with you, forgetting that you come to me with your love just the way I am, R.

When I treat my faith like some abstract answer to be sought instead of as a loving Presence to be affirmed, R.

When I get discouraged by chronic or recurring sins in my life, R.

When I would attempt to earn you favor by achievements, forgetting that I did not choose you, but it is you who chose me, R.

When scandalized by my own selfishness and self assertion, R.

When the oppressive nihilism of life makes me ignore or reduce the desires of my heart that lead me to you, R.

When independence and self-sufficiency make me resist the companionship with others through which you will give me your friendship and tenderness, R.

The Way, The Truth, and The Life

There is but one Truth, Jesus Christ. He is, was and will always be. He is Perfect in Beauty and Love. He created us, we did not create Him. How we conceive who He is, does not change who he is. God's revelation to man is a higher order of knowledge than man's knowledge. It is Divine Knowledge. The fact is this; Enlightenment and New Age thinking and all the brand spanking new atheists are wrong. We need not be slaves to this nonsense of our age. G.K. Chesterton wrote the "The Catholic Church is the only thing that prevents us from being a child of our age." The world and Jesus Christ are diametrically opposed. The Catholic Church, like Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. We need not subscribe to the lies of the abortionists. The fact is abortion is murder. Abortion is evil. Abortion is the act of killing a human being. The Church has been unwavering in this belief. Why? Because the Church is unwavering in the Truth. It upholds the teaching of Jesus Christ, divine revelation, higher than man's knowledge. We about to embark on an era of heightened attacks on those of us who believe in the sanctity of life. The new administration is the most pro-abortion administration in our country's history. Shamefully many Catholics are responsible for this. We must stand firm and uphold the Truth, more now than ever.

Carrying the Light of Christ

Today we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Here are excerpts from the Homily that Pope Benedict gave last year at the Sistine Chapel during which 13 children were baptized.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today's celebration is always a cause of special joy for me. Indeed, the administration of the Sacrament of Baptism on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is one of the most expressive moments of our faith, in which we can almost see the mystery of life through the signs of the liturgy.

In the first place, there is human life. It is represented here in particular by these 13 children who are the fruit of your love, dear parents, to whom I address my cordial greeting, which I extend to the godparents and the other relatives and friends present.

Then comes the mystery of divine life which God gives to these little ones today through rebirth in water and the Holy Spirit. God is life, as some of the pictures that embellish this Sistine Chapel marvelously evoke.

Yet it does not seem out of place if we immediately juxtapose the experience of life with the opposite experience, that is, the reality of death. Sooner or later everything that begins on earth comes to its end, like the meadow grass that springs up in morning and by evening has wilted.

We all feel, we all inwardly comprehend that our existence is a desire for life which invokes fullness and salvation. This fullness is given to us in Baptism.

Basically, the whole mystery of Christ in the world can he summed up in this term: "baptism", which in Greek means "immersion".

The Son of God, who from eternity shares the fullness of life with the Father and the Holy Spirit, was "immersed" in our reality as sinners to make us share in his own life: he was incarnate, he was born like us, he grew up like us and, on reaching adulthood, manifested his mission which began precisely with the "baptism of conversion" administered by John the Baptist.

The purpose of Christ's existence was precisely to give humanity God's life and his Spirit of love so that every person might be able to draw from this inexhaustible source of salvation. This is why St. Paul wrote to the Romans that we were baptized into the death of Christ in order to have his same life as the Risen One (cf. Rom 6:3-4).

In the Rite of Baptism there is an eloquent sign that expresses precisely the transmission of faith. It is the presentation to each of those being baptized of a candle lit from the flame of the Easter candle: it is the light of the Risen Christ, which you will endeavour to pass on to your children.

Thus, from one generation to the next we Christians transmit Christ's light to one another in such a way that when he returns he may find us with this flame burning in our hands.

Let us transmit the light of Christ to everyone we meet, not focusing in on others weaknesses or failings but rather on their dignity as fellow sojourners lost and searching as we are.

My Own Doing

There are certain passages from Holy Scripture that touch a cord within me. I can't read them without it causing some kind of emotional response. Most of the time they bring me to tears. I have a difficult time compre- hending the enormity of God's love. It overwhelms me. The first such passage is from Paul's letter to the Philippians Chapter 2 Verse 6, it echos in my mind over and over again "Who in being the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to grasp" This is counter to almost everything that our cultures teaches. We are suppose to spend a lifetime trying in some form or fashion to be equal to God. Either we are to get as close as possible by being wealthy, powerful, famous, influential, beautiful or we are not in step, we are outcasts, the odd, the fanatical, the fools. When is the last time you seen a public display of humility? Pope John Paul II comes to mind when he was in his dying hours. God's love and display of humility is overwhelming to me. Another passage that touches a nerve is from the Gospel of John, Chapter 1, Verse 10. "He was made in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize him" This brings me to what is on my mind. I have spent many years trying to be recognized. This struggle with humility has come to the surface because I have recently opened myself to the public realm. Quite honestly I have felt the sting, not from being rejected, but worse than that, from not being recognized. I developed my defense against this many years ago. The stages of it goes like this, first anger, then abandonment. My attitude was always the hell with you and I guess I'll cross you off my list. Over time to avoid the pain of rejection I just avoided giving any piece of myself to anybody. In my mind I really believed that "the world is a wonderful place except for all the people" Well of course if "it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" there is no place for that belief. So here I am. It is a struggle because there are times when I feel invisible even among those few people who I have tried to give of myself. In my silent times and in my prayers I plead with God to grant me this humility.

Again Here is the Litany of Conversion with a few more verse added:

United in the mystery of the conversion of Paul, we pray for the grace of conversion in our own life:
R. Lord, Give me the Grace of Conversion

Lord Jesus,

When I look at my life from the starting point of my own insufficiences, instead of from the fact of your compassion, grace, and love for me. R.

When I would prefer to live by my own thoughts and my own understanding instead of by your Truth which alone can set me free. R.

When I would rather brood over what annoys me than turn myself over to you always invite me to come to you. R.

When I obsess over self-absorption, complacency, and self-assertiveness. R.

When I get dejected about my sin, not because it offends you, but because it prevents me from being able to take delight in myself. R.

Whenever I live in a dualistic way, as if my faith and "my real life" are two separate things, R.

When I am deceived into thinking that my happiness depends on something in the future instead of what you give me in the present moment, R.

When discouragement and shame make hard for me to be faithful, R.

When I become distraught over the evil I would commit if left to myself, forgetting that I do not live according to myself but that I live in you, R.

When self-doubt and fear seem to have the last say, R.

When I miss the point of my fragility, a gift you give me so that I will always be prompted to rely on you, R.

When I am inclined to interpret my problems as punishments and my miseries as being abandoned by God, R.

When impenetrability takes over my life, making me resistant to your beauty and all the little ways you ordain yourself to me, R.

When I get distracted by my feelings, my emotions, my passions, my regrets, R.

When I get duped into thinking that I must fix myself up in order to have a relationship with you, forgetting that you come to me with your love just the way I am, R.

When I treat my faith like some abstract answer to be sought instead of as a loving Presence to be affirmed, R.

When I get discouraged by chronic or recurring sins in my life, R.

When I would attempt to earn you favor by achievements, forgetting that I did not choose you, but it is you who chose me, R.

When scandalized by my own selfishness and self assertion, R.

Present Yourself

As Mary and Joseph presented Christ in the temple, we too must present ourselves. In the church we have those opportunities of being presented. At Baptism, when we are given new birth and begin are journey as children of God. At the First Communion, we present ourselves to receive what is the completion of our Christian initiation, The Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, "the source and summit" of our spiritual lives. At Reconciliation we present ourselves as sinners seeking God's forgiveness and absolution. At Confirmation we present ourselves to be sealed by the Holy Spirit, to receive the promises of His gifts, to be strengthened in love. On our wedding day we present ourselves as man & woman to be united to Christ and each other. On the day or our ordination we present ourselves to become members the priesthood of Christ to be "Persona Christi Capitis" to serve in the person of Christ. But there is yet another way that we can present ourselves. We can present ourselves to those in need. We can sacramentally bring Christ to anybody we meet for it is in our being that we are not only a sign of God's love but also God's love itself. We can present ourselves to those who are confused, lonely, lost, broken, angry, depressed, self destructive, bitter, searching for answers. We can present ourselves to family, co-workers, members of our Church, anywhere in the public square where injustice exits and righteousness does not. We have been sent to present ourselves to a lost world, in need of True Light, the Good News, in the person Jesus Christ.

Again Here is the Litany of Conversion with a few more verse added:

United in the mystery of the conversion of Paul, we pray for the grace of conversion in our own life:
R. Lord, Give me the Grace of Conversion

Lord Jesus,

When I look at my life from the starting point of my own insufficiences, instead of from the fact of your compassion, grace, and love for me. R.

When I would prefer to live by my own thoughts and my own understanding instead of by your Truth which alone can set me free. R.

When I would rather brood over what annoys me than turn myself over to you always invite me to come to you. R.

When I obsess over self-absorption, complacency, and self-assertiveness. R.

When I get dejected about my sin, not because it offends you, but because it prevents me from being able to take delight in myself. R.

Whenever I live in a dualistic way, as if my faith and "my real life" are two separate things, R.

When I am deceived into thinking that my happiness depends on something in the future instead of what you give me in the present moment, R.

When discouragement and shame make hard for me to be faithful, R.

When I become distraught over the evil I would commit if left to myself, forgetting that I do not live according to myself but that I live in you, R.

When self-doubt and fear seem to have the last say, R.

When I miss the point of my fragility, a gift you give me so that I will always be prompted to rely on you, R.

When I am inclined to interpret my problems as punishments and my miseries as being abandoned by God, R.

When impenetrability takes over my life, making me resistant to your beauty and all the little ways you ordain yourself to me, R.

When I get distracted by my feelings, my emotions, my passions, my regrets, R.

When I get duped into thinking that I must fix myself up in order to have a relationship with you, forgetting that you come to me with your love just the way I am, R.

When I treat my faith like some abstract answer to be sought instead of as a loving Presence to be affirmed, R.

When I get discouraged by chronic or recurring sins in my life, R.

Father Richard John Neuhaus Dies

Father Richard John Neuhaus, a convert to the Faith and Editor of First Things journal passed away this morning. Requiem in Pacem , Requiem in Pacem, Requiem in Pacem. He was frequently seen on EWTN. I recall his commentary along with Raymond Arroyo during the election of Pope Benedict XVI. There was a long pause, because Father Neuhaus was so elated that his friend Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger just became the head of the Catholic Church. Father Neuhaus was a brilliant man and very orthodox. God Rest His Soul



Photo Courtesy of Catholic News Agency

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=14710

Litany of Ongoing Conversion

From this month's issue of the Magnificat has a marvelous Litany of Ongoing Conversion.

United in the mystery of the conversion of Paul, we pray for the grace of conversion in our own life:
R. Lord, Give me the Grace of Conversion

Lord Jesus,

When I look at my life from the starting point of my own insufficiences, instead of from the fact of your compassion, grace, and love for me. R.

When I would prefer to live by my own thoughts and my own understanding instead of by your Truth which alone can set me free. R.

When I would rather brood over what annoys me than turn myself over to you always invite me to come to you. R.

When I obsess over self-absorption, complacency, and self-assertiveness. R.

When I get dejected about my sin, not because it offends you, but because it prevents me from being able to take delight in myself. R.

Whenever I live in a dualistic way, as if my faith and "my real life" are two separate things, R.

When I am deceived into thinking that my happiness depends on something in the future instead of what you give me in the present moment, R.

When discouragement and shame make hard for me to be faithful, R.

When I become distraught over the evil I would commit if left to myself, forgetting that I do not live according to myself but that I live in you, R.

When self-doubt and fear seem to have the last say, R.

When I miss the point of my fragility, a gift you give me so that I will always be prompted to rely on you, R.

When I am inclined to interpret my problems as punishments and my miseries as being abandoned by God, R.

When impenetrability takes over my life, making me resistant to your beauty and all the little ways you ordain yourself to me, R.

This New Year Resolve To Find Jesus

Every year at this time myself and countless others, begin in attempt to put into practice, the things we resolve to do. Whenever we compile a lists of items we need to change about ourselves, the usual suspects come up. Diets, exercise programs, joining an organization, improving some area of our work life, taking a class or reading more, redecorate the house, you know the routine. As I was starting to prioritize my list, I realized that my spiritual life and my relationship with God would be first and foremost. This led me to a whole other chain of thoughts. I had woke up last night and began to think about my faith and why is it that I came to the conclusion to follow Jesus Christ. This may seem at first, kind of a silly but that is not the case. I have been living my life with the Church and Christ as my shepherd for some time now without much thought to it. If at times my faith wavered or was burning rather dimly I would pray about it and through some action be renewed with vigor. I believe in everything that is in the Nicene Creed that we profess at Mass. I have a Creed that I live by. How do I come to this conclusion? Now, one could point to my Catholic upbringing and suggest that it is the reason. I would reply not entirely, maybe not even the most significant factor. The most important factor from my Catholic upbringing were the men and women, priest, religious and lay people whose live exemplified Christ. I strayed away from my faith as my story goes. I came back to because I examined my life and more importantly received God's grace through the sacraments. First, I examined my life. Now I must tell you that as a child I was fascinated with psychology. I read many books on psychology, learned many of the different schools of thought, and discovered the leading psychologists of that era and previous eras. I have always wondered what makes people tick. What were the factors that makes one person think one way and another person a different way. I went on to get a BS degree with a psychology major and 3 credit hours from a Masters degree (I gave up on it as a career but that's for another blog entry). I became and still am very adept at getting to know an individual's personality type and making them feel at ease while they told me about themselves. It is so natural for me that I actually have to inhibit myself and be conscious that I am not doing it. It is very easy to categorize people and while that can be productive as a therapist and is not so good for other relationships. So, it comes rather easy for myself to do a personal examination even if perhaps my judgment may be biased. As Socrates once said "The unexamined life is not worth living", well I won't go that far but I believe that when we live a life that is on autopilot we are wasting one of God's greatest creations, our minds. The current education system in my humble opinion stifles self examination. It teaches young people that learning your abc's and math problems leads to a job or profession. This job or profession leads to money, and money leads to acquiring things, and acquiring things leads to happiness. Most people dearly hold this belief. In fact if you think contrary to that you are weird. I have done rather well on that merry-go-round but I can unequivocally say that it did not equate to happiness. I have discovered that my Catholic faith has become for me a true source of happiness and that I have been transformed. This transformation did not come solely by my own doing. I recognized that the joy in my heart did not derive from anything I did on an intellectual level. I actually witnessed God's grace in my life. I am giving you this testimony so that if anybody reads these words today or in the future they will heed my advice. The first step is to acknowledge that there is something beyond yourself. Our bodies are mortal (our souls however are not), we have a limited time on this planet, so if heaven, salvation, the afterlife is something that you are now just considering, consider this: "God so love the world that He sent His only Son so that those who believed would not perish." John 3:16. We possess the means. That is the primary goal to live eternally with God. But as I mentioned the thing that most influenced me was those who truly practiced their faith. A person who dies to himself and lives as Christ teaches brings good to the world. He or she is doing constructive, positive things that make other lives better. Many secular things, things of this world are destructive. They are destructive to family, others, communities and self-destructive. Pornography, substance abuse, violence, criminal activity, greed, over- indulgence ultimately destroys. If you live as Christ teaches in the Beatitudes, you will bring the Truth to the world. You will bring Christ and the love of God. If you are looking for something good in your life, something purposeful, something that will bring happiness, something you can anchor to, something that is true and righteous, forget Oprah, forget the government, forget the New Age guru, forget the corny self-help books, or get rich books, and please forget or leave any prejudices you have about the Catholic Church, they are not valid. If only one person who ever reads this was led to Christ, my joy would be complete and feel free to email me if can be of any help. This is one resolution that will truly improve your life. God Bless.

More from the Litany of Ongoing Conversion
R. Lord, Give me the Grace of ConversionLord Jesus,

Whenever I live in a dualistic way, as if my faith and "my real life" are two separate things, R.

When I am deceived into thinking that my happiness depends on something in the future instead of what you give me in the present moment, R.

When discouragement and shame make hard for me to be faithful, R.

Breaking News: Baby Thrown Out in Trash!!!

It is all over the news a baby was tossed out with the garbage. It is news for one and only one reason.



The baby's mother said it was born alive. We'll have to check with the president-elect to get a ruling on this. Here's the line that says it all: "Whether the child was born is important because Hudson County's prosecutor said a stillborn is not considered a person under New Jersey law." Hello, I've got news for you. Babies have been thrown out with the trash on a rather routine basis. Live babies not stillborn.
Back to my previous post. You have trick yourself into believing that the babies that are murdered in the womb are not babies at all. Stillborn babies remember are not persons, babies intentionally murdered are not persons either. Don't ask a five year old, ask the great state of New Jersey.

Death of the Innocents

C. S. Lewis described the infant Jesus as coming as a baby so that he could infiltrate enemy lines. He was "stealthy". Why would the King of Kings enter this world as a tiny, helpless infant?
In that act He is elevating humanity and confirming what every human being should know; that man 's dignity is present at the very moment of conception. John writes that " He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him." Chapter 1 Verse 10. Children are not born as abortionists. If you ask any five year old what's inside a pregnant mothers belly he will tell you a baby. Human beings are trained, educated, and duped into believing there is no baby inside. Like a magic trick or a shell game, its no longer there. You have trick your mind in order to kill somebody. The Nazi's could not consider Jews human beings, they stripped them of all human dignity, taking away their clothes, cutting their hair, numbering them, not allowing them to look into their eyes. Why do we have firing squads? One gun and one bullet should do the job. It is to erase the guilt by not being able to identify who did the actual killing. You have to trick yourself. The same people who have and support abortion also use birth control. What is it that they think they are controlling? They have to trick themselves. Even our newly elected president, the most pro abortion president in the history of the United States had to put on display this notion of not having the capacity to identify when life begins. His answers reveals his deception. He can't answer the question because he knows the truth.



January is Respect Life Month. The thought that we would have to select a month and called it that is ridiculous. Every month, every day, every minute, every second we should respect life. Abortionists know that it is life they are killing. They can't not know. They can trick themselves, but they can't not know."the world did not recognize him." The word recognize comes from Latin. Re (which means to come back, again, from which words like return, repeat, revision are also derived) and cogni (which means to know) so when we recognize something we are returning to something we already know. We need to shout as loud as we can and for as long as we can to get the abortionists to realize what they already know. Just ask any five year old.

This year has been designated the Year of Paul (actually it began last June) This month's issue of the Magnificat has a marvelous Litany of Ongoing Conversion. United in the mystery of the conversion of Paul, we pray for the grace of conversion in our own life:
R. Lord, Give me the Grace of Conversion
Lord Jesus,

When I look at my life from the starting point of my own insufficiences, instead of from the fact of your compassion, grace, and love for me. R.

When I would prefer to live by my own thoughts and my own understanding instead of by your Truth which alone can set me free. R.

When I would rather brood over what annoys me than turn myself over to you always invite me to come to you. R.

When I obsess over self-absorption, complacency, and self-assertiveness. R.

When I get dejected about my sin, not because it offends you, but because it prevents me from being able to take delight in myself. R.

There is much more to this Litany of Conversion and I will add a couple more each and every day. Those five above describe me to a "T" and remind me of my daily need for conversion.

God Bless - Today is the Feast day of Bl. Andre Bessette. He was a a member of the Brothers of the Holy Cross and had a great devotion to St. Joseph. I was taught by the Brothers of the Holy Cross.

Saint John Neumann

Today is the feast day of St. John Neumann. Since I personally gained from my Catholic education and since St. John Neumann was pretty much responsible for establishing the Catholic School Systems, I wish to honor him. He was a Redemptorist and ultimately became the Bishop of Philadelphia. In 1977 Pope Paul VI declared him a Saint. Here is a prayer for his intercession:

O Saint John Neumann, your ardent desire of bringing all souls to Christ impelled you to leave home and country; teach us to live worthily in the spirit of our Baptism which makes us all children of the one Heavenly Father and brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, the first-born of the family of God.

Obtain for us that complete dedication in the service of the needy, the weak, the afflicted and the abandoned which so characterized your life. Help us to walk perseveringly in the difficult and, at times, painful paths of duty, strengthened by the Body and Blood of our Redeemer and under the watchful protection of Mary our Mother.

May death still find us on the sure road to our Father's House with the light of living Faith in our hearts. Amen.

Thank You Lord

I accidentally ran over my cat. This actually happened a few weeks ago but I could not bear to tell my two daughters until after Christmas. I took care of this cat, fed and cared for it for over 18 years. Some friends of my daughter brought us a little black kitten on Friday night to give as a present. We watched it for about a half hour put it outside and it vanished. We searched everywhere in the foggy night to no avail. I got up Saturday morning early and resumed looking for him but again no luck. I was even more down and depressed about the fact that I just lost a kitten. As I was about to go to bed at about 11 pm that night who should show up at my door but the little sweetheart. It stayed the night and all day today. I had prayed that God would lead him back to me and He answered my prayers. So in honor of my happy little kitten I bring you the following. Enjoy!

Big Universe, Small Universe

"Thoroughly worldly people never understand even the world; they rely altogether on a few cynical maxims which are not true." G.K. Chesterton Orthodoxy 1908. A hundred years have passed and this world still operates the same way. On New Years Eve, my wife I were visiting some relatives. They asked about our son who is a novice in the Jesuits. They are not Catholics, in fact from my family (3)brothers (1) sister, and my wife's family (2) sisters, (2) brothers, we are the only remaining Catholics. Some are Protestant, some are agnostics/atheists, some just don't practice any faith. In explaining that our son had to go through a 30 day silent retreat starting in October, it was obvious that they could not conceive of what that exactly is and why anyone would do such a thing. Later in the evening my wife and I got on to a discussion about their reaction and I told her what I thought. Most Americans, primarily because either they are Protestants or because they subscribe to secular thinking which evolved from liberalized Protestants have a narrow scope or vision of both the world and of Christianity. As Chesterton has already so brilliantly recognized they construct universes that are logically sound, have a set of precepts and beliefs, are ordered and at first glance seem to make sense. The most dynamic and probably the first principal of these universes is that what is new is right and what is old is wrong. Modern thought is just plain right and old universal truths are wrong. Heck, everybody knows that. Again here is the wisdom of Chesterton " Complete self-confidence is not merely a sin; complete self-confidence is a weakness" So even though their universe seems rationally sound, their universe is small. This makes it extremely difficult to enter into any intelligent dialogue. Alasdair MacIntyre, philosopher makes the case that we cannot truly discuss morality because the language of morality is in disorder. It has been torn up, regurgitated, re-invented, broken up into these smaller detached philosophies. This is the case when it comes to Catholicism. It is a much larger universe. I personally am too tired to try to explain it. At a night out over some friends house I started to explain Ignation spirituality. I could see that one woman was very interested in his concepts of consolation and desolation but alas the conversation changed. I could tell that this was something rather interesting and altogether foreign. Why does one have to move closer to God? Why would one want to? If you were to interrogate most Protestants on their beliefs it wold boil down to this: "it is in the Bible and my preacher told me so." Here is something else that is frustrating; when someone comes along and offers some sound advice that catches on with the secular world people are astounded. I give you Rick Warren. Now on the surface A Purpose Driven Life is a wonderful book that is kind of a self-help Dr. Phil approach to Christianity. It is a best seller. Mr. Warren has been invited to the White House for the president-elect's inauguration, much to the chagrin of homosexual community. On his website Mr. Warren describes his book as "a manifesto for Christian living in the 21st century...a lifestyle based on eternal purposes, not cultural values" Well I got news for you the Catechism of Catholic Church is and has been a manifesto for Christian living for some time now. You see their universe is too small to know that. Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI have tirelessly spoken out against the cultural values. They are light years ahead of Mr. Warren on a number of fronts. Mr Warren is an intellectual midget compared to Pope Benedict. I don't want to belittle what Mr. Warren has done or suggest that he is not doing good work or that he is not a good Christian. I don't believe that at all. Thank God for people like him! Its just that my universe has a difficult time out there and I get frustrated. It is not limited to Protestants either. Just check out anything Nancy Pelosi or Joe Biden says. So pardon me if I get a little worked up from time to time.

The Real "Unborn"

A few days ago I mentioned that my lovely wife and I ventured off to the movie theater. See.... http://aseedinbriar.blogspot.com/2008/12/marley-me.html I mentioned the fact that it was a rare occasion since most movies today are one of two things. Unbelievable (not credible) action at a frantic pace, consisting of a hodge podge of story lines that barely make sense. The other type of movies is for idiots. Like many things in our current society young people have been cheated. Crap that poses as art, music that is repetitive drivel and very bad movies. Now, because I ventured out I managed to witness some trailers for upcoming movies. I am sure you have probably seen this one on television during our holiday season, "The Unborn" I thought our current president-elect should go see this movie and see whether he can go up a pay grade, but I digress. This movie with the by-line "Sometimes the soul of a dead person has been so tainted with evil that it is denied entrance to heaven." is not about what we true Catholics have been preaching about and marching for against the Culture of Death, that life exists in the womb and is sacred. No sir. Leave it to Hollywood to give us another "they are coming to get you movie" It is remarkable that they can recognize such things as souls, heaven, evil and unborn when conjuring up their ghost stories but when the curtain closes, we pro-lifers become the kooks and religious fanatics who seek to impose our beliefs on them. I wish the following movie would play at the local theater http://www.abort73.com/video/AbortionMedQT.html I am aware that this is video is disturbing but dam it it should be. It should disturb the hell out of you. This is a much scarier movie than anything Hollywood can put out. One final note here. Will Tom Hanks please do something more interesting than supporting all these kook beliefs of secret societies that purportedly exist within or from outside the Church? There are no secret societies within the Church and the enemies of Jesus Christ make no secrets about it. Hollywood knows that.

The Prince of Peace

Of all the names that we call Jesus my favorite is Prince of Peace. I was thinking that this morning when I heard it mentioned in the opening prayer. It is as though you can feel peace emanating from Him throughout the Gospel. His very first miracle at Cana, He takes what is a an anxious scenario, no wine left at the wedding and brings to it a happy ending. "Peace be with you My peace I leave you." This is the beginning of yet another year. It is late in the day and I am a little too tired to talk about resolutions, and spiritual goals but let me just say this. The world has been beset with war, violence and mayhem both last year and for some time now. I resolve to bring the peace that Christ has left us into the world each and every day. I pray for the grace to be up to the task. May God bless you and keep you. Let His face shine upon you. May He be gracious and look kindly upon you. And may he grant you His peace. Have a Holy, Happy, Blessed and Peaceful 2009!