Sunday, February 24, 2008


Finding Your True Inner Grump....


So how is Lent going for you all so far? So far, I've been slacking quite a bit... I really could work on doing some more penance in just the little day to day things---eat something I don't like so much, be more respectful towards others, and get up on time! Well, now that Lent's half way over, we should examine ourselves and see what we can do better on. Lent is about GIVING ourselves over to Christ by GIVING UP those things which draw us away from Him!

One of the best ways to do penance is to, yes, (sorry excuse the four letter "F" word) FAST!!! I'm not just talking that wimpy minimum the Church requires of you on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. I mean how is it FASTING when you still eat two or three (*smaller*) meals??? Yes, I know the Church REQUIRES relatively little of us, and that is fine and very good. Some people are not able, due to health reasons, fast very much if any, and that is okay if you really are not able. Another good thing is that because the Church doesn't require that much, this gives us an easy opportunity to do something EXTRA to prove our Love for God!

This Lent I've had some new reflections on fasting. Have you ever noticed something when you fast? I'm not talking about feeling hungry, I'm talking about your attitude. Ever get a little edgy or grumpy when you give up a few meals? Isn't it funny that when our blood sugar gets a little low we start to see our *true* selves come out? Never knew you could get so grumpy so quickly did you? This is why fasting is so beneficial. If we start to try our best to overcome sin and temptation when we are suffering we will be so much stronger when we are in normal conditions and better able to last in future fasting periods.


"And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6:16-18)


"Train yourself in godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:7b-8)


"Beloved, I beseech you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against your soul." (1 Peter 2:11)


"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 3:12)


"Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you." (1 Peter 5:8-10)

The music at your (Catholic) parish is best described as...

Sacred: 3 (13%)

Boring: 2 (8%)

Charismatic: 0 (0%)

Baptist/Protestant style: 2 (8%)

Heretical: 1 (4%)

There is a mix of the above: 15 (65%)


Votes: 23
Have fun with the new poll!

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Spirit of Lent Meme


Thanks to Esther for tagging me with this penitential meme!

1. What’s been your best Lenten-effort-idea ever? Hmmm. Well, technically Good Friday's not in Lent, but I couldn't think of any breath taking Lenten ideas I've ingeniously come up with. So, every Good Friday I try to watch The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson. It really helps me to meditate on what Christ did for me and be much more grateful!

2. And your worst? Couldn't think of anything off hand. Giving up cheese one year was interesting. Couldn't say it was a bad idea, just weird...

3. What Lenten advice would you share? Giving up sin is a better idea than giving up chocolate or carbon (yes, I said carbon, not carbs!), but being penitential and fasting are very important practices for the serious Christian. Notice, Jesus says, "When you fast...", not, "If you fast...". So, try giving up stuff that won't help you come closer to Jesus Christ, and start doing stuff that will help! I guess I better read what I just typed...

4. And what will feature this year? This year I'm trying to wake earlier, talk to friends less, go on the computer less, watch movies less, and thanks to Divine Providence I think I'll start to be able to attend Mass a few times a week instead of just the Sunday obligation!

Saturday, February 02, 2008


Legionary of Christ Founder Dies at 87
Read about it here. No matter what happened--whether or not the abuse allegations were true I don't know, and only the accusers, Fr. Maciel and God knows for sure. Either way, we should in all sincerity pray for the repose of his soul. Let us praise God for the good the Legionaries of Christ order has done for the Church!
Eternal Rest grant unto him, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace, and may the souls of the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace! AMEN.

Friday, February 01, 2008

Ugly Vestment War

This is a video I just made. I know it's not Sunday, but I just couldn't wait to share it with you! I think Carolina from The Crescat will be pleased! Tell what you think...