Sunday, December 13, 2015

"Rejoice!" (And that's an order.)

Guadete Sunday. It's not all about getting all giddy about the holidays. In the readings, we're told — and quite sternly — to, bleep it, REJOICE!

This is not a suggestion, like, you know, "hey, cheer up" is a suggestion.

It's an order.

As Father Greg Staab, OMV, said in his homily today:

"Rejoice. It's a commandment!"

Now our good friend Zephaniah isn't one of your more "merry" prophets. In the same chapter today's reading comes from? He calls Jerusalem "rebellious and polluted" and isn't exactly spreading holiday cheer all over the place.

Yet he, through the Holy Spirit, commands us to "rejoice!" To "shout for joy!" Hey, they're not my exclamation points...they're the Lord's!

And Isaiah — while a terrific guy, I'm sure — wasn't exactly Good-Time-Charlie. Yet, in today's Response we, through God, hear him exhort us to "cry out with joy and gladness!"

Why?

"For among us is the great and Holy One of Israel."

Paul — a Pharisee who, at best, manages to keep his moanings and complaints within reason — tells us today (not once, but twice...he felt, through God, the need to repeat this):

"Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again: rejoice!"

These guys Are Not. Kidding.

Neither is God.

"But, gee, Kelly! We've got troubles galore!"

Yep, I know. Right here in River City and throughout the world.

But we've been given a command. To rejoice. And whether we're Jews or  Christians, we've been given our orders.

So do it! Rejoice! Even if you don't feel like it? You've got to. We, you and me, have been commanded to do so.

Hey, even if you're not in the mood? Maybe this will help.

May God continue to bless you!




Tuesday, December 08, 2015

He's a Muslim. He's my friend. Try not to be stupid.

My friend, Ahmed El Abany, lived in our house while studying to be the great pediatrician that he is today. He posted this on Facebook yesterday. It's worth sharing with you.

We've reached a point when we hear of a terrorist attack on the news, certain thoughts come to our mind : 
1- the hope that the suspects aren't muslims or carry an arabian name.
2- the certainty that a militant group who are islamic extremists would be responsible for such a tragedy.
3- the sad feeling you get when the muslims living around the world who will be affected and mistreated with this terrorist act.
4- the flairing of racial responses and fascist ideas towards islam and muslims from some well known individuals.
5- the greater responsibility to prove to the uneducated how Islam, like any other, is a religion of peace.
6- a prayer to god to save his humanity from the lunatics who disfigure the image of religious beliefs.
The hearts of muslims all over the globe are ached everytime they see or hear about a deadly act.
Media is a fraud. Know islam from the person in front of you and not from the screen.
Religion is your connection with God. Manners is how to connect with human beings. Do not mix them up. To know a muslim, talk to one.

Can you imagine living like this? Imagine it. To know a Muslim, talk to a Muslim. Get to know a Muslim.
Stop the stupidity. Instead, oremus pro invicem. (Let us pray for each other.)



Monday, December 07, 2015

Dimmer Switches and the Holy Spirit: Let There be Light!

From Father Greg Staab, O.M.V., in his Sunday homily, Sunday, December 6:

"Ask the Holy Spirit to shed light on your conscience, so that you may better see the sins you might have otherwise missed."

Okay, are you like me? 

(Then, for Heaven's sake, DO something about this to correct it...and quickly!)

Where was I? Oh yes...about dimmer switches.

Dimmer switches are exceedingly cool inventions.

Say, for example, you go into your kitchen, and you realize -- yikes! -- there's some cleaning up to be done around here!

A dimmer switch lets you blithely lower the lights in the kitchen, and — voila! — those crumbs on the counter? Gone! (Or, at least, you can't see them anymore and may virtuously go back to that book you were reading.)

'Course a dimmer switch switches both ways.

Say you want to clean that kitchen. Well, you'd better be able to see those crumbs and such, so all you have to do is to turn the switch the other way. Light up that kitchen! Holy bleep, not only crumbs, do you see, but, among other things? That stain on the floor (to say nothing of that gunk on the oven range.)

Every single piece o' dirt is suddenly glaring at you, pleading at you, saying "for Heaven's sake, DO something about this!

That's how the Holy Spirit works when you "turn Him up."

You're examining your conscience, right, and you see the big lumps o' dirt. Fine. But crank up that Holy Spirit light switch, and you suddenly see dust, like, for example:

  • that jerk you muttered at when he cut you off in traffic the other day
  • that cashier you rolled your eyes at when she made a mistake in the checkout line
  • that rather sarcastic comment you made to your spouse yesterday
  • that juicy piece o' gossip you...just happened to pass along
  • the fact that, while examining your conscience, you're still identifying the guy who cut you off as a "jerk"

And so on and so on and guess what?

The brighter the light, the clearer the dust in your soul, the easier it is to clean it up!

And the better your confession will be.

Ask the Holy Spirit to light up your mind and soul...the better you see the gunk? The easier to get rid of it!

May God continue to bless you!






Sunday, October 25, 2015

Because women aren't good enough to be named "Woman of the Year?" Huh? :-)

Kathy Schiffer nails it.

And if you, dear ladies, don’t find it insulting to think that a women’s fashion magazine which depends on women’s subscription dollars can’t find a single female on the planet who is a better “woman” than a cross-dressing, physically mutilated and psychologically stunted man, then I can’t imagine what could possibly get under your skin. 

Read the whole thing here. And be kind...she's frustrated. :-)

May God continue to bless you,

Kelly

Thursday, October 01, 2015

October's Universal Papal Intention: Ending Human Trafficking

That human trafficking, the modern form of slavery, may be eradicated.

What is "human trafficking?"

It's the exploitation of God's children, no matter what their age. It involves forced prostitution or sexual abuse of the most vulnerable among is. Victims are transported across borders, national and international. They become slaves, and are generally forced into unsanitary and stressful conditions, receiving little — or no — basic, to say nothing of healthcare services. They are restricted in movement, their personal identification is withheld, and most experience physical, emotional, and psychological violence. Escape is pretty much impossible, although if escape is achieved? Melding back into society is excruciatingly difficult, due the the shame, trauma, and threat of retribution these, our brothers and sisters, have experienced.

"Couldn't happen here in the good ol' U S of A"

No?

Anyway, it doesn't matter where this atrocity happens. What's important is that it ends. Now.

Pray that it does so.

May God continue to bless you.


Tuesday, September 29, 2015

How God through Sirach is helping me clean up my mouth

Do not accustom your mouth to coarse, foul language,
 for it involves sinful speech. Remember your father and mother
when you sit among the great,
 or you may forget yourself in their presence,
and behave like a fool through bad habit;
then you will wish that you had never been born,
and you will curse the day of your birth. Those who are accustomed to using abusive language will never become disciplined as long as they live.Sirach 23: 12-15

~~~~~~
So anyway, I was pretty much relaxed before Confession yesterday. Just two sins, that I could remember. I wasn't exactly proud of them, in fact I was ashamed and was sorry and all that stuff. But after all, I hadn't killed anybody, hurt anybody, cheated anybody. Just a couple of vulgar words — yes, shouted in anger — but that was about it. I mean, hey, I was sorry, but nobody's perfect, right? God's merciful...no big deal. In and out and I'm home free, completely absolved, right?

I was actually pleased that I wouldn't take up a lot of time in the Confessional! (Give those real sinners some more time. I actually thought that. Sheesh.)

Wrong, Kelly!

After confessing my two — two — sins, I sat back, waited for my penance, all set to make A Good Act of Contrition. Sheesh, I was almost feeling smug.

Until my confessor opened his Bible, thumbed through it a bit, and read the following. (It bears repeating.)

"Do not accustom your mouth to coarse, foul language,
 for it involves sinful speech. Remember your father and mother
 when you sit among the great,
 or you may forget yourself in their presence,
and behave like a fool through bad habit;
then you will wish that you had never been born,
and you will curse the day of your birth. Those who are accustomed to using abusive language will never become disciplined as long as they live."

And I felt as if this gentle guy had just gently slapped me in the face. 

[insert reminiscing harp music here]

I shivered because I was remembering something that happened years ago. I was a very young widow. I was the darling of my family. I could do no wrong.

I was a spoiled brat.

Since, or so I thought, I had suffered a tragedy — and the death of my young husband Bill was a tragedy and more to the point (this was my take on matters) the fact that I was left alone at such a young age was an even greater tragedy. Others seemed to agree with me.

I was a spoiled brat.

Anyway, to make a long story bearable? Here's what happened once, shortly after Bill died. I went home to see my parents in Detroit. I had it all planned. Bill's friends and I were going to spend a lovely summer weekend at my mother and father-in-law's place in upper Michigan. It was all planned.

Except Bill's friends were all busy that weekend. Apologetic, but busy.

And when I was finished with the phone calls, I let loose a string of words that would make a sailor blush. I had the right to, you see. I was a Poor, Young, Widow, and People Had Let Me Down!!!

My mother burst into tears.

I figured she was feeling sorry for me and Bravely Keeping My Sobs Under Control, got up to tell her not to feel so bad. (What a bleeping saint I thought I was!)

Turns out? Mom wasn't feeling sorry for my "plans." She was ashamed of her daughter.

My Dad set me straight, in no uncertain terms:

"You make my wife, and your mother, cry one more time? And you're outta here, you got that young lady?"

I was always Daddy's Little Girl. I felt like I'd been slapped in the face...no, scratch that. I felt I'd been judged and found really, really wanting.

That was a long time ago...but after hearing Sirach's words? God's words? Seemed like yesterday.

Taking the Lord's Name in vain is really bad. But so is coarse, vulgar language. I'm trying like bleep to avoid it...because of my Mom and Dad.

But even more? Because of my Heavenly Father and Blessed Mother.

May God continue to bless you. (Thanks for your ear!)



Monday, September 21, 2015

Responding to "Shout Your Abortion:" The 12,345,546+ ways pro life people screw up

So big, frigging deal. Some poor souls have started a social media hashtag called (no, I'm not going to actually post it, but without the spaces, it's called "Shout Your Abortion."

Okay. Fine.

Some women, poor ladies, have, for reasons of their own, have decided to pretend to brag about how having an abortion has Improved Their Lives. Okay. Yes. I understand. This is Not A Good Thing. Satisfied?

Not, evidently, are the so called "pro lifers."

Why do I say this? Because I've seen these Brave, I'm Better, So Much Better Than You posts, such as:

The so called `mother' is condemned!
You're going to HELL!
No mercy for YOU!

And on and on...

Folks. Try very hard to use that God-given brain you were given. In other words? THINK!

As usual, you're trying to beat God. You're trying to play God, and you know? You're losing.

Yes, this movement is sad. Evil, even, I'll buy that.

BUT YOU DON'T COMBAT THE DEVIL BY IMITATING HIM, JERKS O' MINE!

Instead? Shut the bleep up. That's good. Shhh...be quiet.

And pray. That's what your job is. Your job is NOT condemning people. You got that?

Because if you try and do that? You're actually condemning yourself.

"But it's so frustrating, Kelly!!!!"

Deal with it. Shut up and pray. And quit your idiotic and futile attempts at assigning people to Hell. That's not your bleeping job.

Your job is to shut the bleep up and pray. Period.

Sheesh. When I was 16 years old? I had an abortion. If I believed in you folks, instead of my most Merciful God? I'd be dead by now.

Okay, you've had your spanking. Now shut up and pray.

And may God continue to bless you.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Please pray for the cure of Father Greg Staab, OMV (and the holiness of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary)

Heavenly and almighty Father,
I thank You for the gift of life, and for the newness of life in Christ Jesus.
If it be Your holy will, I beg you, through the intercession of Venerable Bruno Lanteri, to heal your servant, Father Greg Staab, O.M.V., and to increase the holiness of his brothers of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary. (Abba? Father Greg kind of insists on this second request.)
This I ask as I do all things, through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Who, with You and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
Our Lady, Health of the Sick, ora pro nobis!
Our Lady, Mother of Sorrows, ora pro nobis!


\

Father Greg with Father Bill Neubecker, O.M.V. Suffering from an incurable genetic disease, Father Greg strives to celebrate daily Mass from his hospital room.


Father Greg Staab insists that all prayers for him include the request for the holiness of his order, the Oblates of the Virgin Mary

Monday, September 14, 2015

John 3:16


Monday, August 17, 2015

Teach your children well…or, when life gives you lemons?

It was really hot today. As I walked up my block on the way home, I felt I heard the answer to my sweaty prayers!

"Hey, lady! Lemonade! LEMONADE!"

Ah, the old lemonade stand…whatever happened to them? Didn't matter to me at the time, because, holy bleep what wouldn't I have given for a nice, cold glass of the fragrant beverage. And! Hurray! I had exactly fifty cents in my pocket.

"Oh, no, lady…it's FREE!" 

I looked at the young boy as if perhaps he'd lost it a bit in the heat. Happens all the time. Plus, his cardboard sign clearly said: "Lemonade! Fifty Cents a Glass!!!"

Anyway, I followed him to his stand -- noticing his parents and young siblings watching him proudly -- and proudly plunked down my last two quarters.

"Fill 'er up!" I said, smiling.

There was a pause. I was hot. And in no mood for pauses. I Really. Wanted. Lemonade. What was the problem?

As nicely as I could -- which, given the temperature, probably wasn't as nicely as I could -- said: "Huh? What's the problem?"

"It's FREE, lady! You can take your coins back and here (the little munchkin said proudly as he carefully poured a rather generous glass), this is for YOU! ENJOY! (I swear the kid spoke in capital letters.)

And there it was…just for me. For ME!

Accepting it with thanks, I looked up at the two grownups. They both smiled at me, while I tried very hard to smile back before guzzling the (FREE) glass of nectar.

The Man: "Gotta teach our kids to learn how to make a living."
The Lady: "Gotta teach our kids to learn how to share!"
Me: "Huh?"

And then they explained. Seems that some guy came along about an hour before I'd arrived, plunked down a ten-spot, and told the kids to offer the lemonade gratis -- that would mean FREE -- to any and all who wanted it.

"Why, that was nice," I gushed. (I just wanted to gulp down the stuff, but, to my credit, I DID leave the two quarters on the table.)

"Damnedest thing you ever saw," the man continued. "Some guy paid for the whole inventory, provided our kids offer the lemonade for free."

"Really?" I replied. "Well, that's nice…"

"Yeah, but sheesh, how are the kids going to learn how to earn their own money?"

His wife interrupted, albeit graciously…and lovingly, I thought, her eyes looking back and forth from husband to kids -- the latter who were hustling like crazy to GIVE AWAY (sheesh, I've caught this capital letter thing) FREE LEMONADE to all the sweating, time to go home, next-year-for-sure-we're-buying-an-air-conditioner walkers.

"Yeah," said the dad. "Guess you're right at that." He smiled at the mother of his children (all of whom were still hustling what was left in the great big jug…not a lot, but still) and I walked home thinking "there's going to be some good lovin' in that house tonight."

And smiled. A LOT!

Entering our house, I offered my husband (who was sweating over his computer) a swig of my FREE LEMONADE and told him how I got it. And then? I heard a voice coming from upstairs. It was Mark…a man who's staying with us while studying at a local college.

"Was there any left in the jug?" he called down.

"Hardly any," I had to admit.

And then Mark smiled and I knew then -- and know now, because he admitted it -- HE was the ten-spot guy!

CAPITAL LETTER to you, Mark o' mine! Well played…very well played.

Sometimes I think I live in a rather poor neighborhood. Sometimes, like today? I realize I'm totally wrong. I live in a rich, RICH place, after all!





Tuesday, August 04, 2015

Sunday, August 02, 2015

An invitation to Catholic priests in honor of Saint Peter Julian Eymard

In other years, we would celebrate the feast of Saint Peter Julian Eymard today (August 2, 2015).

In his honor, I cordially invite Roman Catholic priests especially, and anyone in love with the Blessed Sacrament, to READ these documents:

Encyclical Letter Eccesia de Eucharista of His Holiness, Pope Saint John Paul II.

For further help in understanding this most eloquent document, please -- I beg you! -- read Redemtionis Sacramentum.

It's necessary. Very, very necessary.

May God continue to bless you.

Monday, June 22, 2015

Saint Thomas More: A Prayer for Your Enemies

I LOVE Saint Thomas More. For many reasons, chiefly among them? He cracks me up. Do you know that, prior to being beheaded for treason, he carefully moved his beard from the block, gravely (but I'll bet with a twinkle in his eye) explaining to his poor executioner that his beard "committed no treason"?

I also love for him for his example of forgiveness…actually, more than forgiveness…his disdain of judging others. Incredible, really, given his profession — one of many, actually — as a lawyer. (Also a politician!)

Although a friend of King Henry VIII of England, More couldn't bring himself to humor the sovereign by (even with a wink, wink, nod, nod) acknowledging him as the "supreme head of the church of England." He couldn't, because he was in love with truth — as any good attorney should be — and with the Truth — as any good man should be.

And so he died. Killed for treason. Imagine his sadness! We are now in an era where Christians are martyred by those outside the Church…imagine being martyred, or even hated by, those supposedly inside the Church!

Still, he kept his spirits up. At his trial, he told his judges that he wished that "we may yet hereafter in Heaven merrily all meet together to everlasting salvation."

And he didn't judge!

Since today's memorial of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More is optional, the readings of the day are generally chosen. And how appropriate today's Gospel is for Saint Thomas:

From Matthew 7: 1-5


Stop judging, that you may not be judged.
For as you judge, so will you be judged,
and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.
Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye,
but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?
How can you say to your brother,
‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’
while the wooden beam is in your eye?
You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first;
then you will see clearly
to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.

From his prison cell, awaiting his eternal reward, More penned this prayer. May his words fill our hearts with the stupendous gift of love for those who mistreat us in any way.

A Prayer for Our Enemies

Almighty God, have mercy on N. and N., and on all that bear me evil will, and would me harm, and their faults and mine together by such easy, tender, merciful means as thine infinite wisdom best can devise; vouchsafe to amend and redress and make us saved souls in Heaven together, where we may ever live and love together with thee and thy blessed saints, O glorious Trinity, for the bitter passion of our sweet Saviour Christ. Amen.  
Lord, give me patience in tribulation and grace in everything, to conform my will to thine, that I may truly say: “Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra”. 
The things, good Lord, that I pray for, give me thy grace to labour for. Amen.








Saturday, June 13, 2015

Apparitions…I was going to write about this myself, but, incredibly enough...

…somebody beat me to it.


This is an amazingly simple and very instructional read. Thanks Kevin Orlin Johnson for your article:

"The Ten Most Common Misconceptions about Apparitions"

Monday, June 08, 2015

Communion in the hand…a how to guide (don't worry, it's brief)

Okay, so right off the bat let me explain that I don't receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ in my hand. But this isn't at all an argument about that. There are many, many people who do…and they have every right to. An indult has been granted for this practice.

And there is a very reverend way to do so!

As Saint Cyril of Jerusalem said, lo these many years ago:
When thou goest to receive communion go not with they wrists extended, nor with thy fingers separated, but placing thy left hand as a throne for they right, which is to receive so great a King, and in the hollow of the palm receive the Body of Christ, saying, `Amen.'
What the good saint do not say is "stick out your hand, grab the Host, and saunter back to your pew, and oh, incidentally, don't forget to consume the Lord!"

See the difference? Okay. I'm pretty sure if you're reading this you already know how to receive Jesus in your hand…so pass this on — tactfully, if possible — to your friends, family members, and others who seem not to know.

* Approach the Sacrament with reverence. This isn't the time to grin and wave at friends in the pews.

* Upon reaching the minister of Holy Communion — be he a priest, deacon, or extraordinary minister of the Eucharist — bow your head reverently…you're about to receive God!

* Lift your eyes to the minister of Holy Communion with your hands in the position described by Saint Cyril.

* When the minister of Holy Communion proclaims "The Body of Christ," clearly affirm this by responding "Amen."

* Upon receiving the Sacred Host, immediately consume this most precious gift so that the minister of Holy Communion sees that you do so!!!

Does this seem at all complicated?

Consider receiving on the tongue.

May God continue to bless you!

Friday, June 05, 2015

Filed under "what feasts we make of crumbs:" Stewart, the Ashers, and a bleeping cake

So anyway, this guy Gareth Lee, uh, coincidentally, I'm sure, [insert sarcastic raised eyebrow here and ask for my forgiveness if I'm wrong] ordered, from a Christian family run bakery in Northern Ireland a cake. Fine. That's what the family bakery does…make cakes.

Only Mr. Lee wanted a "specially designed" cake…one festooned with the credo:

"Support Gay Marriage"…sorta like this. Yep, complete with Sesame Street's Bert & Ernie. Okay.

Image result for support gay marriage cake ireland

The Asher family said "thanks but no thanks." And were promptly found guilty of discrimination by the powers that be. And fined a rather hefty sum.

Okay, that sucks.

But be o' good cheer! Homosexual activist (and, yes, cool "Star Trek Guy") steps up to the plate.

"Finally I find myself on the side of the bakers," he said. "It was not because this guy was a gay couple they objected, it was not because they were going to be celebrating some kind of marriage, it was the actual words on the cake they objected to, they found them offensive…I would support their right to say `no, this is personally offense to my beliefs, I will not do it.' But I feel bad for them that it cost them 500 quid."

 [Which is about $740.00, by the way.]

And lo and behold? The media goes wild…about some guy saying a reasonable thing!

Don't take my word for it. Just google "support gay marriage cake" and good ol' Patrick is on your top stories screen. 

Huh?

Let's look at this another way. Here are some wacky cake ideas, and the bakers asked to carry them out:

Baker, and Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards: "Life Begins at Conception! Ban Abortion!"

Baker, and Roman Catholic Pontiff Francis: "Islam is The True Faith!"

Baker, and Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb: "Jesus Really is God!"

Baker, and U.S. President Barack Obama: "Republicans Rule!"

Baker, and former Alaskan governor Sarah Palin: "Vote for Obama!"

Well…you get my point. At least I hope you do. If you don't? Here it is:

There's a W I D E difference between right and wrong…and if you choose what's right? You're not a hero…you're just a person doing the right thing. Don't expect a bleeping medal.

May God continue to bless you. And remember:

Luke 17:10

Saturday, May 02, 2015

Mary. Your crown defeats the fake "crown."

She didn't go to the tomb, because what would be the point? She knew He would rise again…He told them, He told everybody. She believed.

Still, it was agonizing to remember…the scourging, the desertion, the crucifixion…but most of all, the humiliation of a "crown" made of dead branches, of thorns. Mocking her Son.

So she just waited…probably cried. Of course, she cried! That sword, the sword Simeon foretold…yes, it pierced her. Her Son, her Child…it was almost too much to bear.

Still she waited…and contemplated that horrible "crown" that someone -- was it John? -- gave to her before they placed Him in the tomb.

And waited…and cried. Who wouldn't? She witnessed it all…from the humble birth of her adorable Son…His growing up…His becoming a man…His ministry. Yes, she saw it all, right until the end.

She knew it wasn't really the end…she believed Him…yet, still she wept.

And then He appeared to her. Embraced her, He, so gloriously beautiful, His eyes filled with love and…yes…gratitude.

And He reached for the hideous "crown" and while she watched it became -- alive! Alive with the most beautifully created blossoms mankind ever saw!

She knelt. And with gratitude and love, He placed the once hateful symbol on her beautiful head…and she looked up at her King…she, the Queen of all creation.

"Queen of the May"…enjoy and sing along!



Bring flow'rs of the fairest, bring flow'rs of the rarest, 
From garden and woodland and hillside and vale. 
Our full hearts are swelling, our glad voices telling 
The praise of the loveliest, Rose of the vale.

O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today, 
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May. 
O Mary we crown thee with blossoms today, 
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

Our voices ascending, in harmony blending. 
Oh! thus may our hearts turn dear Mother, to thee. 
Oh! thus shall we prove thee how truly we love thee, 
How dark without Mary life's journey would be.

O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today, 
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May. 
O Mary we crown thee with blossoms today, 
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

O Virgin most tender, our homage we render. 
Thy love and protection, sweet Mother, to win. 
In danger defend us, in sorrow befriend us, 
And shield our hearts from contagion and sin.

O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today, 
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May. 
O Mary we crown thee with blossoms today, 
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.



Friday, April 24, 2015

Post an ugly picture of Hillary…oh yeah, that'll spread the Gospel, sheesh

Social media among "Catholics" can be, in my humble opinion, equivalent to the forbidden fruit in Eden.

What so many -- too many -- of my Catholics do is, rather than calmly (or hell, I'll buy excitedly) say "Uh…no, Mrs. Clinton (or pick your favorite pro-abortion person), life begins at conception and you're wrong when you condone abortion" do?

They post an unflattering photo of the person they're trying to "correct"…and think they're being…"Catholic.'

News flash? You're NOT! Acting as Catholics ought to, I mean.

Here's the thing:

YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO GET PEOPLE INTO HEAVEN!

Sorry for the yelling, but some of you are driving me nuts.

Here's another thing:

God LOVES Hillary Clinton. 

Yes, I know this may be causing your throat to collect stuff that'll make you choke, but it's the truth. You want the truth? This is the truth. You want to feel oh-so-pious? Ignore what I just said.

Ignore it at your own peril.

Ignore, at your own peril, that God loves all those people some of you seem to LOVE to HATE.

So? As Catholics…as Christians…as followers of Christ?

SO. SHOULD. YOU.

Love them, I mean.

Next time you feel the urge to take Christ's job -- for those of you still in hate mode, that would be called "judgment" -- and resort to hateful stuff, here's a tip:

Stop. Breathe. PRAY for the one you think you hate.

Because if you don't? You're screwing yourself. And worse? You may be -- by crooking your stupid little finger, beckoning all your really stupid "likes" and "retweets," etc., etc.?

You're screwing others, too.

May God continue to bless you.

Thursday, April 09, 2015

Why do we make the Sign of the Cross? Three (Key Word) reasons to know...

Father Mike Schmitz of Altaration knocks it out of the ballpark.

Ask yourself: Why did God make me?

Enjoy!

Monday, March 23, 2015

Something seems wrong…and not with Immaculate Conception School, Revere, MA

All I know, as Will Rogers used to say, is what I read in the newspapers. That said? Something's whacky here.

Last January, two newspapers reported that:


  • No child was molested, nor subjected to indecent exposure, nor did any child claim such a thing at Immaculate Conception School in Revere, Massachusetts.
  • No parent wished to register any complaints or charges against a man who did not molest a child, nor subject him to indecent exposure.
  • The man who did not molest a child, nor subjected a child to indecent exposure, was completely cleared of any crime by the Revere, Massachusetts police.
  • The non-incident appears to be this: the janitor used the boy's restroom to do what those of us who have to use the restroom usually do. (He's been availing himself of the facilities for the last 17 years.)
  • A priest (Father George Szal), a principal (Alison Kelly), a teacher (name unknown), and a janitor (name also unknown) were fired…as a result of the aforementioned non-incident.
  • Nearly 1,000 parishioners and parents from Immaculate Conception Church and School, have submitted a petition protesting the aforementioned firings to the Archdiocese of Boston and Cardinal O'Malley, calling them to be a "complete overreaction."

So far? No other news. So all we know is that evidently, four people got canned…for a non-incident.

Huh?

I'm biting my tongue to comment on this, but I can't because, as is 'way too often the case? Silence prevails.

Read the stories here and here. See if you can make any sense of it.

And please pray for all involved.

May God continue to bless you.











Tuesday, March 03, 2015

"Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed"

Ascension Press focuses on teens in the promotion of it's latest video, and that's wonderful!

But I must say, after viewing this brief trailer, I'm thinking the final product will also have an enormous impact on those of us who've left our teen years behind.

Take a look and see if you agree!



Monday, February 16, 2015

Dealing with the murders of Christians in Libya? Let's be radical about it.

Murder is ugly. Sin is ugly.

Murder of those with a different religious belief from yours is uglier still.

Murder — or the wish to see murdered — those who persecute you, kill you, your family, your friends, for whatever reason?

It's the ugliest of all.

There's only one way — ONE WAY — to deal with the sadness that has permeated, recently, the Christian world and, since the beginning of time, the entire world.

It's called prayer. Prayer for those who hurt us.

The 21 Coptic Christians murdered by ISIS, and, perhaps more importantly, their loved ones, deserve our prayers.

ISIS needs our prayers more!

That's the radical view. That's my view.

That's the Christian view.

May God continue to bless you.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Thank you, Brothers Paul and Rafael, O.M.V.

On August 5, 2014, Br. Paul Nguyen, OMV, and Br. Rafael Solorio, OMV, took first vows as Oblates of the Virgin Mary. They received the religious habit and their own copy of the Constitutions and Norms of the Congregation. The ceremony took place at St. Clement Eucharistic Shrine in Boston. Enjoy this brief video summary of this memorable ceremony. Directed and edited by John Wykes, OMV

"I Will Follow": a video for young Catholic guys

Monday, February 09, 2015

If you're reading this, you're prayed for and blessed by God Himself!

Guess what? You've just been prayed for (by me) and blessed by God!

How did this happen?

Simple. Once you understand — or probably better worded — once you believe — that God can and does do anything and everything…stuff we can't understand but deliciously believe, believe, believe? This is like A B C !

If you're like me…

(Time out for a sec…if you're really like me you might want to pray a bit for yourself…okay, back to the program here)

…then you are oftentimes asked for prayers.

This is a good thing. When asked for them, offer them. Right then and there. We're straight on that? Good!

Now, here comes the GREAT news…

You know how Saint Paul tells us to "pray without ceasing?" 'Course you do. But how do we actually do that?

Especially, how do we make sure that everyone who needs our prayers — and that would include everyone in the whole world, living and deceased — gets them?

Why, we ask our loving Father, in Jesus' Name, to step right in!

And I've a feeling They'll love to do it.

If you know — if you truly, truly know — that (1) God hears you, and (2) God loves you, and (3) God wants to do whatever you ask of Him, and…and this is the most important: (4) God can do everything and anything? — then this is so simple it's almost embarrassing!

Just ASK Him!

Wait…it gets better!

I'm not merely suggesting that you ask God to hear your prayers for Mr. A, or Mrs. B, or Your Friends C, D, and E. Oh no! Let's take a gigantic leap forward here!

Ask God to hear your prayers for — and bless — Each. And. Everyone. Each and everyone He allows to cross your path!

You can do this! Listen to a prayer I offer each morning…and gleefully remember all day long:

Abba, Father, I thank you for the gift of life, and for the newness of life in Christ Jesus. Hear my prayers for each and everyone you allow, or have allowed, or will allow to cross my path…and for all whom You've allowed my path to cross. And Abba? Bless each one, in the Name of Your Son, Jesus! Thank You!

That's it! Well, no, that's not exactly it. I mean, don't give up praying, by name, for those, all of those people who've asked you to do so. I'm not suggesting you give up intercessory prayers…no, no, not at all.

What I'm telling you, though, is that — as God well knows — we, as poor humans, cannot possibly, on our own — pray for every single person in the whole world. Not on our own. But…

We can, with God as our Loving Father, and Creator of all? We can! Because He can…and wants to!

Try to imagine the implications here.

You're stuck at home because of a snowstorm (like I am right now). Who's crossing your path? That book you're reading? The author is. That email you got from a pesky client? He is. Those folks you're remembering? They are.

Or, say you're on your way somewhere.

That guy that almost hit you on the street? He is. The bus driver? Your fellow passengers? The people in line with you at the grocery store? They are.

That guy you forgot about but dated in high school? He was. (Remember: each and every one who has ever crossed your path.) The wrong number on your phone? Yep.

You're watching TV or messing around with Twitter or Facebook…or something. Scrolling down? They're all blessed…and you've just prayed for them.

The news guy? You might not know it but he just lost his Mom. Guess what? God's blessing him, and, and showing mercy to his mom! Thanks to you! And thanks be to God!

These miracles are incredible…aren't they? I
magine your own and you know what? They're not "imaginary!"

So smile! That's the most fun thing about this!

Next time you're sad, or frustrated, or tempted to become angry at someone, or something, or even yourself, remember…God is blessing you, and them. Each one.

Rejoice! Be giddily gleeful at what God can — and is — doing.

Just because you asked Him. And just because He loves you.

And may He continue to bless you!

Friday, February 06, 2015

"Unless we get on our high horse…" I kinda like that

I was saddened when I read something from a very good friend of mine:

"May they burn in Hell!"

He's a Muslim.

Is that what he really wants? For people to burn in Hell?

"Oh, but he's a Muslim!" you say

Yes, I do say. But -- and yes, indeed, this intro is deliberate --

Unless we get on our high horse…

My friend was talking about ISIS.

And unless we get on our high horse…

I've also heard the same sentiments from Jews and Christians. Including priests and rabbis.

"May they burn in Hell!"

Here's the thing: this sucks.

I'm not a Muslim. Nor am I a Jew. I'm a Catholic, but, for the sake of my point? I'm a Jesus-lover. A God-lover.

And, as such? I know that war sucks. Persecution sucks.

Wishing anybody to "burn in Hell"…that sucks, too.

Because this, friends, is not how peace is achieved.

Jesus said it better: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

Saints above (saints above!) have repeated these words over, and over, and over again. And died doing so.

And, I believe -- no, I know -- that they were and remain gloriously in Heaven...for doing so.

Saul approved of Stephen's martyrdom. Stephen prayed for him…while dying.

And, as Saint Augustine reminds us: "If Stephen hadn't prayed for Saul, the Church wouldn't have a Saint Paul."

Read this account of Saint Paul Miki's last words…and if you're able to do so? Get off your bleeping high horse.

As I come to this supreme moment of my life, I am sure none of you would suppose I want to deceive you. And so I tell you plainly: there is no way to be saved except the Christian way. My religion teaches me to pardon my enemies and all who have offended me. I do gladly pardon the Emperor and all who have sought my death. I beg them to seek baptism and be Christians themselves.

May God continue to bless you.





Friday, January 23, 2015

"So What if Abortion Ends Life?

A year ago, Mary Elizabeth Williams told the truth. I might not agree with her -- of course I *don't* agree with her! -- but at least she has given me a clear-cut picture of those who call themselves "pro-choice."

In an odd way, I admire her honesty. It helps me make some sense, as awful as it is, out of the "pro choice movement."

Some quotes, along with the actual column:

"I believe that life starts at conception. And it's never stopped me from being pro-choice"

"I know that throughout my own pregnancies, I never wavered for a moment in the belief that I was carrying a human life inside of me. I believe that’s what a fetus is: a human life. And that doesn’t make me one iota less solidly pro-choice."

"Here’s the complicated reality in which we live: All life is not equal. That’s a difficult thing for liberals like me to talk about, lest we wind up looking like death-panel-loving, kill-your-grandma-and-your-precious-baby storm troopers. Yet a fetus can be a human life without having the same rights as the woman in whose body it resides. She’s the boss. Her life and what is right for her circumstances and her health should automatically trump the rights of the non-autonomous entity inside of her. Always."

Monday, January 12, 2015

Uh..Loyola? You might wanna rethink this...

Kathy Schiffer reports about that guy "Touré," scheduled to speak at The University That Pretends To Be Catholic…on the day said University pretends to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Let's all celebrate Diversity (to say nothing of Multicultural Affairs.)

Sheesh.

Friday, January 02, 2015

"I'll pray for you" means bupkis. Do it NOW!

I can't tell you how many times I've heard well-meaning but incredibly naive people respond to a prayer request by saying, for instances:

"Oh yes, I'll pray for you."

"I'll keep him (or her or them) in my prayers."

"I'll remember him (or her or them) in my Mass (or Rosary or whatever)."

STOP THAT!

What do have to do that's more important than answering that prayer request RIGHT NOW?

Not to scare you…but you might be dead (or in a coma or diapering your baby or any number of things)…later.

So that "I'll" means nothing, really. Or, to be charitable? It means "let's hope I get the chance to pray (for you, or him or her)…later."

Drop the apostrophe ll! Stop what you're doing and pray NOW!

Let me make myself clear. When someone asks you -- in person, in a text, by phone, via email, on your Facebook or Twitter feed or whatever -- for a prayer? Please DO so. Then and there!

"But Kelly…what if I'm in the middle of…"

Doesn't matter. I don't care if you're comforting your child, explaining to your wife why the budget is kaput, learning about a friend's illness, death, or other sad thing, trying to digest the fact that you just got fired…it doesn't matter.

What matters is that, if you're asked to pray, pray NOW!

You needn't elaborate to God. 

I mean, if you're really, really in a situation that prevents you from uttering a few words to the Almighty, that's not a problem. "God, help him (or her or them)" is sufficient.

But is this usually the case when asked for your prayers? No it isn't.

You're, say, walking down the street. You meet an acquaintance. She's troubled. She asks you to pray for her. Do you pat her nicely on the arm and tell her you "will"? No. You. Do. Not.

You stop. You take a minute or two or three. You pray -- right out loud so she and any other passerby will hear you (God will, no matter how loud or softly you speak) -- right then and there.

And hey…there's a bonus for you!

When people ask for prayers, they're actually doing you a bigger favor than what they're asking of you. They're giving you a chance to talk to God.

It doesn't get any better than that.

So skip the "later" thing…and do it now.

May God continue to bless you!