tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49644885949941238992024-02-07T15:10:31.899-08:00Mysterium VitaeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-43608162331613384032017-08-03T09:37:00.003-07:002017-08-03T10:07:58.436-07:00The Mystery of TV's, Shotguns, and Podcasts.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A priest recently said in a homily, </span></div>
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<b>"The best thing you can do for yourself and your family would be to take your TV in the backyard and shoot it with a shotgun."</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkSPQl_CBOTCqKkb8Fy0tn10vNDKwa7ccu38nw3dD-yGEbdZxKAbZDQs4_MD0axZARsqwAPYxWskmNGEYCf7hzkzQ71lSd1xlezybK1b6Vc1mtfd8peQ9Qy47T3Jy9L2XPNf4bMrstsGj/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkSPQl_CBOTCqKkb8Fy0tn10vNDKwa7ccu38nw3dD-yGEbdZxKAbZDQs4_MD0axZARsqwAPYxWskmNGEYCf7hzkzQ71lSd1xlezybK1b6Vc1mtfd8peQ9Qy47T3Jy9L2XPNf4bMrstsGj/s640/maxresdefault.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>BOOM! BANG! </b></div>
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And before I say anymore, <u>please do not hear what I'm not saying</u> (famously coined term by Fr. John Kartje - Rector at my Alma Mater Mundedein Seminary). I'm not saying that TV's, smartphones, and tablets are bad or evil. However, I am saying that we as a culture in America have become addicted to certain forms of technology in a certain sense. <i>(See etymology of the word addict to see what I am saying). </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSIOIsgdatkeukYoYSEghuKATczNYT3ccOmY-KsaadiR2MQGDC7BQ84_FxOhOBgMWfLfSgg6GImkuy0pYtMoTC4FAw1GEVELT2WOclF8Yv1THov8o9m1j0yI0ylc27KCfG0bP0MGqasi9/s1600/addict+.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="634" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSIOIsgdatkeukYoYSEghuKATczNYT3ccOmY-KsaadiR2MQGDC7BQ84_FxOhOBgMWfLfSgg6GImkuy0pYtMoTC4FAw1GEVELT2WOclF8Yv1THov8o9m1j0yI0ylc27KCfG0bP0MGqasi9/s400/addict+.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anywho - I'm a weirdo and I do not own a TV. So I began to think of what to do to fill the void. I mean TV's, phones, and technology in a general are almost everywhere. So overtime my friends would speak about their favorite podcasts. So I had this genius idea! I too shall begin to listen to podcasts. Woah! Yes! I'm now a podcast junkie. For myself, I'm a tapeworm when it comes to learning. I enjoy hearing something first then going to read up. Some of you may be bookworms and I say, "I'm jealous of your ability to sit down and just read." </div>
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<i>[Short Rant: Does that mean I can't watch the Packer games? YES....IT....DOES! The Packers or any professional sports team plays every year and they win some and they lose some. Yet people are becoming more depressed, suicidal, and lonely. We have bigger fish to fry these days. Get outside and listen to the games on the radio. Life's too short!]</i></div>
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Alright, cut to the chase padre!</div>
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So what do I listen to or recommend listening to instead of watching TV?</div>
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"Stuff you should know" podcasts are great, but hey I'm a Catholic Priest now so I'm going to recommend a few that will help engage your Catholic heart so you can engage those who are disengaged. Let's be honest. It has not been better for the world or the common good with less and less people going to Church and not praying. </div>
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<b>Turn off the TV.</b></div>
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Check out: Discerning Hearts @ <a href="http://www.discerninghearts.com/catholic-podcasts/" target="_blank">http://www.discerninghearts.com/catholic-podcasts/</a></div>
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<b>Turn off the TV.</b></div>
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Check out: Catholic Stuff You Should Know @ <a href="https://catholicstuffpodcast.com/" target="_blank">https://catholicstuffpodcast.com/</a></div>
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<b>Turn off the TV.</b></div>
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Check out: The Liturgy Guys @ <a href="https://liturgyguys.podbean.com/" target="_blank">https://liturgyguys.podbean.com/</a></div>
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Check out: Catholic Answers @ <a href="https://www.catholic.com/audio/podcasts" target="_blank">https://www.catholic.com/audio/podcasts</a></div>
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Check out: Time and the Mystery @ <a href="https://www.mikemangione.com/podcast">https://www.mikemangione.com/podcast</a></div>
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(Has some language that may offend you from time to time)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc60Lq-PnCoYU0596ggvpP1BNpySk2hjSP5yMk803OcgHk775kXANnHohhVRWNrONMM_HP2vDj2mB51I1BMttoshXyDkzskCbrDwPyAj_M8jOUWm5Y2PFTqAw1GJyg_MBorigI942DrdtB/s1600/TM12_AJEllis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc60Lq-PnCoYU0596ggvpP1BNpySk2hjSP5yMk803OcgHk775kXANnHohhVRWNrONMM_HP2vDj2mB51I1BMttoshXyDkzskCbrDwPyAj_M8jOUWm5Y2PFTqAw1GJyg_MBorigI942DrdtB/s320/TM12_AJEllis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I encourage you to spend some time listening and being a fly on the wall in these podcasts. You may find it to be a breath of fresh air. Maybe you should not take your TV and shoot it with a shotgun today, but we need to learn how to use your technology in a way that will be fulfilling instead of enraging. </div>
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Turn off the TV.</div>
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My name is Fr. Zach. </div>
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I'm a podcast junkie and I do not own a TV.</div>
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Living in the mystery,</div>
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Fr. Zach Weber<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-17003332926440759252016-05-29T12:35:00.001-07:002016-05-29T13:54:08.578-07:00The Mystery of My Call to the Priesthood and Corpus Christi<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2zqxJBCvy0_AfZaPUuU81Mt9fMAad7czAJmzZ-AntbUWwkTWyaR1mqvm7Ypdk1X2Y2BsoHnkONxbRcFPhqA28wTdcpSRxXCvm_B_A4mXkg8AJ2hmpQI4cla8pa0iOiYe_x9zRibk_7Bm/s1600/preaching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2zqxJBCvy0_AfZaPUuU81Mt9fMAad7czAJmzZ-AntbUWwkTWyaR1mqvm7Ypdk1X2Y2BsoHnkONxbRcFPhqA28wTdcpSRxXCvm_B_A4mXkg8AJ2hmpQI4cla8pa0iOiYe_x9zRibk_7Bm/s320/preaching.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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All attached is my homily from this weekend at St. Mary's in Greenville.</div>
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Please feel free to share and comment. May God be with you.</div>
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- Deacon Zach Weber</div>
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http://www.mysteriumvitae.podbean.com/e/corpus-christi-homily-52916/?token=720c47a9cea5f4839dd936004b8037db</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-50117997379147438282016-01-08T08:40:00.001-08:002016-01-08T08:40:22.987-08:00The Mystery of Constipation with 2 Broken Legs <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG40_VKYa7LIaZj7RN0tR2-hqr5bj1AdM68OadoY9gggGLwG6bMeAA6YNS_0lI3cV4cY3OAEoDlm5WuuXKp114kq7KkKhb_10ocEDX24ZbRB4iq8VW01dXGoe8WIp9g_-CqLzVAM_yW75v/s1600/spidey.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG40_VKYa7LIaZj7RN0tR2-hqr5bj1AdM68OadoY9gggGLwG6bMeAA6YNS_0lI3cV4cY3OAEoDlm5WuuXKp114kq7KkKhb_10ocEDX24ZbRB4iq8VW01dXGoe8WIp9g_-CqLzVAM_yW75v/s1600/spidey.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Constipated . . . full of . . . well you know</td></tr>
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Often I meet people who truly desire, who truly want to love and serve Jesus Christ. However, what they seem to struggle with "the all or nothing attitude, disposition, commitment" that Jesus and His bride the Church requires. Internally, in the sense of their spiritual life, they are constipated. I've been there before so I am not pointing fingers at people, but I am pointing at the disposition of being spiritually constipated. People seem to have so much "crap" keeping them weighed down that they remain on the fence of keeping their faith 100 - being all in. Sometimes this struggle is very visible. The struggles of spiritual constipation are mostly seen in the eyes after someone makes a bold claim that they are all in or take a stand for the faith, but then you see them falling into temptations . . . making decisions that are contrary to the heart of Christ and then they see you. The person immediately seems to think we are here to judge them without mercy, but rather they freeze in some way or another, they freeze looking spiritually full of (well you know).<br />
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I offer you a meditation if you struggle with spiritual constipation. It is best to review your own life before reviewing the life of another.<br />
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St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, struggled with spiritual constipation in one way: vanity. Can you believe it? A saint who struggled? If you are under the assumption that saints have always lived perfect lives then I encourage you ask God right now to reveal to you the truth of the mystery of true sainthood and daily sanctification. Seriously do it! That would be more powerful than this story.<br />
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As the story goes, young Ignatius was a young soldier and he eventually found himself bedridden from taking a canon ball to the shin, which broke his leg.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Ignatius of Loyola, Pray for Us!!!!</td></tr>
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Anyways, he was bedridden for almost a year. While he was on his bed he would imagine and meditate upon his return to the battlefield while sweeping a lady off of her feet and they would ride off into the sunset. That was his dream. Providentially, his sister came to visit him and gave him a book on the saints. He meditated on the lives of the saints. He thought, why can't I be the next Saint Francis of Assisi or St. Dominic? (I hope you ask yourself that same question.) He would meditate on sweeping a woman off of her feet and then on the lives of the saints. Suddenly, he found that he would be in much longer meditation while meditating on the lives of the saints compared to his own fantasies of focusing on his own ego in being the knight in shining armor. We all too need to let our ego die if we truly desire be formed into the saint Jesus created us to be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDQBL_-YqIxdx1CUv1-d63rQymkb0yBq5ZaUQfhn2rZi02A80PjohBHwoV7D6TJxw1PG1wJBwu5gHV7pIvpDtsPtXayneCRZWgvnaf2z7RKIYo1i4HDGdpji8klx0Gp70LGvLTOZeJHXV/s1600/knight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDQBL_-YqIxdx1CUv1-d63rQymkb0yBq5ZaUQfhn2rZi02A80PjohBHwoV7D6TJxw1PG1wJBwu5gHV7pIvpDtsPtXayneCRZWgvnaf2z7RKIYo1i4HDGdpji8klx0Gp70LGvLTOZeJHXV/s320/knight.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If the dragon in this picture is not our ego then all we do in life is in vain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Once he was healthy, he came up with many meditations (search for The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola). They are so worth checking out. However, once he could walk, he saw that his shin bone set unevenly and people would be able to see a little nub of the bone. He was so vain, that he had his leg broken again . . . without pain killers!!!! OUCH! He was bed ridden once more and had now broken his leg twice. While being commissioned to his bed and coming up with his own meditations on the 2 banners . . . the 2 standards. . . he came up with a meditation that we should all be looking at daily.<br />
<br />
St. Ignatius overcame his own vice of vanity with meditating heavily and often upon the 2 banners.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagvIzwItycKiBkkHPa-uKTpDlxUBaf57eKWOAUVQtTc8BhWh-ZCbSLMOjVRNb82DMXoPhuxWg3yPTlBAtDQ-cJTyUUEcZsEKonIkO6fEWKLsDbn6SbojTxuKZtDBrFQUg-gPIjt-ehytG/s1600/vice.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagvIzwItycKiBkkHPa-uKTpDlxUBaf57eKWOAUVQtTc8BhWh-ZCbSLMOjVRNb82DMXoPhuxWg3yPTlBAtDQ-cJTyUUEcZsEKonIkO6fEWKLsDbn6SbojTxuKZtDBrFQUg-gPIjt-ehytG/s1600/vice.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All vices (sin) squeeze us so we cannot be free to live virtuous lives.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
He came up with the meditation of the 2 Banners. (Also known as the 2 standards) At the end of the days battle, we all either live for Christ or for Satan. We all either live under the Banner of Christ and his church along with Mary and the saints and angles of heaven or we live under the darkness of the Banner of Satan with all the evil forces that belong to him. This meditation will hopefully help you discover where you need to focus the light of Christ in your life so you can more fully carry the Banner of Christ and be healed from your own weakness that causes you to fall under the Banner of Satan. It is our job to keep it 100! We must be all in ourselves then we can minister to others who find themselves spiritually constipated. We cannot give what we do not have and we must refuse to ask others to do what we ourselves do not practice.<br />
<br />
Check out this resource for further info:<br />
http://predmore.blogspot.com/2009/09/sp-exx-two-standards-banners.html<br />
http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/the-two-standards<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A video to help you look at the 2 Banners - the 2 Standards</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
The Banner of Christ is held the highest when we go to confession with a true and contrite heart and then receive the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ at Mass.<br />
<br />
St. Ignatius says you either hold 2 banners in life as you march into the battle of daily life - Either you carry the banner of Jesus and his Church or you carry the banner of Satan and all of his dark lies. There is no grey in that. It is black and white. Yes you can struggle in carrying a banner, but the idea is ask yourself:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;">DO I REALLY DESIRE HEAVEN? </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;">DO I REALLY DESIRE THE FULLNESS OF RELATIONSHIP? </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
DO I WORRY ABOUT THE OPINION OF OTHERS TOO OFTEN?</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;">AM I OPEN TO BEING FAITHFUL TO GOD NO MATTER WHAT?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;">DO I LIVE FOR MYSELF OR FOR OTHERS?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;">DO I LIVE FOR CHRIST OR SATAN?</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
AM I OBSESSED WITH HONOR, ACCLAIM, AND ESTEEM?</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;">IS JESUS THE CENTER OR AM I THE CENTER?</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li>AM I ATTACHED TO THE WORLD AND ITS ALLUREMENTS?</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li>AM I FREE?</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<br />
So meditate on that and don't sit idle . . . you may become constipated . . .<br />
<br />
It is good to meditate on this. Black and White. Jesus or Satan. Heaven or Hell.<br />
<br />
The Church needs more spiritual athletes . . . more spiritual soldiers.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
Living in the Mystery (and under the Banner of Christ),<br />
<br />
Zach Weber<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-4430502309629025202015-12-22T10:02:00.000-08:002015-12-22T11:30:00.403-08:00The Mystery of the Heavy Christmas Knot<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
<span style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas Friends and Family!</span></h2>
</div>
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">Christmas is right around the corner and up here in Wisconsin we
are expecting record highs . . . in temperatures. So far in this winter
season we've had about 6.5 inches . . . of rain! It has been strange and </span><span style="font-size: 20px;">mysterious</span><span style="font-size: 15pt;"> in many ways, especially rising every morning to green grass on the ground. Apart from
strangeness, I write to all of you in thanksgiving for your prayers as we
anticipate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in 2015. Also, I write
to update you with a couple of events that will materialize soon. The Holy
Spirit has been very good to me in 2015 and continues to consecrate this
journey to the priesthood in ways that words cannot even begin to touch the
depth of my gratitude to all who support, sacrifice, and pray for seminarians.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 15.0pt;">As many of you know, I'm discerning the
call the priesthood, but before that ordination occurs I need to be ordained a
Transitional Deacon. This will occur on May 22nd at 3PM of this upcoming
spring. With that being stated, the weight of the whole situation is becoming
more and more "incarnational." God became incarnate - became man to
become like us in ever way, but sin. This idea still reigns supreme in the mystery
of Christianity as major distinguishing difference from all other religions.
God became man in all things apart from sin (see Hebrews 4:15).<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 15.0pt;">As the date of May 22nd approaches, I find
myself feeling the mysterious weight, the weight of what I'll be saying “no” to in order
to more fully and radically say “yes” to Jesus and his bride the Church. I've
had to tie the knot in my tie a few times already this break and every time I
tie the knot it becomes more and more mysteriously heavy. The heaviness of the reality of ordination
is setting in this last Christmas break before making promises of Celibacy,
Obedience, and Prayer to the Bishop. This means that next Christmas I'll be
wearing a collar for Christmas as a transitional deacon of Jesus Christ.
Ordination is one way of saying no to tying the knot in marriage and the
possibility being blessed with children. Ordination is a big deal, but the Lord
strangely gave me a mission to love as a celibate man for the sake of his
kingdom. Every time I tie the knot in my tie this Christmas season it will be a
“last of many last’s” in one fashion or another.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 15.0pt;">While the weight of tying knots before
ordination is becoming more "incarnational" there is a large amount
of anticipation and excitement. In a week I'll be attending my Canonical
Retreat for Diaconate Ordination where a priest and I will go over the “Rite of
Ordination to the Order of Deacon” for 5 days. Please pray for Fr. John Luke of
the Community of St. John from December 29th until January 4th. Pray that,
through the intercession “Our Lady Undoer of Knots” I receive the graces
necessary to die to self so the Lord may more fully live through me, in me, and
with me as he desires.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 15.0pt;">After the retreat I'll be in the area for
a few more days. Then on January 15th the 3rd Theology Class of Mundelein
Seminary will fly to the Holy Land for 10 weeks. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will be on pilgrimage to all the major
holy sites in Bethlehem, Galilee, Jerusalem, and more! This will be a time of
intense and intimate discernment. I will offer up many prayers in thanksgiving
for all of you as my feet, knees, heart, and lips touch the very soil that
Jesus and his disciples walked on. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">My heart is very grateful for the
sacrifices that make this pilgrimage possible. This will be a life changing
pilgrimage and I hope to come back with many stories about the Holy Land
Pilgrimage of 2016. You will be able to follow all of the Mundelein </span><span style="font-size: 20px;">Seminarians</span><span style="font-size: 15pt;"> on a blog if you wish. That blog site is being constructed as we speak and I
will be one of the bloggers. Google searching for "2016 Mundelein
Pilgrimage" should lead you to us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 15.0pt;">The Third Theology Class is planned to arrive
back at Mundelein on March 15<sup>th</sup>. We will all celebrate Holy Week the
following week in our prospective dioceses with a deeper and more intimate awareness
of the Paschal Mystery (Paschal Mystery = Jesus' Life, Death, Resurrection, and
Ascension). Then we will all tie the heavy knots of Holy Week and Easter in our
ties for the last time before being ordained to the Order of Deacon(s) for
Jesus, for the Church, for Mary, for the saints, and for each and every one of
you.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 15.0pt;">May God Bless All of Your Endeavors This
Christmas and New Year!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 15.0pt;">Living in the Mystery, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
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<b><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="color: white;">Zach Weber</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-82079584024462875872015-11-18T10:49:00.001-08:002015-11-18T10:49:13.004-08:00Mysterium Vitae: The Mystery of Thanksgiving: Going Cold Turkey On ...<a href="http://mysterium-vitae.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-mystery-of-thanksgiving-going-cold.html?spref=bl">Mysterium Vitae: The Mystery of Thanksgiving: Going Cold Turkey On ...</a>: Thanksgiving. . . Thanksgiving is coming and that means we will probably encounter at least a few reasons to complain about something or so...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-66285407344105446242015-11-16T12:59:00.001-08:002015-11-16T12:59:09.159-08:00The Mystery of Thanksgiving: Going Cold Turkey On Complaining<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanksgiving. . . Thanksgiving is coming and that means we will probably
encounter at least a few reasons to complain about something or someone. Is it not an
oxymoron to complain on Thanksgiving? Our culture seems to form us to point out the flaws
in something or someone instead of pointing to what is good, true, and
beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We seem to be culturally
conditioned to complain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdAF-dnshAS-pFR0dZ78jkhHeaOkY_vuSFawbQsGmVmFqjqF9SKkJo6CTOEROiJhOxuTcQ9UGWP1xSxptqvy3MkQaBsueGIEAe6rvjHrohDvbHeYVpK3daN2nvE9MI0Z5ol1rpV9cE2Ch/s1600/oxy+moron.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdAF-dnshAS-pFR0dZ78jkhHeaOkY_vuSFawbQsGmVmFqjqF9SKkJo6CTOEROiJhOxuTcQ9UGWP1xSxptqvy3MkQaBsueGIEAe6rvjHrohDvbHeYVpK3daN2nvE9MI0Z5ol1rpV9cE2Ch/s1600/oxy+moron.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Oxymoron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Why do we complain so much? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Why do we more quickly complain
than give thanks? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Why do we not thank God for
everything?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Why do we only seem happy unless we
complain? (ok that last one is a joke)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>These
questions have been bothering at me for the past few years. They have been bothering me because a few years ago a
wise young woman told me, “God can not form an ungrateful heart.” I was taken a
back by her wisdom and how true this statement was. I found myself seeing very
clearly and how rarely I thanked people or God for anything. Additionally, I
began to notice how difficult it was to receive thanks and/or praise. I saw how
quickly the culture of death had been teaching me to seek what is wrong, ugly,
or bad rather than first seeking what is good, true, beautiful, and
praiseworthy. This culture of death put up walls to any potential toward growing into a deeper relationship with God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Often, we hit walls in the spiritual
life and fall back into old habits that pull us further away from forming a
deeper interior life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is lacking is
taking the words above of “an ungrateful heart” to heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Reflect on these questions: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">How often do you say thank you? </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">How often do
you give praise and thanks to God? </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Does it occur only when it seems relevant or
convenient? </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">How do we begin to seek what is good, true, and beautiful first
rather than the negative aspects of life or people?</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">A couple of suggestions or things to ponder in forming
a grateful heart . . . </span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One of the
best spiritual practices is to practice a daily list of saying thank you and
giving praise/honor/glory to God. Thank for all of the blessings in life –
especially the things you take for granted. Yes, that even means something as
simple as toilet paper. And if you want to go deeper – I would challenge you to
say thank you for everything. Be not afraid! Yes, even the things that hurt or
don’t seem to make any sense right now. Thank God for him taking care of it so
you can remain in the present moment. Thank Him even the things that might
stress you out. Why do I invite and challenge you to do this? Well first of
all, “God can’t form an ungrateful heart.” Yep! You guessed it! This means that
God CAN form a grateful heart. Also, it is an act of faith, trust, and humility
in knowing that “where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more” (Romans 5:20).
But do you believe that – in your heart of hearts?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or is it merely lip service? We need more “heart
service” than lip service. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Additionally, have you ever listened with your heart
at every Holy Sacrifice of the Mass the priest says, “It is truly right and
just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks . .
.” (see Eucharistic Prayer II). SAY WHAT? Read that again. It is: right, just,
our duty and salvation, always and every where . . . TO GIVE GOD THANKS? Well
that is what our faith preaches and teaches. But do we practice what we believe?
The wisdom of our faith is so deep and rich that only the faith of Jesus Christ
can satisfy the deep longings of the mystery hidden within the human heart.
However, to understand this truth . . . <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a formed heart must be felt, known, etc
through our experiences in our daily habits and practices in this mystery we
call life. Try it! As it is said in the movie Christmas Story: I triple dog
dare you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQld7KZD5fcBW5IUduBcQiPVxaU3N_crFgnuF5xhFDX200MUGY-Fkzr6rUbZ8KdM96lQCo_-yyniSMzYwI-ya9bLvGWnXYIT4AaWDCoAboPnZsDMtK7V3b1AnPlU0WlFfaf6fcECgNFfz3/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQld7KZD5fcBW5IUduBcQiPVxaU3N_crFgnuF5xhFDX200MUGY-Fkzr6rUbZ8KdM96lQCo_-yyniSMzYwI-ya9bLvGWnXYIT4AaWDCoAboPnZsDMtK7V3b1AnPlU0WlFfaf6fcECgNFfz3/s1600/download.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Going even
deeper . . .</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
If you challenge yourself to begin "little
by little" (poco a poco) to give thanks to God for everything, your life will begin to change dramatically.
Why? The reason why your life will begin to change dramatically is that you
will thank God for the things you used to complain about. You may even
<i>spiritual growing pains</i>, which make you feel uncomfortable because God is
stretching your heart, your mind, and your will. You will soon forget how to complain because the eyes of your
heart will begin to see that everything is a gift from God. How? By allowing God to be God. God can and
will bless anything from our past and make it beautiful and shine with light .
. . if you give him permission. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
For example, you will begin to
notice the people that used to get on your nerves will be blessings instead of annoyances.
You will see them as a gift from God. They will help you grow. You will begin to look inward and ask
yourself, “What is it in me that is unable to love that person.” You will
forget about your wants, needs, desires, etc and will be other focused. As Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta says, "Will I be bitter or better?" This
will move your heart to pray more – to die to self more so he can live (Jn
3:30) and to ask for more graces from God to love as He loves. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
For when we only
accept/love some and reject others we create barriers – we remove any sense of
unity. Be not afraid! Jesus deeply desires unity. We need the Holy Spirit to
help us gently bring down these barriers that blind us to truly see Jesus in
others and be Jesus to others. <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">You will begin to see, feel, and
know everyone as a gift from God because that is truly what they are and SO ARE
YOU <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span></span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">. Ponder
this: <i>Have you ever thanked God for the gift your life?</i> We cannot give thanks for
others if we are not grateful for our own life. Boredom can creep in too. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">In a
variety of settings, when you are bored in a group of people and begin to have a more grateful heart, you will find
yourself being more concerned about others than yourself. You will
begin to think of ways how someone else may find something interesting rather than complaining of what you do not care about.
You will begin to forget that you do not find something amusing or interesting due to the new
disposition of your heart. You will give thanks to God for the new
self-awareness, other-awareness, and divine-awareness. Lastly, you will begin to see how fleeting material items
are and you will begin to be more content with who you are, with what you have
been given instead of complaining about what you do not have or being envious
of what others have.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And going even deeper . . . Giving
thanks like a saint.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If you want
to take it a step further I encourage you to commit to the wisdom of St.
Therese of Lisieux. St. Therese often found it difficult to bear the burdens of
someone she found annoying. Did you hear that? A saint who struggled with other
people? It’s true! Our Little Flower found it very tempting to complain.
However, she formed a habit through <i>fervent prayer</i> of giving praise and thanks
to God. She would think of 10 reasons to give thanks and praise to God for the
person instead of complaining about him/her. If she began to struggle with not
being able to think of 10 reasons to give praise and thanks to God for a
person, she would thank God for the suffering she was able to participate in. Then
she would offer up her sufferings in supplications of prayer for the person who
she was annoyed with or struggled to love. She learned to accept her littleness
and began to rely on God’s grace more than her talent. What this saintly
practice does is allow us to accept and love others as they are instead of
trying to change them . . . <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bring them to
where we are in life and refusing to meet them where they are at in life. This
mystery called God, who is Love (1 Jn 4:8) is what will change your heart and
then the hearts of others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Therese - The Little Flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">So here is
the challenge I’ve desired to give when I first started writing this blog today
– <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">This Thanksgiving and
Advent Season:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Do not complain about
anything. </span></u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yep. That's right! No complaining – notta <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- zilch – zip - nothing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bit your tongue if you have to and give thanks to God
instead. Or say thanks to God out loud for the suffering or challenging
situation. Sometimes I say “Praise God!” when interiorly I’m struggling because
of the hope we are asked to have that God can bless anything. Getting stressed and givign up can be a temptation of the evil in preventing a grace that Jesus so deeply desires to give us to more deeply console our poor little souls. When you fall (not
fail) . . . repent (turn to God)– tell God you are sorry – Go to confession if
you need to for extra grace. God will form your ungrateful and possibly hardened heart into a beautiful grateful heart. Firmly refuse to fall
into the habit of complaining about everything. When others around you complain, thank God for that because you can offer up your annoyance in prayer for that persons conversion. <u>Reject</u> being culturally
conditioned to complain and <u>Accept</u> the invitation from God to give thanks and
praise always. This might not make sense right now, but that’s why it is called
a mystery – it’s a part of faith that calls us daily to deeper conversion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have a life changing Thanksgiving and Advent Season!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Living in the Mystery, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zach Weber<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-10328051261645478992015-10-31T15:34:00.003-07:002015-10-31T16:00:39.093-07:00The Mystery of My Most Embarrassing and Shameful Halloween - 10 years ago.Today, October 31st of 2015, I went out to eat after studying for a test at a coffee house. Another seminarian and I went to a small restaurant and I told him I have a controversial shirt on today (I was wearing a black jacket). The shirt says, "Porn Kills Love" - see picture below. It only is the second time I've ever worn it in public since I purchased it on Memorial Day. As we sat at our table our waiter was dressed as a pirate and the other server was dressed up as Peter Pan (a symbol of youthfulness and joy). My brother seminarian and I began to pray day time prayer and then we heard a voice. We looked up and Peter Pan pointed at me and sternly said, "Sir, That is not true." The waiter and I looked at each other for what seemed to be 10 seconds and then he simply walked away. Slowly, but truly more and more staff that were dressed up for Halloween walked by our table to sneak a peek at what I was wearing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38XUWPAV4NiJkcJjkmgCWz4aUb9qtkiIAzWGs-OcesOU1Kgievfsg4MIp0Zvk2prx-FWWOtZ33JrtL6d-vKSd6cdOqenAYnDSn4cBlpJBjkhR38Sq11wRa8dANaEB89Rg1_8d0KdlDU70/s1600/menstee_grande.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38XUWPAV4NiJkcJjkmgCWz4aUb9qtkiIAzWGs-OcesOU1Kgievfsg4MIp0Zvk2prx-FWWOtZ33JrtL6d-vKSd6cdOqenAYnDSn4cBlpJBjkhR38Sq11wRa8dANaEB89Rg1_8d0KdlDU70/s320/menstee_grande.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I wore the Porn Kills Love shirt without shame and without embarrassment. I say this because I just found myself in the chapel - contemplating my past Halloween Costumes - thinking about what I dressed up as in my freshmen year of college 10 years ago at 19 years of age. Even thinking about it recalls feelings of shame and embarrassment and resentment.<br />
<br />
What I now love, I once persecuted and made fun of. 10 years ago you could've seen me in Madison on State Street, Langdon, and Mifflin walking around as a nun. Now, maybe you are thinking, "That's not too bad . . . nun's are holy . . . and you are studying to be a priest . . . so yeah, that's not too bad." Well I regretfully say that I was also dressed up with the appearance of being pregnant. Ughhh! I frustratingly write this to you. Some people laughed, but no one even questioned (well at least not to my face) the integrity or lack there of of my costume. What I now love - Jesus and his brides, I once persecuted and made fun of. Oh how I feel the anguish and pain of my brother St. Paul for persecuting Christians. The Confessions of St. Augustine seem all too relatable to my now converted heart.<br />
<br />
Little feelings of resistance were felt in even buying the costume because of living in mortal sin and not yet encountering the living God, Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. The sacrament of confession was simply non-existent. Praying the Rosary as a knight of the Blessed Virgin Mary had not been taught to me. The numbness and emptiness in lacking self-awareness in life was full to the brim. The darkness of sin shined brightly. The relationship with God was "cut off" for this prodigal freshmen through his own pride and hardened heart. The dark side had won a victory that night and the witness of a future priest was invisible - hidden in satan's victorious lie.<br />
<br />
<b>What lie? </b><br />
<br />
The lie that Halloween is a night where one can be a different person - any person - and commit any sin they choose. This lie had caught the attention of my weak and poor soul. The lie that Halloween is a giant green light to sin, sin, and sin some more without any feeling or thought of regret. Presumably many sons and daughters of God will buy that lie this evening and probably will in the future . . . unless they too encounter the living God. Does that offend you? Sorry to say it, but there really is no other saving solution other than Jesus Christ that will change ones heart or open ones eyes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38tuMsS-3nKPd23r2IBn7dHH8WnL7mWBQurIzchH2kV3nfAjxu3jlAsiIyQ86X6Z_eIlF7UU_QJC0qG3YsRTb9jpmhna43SAvKIiO1M2eP5RWW2ujmeyoD6epis67jgvc-WSIKiWFDWH8/s1600/green+light.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38tuMsS-3nKPd23r2IBn7dHH8WnL7mWBQurIzchH2kV3nfAjxu3jlAsiIyQ86X6Z_eIlF7UU_QJC0qG3YsRTb9jpmhna43SAvKIiO1M2eP5RWW2ujmeyoD6epis67jgvc-WSIKiWFDWH8/s1600/green+light.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What is most perplexing . . .sometimes . . . .is how nobody called me out - with love of course- to stop leading others into the darkness by selling a lie.<br />
<br />
How come nobody ever told me about Jesus Christ and his deep abiding love OR lovingly challenged me to think and contemplate of how dressing up a pregnant nun might be perceived as offensive or even worse hypocritical? How come? How come? How come?<br />
<br />
If you go out this Halloween and perceive a costume as offensive I encourage you to pray, pray, pray for the soul of that person . . . pray first always . . . and if the Holy Spirit leads you to speak with the person about the choice of costume - love that person - love them with the light of truth and humility of Christ. Please tell them in one way or another that there is another way.<br />
<br />
The Way of Love. <br />
<br />
The Way of Love can mysteriously change the heart of anyone - even a future priest - a current seminarian who wears a Porn Kills Love shirt . . . The Way of Love can even move a person enough to walk daily into a chapel in front of the Blessed Sacrament and away from persecuting the brides of Christ by shamefully dressing up as a pregnant nun. Maybe you think that it is impossible on a night such as Halloween. Well I say it is possible - I am living proof of this mystery we call conversion! With Christ as my witness let it be known in one way or another, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD!<br />
<br />
<br />
Living in the Mystery,<br />
<br />
Zach Weber<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-71394775772620166352015-08-30T15:29:00.001-07:002015-08-30T15:44:46.515-07:00The Mystery of Finally Fighting for Truth (Diamonds)Well fellow Christians . . . enough in our world has changed.<br />
<br />
We have seen the definition of marriage change.<br />
<br />
We have seen body parts of babies being sold.<br />
<br />
Are you feeling the pressure?<br />
<br />
Maybe, just maybe these changes will actually put pressures on you to make you defend the faith and ultimately learn the reasons of faith in the church. Oh my goodness! If we actually learn the why behind the what's of the church . . . watch out world!<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HTO23e3K42NpsrIB28plkQ4ZHwYNs0M8MDj4BjEtd4TotmqGJe9J-VJsvH9gE4a_2H1M9I7jPvqmHL_FntPNcSqXkzRmsqJsVEmNmWRI7jAEwIMHztugSY_FcIi-iI2Jj7pH_4IHBxmL/s1600/fight.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HTO23e3K42NpsrIB28plkQ4ZHwYNs0M8MDj4BjEtd4TotmqGJe9J-VJsvH9gE4a_2H1M9I7jPvqmHL_FntPNcSqXkzRmsqJsVEmNmWRI7jAEwIMHztugSY_FcIi-iI2Jj7pH_4IHBxmL/s1600/fight.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
How do you make diamonds shine? You put pressure on them.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSyQivm8_3FLVy84MHdd9jBcC2fMgprNaa4WIItiqNWO3ntvALBnpE7lhhPs2ygu2CL_npNwBV61tBz67rvzmymAPGCamoUtGAy5TGPdiAcoXVIXCBs08abX3xxDyEEVDaMD3VebAsNs6/s1600/diamonds.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSyQivm8_3FLVy84MHdd9jBcC2fMgprNaa4WIItiqNWO3ntvALBnpE7lhhPs2ygu2CL_npNwBV61tBz67rvzmymAPGCamoUtGAy5TGPdiAcoXVIXCBs08abX3xxDyEEVDaMD3VebAsNs6/s400/diamonds.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Well fellow Christians, it is time we fight for what we believe in because the pressure is on.<br />
<br />
If you haven't felt it then maybe it is time to get off the moon.<br />
<br />
If you have seen it, then it is time to open your eyes.<br />
If you haven't heard it, then it is time to cleanse the ear of your heart.<br />
If you haven't been challenged by it, then it is time to start by getting on your knees and asking the Holy Spirit to guide you to the Truth and protect you from the Evil One.<br />
<br />
There is not any more time for casual christianity.<br />
<br />
The lines are being drawn. The time for visible spiritual warfare is right in front of us every day.<br />
<br />
If people do not know that you have personal relationship with the Church, then I hope you begin to let the truth find you because truth is a person and he is Jesus Christ . . . He desires to live through you and help you understand what it means to be fully alive.<br />
<br />
May God Bless You and Strengthen you with the Armor of Christ. If you are not fighting for your faith then I pray that the Holy Spirit shakes you up, wakes you up, takes the blindness in front of you and breaks it up.<br />
<br />
St. Augustine, Pray for us! St. Ambrose, Pray for us! St. Thomas Aquinas, Pray for us! St. Jude, Pray for us! St. Rita, Pray for us! St. Benedict, pray for us! Mary, Mystical Rose, Pray for us!<br />
<br />
Looking for somewhere to start? Check out this Youtube video. . .<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BQSqHrU7ns" target="_blank">The Mystery of God</a><br />
<br />
Living in the Mystery!<br />
<br />
Zach<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-89443796724370998082015-08-01T13:14:00.002-07:002015-08-01T13:14:33.375-07:00The Mystery of an Unintentional Grace through Ultimate Frisbee And Marian Consecration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLWcxt3EGUS5RloP8QGHtY4tegwKM0uV2270h3sQj3DgMUw6GpPlfQXXMK_smrGpHwwmnXJK7iqKwJ4CL1cqpCohA6BRsbEwnPawlA8kslB91ZC3xAS1gue-v8RBCjIzquZqAxammKGPI/s1600/white_ultimate_frisbee_discs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLWcxt3EGUS5RloP8QGHtY4tegwKM0uV2270h3sQj3DgMUw6GpPlfQXXMK_smrGpHwwmnXJK7iqKwJ4CL1cqpCohA6BRsbEwnPawlA8kslB91ZC3xAS1gue-v8RBCjIzquZqAxammKGPI/s320/white_ultimate_frisbee_discs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This summer I've had the blessing and honor of living at the rectory at All Saints Catholic Church in Lakeville, MN. The priests here have been wonderful and the daily mass community has a strong devotion to the Eucharist. While staying here, I've been able to play ultimate frisbee on Sunday nights with the youth. To be straight up with you, I do not particularly enjoy ultimate frisbee that much. However, the youth do enjoy it, so I try to attend as much as I can.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4jpehkvGXNJWYEzVAaArjhSDwA9GpcxxW5GDxHbj-G4_As6TWK2x66IXF6nyl1mxZPe5kNVwbaZWuiUmNISNGNe2Fiii7vwpXgqOpdY0lIbjpS37lXehRfkb7v14aqOCyuNzHVn6wvio/s1600/all+siants.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4jpehkvGXNJWYEzVAaArjhSDwA9GpcxxW5GDxHbj-G4_As6TWK2x66IXF6nyl1mxZPe5kNVwbaZWuiUmNISNGNe2Fiii7vwpXgqOpdY0lIbjpS37lXehRfkb7v14aqOCyuNzHVn6wvio/s320/all+siants.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Saints Catholic Church - The Frisbee Field is near here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Recently something changed in my attitude, in the depths of my heart. I NOW ENJOY ULTIMATE FRISBEE. How can that be you might ask? Well the story here begins with a member of the All Saints Community who was diagnosed with cancer about 6 years ago. He has 2 sons and 1 daughter. He was recently admitted to the hospital where I am a chaplain intern for the summer. As I was walking through the halls last week I saw the parish priest. I said, "Fr. Tom, it's good to see you." Holding the pastoral care of the sick book in his hands he said hello and we made small talk. Then he introduced me to the patients wife. He mentioned their last name in our conversations at the rectory in the past. Immediately I remembered Fr. Tom talking about this family and how he has been ministering to them. I offered words of support and encouragement to the wife. She said, "Thank you so much for playing ultimate frisbee with our son. He really looks up to you." I was shocked and thought to myself, "I am really not that good at it and I don't like it." I told her thank you and told her I would stop by later this afternoon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyXNONWoPkTwMfMB9c3mtEm1wUOPmRueGxA76mBQBwsR7i8wjm8JKoefJvb4ZpbFsnqZt_2PYsR4bB_Weaw5CEP-lawMWd6cfruef_4bN6UJ6V675cuTwuDNgPcs0tTHY48HhGpNBJ1NX/s1600/Fr++Tom+Wilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyXNONWoPkTwMfMB9c3mtEm1wUOPmRueGxA76mBQBwsR7i8wjm8JKoefJvb4ZpbFsnqZt_2PYsR4bB_Weaw5CEP-lawMWd6cfruef_4bN6UJ6V675cuTwuDNgPcs0tTHY48HhGpNBJ1NX/s200/Fr++Tom+Wilson.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fr. Tom Wilson</td></tr>
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Over the next couple of days I would be at the hospital and see her husband. He was really tired and struggling, but would always tell me, "Thank you for playing ultimate frisbee with my son. Please keep doing that." My initial thought was, "This family really enjoys their ultimate frisbee." Well as the week went on I was able to visit with the patient and his wife for about an hour. They had plans to discharge out of the hospital and set up hospice care in the home. I wished them well and told them if they needed anything to contact me through the parish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip93ll5CBAFHc4VDHsI_5Vu8imAGcAC3RDQb6PoHCNVBfLplH93np1YHQucbKNv_MqLKv6iX2TP8C1L59K_RDG5iM6KrsYLtd9eAlGCJh0MbYxPKAvqvmLbKCqY5_cS-mDUg8KJlKEhyphenhyphen7F/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip93ll5CBAFHc4VDHsI_5Vu8imAGcAC3RDQb6PoHCNVBfLplH93np1YHQucbKNv_MqLKv6iX2TP8C1L59K_RDG5iM6KrsYLtd9eAlGCJh0MbYxPKAvqvmLbKCqY5_cS-mDUg8KJlKEhyphenhyphen7F/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe some day Nuns will play more Ultimate Frisbee</td></tr>
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Well then Sunday came and I watched a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACfwnlktvi4" target="_blank">VIDEO</a> that moved my heart on the Blessed Mother and the Rosary. On a side note, I'm doing my 4th <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Days-Morning-Glory-Do-It-Yourself-Consecration/dp/1596142448" target="_blank">Marian Consecration,</a> so this is not a surprise that Mary answered some of my prayers. I probably sent the video to about 50 people and posted it on Facebook because it was so inspirational. Then I went to go play ultimate frisbee with the youth. I even sang the Hail Mary on the way down because I was so fired up about the video and Mary's intercession. The patients son showed up to play and we had a blast. After the longest game ever because of poor throws or missed passed I told my team to pretend that the frisbee was the Eucharist. When my team would have possession, in a child-like way I would yell "<a href="https://vimeo.com/115924659" target="_blank">EUCHARIST</a>!!!!" One time I even held up the frisbee like it was the Eucharist at Mass. It was great to work hard, yet have fun. When the night was over I was still pretty fired up about Mary and her leading people to Jesus from the video I watched earlier. It would be pretty accurate to say that I only received about an hour of sleep that night because of the amount of "Heart Burn" I had that night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtl5-htBMpABe5-QPGag_pxQvhyphenhyphenOGtzoDMn3nyTJgh1n8r5kugc_CscUR6vBzfa046B_TPixyD1Y1GGx2cqK2skVcuv_6r2xcd1_t_H29u3lFMRM1NTzQ6PLB_rJC8TcaQM-oQ0j7QBOWH/s1600/Marcus+Millness+crop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtl5-htBMpABe5-QPGag_pxQvhyphenhyphenOGtzoDMn3nyTJgh1n8r5kugc_CscUR6vBzfa046B_TPixyD1Y1GGx2cqK2skVcuv_6r2xcd1_t_H29u3lFMRM1NTzQ6PLB_rJC8TcaQM-oQ0j7QBOWH/s200/Marcus+Millness+crop.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fr. Marcus Milless</td></tr>
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Well as the week went on I would hear bits and pieces about the patient's health. He was declining, but did receive the Eucharist 5 hours before passing from the associate pastor here Fr. Marcus. The next day Fr. Marcus told me the patient had passed away. I reflected often on the patient's last words to me, "Thank you for playing ultimate frisbee with my son. Please keep doing that." Then it clicked. Eureka! A moment of unintentional grace! I was humbled by what exactly the father was telling me. You see, here is a man who cannot play ultimate frisbee with his son and who most likely would do anything to play a game with him. However, due to his cancer this was not a possibility. And by the providential grace of God, he asked me to play. He handed on to me something that he would love to do so I could do something he could not do. This saint, asked me to be father figure to his son. What a gift! What an honor!<br />
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This could be why following the commandments is so important. The 4th Commandment: Obey your mother and father. This man and woman are not my parents, but they are motherly and fatherly to me. Thus, the commandment takes a new depth in the heart. If the commandments are not seen through the lenses of love, I might still play ultimate frisbee half-heartedly. Thank God for those who pass down their desires to those with whom they trust.<br />
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I now have a new zeal to play ultimate frisbee on Sunday's because it is a way for me to honor this man, it is a way to follow the 4th Commandment. I will now think of this man every time I'm asked to play ultimate frisbee. What an honor it is to honor the commandments. What an honor it is to be consecrated to Mary.<br />
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Unintentional grace!<br />
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Praise God for Unintentional Grace!<br />
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Praise God for Marian Consecration!<br />
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Praise God for God!<br />
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Living in the Mystery,<br />
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Zach WeberAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-19509106608099194142015-07-12T12:28:00.001-07:002015-07-12T12:35:33.287-07:00The Mystery of Everyone Being a Winner and Throwing Away the Dictionary - Relativism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXkQXoWmaLyNiiuZb_O7kNbJvUqWfN8n15qTAHqA0_f5RIlQf3lxVx_4L4rbLSuxhWDmeI137DO6yDMcUdFQOBAHFXimZv15i2vg9OTQdN7icwAnmejF_-XOqlU6FaupLXV9luLK9QmrZ/s1600/barney.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXkQXoWmaLyNiiuZb_O7kNbJvUqWfN8n15qTAHqA0_f5RIlQf3lxVx_4L4rbLSuxhWDmeI137DO6yDMcUdFQOBAHFXimZv15i2vg9OTQdN7icwAnmejF_-XOqlU6FaupLXV9luLK9QmrZ/s400/barney.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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About five years ago I was watching Barney the Dinosaur on PBS. I know, you must be impressed at my highly intellectualized style of viewing television. Well to defend myself, if you must know, my Mother runs an at home daycare and I was home visiting this particular day. This particular episode brought everyone on the cast together to have a race. Now mind you, the whole time, I was expecting there to be a winner. The episode unfolded as the characters made their racing mobiles and worked really hard to be competitive. Then the race came. Not everyone preformed as well as they wanted to. There was a winner for about 10 seconds. You guessed it, as soon as someone was upset that they didn't win Barney came up with a brilliant idea: EVERYONE CAN BE A WINNER! EVERYONE GETS A MEDAL. Brilliant, right? Well if you want to be politically correct about everything then yes this was brilliant. Well you might say, "not having a winner . . . that's clearly against the purpose of having a race in the first place. That's clearly changing the objective or the aim or the goal of racing." Exactly! Competition is a natural good because it helps people understand where they have strengths and weaknesses. Our natural strengths and weaknesses distinguish people. Some people have different talents than other people. Some people have to work more on different areas of their lives in order to be successful where they are not as strong. However, if everyone is a winner, then the meaning of the word "racing" has lost its meaning. Not everyone can win a race. Period. It's ok to have a first place winner. To add to that, most people would seem to agree that they learn more about themselves when they are defeated rather than in the outcome of a victory in different areas of life. I can personally remember my parents teaching me how to compose myself after a tough loss in athletics. They would not allow me to cry and pout because of the score or the referees. Most people learned how to handle defeat by using the intense of emotions from being defeated to work harder for the next competition.<br />
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So maybe you are asking yourself, "What are you trying to get at with all of this racing losing its meaning talk?"<br />
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I believe that words are simply losing almost all meaning. Where do we find the definition of words? Well we would have to go to the dictionary to find the definition of any word. I wonder if we even need dictionaries anymore today with the meaning of words changing at a rate quicker than the world has ever seen. It would seem with the rapid rate of redefining of words today, we might as well throw away all of our dictionaries. Does that shock you? Good because if we continue to allow all words to become more and more subjective (opinion orientated) rather than objective (true for all) then we do not need dictionaries. If you want to stand up for objective truth, then I say keep your dictionaries. However, if do not believe in objective truth, then throw them out the window. Just ponder this fact, up until the 1960's the word "gay" used to mean happy. Now in our "ultra enlightened" culture, the word gay has been re-defined as to be attracted to someone of the same sex. How does the meaning of a word change in just 50 years? Or look at the word tolerance. The word tolerance means to disagree with someone, but to tolerate their stance. Tolerance today doesn't even mean what it signifies. Now if you disagree with someone on moral issues you are a bigot or discriminatory. Could someone explain to me how the word tolerance doesn't even mean what it clearly? And I don't have enough time to write about the words love, justice, etc. Well in a relativistic world where definitions of words are completely subjective it makes complete sense. I would say that one reason would be due to relativism running rampant in our culture. Barney is a classic example of relativism in our world today. What is relativism? Apologist Chris Stefanick defines relativism the best.<br />
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<br />Chris states that, "<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white;">Relativism is the philosophy that there is no
objective reality, but that truth is relative to what each person thinks. We’ve
all encountered relativism in statements like, “Jesus is God for me, while
Vishnu is God for someone else,” “You have your truth, and I have mine,” or, in
regard to issues like moral debates, “You can’t impose your morality on
another person.”</span> </span><span style="background: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This “agree never to disagree” philosophy is
considered necessary to guarantee peace, tolerance and equality in a
pluralistic world. Conversely, people who think we can know the truth in moral
or religious issues are considered intolerant, bigoted and maybe even downright
dangerous.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> "</span></h3>
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Please re-read that paragraph a few times. How can any statement be true if there is no truth? To add to that, do words hold any objective meaning anymore in a world full of relativism? Our culture has been under the influence of altering the meaning of words for such a long time that words do not hold the meaning that they used to. There has been a movement for a long time for a need for everything to be equal so truth no longer holds any weight in the conversation. It is very apparent to those who stand up for objective truth that our culture today is slowly trying to remove all differences between any one thing.<br />
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So how can a person say anything when words have been re-defined by the relativist culture?<br />
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Our world is changing the definition of words all of the time and is thus figuratively throwing away all dictionaries. Does that offend you? We are all too blind to the swiftness of the relativism in our culture. We worry more about offending someone rather than standing up for the truth and for words having boundaries and borders. Can I say that again? We worry more about offending someone rather than standing up for the truth and for words having boundaries and borders. For example, if I change or move the borders of the state of Wisconsin or Texas or Arizona, the states are no longer the same. The states are something new. They are something different. Additionally, when it comes to words, our culture has been changing the boundaries and borders of words for so long now that they don't even have the same meaning as they used to. So, how does this effect the word that is being changed by SCOTUS: Marriage.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark Path . . . </td></tr>
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This road of redefining words and not believing in objective truth is going to continue to lead us down a dark path. We have a culture that completely changed the meaning of the word marriage and still calls it marriage. We have a culture that wants to change a first principle of marriage being between one man and one woman. How can that be? The borders are different. The definition has changed. It is not marriage. It is something different. It is something new. You don't have to be a Christian or have a Bible or even go to Church to know this truth. In the dictionary, the Holy Bible, and Catholic Catechism, (to name a few sources) just a few weeks ago tall said that marriage is between one man and one woman. Now, since the "law" has changed, the definition has changed? This is a dangerous and slippery path we are going down. Can we even have a conversation with anyone today if words are changing their definition or meaning every time a government makes a new law? I've heard it so many times before when someone says, "It is ok or not a problem because it is a law" or "It's the law so we must abide by it." Well women couldn't vote at one time in our country and a black person wasn't considered fully human at one point, but it was the law.<br />
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So where will this lead us if we don't challenge the relativistic view of life?<br />
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Now if we accept and believe in our world today that there is an objective truth that words have meanings that can't changed unless new words are invented, then we are called discriminatory or bigots. How does that make any sense? There is not any logic in that. To call the color black grey and the color white black is a lie. Perception is not reality because our perception can be wrong. We have all been wrong before. It's a part of the human experience.<br />
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It is a fact that a person cannot live a joyful life without objective truth. The truth gives mankind our aim. If we aim for nothing will we will hit it every time. If truth is completely subjective then we will continue to see more people fall into depression and loneliness. The number of people falling into depression is going up rapidly every year. The human person was made for truth and our hearts will fall into darkness if we continue to lose any sense of objectivity. Can you imagine a world where the truth changes all of the time? I'm sure you can because we live in it.<br />
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How can one live in a culture where they believe they have no choice but to walk on a thin line? Well, if all words lose their meaning and no longer have boundaries, then there is no thin line to walk on. There is only a wide path to make all words subjective and to make up our own meaning for words. I'm not kidding. We need to get serious now about the fact that all words are on the verge of losing their meaning. We need to spread the light of truth where darkness is clouding the vision of people around the world.<br />
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We have to wake up and challenge the principles of words. There is no more time for joking and playing around with the truth. Our culture has laws that state that believe killing an innocent child in the womb is not illegal because it is a law. Come on now. Let's not make this simply a religious argument, but look at it philosophically, psychologically, and anthropologically. As Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta said, "If abortion is not wrong, then nothing is wrong." The relativistic movement is all over the place. Are you starting to see it and smell it? If relativism continues to spread there will not be any room for disagreements. We will not even be able to speak about first principles and objective truth. Some people have already experienced this and we will continue to experience it until we fight for the truth. Well, many people will call me discriminatory and a bigot for even writing this simply based on the stance that I do not agree with someone. I'm willing to take a chance on truth. Are you?<br />
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In ending, may I make a proposal or suggestion? I propose/suggest that we fight relativism with the light of truth by showing the beauty of authentic, patient, and merciful love. We must teach the truth of words having borders. Dictionaries are not meant to be thrown away every few years because we refuse to come up with new words. We must stand up for marriage being between one man and one woman. To change it and call it the same thing is removing the border or the definition of the word. That would make it a whole new word. Call it a same sex union, but please don't call it marriage. Truth is truth whether we agree with it or not. I began with talking about Barney and the episode about having a race. We run to win the race. Making everyone a winner changes the definition of the word racing: the object of having a race in the first place. It's going to be just fine to have someone take first place and someone take last. We must stand up against this Barney way of life and call the truth the truth. Sorry Barney. You are wrong.<br />
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Living in the mystery,<br />
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Zach WeberAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-67796061561804331232015-05-22T12:43:00.004-07:002015-05-26T09:00:36.167-07:00The Mystery of the Lord Providing Christian Hip-Hop Music <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi_IRlTJpI4QHvtax-4DvcH9lI2Uy4QaktmswM-p5y3aSVqgBGyIxXqP9Pbsg1hlhBfVjFnBfRfd1LS8UpG_VD5HHKHR8BxQnMntJ9bFEGyl5SngqEKQ4UCbygWXrGN6En8cyHIpZtpDX/s1600/Headphones_Art_by_TheMysteryy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi_IRlTJpI4QHvtax-4DvcH9lI2Uy4QaktmswM-p5y3aSVqgBGyIxXqP9Pbsg1hlhBfVjFnBfRfd1LS8UpG_VD5HHKHR8BxQnMntJ9bFEGyl5SngqEKQ4UCbygWXrGN6En8cyHIpZtpDX/s640/Headphones_Art_by_TheMysteryy.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I first started discerning the call to the priesthood I was deeply afraid that the only music I would be able to listen to wouldn't be any good. It may seem shallow, but that's where I was at during my early years of discernment. My mind was blown when I started searching for different Christian music, but more specifically under the genres of Christian Hip-Hop and Christian Rock. (<span style="color: blue;">FYI: There is a list of about 30 or 40 songs at the end of this blog</span>). I don't listen to Christian Rock as much as I did in my early discernment, but I still listen to Christian hip-hop especially when I work out. (<i>For those of you who do not know, I used to DJ for weddings, dances, and sporting events. The effect that music has on the human person can be positive, but it can also be detrimental.</i>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2LB_3plZVp1IZpmcEexPoDYkZ4639Z4LROCtdumOBtExHrUlU6kjEfYsAtQD9DQiJpi7Ql4Au8_fesyvIh73qWw4C-6Zkjw4ZbtB9zzWlaX99loS6rwTN1HDGMsS7ULkCAEPe-wEr_qJ/s1600/mindblown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2LB_3plZVp1IZpmcEexPoDYkZ4639Z4LROCtdumOBtExHrUlU6kjEfYsAtQD9DQiJpi7Ql4Au8_fesyvIh73qWw4C-6Zkjw4ZbtB9zzWlaX99loS6rwTN1HDGMsS7ULkCAEPe-wEr_qJ/s320/mindblown.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Some, well actually very little of the Christian music on the radio did I enjoy. Often the music would seem too sentimental and overly emotional for what I was going through or struggling to accept. This is not to say that emotions are bad, but rarely could I connect with the Christian songs that were on the radio. The top 100 songs on mainstream radio stations had really good beats, hooks, but the lyrics are so far away from the person that Christ was calling me become. Thank God for artists like Lecrae and Andy Mineo who are changing the music culture with placing Christ at the heart and center of their music.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFPHKO_4cxe1XOA_c08SCeICcXADyBNKQpx_p23wOcgBKvQApeYMSCOAFfzYwUl6ETj8PwESwzlFSCaBgfa3dz0wRFBgtcaEyAoS8xQN0ZHZ-IA1jElbwmBrZzFrJHepE1BKxOaBg8GV-/s1600/andy+mineo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFPHKO_4cxe1XOA_c08SCeICcXADyBNKQpx_p23wOcgBKvQApeYMSCOAFfzYwUl6ETj8PwESwzlFSCaBgfa3dz0wRFBgtcaEyAoS8xQN0ZHZ-IA1jElbwmBrZzFrJHepE1BKxOaBg8GV-/s1600/andy+mineo.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Andy Mineo</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Lecrae</span></b></td></tr>
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When it comes to music that you might want to listen to and workout to it seems that the selection might get even smaller. That is where I hope this short blog post may help. For those of you who do not know, I really enjoy hip-hop music and now I only listen Christian artists in the genre of hip-hop. I do not demonize other artists, rather I choose to promote hip-hop artists that do not allow me to stray from the path the Lord is calling me to follow. The Lord has provided different artists as I journey closer and closer to priesthood that allow me to remain aware of God's presence more than other songs. The Lord will provide for the desires of your heart so you can do all things (c.f. 2 Cor 9:8) to the best of your ability to conform and/or graft yourself onto (the person of) Christ. And Yes, it is ok to have fun while discerning God's will in your life.<br />
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And no I do not think all music that is not Christian is bad, but I do think that we have a choice to support up and coming artists that are willing to promote the Gospel message and that are sacrificing to speak out about difficult issues without profanity. It takes tremendous courage to promote the Truth of Jesus' message in music knowing that you may be persecuted and might not make it big. However, there's beauty in not selling your soul and gaining the whole world (c.f Mark 8:36).<br />
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As much of a good thing it is that the radio is able to play all different types of music, I find that radio stations pass too quickly on music that can actually match with a persons morals. To add to that, when it comes to working out, it can be even more difficult in finding music that doesn't make you second guess your decision to choose Christ in all things. It is important to remember that our bodies area temples of the Holy Spirit (c.f. 1 Cor 6:19). Can I say that again?<b> It is important to remember that our bodies area temples of the Holy Spirit (c.f. 1 Cor 6:19).</b> Did you know that your body is holy? Every body on earth is holy and that is why we must be on guard as to what we allow into our bodies, especially when it comes to music. This means that what we allow into our body, mind, and soul effects our personal holiness and more importantly, effects Jesus because he is present in us. It is our choice to acknowledge his presence in all of our activities and invite him into whatever we are doing, even if it is working out.<br />
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<b>So what do you do if you want to exercise and are trying to find some good Christian music?</b> Well read this blog of course. I am not trying to discourage you from listening to some of your favorites, but I am hoping that everyone begins to think more heavenly and less earthly when picking out music (Cor 3:1-4). This does not mean that every song has to be about Jesus in order to be good or worthy. Some of the songs talk about the tug of war that goes on in life and the struggle of living an authentic life in and for Jesus Christ. It seems that in order to live an ordered life there ought to be a moral compass in your music and that the lyrics begin to match our morals. I have compiled a list of different songs for exercising by different Christian artists that allow you to stay motivated, but also allow you to remain longer of the presence of God. You won't feel guilty for listening to these songs. You can listen and choose what you like and what you may not like. I've been on this journey of searching for good Christian music for working out for about seven years and most of the artists that I'll be promoting are not on the radio so if you see a name and have never heard of then I say, "Welcome to the Journey!"<br />
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Lastly, this list is pretty subjective. I basically picked the songs based off of if my head would bob to the beat and if it increased the desire in my heart to get off the couch and go workout, but also remain in a prayerful disposition longer. If you do not like a song, that is fine. If you do like a song I recommend adding it to your playlist in the future when you workout.<br />
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<b>This is list might be fairly long.</b></div>
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<b>Click the link and take a listen.</b></div>
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<b>Try Working Out to some of the songs.</b></div>
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<b>Happy Scrolling!</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4AH7HQ6S6k" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Let there be light - Andy Mineo</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqH7azFRUYU" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Messengers - Lecrae feat. King and Country</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nimYi9zo4TE" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Walk on Water - Shonlock</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXE4FEW9AXw" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Move - Da Truth feat. Jai</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5FM2CECENY" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Slave to you - PRo</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6csM0TLZIs" target="_blank">Freedom - Josh Garrels</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRgZCCNM_8Q" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Fall Back - Lecrae</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78VRep1Aq58" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Right by my side - Derek Minor</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=932s7PFdY-M" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">The 6th Day - Flame feat. Chris Lee</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9c2AvSWR_w" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Hope - Lecrae</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSfFNF0azRI" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Curious - Andy Mineo</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjujTZwZMnA" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Ready or Not Remix - Britt Nicole</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiUdrIsqmyQ" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">I'm Turnt - Lecrae</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JYLV_7Z9r0" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Can't have my soul - Je'kob</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIcEnIRREfo" target="_blank">Cocky - Andy Mineo</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc2uWLoB1xs" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">For My Good - Trip Lee feat. Jai</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU8OGY-ntsM" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Battery - V. Rose Feat. Flame</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ME570Huqes" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Beyond This World - Shonlock</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlgIFSmeabE" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Victory - Jai</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zexoMfZI1WM" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Stronger - Derek Minor feat. Jai</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc8x33lAnAk" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Tell the world - Lecrae feat. Mali</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgsOxhp2Dzs" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Resistance - Josh Garrels</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biTh95QQcYE" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Surrender - Falme feat. V. Rose</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOXOC0a2YkU" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Never Giving Up - Alex Faith</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL9cA8rd3tk" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Runners - Lecrae</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVTqibf6UNw" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Hot Air Balloon - Derek Minor</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYnA3yt8_yg" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">God is Enough - Lecare</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPDKbWDWZNc" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Sweet Victory feat. Dimitri McDowell & Leah Smith</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM9YRBUJLd8" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">I know you will - Andy Mineo</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7sEMrdfydI" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Life 101 - Trip Lee</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hJZ_0mz93A" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Get You Open - Ambassador</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fRakhZy9gc" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Holiday Remix- Britt Nicole</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_E6LXo2scg" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Repentance - 116</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMllQHsPbv8" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">See more Him - Flame</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RWEllqh5J0" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Don't waste your life - Lecrae</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2c8zx2G4bs" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Turn The Music Up - NF</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6lGUHpBjoI" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Blow my mind - Pro</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHIFfZUB2wU" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Praise On - Preacha Boy</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aka2fsjc61s" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Buttons Remix - Lecrae</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJlBH2rczhg" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Higher - Lecrae feat. Tenth Avenue North</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac80JEvwjEw" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">I'm a believer - Tedashii feat. Trip Lee</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb449yJPKFQ" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">New Shalom - Lecrae feat. Pro</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y1Kne1xi3c" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Transformers - Lecrae and Trip Lee</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WopyrETP-CU" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">You Can't Stop Me - Andy Mineo</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZELnQGrCCdc" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Falling Down - Lecrae feat. Swoope</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyQj_GVe4Hc" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Marvelous Light - Mark J</a><br />
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There's more, but that took longer than I'd like.<br />
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I'd encourage you to: <b>invite the Lord into an area of your life where your afraid he won't provide</b>. <br />
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There's mystery from bringing the light into the darkness.<br />
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There's mystery in watching the Lord disprove that fear and not being afraid when He is near.<br />
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Living in the Mystery,<br />
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Zach Weber<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-87603377614378125092015-03-09T14:38:00.000-07:002015-03-09T16:32:16.621-07:00The Mystery of Christ Being Present in Others<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNe96Z3vRfwP55KE1I784KuRMI1ws6MvjBQMjHCzJzHfpNK6qvYLSswghM8P8TWU7ArlS_bjVK6GipnRBgUNwg_wEzAzvemCoecr8N_PHws8hvQyoogAP50p8pOvJLKtrSrsWZBB4A_If/s1600/therese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNe96Z3vRfwP55KE1I784KuRMI1ws6MvjBQMjHCzJzHfpNK6qvYLSswghM8P8TWU7ArlS_bjVK6GipnRBgUNwg_wEzAzvemCoecr8N_PHws8hvQyoogAP50p8pOvJLKtrSrsWZBB4A_If/s1600/therese.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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For those of you who do not know what I've been up to lately . . . I have been a pastoral intern at Corpus Christi Parish in Sturgeon Bay, WI. One of the most compelling mysteries to me is the Mystical Body of Christ. When I was in my second year of seminary formation, I had the blessing of spending an hour with Bishop David Ricken. Deep down in the depths of my heart was one simple question for Bishop Ricken. I asked, "How do you pray Bishop?" He took a deep breath and said, "The key to prayer is simplicity. Most often, my prayer is to ask the Lord to reveal himself to me in others and to be Jesus to others."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLeN1nuvE3w-rAYGhbaNAz9TUe9_h-BU1QCJiD8ciiG_7CEgswXsMvR25_JJuyVkRGz9RdRnfALaGJrpTwxd3L-Aubk3i-04Ie46TlvY75Fvfyyo8CqoHBGTZbAytHQy4m5upiuASr4aN/s1600/Bishop+Ricken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLeN1nuvE3w-rAYGhbaNAz9TUe9_h-BU1QCJiD8ciiG_7CEgswXsMvR25_JJuyVkRGz9RdRnfALaGJrpTwxd3L-Aubk3i-04Ie46TlvY75Fvfyyo8CqoHBGTZbAytHQy4m5upiuASr4aN/s1600/Bishop+Ricken.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bishop David Ricken</td></tr>
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Now this heavenly wisdom has remained in my heart every day for a few reasons. One because I fail at allowing the Lord to reveal himself to me in others all of the time. In essence, the prayer is much easier to say than to actually live. Secondly because of the reality is that it is difficult to see Christ in those we struggle with. At times, it is even more difficult, to see Christ in those we love. I ask for new eyes all of the time. However, the Lord stretches our heart a little more with each prayer request until we are ready to receive the grace needed to accept his will. The deeper truth that this prayer calls me to simplify, simplify, and simplify.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdKPxHAsgKPRCLmewmq6xp33XOMMiRtAPTVGb6nz7DiS-NX3dzLAU4imR49j8bfLsXWdsIRELDdaQQngB8-bamjH2-uD13kogGD2ABHiQ_pn3Zg_neykjIK7ehEjkVyS6qlCGJGje-Bcr/s1600/glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdKPxHAsgKPRCLmewmq6xp33XOMMiRtAPTVGb6nz7DiS-NX3dzLAU4imR49j8bfLsXWdsIRELDdaQQngB8-bamjH2-uD13kogGD2ABHiQ_pn3Zg_neykjIK7ehEjkVyS6qlCGJGje-Bcr/s1600/glasses.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LORD, HELP ME SEE YOU IN OTHERS AND BE YOU TO OTHERS! PLLLEAAASE!</td></tr>
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At Corpus Christi, I have been blessed with the opportunity to teach the K-8 for 20 mins per class every Friday. It refreshes my heart to see how much hunger there is for the truth and for how much wisdom there is in the youth. On the flip side, it frustrates me when I see our culture giving up hope in these future saints. They keep me on fire for the truth. I love it when I see the spark of faith come to life when they ask an amazing question or make a deep statement about this mystery we call life . . . to see how rich in love and full of mystery our faith is and always will be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz7pqk7cIvDnewP3lTqK-ubpXIB0pr0OS-kvYNAB4Akzy_Dj292EE4MBfdblDu91DOgP53Kt-eidRPq3Nvn5fNx_gPG-84sM1JXBSZG9DXIkIt9keOqV48k0gac6M0QWOfoMhGF0O13At/s1600/whoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz7pqk7cIvDnewP3lTqK-ubpXIB0pr0OS-kvYNAB4Akzy_Dj292EE4MBfdblDu91DOgP53Kt-eidRPq3Nvn5fNx_gPG-84sM1JXBSZG9DXIkIt9keOqV48k0gac6M0QWOfoMhGF0O13At/s1600/whoa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The word that describes the look on the face of someone who is amazed . . .</td></tr>
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This past Friday, I was blessed with spending time with the 3rd Grade class. One of the students raised her hand during our time together and with a curious look on her face and said, "So that means whatever I do to someone else I do it Jesus." In shock, I asked everyone to be quiet so she could repeat it again. With even wider eyes that the first time she said, "So that means whatever I do to someone else I do it to Jesus" Some of the class seemed puzzled at the depth in this mysterious statement of faith. Do you believe what she just said? Do you live what she just said? This mysterious truth is what makes being a Christian so difficult because Jesus is present and so often, we fail at acknowledging him in others.<br />
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I've been praying every day the prayer that Bishop David Ricken taught me. "Jesus, help me see you in others and be you to others." There's obviously more than one way to say this prayer and I encourage you to make it your own. In the classroom on Friday, I saw the Word of God in John 3:30 ("He must increase, I must decrease") come to life in the soul and heart of a child. The glow in her eyes and the amazement of the truth of Jesus being present in every person will never leave the gift of my imagination.<br />
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So how about you? Do you truly believe that Jesus is present in every person? When you are on Facebook or the internet or watching TV or just simply are out and about. . . Do you look with disgust at people who are not attractive to you or are not exactly beautiful in the eyes of the world or do you ask for the grace to see Christ in them? The difficulty is in accepting others . . . as they are . . . being made in the image and likeness of God as his beloved son and daughter. Might I add, if we can accept our faults then and only then can we accept the faults of others as well. We are all sinners and we are all in need of mercy. Additionally, since we are all God's beloved son's and daughters, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ too. So when we judge, we are judging our brother . . . our sister . . . and thus as Mother Theresa said, "If you judge people, you have no time to love them."<br />
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What do we do to realize this mystery? We take a deep breath. We pray and ask for help. May I suggest asking for St. Veronica's intercession? Asking her to show you Jesus as she recognized him on the way to Calvary when he was bruised, beaten, dehydrated, mocked, etc to the point of not be recognizable . . . . looking like a worm (Isaiah 41:14) as a he carried the cross. When it seemed that all of the world could not see Jesus, she came to him as he carried the Cross of sins and wiped his face with a cloth to see him more clearly. The cloth allowed her to see what seemed to be ugly in the eyes of the world to be seen as the most beautiful thing amidst all of the people mocking the God of the universe. She saw with her heart, while the people mocking Jesus saw with the eyes of the world. This cloth must be wiped across our faces and hearts from time to time too. The gift of being able to love comes from accepting that when one can see with the heart, then and only then does one begin to love.<br />
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Prayer:</div>
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Come Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit.</div>
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Jesus, I fail at seeing you in others.</div>
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Jesus, I fail at loving my sisters and my brothers.</div>
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Jesus, send St. Veronica into my life forever this day,</div>
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Jesus, may she teach me how to see, to love, and to pray.</div>
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Jesus, she saw you when no one could.</div>
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Jesus, may she help this mystery be understood.</div>
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Jesus, she loved you from her heart,</div>
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Jesus, the day is yours, right now, in your name, I start.</div>
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Amen.</div>
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The Hardest part of all of this is to accept that Jesus is present in me too.</div>
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In the Mystery,</div>
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Zach Weber</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-84128096738403068852014-12-23T11:45:00.000-08:002014-12-23T12:02:17.752-08:00The Mystery of Spiritual Hibernation and Johnny Cash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well I have been listening to a lot of Johnny Cash lately. Did you know that Johnny Cash has Christian Music and that I have not been listening to a lot of Christmas Music? This may strike you as odd as Christmas approaches that I'd be listening to Johnny Cash because most people have been listening to Christmas songs. I guess I am looking at this Christmas from a different point of view. There is a human element to Johnny Cash's music that seems to have been lost in a large amount of our music today. I pulled his music out of hibernation from my memory bank and I believe we need to pull the souls that we do not see very often out of spiritual hibernation from Jesus one prayer at a time this Christmas, but we need to be willing to journey with them one step at a time. Johnny Cash speaks to the heart of the struggles of life from many different perspectives in the world and I think there are a few songs of his that need to be pulled out of the cave of hibernation and that need to be revisited.<br />
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A few songs by Johnny Cash I'd recommend listening to are: <i>"The Gospel Road" - "What On Earth" - "Have a drink of Water" - "Paradise" - "Do Lord" - "I am a Pilgrim" - "I was there when it happened" - "The Way Worn Traveler" - "Wildwood in the Pines" </i><br />
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All too often we look for what is next or what is new, <u>but do we really need new things</u>?<br />
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What if what we already have needs be <u>re-awakened </u>or <u>revisited</u> or <u>reviewed</u> or <u>renewed</u>?<br />
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What if we re-visit the places (physically or mentally or spiritually) we have visited only one time, but changed our lives forever?<br />
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Have you heard of any of the songs listed above? If not, you must ponder the lyrics. The reality of the struggle that Johnny Cash went through of living a life of holiness and struggling with the attractiveness of sin is a place for common ground for most. Johnny Cash was not perfect, but he tried to live a life of holiness. He spoke to many hearts in many different walks of life. But you know what? Jesus speaks to all hearts in any way he can to teach us how to receive his love and mercy and how to be human on this journey we call life. Our hearts speak a language and we need to listen to what moves our hearts. For example, when you listen to music, pay attention to what moves your heart and press the pause button and talk to the Lord about it. By the way, talking to Jesus about what moves our heart goes for everything in life. He is trying to tell you something about yourself or himself through the movements of your heart. We must learn to press pause in our lives. It's ok. You can do it. Relax.<br />
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Check out some of Johnny Cash's more famous songs and listen to reality of what some people go through that need the message of Jesus: <i>"Folsom Prison Blues" - "Rock Island Line" - "Country Boy" - "Doin' my time" - "One Piece at a time" </i><br />
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Maybe you are thinking, "What are you trying to get at?" Well one thing I am trying to point us to realize is that every year we have hundreds of people that come to Church only on Christmas. They come out of their habit of hibernating from Jesus and the incarnation, but never come back until the next Christmas. They come in possibly not knowing why they are there in the first place, but every year they are not invited or even acknowledged as a someone who possesses the same dignity as everyone else. However, how often do YOU reach out to one of those weary travelers who are unaware of the love and mercy of Christ?<br />
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<u><b>Here is my challenge for you this Christmas: </b></u><br />
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<li>Reach out to <b><u>one</u></b> person you see at Church on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day and talk to them about their story. Ask them questions about their family life. Ask them how they came to be who they are today.</li>
<li>The goal is to let one person feel that they are the most important person in the world for those few grace filled seconds.</li>
<li>This is not impossible. There may be one soul that just wants to be noticed or even feel loved.</li>
<li>Maybe buy a gift and bring it to Church with you and ask the Lord to reveal to you one person who may need a gift. Be Creative!</li>
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<li><b>Ask yourself:</b> Do I truly care for the salvation of anyone's soul besides my own? If you do, then go out there and take some chances. </li>
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<li>Christmas is about surprises. </li>
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<li>Surprise: God became human because he wants to save you and love you! <u>Will you surprise someone with the gift of charity and/or community this Christmas?</u></li>
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Now is the time to be "<i>doin' your time</i>" with Jesus as you travel "<i>The Gospel Road</i>" because "I am a pilgrim" and you are a pilgrim. We need to "have a drink of water" with those hibernating souls and share the living water (Jn 4 ) with those who do not know the gift of God.</div>
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You can do it! I believe in you! Now is the time to have some fun and share the good news of the Incarnation of God in the Divine Person of Jesus Christ!</div>
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This is the mystery of life: To allow our relationship with Jesus to become incarnate.</div>
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Living in the Mystery,</div>
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Zach Weber</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-8159039525998378342014-11-21T08:33:00.000-08:002014-11-25T13:11:07.766-08:00The Mystery of Thanksgiving, A Crucifix, and Musician Emma Fradd<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Well the Lord is supplying grace and it can overflowing at times in my life and sometimes it doesn't feel that way at all. I desire to share this with you all to hopefully give you hope and possibly some clarity. At times, it is tempting to wonder what is going on in our lives. How can we make sense of the troubling nonsense that seems to catch us off guard. Immediately when we are caught off guard we tend to focus on ourselves and that disposition tends to block any receptivity of turning to Jesus, who should become our main focus in life. May I recommend simply gazing at the crucifix and kissing it. Do not worry about what others think. It is time we all detach from what others think and enter into the mystery. The spiritual world is very real, but doesn't always make sense when we take our eyes off of Jesus Crucified. Does it make any sense that we are healed by the wounds of Jesus? It's a mystery that only the heart can understand because sometimes the language of love is found in mere spoken words, rather it is expressed in a physical act of sorrow that satiates our longing for heaven while we sojourn on earth.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">For Catholics the crucifix is a normal part of every Church and hopefully is a part of every home. If you do not currently have one in your home, I encourage you to purchase one, have a priest bless it this Sunday, and place it in a place that you will be seen every day. The mystery of what Jesus continues to do for us should cause us to stop often and say a prayer of thanksgiving for how he continues to teach us how to <i>divinize</i> our human nature. However, not all understand why we have a crucifix as a part of our faith and I hope to shed some light in that darkness. That darkness looks different to all of us, but we are not called to remain in darkness, we are called to remain/abide in him as he remains/abides in us (cf John 15). The crucified Christ <u>heals</u> us and St. Augustine Confirms this when he wrote, "<i>As then formerly he who looked to the serpent that was lifted up, was healed of its poison, and saved from death, so now he who is conformed to the likeness of Christ's death by faith and the grace of baptism, is delivered both from sin by justification, and from death by the resurrection: as He himself said," That whosoever believes in me shall not perish, but have life everlasting." </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">So why do we have a crucifix in our Churches and hopefully in our houses. Well, if you have been attending Mass the past few days you were being fed the Word of God from the Book of Revelation. Yesterday, the Church providentially read Revelation 5:1-10. While reading, look at the words through the perspective of a crucifix.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>1</b>And I
saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written
within and on the back, sealed with seven seals; <b>2</b>and I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud
voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" <b>3</b>And no one in heaven or on earth or under the
earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, <b>4</b>and I wept much that no one was found worthy to
open the scroll or to into into it. <b>5</b>Then one of the elders said to me, "Weep
not; lo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so
that he can open the scroll and its seven seals." <b>6</b>And between the throne and the four living creatures
and among the elders, I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with
seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out
into all the earth; <b>7</b>and
he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the
throne. <b>8</b>And when
he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders
fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of
incense, which are the prayers of the saints; <b>9</b>and they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy
art thou to take the scroll and to open its seals, for thou wast slain and by
thy blood didst ransom men for God from every tribe and tongue and people and
nation, <b>10</b>and
hast made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on earth."<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Did you see it? Did you hear the chant at the Mass before we receive our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament? <i>Lamb of God, Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the World (CF Jn 1:29 & Rev. 12:11) . </i>Think of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Who opens the word? Who alone can alone unlock the Word of God? It is the Slain Lamb, who is Jesus Christ our Paschal Lamb. Who is nailed to the Cross other than the Slain Lamb, Jesus Christ? Only he can open the Word of God that seems sealed shut when at times we try to read it and it does not speak to our hearts. However, just as at Mass, we must read his word in the presence of a crucifix. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is Biblical in more ways than I can explain, but hopefully this opens the door of your heart a little more as to why Catholics have a crucifix in every Church and hopefully in their homes. Only the lamb that was slain is worthy to receive and break open its seals for Christ was slain and his blood was purchased for God for everyone in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So how can we dive deeper into this mystery of the Crucifix? I would recommend and encourage 6 things:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1) Say you are sorry and repent (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">metanoia)</i> by turning back to daily to Jesus Christ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2) Humble yourself by getting on your knees daily and surrender your life to Jesus Christ for 30 seconds (Be not afraid – John Paul II).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">3) Ask to be an instrument of his peace daily and say please! (Saint Francis of Assisi)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">4) Carry a crucifix in your pocket daily and hold it often. This will hopefully allow you say a short prayer that allows you to remember to pray so you can remain in communion with Jesus. (Corinthians 1:23 – St. Paul: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But we preach Christ crucified</i> . . .) I often pray the Jesus prayer when I hold my crucifix to pray always.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">5) Contemplate the pierced side of Jesus. Pope Emeritus Benedict says that love begins at the pierced side of Christ (see <a href="http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20051225_deus-caritas-est_en.html">Deus Caritas Est</a>). Use your imagination creatively and pray in a disposition that he stirs in your heart. The spear that pierced Jesus’ side represents our sin and the blood and water that flows out represents birth to the Church, cleansing of our sins, and mercy for us so that we may become more merciful (CF Jn 3:30 – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He must increase, I must decrease</i>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">6) At some point in your day say a litany of thanksgiving for all that Jesus is doing. Thanksgiving is right around the corner for the world, but it should be an every day occurrence for Christians. To recognize and believe that Jesus is truly present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus in the Eucharist. To understand his true presence we must become Eucharistic - become thankful always. Yes that means for everything (think of St. Therese the Little Flower). It’ll change your life forever! This is the beautiful mystery of Catholic Theology and Psychology. The Lord can work miracles with a grateful heart and do amazing things with that heart. It’s time we stop complaining so often because it closes the eyes of our hearts to our neighbors and it is time to start saying thank you.</span></div>
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artists named <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/emma-fradd/id503961051">Emma Fradd</a>. Music has a way of bringing us closer to the things we truly desire and if we are not prudent, it can lead us down a path that has been traveled all too often that is destructive (CF Mt 7:14). However, with Emma's music, I have found a depth that is very real and speaks directly to the human condition. A few of her songs I'd recommend downloading and spending time with in prayer are: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/losing-interest/id722706922?i=722707194">Losing Interest</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cross/id722706922?i=722706997">Cross</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/confirmed-and-engraved/id722706922?i=722707033">Confirmed and Engraved</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/heavenly-physician/id503961048?i=503961298">Heavenly Physician</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wait/id503961048?i=503961311">Wait</a> and if you are tired of the technology check out <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/crowded-isolation/id722706922?i=722707060">Crowded Isolation</a> As you listen, it may be helpful to check out her lyrics: here is the link for her <a href="http://www.emmafradd.com/lyrics.php">lyrics.</a> Emma's music has helped me learn to empathize with others and to pray at the pierced side of Christ. Emma, if you ever read this, thank you for your dedication to music.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Crucifix over time ought become a part of our every day life. As we enter into the Holiday Season, may our hearts proclaim <u>Good Friday</u> and no longer succumb to the busyness <u>Black Friday</u>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is time to make every day your thanksgiving day by being Eucharistic. As we enter into Christ the King Sunday, let us proclaim in our wounded hearts that Jesus is Lord and Jesus is King. Let us surrender to allow the mystery of the Crucifix enter into us so that we may be delivered and freed from all that is not Christ in our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Zach Weber</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-89047736304145987542014-11-09T06:23:00.000-08:002014-11-13T18:06:33.047-08:00The Mystery of One Talk & Discipleship & AdventVery rarely in life do we listen to one CD and want to give it away because it changed our lives. I can recount the number of music CD's that I purchased as a kid and when I really loved one of the CD's I would hold on to it forever. If I brought it over to a friends house I would make sure I didn't leave it there because of how much I connected with the music. Maybe you can relate to having similar circumstances. What would've happened if we shared that CD with a friend so it could change their life? Would the CD have been good for them or worse?<br />
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<b><u>Disciples Spread the Good News</u></b>: For those of you who do not know, I felt the call to the priesthood at the <a href="http://www.menofchrist.net/">Men of Christ Conference</a> on January 17th, 2007. That day I was fed in so many different ways, but ultimately I was fed with the truth. The speakers were passionate, funny, honest, zealous, and ultimately were on fire with the Holy Spirit. As I left that conference, my brother PJ went to the table of <a href="http://thereasonforourhope.org/product-category/mp3/">Fr. Larry Richards</a> and purchased a few talks on CD called "The Truth," "Confession" and "The Mass." PJ listened to them a few days later and asked me listen to them because he was so amazed at how much truth the Holy Spirit was feeding him with. The talk on confession is what I heard at the Men of Christ Conference and I have never been the same since. PJ couldn't get enough because of how the truth helps the soul heal. He had to share it with someone else. We began to ask more frequently "why does the Church do that? instead of only looking at what the Church says.<br />
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<b><u>Meeting you where you are at: </u></b>I didn't understand too much about what I professed to believe every Sunday. As I started to discern the call to be a disciple of Jesus it wasn't easy because I knew next to nothing about the Catholic Faith and the Priesthood. If there is one thing I've learned about the Catholic Church and the Priesthood it is that if you know next to little or nothing about it, then it can intimidate you or even seem pointless. One talk by Father Donald Calloway changed my life because of his radical conversion story. I could relate to the tension he was going through. I'd highly recommend listening to his story called <a href="http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/title/no-turning-back#">No Turning Back</a>. However, over time, I came to know through different CD's how the Catholic Liturgy is so Biblical it started to bring me to tears as to what I felt the Lord was calling me to discern priesthood as his disciple. Can you believe that at one point in my life I didn't know what it meant to be Catholic or what the difference between being a Catholic or Christian was? (The Lord met me where I was at with my pridefulness and lack of Catechesis) With 35,000 different denominations calling themselves Christian, there has to be one true Church where it all started. I started to ask questions like:<i> What came first the Bible or the Church? What do we mean by God when we say God?</i> I was confused about all of the different denominations and these CD's helped me see with more clarity. Many of the talks I listened to were defended by converts from Protestant denominations or Judaism. Additionally, the culture says that I should be making as much money as possible, diving into all of my passions with women, and not worrying about the consequences. <i>What does the Church have to say about that?</i> Then I heard Christopher West talk about the Theology of the Body and I found John Paul II's teaching calling me to a life of virtue and continence. Also, <i>what about marriage and homosexuality?</i> Fr. Mike Schmitz talk <a href="http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/title/from-love-by-love-for-love">From Love, By Love, For Love</a> blew me away. These CD's have helped me look for the why first in the Church instead of only focusing on the what. I am not a bookworm because I do not read right away to get interested in a subject. I'd consider myself more of a tapeworm (audio orientated) when learning a subject. If you like books, most websites that have different talks on the faith sell books too. Typically, by word of mouth or by a CD/MP3 I will get interested and then begin to do some reading. It's still a mystery to me to this day how God is working through media in a positive way.<br />
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<u><b>Disciples Press Pause in Prayer or for Prayer:</b></u> Just one CD changed my life and helped me to become more comfortable with the call to a disciple of Jesus Christ. I would go back to the CD's/MP3's over and over. The most important part of the talks is to pray with the themes/topics or press pause when something strikes your heart. The Lord desires us to talk to him through prayer when our heart is moved. I can remember going on long drives (sometimes 10 hours to Saint Meinrad Seminary) and pressing pause very often to talk to the Lord in prayer about something I just heard or when listening to a talk on the passion being moved to tears by the passion of Christ. (<i>To grow in prayer is to move slow in prayer.</i>) There would be times when I was working out, mowing the lawn, etc when I would be listening to a certain talk and I'd be drawn to talk to Jesus about it. Most importantly, these talks helped me thirst for the Eucharist and for authentic community. Everything around me began to feel lacking when it wasn't supplemented with a truth or an invitation to look for a deeper reality with myself or others. These talks helped me discern the call to greatness as a disciple of Jesus Christ in his Church. We can even listen to the <a href="http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/title/truth-and-life-dramatized-audio-bible">Bible on CD</a> or apps on our phones now. Our excuses to not encounter Christ are dwindling by the hour.<br />
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<b><u>Recommendation:</u></b> Start! We all have to start somewhere. It is a lie that you are too old or too young. Don't fall into that trap. There are so many rich sources out there and when we hear the truth, our hearts will be moved by the Holy Spirt to help us desire it more and more. We are not idiots or stupid. When truth confronts us to make a choice, we have the freedom to engage it or wonder what could have been for days, months, and even years. Now is the time to engage your heart for the rest of your life. Here are a few places to start engaging your call to discipleship and the call to greatness: </div>
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<a href="http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/">Lighthouse Catholic Media</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.wordonfire.org/">Fr. Barron's Word on Fire (Check out the Sunday Homily Page)</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.umdcatholic.org/homiliesmain">Fr. Mike Schmitz Homilies (Great for High School and College Students)</a><br />
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<a href="http://dynamiccatholic.com/parish-book-program/parish-book-program-book-catalog/#cd">Matthew Kelly's "Dynamic Catholic</a>"<br />
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<a href="http://saintjoe.net/brands/MP3-Downloads.html?page=2&sort=featured">St. Joseph Communications</a><br />
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<b><u>Prayer is the most important:</u> I am saving the best for last! </b>If we need to learn how to do anything, it is to learn how to pray. Often we miss the point of prayer in America because we are so focused on results, production, and numbers. We want to see results happening, but that's not the purpose of prayer. To add to that, we struggle with silence at first, but that's normal in this noisy culture. \We don't know what to do with it because silence magnifies our most dominate thoughts and if they are not holy then we tend to become anxious. Our thoughts will not always be holy because of our disordered desires from concupiscence. After a while, it the silence will become more peaceful and natural. A few of resources I've come across on prayer are:<br />
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<a href="http://thereasonforourhope.org/product/prayer/">Prayer - Fr. Larry</a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/title/glimpses-along-the-way-of-the-cross#">Glimpses Along the Way of the Cross</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm#">Catechism: 2725-2758</a><br />
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There are so many sources on prayer and we need pray about who to share them with.<br />
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I'm sure that there are more resources than this, but it's a great place to start. One CD or one MP3 could change your life forever and you may just want to share it with someone else. It's an invitation to be who you were created to be: a beloved disciple and to be strengthened in mind, body, and soul. If one of these talks touches your heart then share it with someone.<br />
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Have I given you enough resources to start with or to think about? I sure hope so, but the last three I will recommend are on Christmas and Advent. We are entering into the season of the mystery of the incarnation very soon! The Incarnation is the foundation of our faith.<br />
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<a href="http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/title/the-true-meaning-of-christmas#">The True Meaning of Christmas by Blessed Fulton J. Sheen</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/title/journey-through-advent-liturgical-cycle-b#">Journey through Advent - Fr. Barron</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/title/the-mystery-of-christmas#">The Mystery of Christmas by Fr. Larry Richards</a><br />
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Living in the mystery and casting into the deep,<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-69545464043099265522014-10-19T18:40:00.000-07:002014-10-19T18:56:35.214-07:00The Mystery of Sacrificial Love, More Beautiful Than France<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chartres Cathedral, France</td></tr>
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This past week I had the opportunity to pilgrimage to France with 35 seminarians and 2 priests. It was a life changing experience. We visited Paris, Chartres, Normandy, Ars, etc. However, this morning at Mundelein Seminary we had the dedication of the Saint John Paul II Chapel. The beauty I saw there was more beautiful than all of the saints I saw in France because I saw<br />
a saint who is living in deep deep pain from his battle with cancer.<br />
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Francis Cardinal George dedicated the seminary chapel with a mysteriously deep sense of Christ. He processed in on crutches. He walked to the ambo on crutches to give his homily. He walked from the presiders chair to dedicate the atlar on crutches. It was obvious that he was in pain, but he was loving his bride (the Church) with everything he had. He didn't complain, rather he seemed aware that his agonizing pain was not the focus and he needed to show the seminarians how to suffer with composure. How does someone who has cancer not complain? I was deeply moved by how he desires to love his bride to the end of his life as Christ did. Cardinal George spoke about how the time may be near for him to pass from this life and enter into the next with a calm and confident disposition. It was hard to hear at first and the apostles of the time of Jesus had a similar reaction when Jesus predicted his death (Mark 8:31-38). It seemed to me as if Cardinal George has now entered into the mystery of suffering that witnesses to a beauty that cathedrals and saints cannot bring.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Mm8rX8gWEwoSzwh5jgG0WCk_JKTRkBpKZ5tow5UfFxdRbGP3pYmZPuD-bnd12x1muf8DffBklMz-4vEGSAP-JnRmIjkFLlBd8l-YvVZUqz_OKZACEKLuMcvrxqPerRMy1EUUktPfei83/s1600/cardinalgeorge.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Mm8rX8gWEwoSzwh5jgG0WCk_JKTRkBpKZ5tow5UfFxdRbGP3pYmZPuD-bnd12x1muf8DffBklMz-4vEGSAP-JnRmIjkFLlBd8l-YvVZUqz_OKZACEKLuMcvrxqPerRMy1EUUktPfei83/s1600/cardinalgeorge.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardinal Francis George</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQDQUN0y9oszXYP0-QIeauJUIhvVGNkkCf3Usg-Dw0ltgHVKxNhTX3eG1pmWPaiQsMPDc772oNiapNRDnJ3I5iRWppXmQMUE_o6S7VPOWRoWqgICvLnzqM21bT9Ccbwjxa1PUVGk1aiBw/s1600/JPII.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQDQUN0y9oszXYP0-QIeauJUIhvVGNkkCf3Usg-Dw0ltgHVKxNhTX3eG1pmWPaiQsMPDc772oNiapNRDnJ3I5iRWppXmQMUE_o6S7VPOWRoWqgICvLnzqM21bT9Ccbwjxa1PUVGk1aiBw/s1600/JPII.jpeg" height="145" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint JPII with Parkinson's Disease</td></tr>
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The witness (<i>martyria)</i> of the living saint never ceases to move the heart to an interior experience of God. To know that Saint John Paul II battled Parkinson's Disease while loving his bride to the end gave witness to thousands of people who now love Jesus because of that authentic witness. Cardinal George is following a very similar path. It is apparent his health is fading, but that doesn't change his desire to love his bride while he's in pain. To love one's spouse while in deep agonizing pain is what Christ did and continues to do. To witness the most incomprehensible pain of a son being tortured, hated, scourged, mocked, spat upon, embarrassed, and ultimately crucified is what Mary did. Through power of the Holy Spirit God continues to witness through his beloved saints. The mystery of witnessing to a love that surpasses all loves is incredibly inspiring and simply beautiful. The witness of sacrificial love inspires other saints to the same thing. That is how I hope we all want to live and to love: Till the end, without complaining, and accepting God's will with a firm confidence that we served Jesus to the best of our ability to give all the glory to God the Father.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XyqlM_7KnNto_j7ZlW-hXhlyGCguC-aj9x_A2cVfhq1km4inpVnseaanapVHjyjH0Dsi9r4HmXzvJBO99zs3aQSI-Fb9_XlQEihw0yga05zYbKONCnzcXgaYJ2zaZOjE3hmmv0vo6ntk/s1600/IMG_0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XyqlM_7KnNto_j7ZlW-hXhlyGCguC-aj9x_A2cVfhq1km4inpVnseaanapVHjyjH0Dsi9r4HmXzvJBO99zs3aQSI-Fb9_XlQEihw0yga05zYbKONCnzcXgaYJ2zaZOjE3hmmv0vo6ntk/s1600/IMG_0893.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture of Saint John Paul II in the Chapel</td></tr>
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Living in the Mystery,<br />
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Zach Weber<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-46624817650967689192014-09-04T13:18:00.000-07:002014-09-07T06:10:02.587-07:00The Mystery of Listening and the Other Side<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>As a cradle Catholic I sometimes take for granted the scriptures that serve as a point of proof when it comes to the Sacraments. I've heard arguments that prove the truth of the Sacraments in the Church from the Bible and I've heard and seen and even experienced how humanizing they are from a psychological/emotional point of view. It is normal to have someone you can trust in life and ask him or her for forgiveness while admitting your failures. However, it is even more reassuring to know that you are truly forgiven. Jesus knew this and he asks us to listen to him. We need to remember that God is not dumb or a fool. Specifically I am speaking about the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession. The encounter with Christ in the Sacraments is powerful, life changing, and ultimately it is TRUE! This Sunday we will hear the Gospel from Matthew 18. Jesus says: </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>"<i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Amen, I say to you,</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven,</span></i></b><b><i><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven</span></i></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">."</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is one of the many places in scripture where we find the Sacraments in the Bible. When I was first beginning to journey with the Lord as his disciple, I saw this and said, "<i>Sweet! There it is. Biblical truth that supports the Church's teaching on the Sacrament of Confession. Jesus is speaking directly to his Apostles who handed down the faith throughout the history of the Church</i>." I am convinced (from experience and witnesses of other people) of the healing power of the Sacrament of Confession. Additionally, it is very normal and human to confess ones sins to another. However, now that I am discerning the priesthood I am on <i>the other side</i>. I am thinking about what it will be like to hear confessions and keep the seal forever. I am thinking about how to allow Christ to work through me so I may listen effectively to truly be as conformed to Christ as I can at the time. </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Earlier in the Gospel of Matthew Jesus says: </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">"<i>If your brother sins against you,</i></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. </span></i></b><b><i><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">If he listens to you, you have won over your brother."</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Did you catch that?</span></b><b style="color: white;"> </b><b style="color: white;"><u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">IF HE LISTENS TO YOU.</span></u></b><b style="color: white;"> </b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b style="color: white;">Now that I am discerning the other side of the confessional and of this Gospel I must become a man who listens. I will still participate in the Confession often (God willing as a priest), but things will definitely change if I become a priest and hear confessions. We hear it all of the time in the seminary that </b><u><b><span style="color: white;">the people of God do not necessarily care what we say as long as we </span><span style="color: yellow;">listen</span><span style="color: white;"> and people know that they are </span><span style="color: yellow;">heard</span><span style="color: white;">. </span></b></u><b style="color: white;">Listening for the person being spoken to is an act of the will and boy it can be difficult at times, but it will not always be that way. Sometimes listening in a deep conversation can be as simple as replying, "Yes, oh my, ok, nice, that's great, wow, etc." Listening doesn't always mean having the answer or finding the solution. I have found this true in life thus far with people who either can't accept the fact that they don't go to to Church anymore or if they have been hurt or betrayed in some way. (This woundedness can take many forms)</b></span><span style="color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> Listening to someone who has been waiting to speak to someone they can trust can be simply related to the way you and I used to be or may be currently are in our prayer lives. This would be our (early) prayer life: <i>We talk and talk.......and talk.......and talk....and talk. </i> Jesus patiently waits and maybe even says a few words and we keep talking while he patiently listens. However, when we patiently listen to him</span></b><b> </b><u><b><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">he wins us over</span></i></b><b> </b></u><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><u>because he calls to a life of simplicity, patience, virtue, holiness, etc</u>. Essentially, Jesus invites us to a life of happiness and joy that is not of this world. There will still be struggles, but God will give us a sense of assurance through his bride the Chruch. He always provides. <u>If</u> we listen in prayer it will not seem like a burden to listen to those around us. We will actively participate in the life of Christ. The Gospels will come alive in our very midst. Our one encounter with Jesus will turn into many encounters with Jesus. We will re-encounter him who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present. We will grow in empathy for Jesus for all of the times we didn't listen in prayer and we will grow in compassion as we listen to others by learning what it is like to be his disciple. </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVc-KHg1iZpJRqRFVDq2YXPFDecTL0_iLWo08vaabyURLrUqQJ0mkpO_VRdljg4nZLn6_zKoFz6vMvbVmxVyBLO5ekhujOxm_pahTWQ6Obc82uU4pk7i-9TDFSvZtb72vC4Ov6DomI_pq/s1600/images+(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVc-KHg1iZpJRqRFVDq2YXPFDecTL0_iLWo08vaabyURLrUqQJ0mkpO_VRdljg4nZLn6_zKoFz6vMvbVmxVyBLO5ekhujOxm_pahTWQ6Obc82uU4pk7i-9TDFSvZtb72vC4Ov6DomI_pq/s1600/images+(1).jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Once we are willing to listen and be listened to we will come to know the transforming power of the Sacrament of Confession. We all confess our sins in one fashion or another, whether it is outside of the Sacrament or not. However, are we listening? Or are we thinking about the past, the future, etc all of the time? <u>Jesus is most present to us when we listen or when we are receptive/passive</u>. As I discern the other side of Matthew 18, please pray for me that I learn the gift of listening while in seminary formation and I will continue to pray for you.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRNfLhUHvRDyCkW7g-UuQdURK3VH2JVlsDOfKyxKV4JHABYqS-ooUnD5T_tJdvpcylJjF_K2RZi2Sq4m44FoPoGIYP4XVWRIhkZxMWJ76XY8lf0b4p_XL1ll8KjfIb0odFtQUHH_Gy50y/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRNfLhUHvRDyCkW7g-UuQdURK3VH2JVlsDOfKyxKV4JHABYqS-ooUnD5T_tJdvpcylJjF_K2RZi2Sq4m44FoPoGIYP4XVWRIhkZxMWJ76XY8lf0b4p_XL1ll8KjfIb0odFtQUHH_Gy50y/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe your face looks like this and you say, "This is what I do now!"</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: white;">Lastly, where do you start to learn how to listen? Right now! If you think that you can't do it or have been making excuses throughout your reading of this blog then the evil one has been feeding you lies. Ask Jesus to bless the hell out of your life. It's a fun and powerful prayer. </span><u style="color: white;">Spend some time with the Silent Jesus.</u><span style="color: white;"> Pope Benedict Emeritus said, "The first language of God is silence." Learn to be comfortable with silence. </span><span style="color: yellow;">Here is your challenge</span><span style="color: white;">: Turn OFF the cell phone, tv, computer, ipod, radio, etc. Notice the things around you and repeat a simple prayer that will help engage your heart and mind. Take some deep breaths. Relax into your prayer. It will take time because the Evil One knows where this could all lead to (HAPPINESS, PEACE, JOY, ZEAL, PASSION FOR CHRIST, ETC). Start with 5 minutes. It will be a struggle at times, but the sacrifice will bear much fruit. It might not make sense right away, but that's the mystery in it all. It doesn't have to make sense right away. If we learn to accept this, our lives will never be the same.</span></span></b><span style="color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Living in the mystery!</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Zach Weber</span></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-62923375407684591602014-08-14T14:07:00.002-07:002014-08-14T14:12:11.964-07:00The Mystery of the Earthquake and the Running Man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, everything is shaking around me. It's an earthquake, yet this one is big. 7.1 to be exact. I know this is not normal. So what does a seminarian do at 5:15 in the morning? He prays! I prayed a Hail Mary as the picture on the wall swung like a pendulum on the wall and different things fell off of my shelf for 20 seconds. Then once it stopped I went out in the hall and saw the running man. He said, "Are you guys ok?" We all said we were fine. The running man told us to stay out in the hallway for a little bit, then he ran off to check on his sons.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fr. Joel, OSB</td></tr>
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The running man's name is Fr. Joel. He is a Benedictine Monk of Marmion Abbey in Illinois. While studying in Guatemala he brought a group of high school men down to help serve the poor. He did not expect to encounter an earthquake, yet he did. He ran to his sons to make sure they were safe. What story in scripture does this sound like to you? Immediately as I reflected on this moment in Guatemala while I was mowing the lawn yesterday (yes, I know it's a weird time to reflect) I thought of the Prodigal Son parable (see Luke 15). Yet, how often we do not run to the one's we care for. However, I would recommend running to prayer first. Run to to Eucharist where Jesus is truly present body, blood, soul, and divinity. Run to grab your Bible. Encounter Christ in the Scriptures. Run to grab your Rosary and ask the Blessed Mother for help. Run to grab your Catechism and pray.<br />
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Whether we like to admit it or not, we all have had events in our lives that literally feel like Earthquakes. Yet, the Father runs to us to make sure we are ok. He runs to his children in many different ways and we need to have a passive disposition. Psalm 46 says, "Be Still and Know that I am God." If we can internalize these of words truth, comfort, and trust then what else matters?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNoeb3Q5ggH_JRHHT_2tQh_Uer1yzyOqXfMYpg6LpfKv4XWXMfJsMUNBibZnDRL87nCLW-AIO2ud-fG4ZJ4nVbjQoHrL30SuZobEAxaQHf8JFSCbTij5HZ1RDNhiWUmEIMSSYaEdfydvW/s1600/earthquake.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNoeb3Q5ggH_JRHHT_2tQh_Uer1yzyOqXfMYpg6LpfKv4XWXMfJsMUNBibZnDRL87nCLW-AIO2ud-fG4ZJ4nVbjQoHrL30SuZobEAxaQHf8JFSCbTij5HZ1RDNhiWUmEIMSSYaEdfydvW/s1600/earthquake.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes we try to cross the roads that have been<br />
destroyed by earthquakes. Maybe we are not supposed<br />
to travel across them. Maybe it is God that is supposed<br />
cross the beaten road and allow him to come to us.</td></tr>
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Stay in the mystery.<br />
Reflect on the events of life.<br />
You never know, God might just reveal himself to you while you are mowing the lawn.<br />
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God Bless!<br />
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Zach<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-74201894566315298062014-07-20T13:46:00.002-07:002014-07-20T17:43:46.198-07:00The Mystery of the Poor - Tears for Bread & Thanksgiving<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpe-bviSJLNt6c9AncuqydhAHYWyyYfHhl_g28O5xit4zZN_Df3jKvZnj1WBgdEaqQoSgfaUqYjR93QqcS-D8KwBdIyhh6XYw8gd2DHkM7r0Uhpd9UpFXioAu9NY2FVEXvpnji6ybNFDCx/s1600/jonzach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpe-bviSJLNt6c9AncuqydhAHYWyyYfHhl_g28O5xit4zZN_Df3jKvZnj1WBgdEaqQoSgfaUqYjR93QqcS-D8KwBdIyhh6XYw8gd2DHkM7r0Uhpd9UpFXioAu9NY2FVEXvpnji6ybNFDCx/s1600/jonzach.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Gratto </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for us!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Without a doubt the poor in Guatemala have pierced my heart and I have been drawing </span><span style="font-size: large;">tears for bread </span><span style="font-size: large;">from the experiences. When I first arrived hear in early June I had a deep sense of God wanting me to be here to teach me new things about sacrifice and serving. The adjustment to living in a climate that is 7000 feet above sea level while learning a new language has been a different experience of exhaustion. Around our third day here we walked down to the local Wal-Mart to pick up some odds and ends while getting to know the city a little. The Mall is very close by and as we walked I saw some people begging for money. The poor. It became really real. At the time, the Mother Teresa Quotes kept running through my head and heart: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Love to be real, it must cost—it must hurt—it must empty us of self.....</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">When a poor person dies of hunger it has not happened because God did not take care of him or her. It has happened because neither you nor I wanted to give that person what he or she needed....</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">If you judge people then you don't have time to love them....</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">We need silence to be able touch souls...</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65eJpsm3UXy6LL3Ufe2_RR3xF6gUmnb3bLQofr0TDKVCe-AC9KUrj44z6RAvJgfJlXdXJa64lkjtVlbgxVhO2RKUN140VErB-rDp5gojuJuxlbPYFKpvQAPM0NN3soTlvriEMnzk8wNAR/s1600/motherteresa.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65eJpsm3UXy6LL3Ufe2_RR3xF6gUmnb3bLQofr0TDKVCe-AC9KUrj44z6RAvJgfJlXdXJa64lkjtVlbgxVhO2RKUN140VErB-rDp5gojuJuxlbPYFKpvQAPM0NN3soTlvriEMnzk8wNAR/s1600/motherteresa.jpeg" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px;">Each one of them is Jesus in disguise....</span><span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px;">Hungry for love, He looks at you. Thirsty for kindness, He begs of you. Naked for loyalty, He hopes in you. Homeless for shelter in your heart, He asks of you. Will you be that one to Him? </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;">You can't feed just the body without feeding the soul. You must feed the body and the soul.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">THE LIST GOES ON AND ON.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucOk31YbWMA_2oefojuv2lu6_XHjsWmNkv4qG5Ry3RtneFjaCpXbsvsSwfRzKPxF6XNOxMuYPAEUHJKct1vWNOS1q-4gsbwmOKumcqLEuJzluMr8574XYYBd27Yc1LmbP274iFEJOBYKn/s1600/Fr.+Quinn.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucOk31YbWMA_2oefojuv2lu6_XHjsWmNkv4qG5Ry3RtneFjaCpXbsvsSwfRzKPxF6XNOxMuYPAEUHJKct1vWNOS1q-4gsbwmOKumcqLEuJzluMr8574XYYBd27Yc1LmbP274iFEJOBYKn/s1600/Fr.+Quinn.jpeg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Fr. Quinn Mann</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 26px;">Then as I continued to pray about the poor in Guatemala and a quote from Fr. Quinn Mann, founder of Catholic Youth Expeditions (<a href="http://cyexpeditions.org/staff/#/father-quinn/">Brief Bio of Father Quinn Mann </a>) came into my heart of which I am very grateful for. This past December Fr. Quinn pulled me aside and said "Zach, every time I watch the movie <u>Moneyball</u> I think of you. In the movie the guys are trying too hard and the GM of the team tells the players, "You don't always have to go for the double play, let the game come to you." Zach, Let the game come to you. It's been on my heart to tell you this. Let the game come to you." So I began to pray with this quote in my heart to become more passive and let the game aka God's will come to me. It changed my experience of prayer forever.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 26px;">If you have not read my last blog you may want to start there before reading any further. <a href="http://mysterium-vitae.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-mystery-of-boy-without-hands.html">The Mystery of the Boy without Hands</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 26px;">One weekend here the seminarians were walking back from a day in Central Park and as we left Wal-Mart, we walked across the street via causeway. They do not have side walks like we do in the United States so they have structures that allow you to walk over the road in heavy traffic areas. As we walked over the street on this particular day we saw a girl who was possibly 10-13 years old passed out, very dirty, no shoes, and with very little clothing laying on the causeway alone. We all were struck. We walked passed her and my heart was struck with tears for bread. I didn't know whether to tap her on the shoulder or what to do. I couldn't keep walking with the others. Enough is enough. "GIVE MY PEOPLE BREAD ZACH! STOP PASSING BY THE POOR!" (This is what I heard in my heart) I turned around and placed a granola bar by her hand and said a short prayer. A few of us decided to go to the local Orphanage the next day. This is where Lord started revealing himself to us in a new way. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 26px;">As I prayed that night, an experience of deep intimacy with the Lord and His Word kept echoing in my soul from the summer at IPF. The Story of </span></span><a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/luke/10" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 26px;">The Good Samaritan</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 26px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 26px;"> in the Gospel of Luke 10:29-37 was reminding me of what kind of Priest God is calling me to be and what kind of priest I am not called to be. If God continues to guide me down this path <i>I am called to be a priest that is Pure Patient Mercy</i>. Being patient with others and with myself is one of my biggest struggles. Also, to be merciful with others and with myself is the other area of struggle. If God continues to conform my heart into the heart of one of his priests I am not called to be a priest who passes by the poor. I <u>must</u> stop and become pure patient mercy. These are the son's and daughter's of God. God willing if I become a priest, these will be my spiritual son's and daughter's. Genuine Father's sacrifice for their children.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Tth2Hp-lOEkn5HrhEKZit5L43zLcrtvBu0mK-cnkofBGNhWUmGtEw4sUQWm2dw8SCZM9GcKLdsMkjRbFKPOH5e5WkflbrZu4bTQcpUd1R-WHUKLmxVWYXoA0mM0xmG4cHVd4QIyRsBdc/s1600/ZacXelaPan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Tth2Hp-lOEkn5HrhEKZit5L43zLcrtvBu0mK-cnkofBGNhWUmGtEw4sUQWm2dw8SCZM9GcKLdsMkjRbFKPOH5e5WkflbrZu4bTQcpUd1R-WHUKLmxVWYXoA0mM0xmG4cHVd4QIyRsBdc/s1600/ZacXelaPan.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">At XelaPan</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFUob77XhszJCF36V0l8EhptmKJxNapk3LbT8hYCJZjYGS6LHnzM5PoKdKG2vgcZvWZolmYm6X_62WFtXCFgLDbzSMMnaX04kpGROGmsetU2QLDpknbkyErd_1K0Ep3uRWw00on8iN9Fp/s1600/zachjonpatricia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFUob77XhszJCF36V0l8EhptmKJxNapk3LbT8hYCJZjYGS6LHnzM5PoKdKG2vgcZvWZolmYm6X_62WFtXCFgLDbzSMMnaX04kpGROGmsetU2QLDpknbkyErd_1K0Ep3uRWw00on8iN9Fp/s1600/zachjonpatricia.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Patricia, Jon, and I</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 26px;">Experience 1</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 26px;">Fellow Seminarian Jon Thorsen and myself were on our way to meet up with the volunteers from <a href="http://marmion.org/s/1356/academy/start.aspx?sid=1356&gid=1&pgid=365">Marmion Abbey & Academy</a> that were visiting for the week. Jon and I had a staff member named Patricia visiting from Mundelein to check in and see how the experience of Guatemala was going. Our plan to meet up with Patricia and the Marmion Group was changed as we arrived about an hour earlier than we expected. Jon and I sat down to wait and a man approached Jon to sell him rugs. Jon said he didn't have any money for rugs, but the man persisted. Eventually Patricia found us and by this time Jon had 4 rugs on his lap. Then a poor man asked Jon and I for some money, but we said we only had money for bread. I had some french fries from McDonalds that I gave the man, but he still persisted. Again, Mother Teresa was interceding for us as we brought the man over to a nearby baker called "XelaPan." Patricia and Jon went inside to buy the man some bread and I waited outside. As they came out I asked the man if we could pray for him. What a blessed experience. We prayed an Our Father and asked the Blessed Mother to watch over this man. We did our best to feed his body as well as his soul. We only had money for bread is what we say now when people ask us about this experience.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMkhmB_rC_FEeoM3CQ3ov8v8xwxvj7EGa6zxjwjZ4tZZcvl4_2cG8VoDlvCFBsT1TYJgxLmGMxqmSR2Fgx4iaB0tCFAUD0G38xvEvqBWaMs4mL8H_vYMrBJnW11p85G3flFWNA-EWX7lq/s1600/fiverfingergospel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMkhmB_rC_FEeoM3CQ3ov8v8xwxvj7EGa6zxjwjZ4tZZcvl4_2cG8VoDlvCFBsT1TYJgxLmGMxqmSR2Fgx4iaB0tCFAUD0G38xvEvqBWaMs4mL8H_vYMrBJnW11p85G3flFWNA-EWX7lq/s1600/fiverfingergospel.jpeg" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY59BxlEYspVgduY7QkA50e6zH6yl50k406n1vxbqAjwdo7N04RheCXHyLLmnck9AdYcJfdTz1g4AxKu4xtYc9XXYd6dFBpkhHPoC2R6jG1tyTrQAA6SMSqwkrKAZLmNg07ypfeviHKw9L/s1600/JonRugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY59BxlEYspVgduY7QkA50e6zH6yl50k406n1vxbqAjwdo7N04RheCXHyLLmnck9AdYcJfdTz1g4AxKu4xtYc9XXYd6dFBpkhHPoC2R6jG1tyTrQAA6SMSqwkrKAZLmNg07ypfeviHKw9L/s1600/JonRugs.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Jon and the Man with Rugs</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 26px;">Some of the seminarians visited the Orphanage and I was struck at how rich the poor are and how poor I am. In the United States, we seem to think that being poor means not having any money. That is a lie because these son's and daughter's of God had nothing, yet they were rich in joy. Most of them were unable to talk and some were unable to see, yet they were happy. (</span></span><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 26px;">Being poor stretches across many different criteria.)</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 26px;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 26px;"> I was blessed for the past two weekends to visit the orphanage. I was able to detach from one of my vices that I struggle with and that is vice is Vanity. Essentially vanity is worrying about what others think when you make a decision rather than being concerned only with God. I was able to hold hands with blind children, play catch with plastic balls with very deformed people, and to roll around on a dirty floor with a little girl who has Down Syndrome. The ages range from babies to people in their 40's. We were able to push some of the children around in their wheel chairs. We were able to feed the children. I even had the opportunity to hold a little boy who was probably about one year old and felt his wet pants against my arm. Yes that means that he wetted himself. However, he snuggled right up against my shoulder and was so happy to be held. (What a great image to bring to prayer. Try it! It's exactly what God wants to do with us. He doesn't care if we are full of sin, he just wants to hold us.) Most of these children were abandoned because they are not beautiful in the World's Eyes. However, they are beautiful to God. The last experience that the Lord revealed to me in the visit yesterday was pushing a young boy around the courtyard and allowing some of the SUN or should I say SON shine on him. So when it was possible I allowed the sun to shine on him, yet at the same time I was able to allow the Son to shine on me as I pushed God's son. THE MYSTERY! What joy it brings to the heart that thirsts for authentic love.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-size: large;">On Friday a few of us stopped by XelaPan. It was Brian's (one of the seminarians) last day here, so we all decided to join him on his trip to XelaPan. While there I encountered a girl who could not have been more than 15 years old and she asked me for some money for milk for her baby. She was so innocent and shy as she held her child. She reminded me so much of Mary. Poor, innocent, and was not afraid to ask for help. My gut told me to give her some money. I needed to buy some bread first so I could break down a large bill. After I purchased some bread I gave her some money and said a prayer in the depth of my heart. What would you do? The poor need our help. I was struck by her humility. She was patient, she was polite, and she had a baby. I believe that the Lord has blessed me with situations like these to help conform my heart unto a servants heart. Why? Because that is the life of Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 20:28 Jesus says, "T</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">he Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px;"> for many.”</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 26px;">In the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 25 Jesus says, </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 26px;">"</span><span style="line-height: 22px;"><i>And the king will say to them in reply, Amen, I say to you, <u>whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me</u></i></span><span style="line-height: 26px;"><i><u>.</u></i>"</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 26px;"> Why do we serve the poor? We serve the poor because Christ is the poor. If your heart is not moved by those with less than you then it might be time to get on your knees and repent. Blessed Mother Teresa lived the F<u>ive Finger Gospel</u>. She would say, that you do unto the least of mine (and as she pointed to her fingers she would say) <b>1.You 2. Do 3. It. 4. To 5. Me. </b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 26px;">Now, whenever I travel into the city I always bring food with me. Money is not the solution. I give what I have and try to pray with the people if they are willing. If not, I stop and say a prayer for them. If I am unable to give some food I make the sign of the cross as I pass by them. Have I shed tears over my experiences with the poor? YES! The Lord has turned my tears into bread for the poor. These are Son's and Daughters of Christ. They have pierced my heart. I wish I could tell more stories of the people I've encountered, but I'll save those for the next time I see you in person.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 26px;"> I would like to thank the Diocese of Green Bay for sending me here. I would like to thank Fr. Quinn Mann for his advice. I would like to thank Amador Vargas for giving me the book "The Way of a Pilgrim" because he rarely ever traveled without bread. I would like to thank Fr. Anthony, OSB from St. Meinrad for reminding me to lower myself to the level of God's people. (For those of you who do not know I am six feet four inches tall) Fr. Anthony said, "Match your eyes and heart with those you serve whenever you can." I'd also like to thank my 9th grade teacher Mr. Wyrembek who said, "There are two types of people in this world. People that live for themselves and people that live for others." Lastly, thank you to all of you who pray for me. Wow. Through your prayers the Lord is changing my heart in ways I could've never imagined. It's all grace. ALL IS GRACE. Thank you for changing my tears into tears for bread for the poor. The tears of the poor are the tears that ask for this bread.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">For More Photos ://www.guatesol.ch/fotos-hogar_es.html</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-87499754931723663152014-07-07T06:41:00.000-07:002015-07-03T06:07:24.868-07:00The Mystery of the Boy without Hands<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">Yesterday the seminarians studying here at San Jose Language Academy and some high school volunteers from Marmion Abbey visited Santiago, Guatemala. We had to drive about an hour or so and then we took boats across the lake to arrive at Santiago. We visited the room where Fr. Stanley Rother was shot and killed. (Visit http://fatherstanleyrotherguild.org/ for more info) We also visited the place where his heart and blood are kept. It was a very powerful experience to pray for all of you. </span></span></span><br />
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</span><span style="color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You might be asking yourself, wow that's really interesting, but the title of this blog is "The Mystery of the Boy without Hands." Did Fr. Stanley not have any hands? Fr. Stanley did have hands and in order to become an ordained minister in the Catholic Church you must have hands. That's where the story gets interesting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we traveled across the lake back to San Pedro we went to get some food for lunch. We stopped at a place where we could all fit and then started to order. Miguel, a seminarian from Richmond Diocese noticed a boy begging quietly for food as we began to order. Miguel asked our leader to ask the owner of the restaurant if we could buy him some food. The owner said that would be fine. Miguel is about as tall as I am so he kneeled down to this little boy and asked him if he would like some food. Miguel ordered him some food and the only place open at the table was next to me. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I slowly asked the boy in spanish what his name was. He said he is name was Oscar. I found out that he was 10 years old, his birthday is on the 21st of July, he goes to school in a town very close to where we were, he loves soccer, he has 7 siblings, and he was in horrible car crash when he was 5 that caused him to lose his hands. I kept encouraging him the best I could and his smile became bigger and bigger. Eventually, his food came and I had to open his water bottle for him and cut up his food. It was so interesting to see him open up. The Lord was very very present at this moment. Miguel and I were so blessed to encounter this little boy. It was interesting "giving knucks" or "pounding fists" with this boy without hands. He had nubs about half way up his forearms. He was able to use a fork, hold his glass, and pick up french fries. I would refill his water as he continued to drink. H As we left Miguel paid for a few more meals for the boy for the next weekend because his home is a few towns over.</span></span><br />
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</span><span style="color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As our group finished eating and paying for our food I told him I would pray for him and I asked him to pray for me. He was so grateful. We had about a half mile walk to return to our bus to get back to Quetzaltenango and as we walked we would see Oscar periodically and I would give him knucks. He was so happy and joyful. Then as we waited for our tour bus to take us back home I saw him in a "chicken bus" (a school bus full of people) and he was waving to me without a hand, but with a HUGE SMILE. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then it struck me that he would never be able to become a priest. I looked at my own hands and I gave thanks to God for all of the priests in the world and for the vocation that I believe God is calling me to. God is so Good and this little boy named Oscar did not complain. I believe everything is providence, even when it's hard to accept. Oscar came into our lives and we were able to live the Gospel in a simple loving way. He was so joyful to have food, to have some people love him, and treat him as a friend. </span></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">Lastly, recently we celebrated the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle. The Gospel was about Thomas doubting the resurrection of Jesus.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Gospel of John 20 verse 26-28 Thomas says, </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">and put my finger into the nailmarks</span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”</span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">Now a week later his disciples were again inside</span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">and Thomas was with them.</span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">Jesus came, although the doors were locked,</span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”</span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands,</span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">and bring your hand and put it into my side,</span><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; line-height: 18px;">How would someone like Oscar read this? How would he react to Christ saying put your finger here and your hand in my side when Oscar does not have fingers or hands. The depth of praying with the Gospels every day is very important. The depth of allowing Jesus to show you the Gospels is very life changing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">During this experience I also thought about one of my favorite music artists Luke Spehar. He is one of the most talented musicians I know and he has a song called "<b>my hands."</b> I prayed for Luke and his gift of music. If you have time I encourage you to listen to this song and support Luke. </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/be-still/id415533741"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/be-still/id415533741</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; line-height: 18px;">I humbly ask that you pray for Oscar and then look at your hands and say thank you Lord for your own hands. God allowed a tragic situation to change my heart, Miguel's heart, and hopefully Oscar's. I truly believe Fr. Stan was interceding for us all as this life changing experience unfolded. It seemed that Fr. Stanley wanted us to start serving the poor without holding back. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; line-height: 18px;">Serve those without hands with your hands,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hold their heart in your hands,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let them hold your hands in their hearts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; line-height: 18px;">God Bless You and Your hands,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; line-height: 18px;">Zach</span></span></div>
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"I don't know what it's like"<br />
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I don't know what it's like to no longer have a mother and a father living,<br />
to look around and no longer see, feel, or hear those two special people around who just kept giving and giving.<br />
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I don't know what it's like to no longer hug the one's taught you how to hug,<br />
to no longer have a Mom or a Dad at your bedside when you are sick with a bug.<br />
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I don't know what it's like to no longer see the one's who helped raise you into who you are,<br />
to no longer see the one who taught you to walk, run, ride a bike, and drive a car.<br />
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I don't know what it's like to have something happen and turn to my phone,<br />
to dial the unforgettable number and remember that the number no longer has a home.<br />
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I don't know what it's like to look at a calendar and see a birth date and death date,<br />
to no longer have a birthday song to sing, a letter to write, an e-mail to send, a call to make, or a picture to take.<br />
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I don't know what it's like to no longer have someone to throw the baseball to who taught you the game you still love,<br />
to have memories that seem to be dead that you wish were alive,<br />
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I don't know what it's like to pray to a bodiless soul,<br />
to somehow know that I need to pray about this reality to heal my soul but it feels like the my world has lost all control.<br />
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I don't know what it's like to delete an address, phone number, or email forever,<br />
to be healed by Christ and to be healed by time in order to begin a new endeavor.<br />
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I don't know what it's like to see a gravestone with the name of your Mom and Dad,<br />
to see reality, to see truth, to see for myself that we are all going to die, to not know what it feels like to be heartbroken, to be beyond sad.<br />
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I don't know what it's like to have days and days of sorrow,<br />
to have my only prayer be "Lord, will the pain in my heart ever go away? I miss my Mom. I miss my Dad. I don't know if I can wait until tomorrow!"<br />
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I don't know what it's like to lose a parent in a tragedy or who died in peace,<br />
to see those two names printed so clearly in black ink in the press release.<br />
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I don't know what it's like to ask for prayers from a Mom or a Dad when all I can do is hope they are with Jesus, To go to Church as often as possible just hoping that they still see us.<br />
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I don't know what it's like to turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary and call her my Mom . . . And know that she's My only Mom.<br />
I don't know what it's like to remain in the arms of God the Father . . . and know that he's My only Father.<br />
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Please forgive me if you do know what it's like to no longer have your parents around,<br />
Please share this if you would do anything to hear their voice - to hear that consoling sound.<br />
Please open yourself to learning from each other and please extend your heart out to mine,<br />
Please say a prayer for the soul of the one you love and is now outside of time.<br />
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Death is a mystery in itself. To be some how connected with our parents who are interceding for us in Heaven or in purgatory. Thankfully, we can be mysteriously united with our loved ones at every Mass with the communion of the Saints. It's a mystery! It's not always meant to be understood. Our hearts yearn to be united with those who have died and it is great news to know that Jesus invites us into a relationship with him that can lead to eternal happiness. If we truly want to be united with our loved ones we must ask God to open our eyes, ears, and hearts to the mystery of his life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus does ask us to love him above all (see Luke 14:26). In the next couple of weeks at Mass we will hear about the ascension of Jesus and the descent of the Holy Spirit. This is the Good News. This is Jesus showing us that he has prepared a place for us. This is why we must trust when its easy and when its hard. This is why we must say "Jesus, I trust in You!" This is the Mystery of Life!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4964488594994123899.post-33120271571228572242014-05-16T13:39:00.002-07:002014-05-16T13:39:38.262-07:00Life without mystery is boring.<h3>
<u><span style="color: blue;">Before I write anything I want to consecrate this blog to Mary. Mother Mary, please bless those who read this blog and guide them to your son Jesus Christ. Amen. </span></u></h3>
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The title of the blog is called "<i>Mysterium Vitae</i>" which is Latin for "The Mystery of Life."</h4>
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It has been on my heart for the past few weeks to start a blog. Now that I've finished three years of seminary, one thing among many has become more and more apparent to me: People who do not live with a sense of mystery in life are bored, unhappy, and at times very negative. People who are not fully alive (St. Irenaeus) are not excited about waking up in the morning. Now do not get me wrong, there will be days when it is difficult to get out of bed, but there should eventually be some sense of wonder of what the day will bring. Without a sense of mystery or awe, life is boring or at times meaningless. When life is not full of mystery and wonder, we tend to fall into a negative, hopeless, and narcissistic dispositions. This can lead to an all too common quick-to-quit attitude along with a face that looks at electronics more than other human beings or nature. It also can lead to habits that will not satisfy the heart and will lead the soul into desolation/darkness. When I speak of mystery I do not mean fantasy because fantasy is focused only on the ego. I also do not mean being entertained because that again relates to pleasing the ego. What I do mean is that mystery is reality and being aware of God's providence. For example: Mystery is sacramental in its very nature because the Latin word <i>sacramentum</i> is translated in English into mystery. To use more modern language to be in the mystery of life is to <br />
have one's "mind blown."<br />
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Thankfully, there is so much that is meant to be "unveiled" to us (<i>cf. Exodus 34:29-35</i>). If we freely allow the veil to be lifted just a little we will begin to see and participate in the mystery of life. However, we are all too often looking with a veil over our eyes and hearts, which blocks our ability to sense spiritual realities. The deepest reality is that the mystery of love, which is God (<i>cf. 1 John 4:8)</i> is more real than the chair you are sitting on. Unfortunately, without any sense mystery we block this reality from dwelling in our hearts. We remain in the darkness that the veil of little or no mystery casts over our eyes and hearts. There are many reasons for this and that is what I hope to dive into with this blog while giving some practical ways to unveil our lives to the mystery that is always before us. I will share from personal experience, information from books, scripture, catechism, classes, videos, etc to engage the mind and heart to unveil to the mystery of life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDox1XcJKya-tlwkY18TM7Fbzd7W2UZNOxX_xuqHFZe1Jgif10xM1Yl064u4CE7HnBlBz6qBjvmipKq6b0ELLs4jmg7-zc3hL33oiGRBUt2BMVIzgdqQ29_xXPHn_NJKHrvjH_JkBe8ycs/s1600/shelborne+beach2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDox1XcJKya-tlwkY18TM7Fbzd7W2UZNOxX_xuqHFZe1Jgif10xM1Yl064u4CE7HnBlBz6qBjvmipKq6b0ELLs4jmg7-zc3hL33oiGRBUt2BMVIzgdqQ29_xXPHn_NJKHrvjH_JkBe8ycs/s1600/shelborne+beach2.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a>For now I encourage you to pray with Psalm 46: Be Still and Know that I am God. Repeat it over and over in your heart of hearts. Give yourself some time. Take deep breaths. Be Patient and Be Still. Pay attention to the movements of your heart and pay attention to what thoughts come to mind. Notice how in the picture the water is calm while reflecting more clearly sun/son and that is one of the many pieces to the the mystery of life. If our souls are still as the water is still we will reflect the mysteries of life. We must spend time in silence everyday. Silence will magnify what is distracting you from what God desires to reveal to you. Then bring that distraction to Church this Sunday in your heart and listen what God desires to reveal to you. You can do it! Do not let the evil one accuse you of any less.<br />
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<i>Living in the Mystery,</i><br />
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<i>Zach Weber</i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13708034871314014159noreply@blogger.com0