Pope Francis offers his take* on how home influences our faith [my commentary in brackets]:
“Faith opens a ‘window’ to the presence and working of the Spirit. It shows us that, like happiness, holiness is always tied to little gestures.
‘Whoever gives you a cup of water in my name will not go unrewarded,’ Jesus says (Mark 9:41).
“These little gestures are those we learn at home, in the family; they get lost amid all the other things we do, yet they do make each day different. They are the quiet things done by mothers and grandmothers, by fathers and grandfathers, by children, by brothers and sisters. They are little signs of tenderness, affection, and compassion.
“Like the warm supper we look forward to at night [my mom‘s homecooking], the early meal awaiting someone who gets up early to go to work [my dad‘s coffee].
“Love is shown by little things, by attention to small daily signs that make us feel at home. Faith grows when it is lived and shaped by love. That is why our families, our homes, are true domestic churches. They are the right place for faith to become life and life to grow in faith.”
*Pope Francis in the U.S.: Words of Mercy and Hope (2015), Daughters of St. Paul, pp. 22-23 ~ as said at the Closing Mass of the Eighth World Meeting of Families, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA, Sunday, September 27, 2015.
^– I actually used this passage as my pre-brunch prayer of grace with my parents today! –^
Bearing in mind these homely gestures, let’s also consider our cultures and upbringings…
Have you ever wondered why your parents act the way they do then realize that you’re turning out more like them as you grow up?
When we or others who we know about are in need, we petition prayers for GOD to grant those requests. At our Advent Penance last week, I confessed to the priest about my admitted resentment toward my mother and my sorrow for feeling like I’m breaking the 4th Commandment. He advised me to accept our own and others’ weaknesses and appreciate that I still have my mother around. Therefore, I continue to give gratitude for my blessings and pray for ~ as well as help ~ those less fortunate, especially those who have experienced loss of loved ones, as well as remind myself that CHRIST JESUS had to bear His Cross and endure torture. We maintain our faith and ♥love♥ in Him to lead us along His righteous path toward Heaven.
In †GOD† we trust …
Here are the rest of our ACTs to practice everyday as we pray …
O Most Pure Lady of Guadalupe, obtain for me from your divine Son the forgiveness of my sins, blessings on my work, healing of my illnesses and needs, and everything that you believe is best for me and for my family. O Blessed Mother of †GOD†! Do not despise our supplications, but instead, free us from all danger. O Lady full of glory and of blessings, we ask all these things through †CHRIST JESUS† Our †LORD†. Amen.
Sources
Fr. Oscar J. Lukefahr, C. M. “From the Spiritual Director.” The Association of the Miraculous Medal, Vol. 47, No. 3: Fall Bulletin (2014).*
Jesus Our Life Activity Book, Faith and Life Series, 3rd ed. (Book 2). Chapter 9, Lesson 2, (p. 34)**; “Kinds of Prayer,” Chapter 15, Lesson 3 (p. 59)***. Ignatius Press, San Francisco. Catholics United for the Faith, Steubenville, Ohio. (2014).
This is the magnet that ☼Sunshine☼’s rear bumper used to sport when I first bought her. It also reminds me of John 4:16b, in which I’d sing with my children’s Church choir:
♫ †GOD† is ♥Love♥ ♪
Acts of love come from kindness, mercy and patience.
Compassion = with Passion
We can extend our love to others, who are in need. For instance, my Church’s visiting priest encouraged my Congregation to contribute to the Maryknoll cause, one of which my mother is a patron, and also of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, which is Bishop Mike’s religious order. Another way is to pour our hearts out to those who we meet, like I did on Monday…
On my way to work this morning, I found a woman down on the side of the road w/her dog. I pulled over to help her w/my First Aid kit. She told me several cars passed by before I stopped my truck, & a man also parked his to lift her up. This lady is lucky to have her loyal black lab who never left her side on her leash. Morals of the story: * if you see someone in need, render aid b/c it’s the humane thing to do for GOD’s people * keep a First Aid kit in handy * caring companions are always around @ the right time #GoodSamaritan #BePrepared #MansBestFriend #DontLeaveAFallenSoldierBehind
GOD lives through our fellow man, so we’re here on Earth to treat others as we would JESUS CHRIST, because we could be looking at His face in everyday encounters, and we, in turn, live in His image.
I’ve noticed this more and more lately in the positive people with whom I’ve surrounded myself: as my fellow lay minister, Evie, calls us
spiritual warriors
My Church buddy, Joe, also told me this:
If GOD wants it, it’ll happen.
We’re following His plan for the Catholic school, if it is in His will.
My ultimate goal: to be closer to GOD each & everyday!
Will y’all also join me on my journey and invite GOD into your heart, soul and every aspect of your lives?
Last weekend, I truly felt GOD speaking through me as His instrument as I proclaimed His Word at Mass: † Exodus 17:3-7
† Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
† Romans 5:1-2, 5-8
Then our Deacon read the Gospel from John 4:5-42, followed by our Priest’s Homily, during which he asked if we were thirsty. I was, both figuratively and literally, because the first reading introduced Moses’ followers as thirsty for water, and I too, was thirsty after speaking at the altar, and also because
I long to be closer to GOD, as I belong to Him.
When folks have asked me what I’m giving up for Lent or tell me what they’re giving up during this Lenten season, the past few years, I’d say that I don’t “give up” ~ but rather:
I give my time to enrich and strengthen my relationship with GOD.
After Easter, I don’t just resume my regular life; instead I lead a richer life because of GOD‘s strength and guidance, as well as His patience and mercy, which He instilled in me. This year, my companion through this time is a book provided by my Church, called Rediscover Catholicism: A Spiritual Guide to Living with Passion & Purpose by Matthew Kelly*.
One decade ago, upon my visit to my Motherland, the Philippines, my cousin’s wife gave me pasalubong (gift), which I read during Lent and still cherish to this day: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. If you’re seeking a sense of direction, I recommend both of these readings, as you go on your own walk with GOD.
Nothing matters more than He does because nothing is possible without Him.
*Reflections of Celebration …
#GOD led me to read this after I wrapped up the day on my #dissertation, & this very much has to do w/my #study as well as my #spirituality & #life: “The very #best #coaches will tell you that #teams that #win #championships are those that #focus on the #basics and #master them #together.” ~ Matthew Kelly
Chapter 1 on #Universal #Hunger reminds me of the song lyrics in #ThereIsALonging (in our #Hearts) because we #thirst for the #Truth = #GOD ❤
Chapter 2 on The #Prevailing #Philosophy prompts me to point out that we’re not here to serve ourselves & seek fast results, but rather to serve #GOD & seek His #purpose while remaining #patient & without questioning His will be done. #TrustInHim
Chapter 3 entitled Is #JESUS Still #Relevant? shows me that #InstantGratification won’t bring us closer to #Heaven, #GreatLOVE will. #LiveLikeJESUS! #Disciple = #Discipline
Chapter 4 on #Searching for #Identity inspires me to #maximize my #potential to #love & #serve #GOD & His #people ~ that is the #heart & #soul of my #person. ♥♥♥ #LoveGOD = #LovePeople ❤ ❤ ❤
Chapter 5 about what we #Celebrate brought to mind this song http://youtu.be/04y_KfO7GzI ~ so let’s #approach #life w/ the #LORD of #love taking the #lead on our #way according to His #will! #GOD = #GOoD 🙏👏✌️☝️💒💖
*… Leading into Authenticity
Chapter 6 called “What Is the #Authentic #Life?” does #guide me toward the #spiritual #secret: to be #holy in #everything that I do. For me, this is through #service to my #Church & #community + #work on my #dissertation & #career + #relationships w/ my #family & #friends ~ ALL to #lead w/ #great #LOVE for #GOD & His #creation! 💖👏🙏✌️☝️📖💒
Welcome/Mabuhay/¡Biénvenidos! I am a USAF brat who was born in Germany and grew up State-side while celebrating my Catholic and Filipino heritage. ☼Sunny☼ DISPOsition Elaine’s Eye Candy/DISPhotos ~ I love GOD & His creations, so I take photos @ any given opportunity. Elaine DISPOrts ~ I am passionate about sports, which is my research focus on my ... Continue reading →
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