Points Taken From Sundays Homily- Life is Too Short

Today per the 1962 Missal, the Gospel told us of Jesus, being here a "little while" then gone a "little while" then back with us.

I attended the Mass of All Time today as I was visiting my family in Topeka. The Priest gave a very compelling homily.

What I would like to pass along to my readers is the plain and simple fact that we all know and we all take for granted.

Life is so short, we are here just a little while and we must use this time to prepare ourself for meeting our redeemer. Are you Ready to meet Jesus tomorrow in his kingdom?

Brothers and sisters bicker and fight, Husband and Wife argue over earthly things, why does one whole a grudge when Jesus told us to forgive as he has forgiven us.

We as a culture have become so attached to earthly materials and monetary goods, when we dont get what we want we get "Depressed", we don't turn toward God and ask him to help us with our sorrow we just think the Latest and greatest medication will cure us.

As a Catholic we should not have time to be Depressed, or angry, or hurt. Our time is so little here that our soul needs all the grace it can get in this little while here on earth.


Are you Ready to Meet Jesus Tomorrow?

“Presenting themselves as Catholics when in fact they aren’t”

“Presenting themselves as Catholics when in fact they aren’t”

As Linked to on Heartland Catholic :

Falsifying the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the pro-abortion group that mendaciously calls itself “Catholics for a Free Choice” has for the last four years been distributing holy cards in Mexico bearing the following caption in Spanish: “The love of God and of Mary of Guadalupe is larger. For the lives of women, legal and safe abortion.”

This is truly the evil one procuring more souls for Hell. By using the Blessed Mother as a guise for promoting the evil agenda of abortion. The enemy is known to come under the disguise of peace and good, but since satan is THE liar we should not listen to his empty promises.



V. Do you reject Satan?
R. I do.
V. And all his works?
R. I do.
V. And all his empty promises?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
R. I do.

V. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was born of the Virgin Mary
was crucified, died, and was buried,
rose from the dead,
and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
R. I do.

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting?
R. I do.

V. God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.

R. Amen.

One of those Days....

Today is one of those days, just having a bad day, I try and keep an open heart and mind so that I may better discern what God is wanting me to learn today. Sometimes it is difficult to see God's plan especially on days like today, but I do know that the things that happen today that are out of my control were foreseen by God, I must continue to try and listen to his plan and the direction he takes me, its not an easy thing to do, with our sinful nature we are inclined to do a great many thing to hinder and break the lines of communication with God. It is never him that cuts us off rather we choose to do our own will other than his.

Usually on days like today there is always a deeper lesson to learn, I just pray that my heart is open enough to let the Lord Instruct me in his ways, I do know that when I allow God to control my life he has never led me astray, he truly is the Good Shepard.

O Jesus,
through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I offer You my prayers, works,
joys and sufferings
of this day for all the intentions
of Your Sacred Heart,
in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
throughout the world,
in reparation for my sins,
for the intentions of all my relatives and friends,
and in particular
for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen.

Informative Articles

Philip Blosser - Scripture and Catholic Tradition: "The Missal of 1962 - A Rock of Stability"

I stumbled upon this GREAT post by Dr. Philip Blosser on his Catholic Tradition Blog,

The First Article on the page is a lengthy,detailed, and informative summery and account of the move from the 1962 to the 1965 Roman Missal, how the 1965 Missal was to prepare the Faithful for the New Order.

A Quick Excerpt:

In 1969 a new rite of Mass was promulgated in which, to paraphrase the bishops of the province of Westminster, prayers and ceremonies in previous use were subtracted, and the existing rite was remodeled in the most drastic manner. It was proclaimed triumphantly that this reform, better termed a revolution, would initiate a second Pentecost within the Church, but from the very beginning it initiated an unprecedented collapse in Mass attendance and Catholic life in general throughout the Western world

Also after the first post there is another that is just as good, another excerpt:

A Rite Histrionic and Disoriented

By Nicholas Postgate

The old rite stresses the unworthiness of the priest himself, and continually asks that he, and the rest of us, be made worthy by a divine initiative of mercy. The priest may well be vain or egoistic himself and that may affect his entire ministry, especially outside of liturgical functions; yet the classical order of Mass goes constantly against the grain of fallen nature, it constantly asks of the priest a self-abnegation out of obedience to the aw of the liturgy, it almost forces him to enter its rhythm and the lilt of its language, so dominating is the ceremonial aura. It would take a fairly corrupt priest to ignore, trifle with, or undermine the old ordo Missae.

Just a few articles I found that I thought others might enjoy. Please click the Link up top to Read the entire texts.

Poetry

Zone of Death
by Brother Antoninus

Wind is not nigh.

No Holy Ghost,
Spirit outspilt,
Burnt this charred day.

What sin did this?
Could I?

Hot light blares.
Stars, outblistered now,
Mark time, extinct.

Night might bring
The seasonal constellations
In its sphere,
But night is nowhere.

Sun. Sand.
The noon-crazy jays
Cackle and gibber,
Jar on the gritted ear.

Dawn sneaked in unsmelt.
No wine, no water here.

Now the lance-riddled man
On yon pronged tree,
Stretched in the death-tread there,
Opens his executing eye
And gibbets me.

Should every couple learn NFP?

Interesting question posted on the Catholic Answers Forums..


Should Every Couple Learn Natural Family Planning?

some examples of why He asks are:

The worry comes from a priest mentioning that a couple that decides to not plan out the children were being "stupid" despite if they felt they were trying to do God's Will. He mentioned that "the mother would end up with 5 little ones at once" if the couple did not use NFP.

I know it may be harder to learn a method when and if a serious reason arises, but would it be wrong to wait, especially if the couple feels it may be a temptation to be selfish?

Should every couple learn NFP? - Catholic Answers Forums

What I really liked was the answer:

"No one is obliged to use NFP. To be open to life and accept several children in a row is not stupid! Trying to do the Lord’s will is never stupid. People are free to use NFP or not. What they are not free to do is to contracept!

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P."

Ave Maria

Hold your breath ...: The Latin Mass document is coming | National Catholic Reporter

Hold your breath for the next media frenzy: The Latin Mass document is coming | National Catholic Reporter Conversation Cafe: "Whatever form Benedict's final decision takes, the kinds of controversies reflected in this exchange will continue -- even if most Catholics, on most Sundays and in most parishes around the world, remain blissfully unaffected by them"

I'm not really sure this is the right attitude to have about this motu proprio..

The Mother Child Relationship

The mother / child bond is something very unique, very holy if you will, It never ceases to amaze me each time I see the enemy infiltrate this bond. This post is to delve not so much as to the abortion issue as those children are shun even before birth, but to address the issue of people whom are too selfish to realize that life is more than about them selfs after their baby is born.

It is very curious and sad to when a mother will choose anything over their own child. This is a bond of Love, nurturing, and life the whole process from conception to death a mother usually is there all through it all.

I am very blessed to have such a wonderful mother that personifies the role of Mother, with Mary as her inspiration and guide of how to be the perfect mother, I would venture to say that maybe mine has lived this as close as her human nature can allow.

This may be why I am so shocked to hear when a mother is getting her children taken into foster care she would announce to their face that they are not wanted in their home anyway, or when a mother would perpetually drill harmful ideas and thought into their children. Also the more common norm of such evils exist when a mother whom had done a semi-decent job, is willing to give it all up for a random Man for fear of being alone for the rest of their life.

All of those examples have personally affected my life at one point or another through some of the people I care very deeply for. This is a great disappointment as to when there are many loving homes whom pray every night for God to deliver upon them the blessing of a child.

The evil one has convinced these women that their needs differ than their child, that the mother should not put herself aside for her child, that its not important to lead by example but rather to do as they please and let the chips fall as they may.

These women are producing adults whom have severe emotional problems, have trouble coping with reality, as well as severe feelings of rejection and no self worth. They have inadequately and deficiently sent them out to this world full of pain, and hurt.

I ask that you pray for these poor souls whom seek out the approval of none other than the woman who brought them into this world, Please pray that they may accept Mary as their mother who's unconditional love is pouring out for them and for all.

CNS STORY: Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act upheld; abortion opponents laud court

CNS STORY: Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act upheld; abortion opponents laud court

I pray this is the first in many abortion reforms, this will open it up for a major change I feel.

In order to win the race you have to take the first step

I wants and I gots to Have....

America, the most wonderful country on the planet, we have so many freedoms that most American's take for granted, we can practice our faith without fear of prosecution, we can have as many children as we want without having to worry about the government forcing an abortion on us.

America, the most consumer driven country on our planet, with the introduction of "Credit" in the late 1950's, the way we purchase and distribute goods has never been the same, fast forward to today and you can hardly walk 10 feet without seeing an ad for some sort of designer item, brand names we "MUST"' have.

Somewhere along the lines we have been taught that if we don't have what everyone else has we are not as good as them, if we don't have a new wardrobe every 6 weeks we are inadequate as a human being. I would venture to say anyone who lives in this country has experienced this feeling at one point or another, some more frequently than others.

Latest and greatest, new and in style- I'm not so sure if and when we reach the pearly gates we will be rejected paradise based on whether our shirt was bought at the "Gap" vs the local thrift store. When and where exactly did wearing second hand clothing become a stigma, why as society are we so ungrateful for what we have?

There was once a time where making your own clothes from fabric provided something more than what was bought at the store, crafty and innovative, these women would create their own wears - sometimes out of *GASP* Second hand items- this is a lost art I feel that only a select few may have kept up.

These "MUST HAVE" items, will not make our journey to eternal life any easier and as The Man himself said - " Its easier for a Camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven"

Lord let my reward not be in this world, but in the next with you.

Today - A Work Story

Today something very interesting happened to me at work, amongst the hustle and bustle of "Business as Usual", I heard a voice reach out to me...

I have been told when I was younger that (when I don't act against him) the Holy Spirit shines out through me, this is not to sound "Holier than Thou"-which I try and AVOID at all times- but I am named Christopher so I have always felt that plays into it. I also truly believe that Christ can shine through ANYONE if they let him.

With my recent renewal of faith, I have redone my cubical area, taken down all of my "Chiefs" possessions, Replaced them with 2 Rosary's (in case anyone wants to join me at work) and replaced my "Hot Rod" Calender with my Catholic Classical Painting's Calender from my neighborhood parish. I have Holy cards and picture's pinned up and also now displaying an beautiful desk Crucifix that was given to me by a Priest- something that was previously just put up collecting dust.

My actions are a reflection of the spiritual vigor I have found revived, and as such I have now earned the nickname of "Deacon" Christopher within my team at work. Partly as I was discussing my interest in the Deaconate but am still not old enough to enroll or "Aspire", and partly for me outwardly talking to people about their faith and mine.

During what was just another normal day at the office a team mate yells at me,
"Deacon Chris.. Will you Pray for me?"
I respond , "Of Course what do you need?", she just wanted God to divert her situation for now but would not get into specifics, I also reminded her that she must let go of it and give it to God and accept his answer either way, She acknowledged my response, but later on I could still see the distress in her face.

I'm not sure exactly what was going on but I waned to let her know that I was there to listen to whatever she was stressing over, I included her in my daily Rosary intentions and sent her an email just letting her know that she could come talk to me anytime, but if not- no big deal.

I hope readers can assess that I'm not trying to gather praise for praying for this girl or the way I express my faith at work, but to show that being there for someone, even someone you would least expect, can make a difference.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BENNEDICT XVI

May God Bless you on your 80th birthday Sovereign Pontiff, and many more to come!


A Link to BBC Video about His Birthday In his Hometown!

Confession a lost art for some..An abundant grace for others.

Divine Mercy Sunday is here today, Jesus' favorite Sunday as told to us by St. Faustina. His abundant grace is here for all, even the worst of sinners-Would God have it any other way?

This post is not meant to be judgmental but to encourage the faithful whom have not been in a long time. As we are asked to confess our sins on a regular basis so that we may remain in a state of grace to receive our Lord in the Most Holy Eucharist.

Living in a state of grace is hard.. wait.. no.. living in a state of grace is VERY VERY Hard, the enemy tempts us in so many ways, we must keep our vessels clean so that the Holy Spirit may fill us with love, and help us to prevent the devil from sending his minions to claim our soul.

Do I sound a bit fire and brimstone-ish? I hope so, fear of God must be spread, as well as fear of eternal separation from God, as we do not know the Time or the place of our death it is recorded with God... are we so sure we can make it til next week to confess, let alone tomorrow?

Please my Brothers and Sisters in Christ, remember if you die with a Mortal Sin you will pay for it, this is why our lord has given us this wonderful sacrament, we must make GOOD confessions, put aside the uneasy feeling of confessing and remember that just as the Priest is truly Christ at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, he is Truly Christ when he issues Absolution!

With confession comes the key part.. the Confessional does not have a Revolving door, you MUST make a firm purpose of amendment for your sins, please be truly sorry. Please make a good Act of Contrition! And please keep your penance.

"Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, beatae Mariae semper Virgini, beato Michaeli Archangelo, beato Joanni Baptistae, sanctis Apostolis Petro et Paulo, omnibus Sanctis, et tibi Pater: quia peccavi nimis cogitatione verbo, et opere: mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Ideo precor beatam Mariam semper Virginem, beatum Michaelem Archangelum, beatum Joannem Baptistam, sanctos Apostolos Petrum et Paulum, omnes Sanctos, et te Pater, orare pro me ad Dominum Deum Nostrum."

from the Gospels today (both Vatican II parishes and Latin Mass parish's had the same reading's today!)

John 20:22-23
"When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained."

Great Kids CD

Stopped in a local traditional Catholic book store picked up a few things here and there my wife was needing a good mantilla as well but one of my unplanned purchases turned out to be my favorite.
It is a CD Titled "24 Catholic Songs For Children"

I Highly recommend it I have also decided to take it to work and listen to it there.. the Songs are so wholesome and pure as they speak the truths of our faith that I feel may be lacking to this generation.

Some Track titles include :

• The Works Of Mercy
• Why Did Go Make Us
• Jesus, Our Redeemer
• Look Out Little One
• Daniel In the Lions Den

Not sure if its available online, but if you come across it I'd suggest picking up a copy.
(if you are in the KC area and have trouble locating a copy get in touch with me and I will point you to where I found it)

What are we Doing?

Went to morning mass today, and the homily brought up some good points (as it should) so I would like to pass some of it along-

Mainly, we fasted all Lent.. prayed more..etc.. but as soon as Easter comes.. we indulge in the very things we have been withholding from ourself, why do we go back to the old way of doing things... what then was the pont of our fasting and abstaining? In todays Readings we see the apostles doing the same..

Peter went out fishing - just as he had done before Christ - and caught nothing but when Christ comes to the boat and they listen to him they catch the big fish.

we had purified our souls for the resurrection and now we go back to our old ways.. With Christ we accomplish a great many feats, when we choose to go alone and lead ourself Where does it lead us?

"O Blessed Trinity, abundantly assist me in becoming that which Thou intended me to become when Thou created me, for in that perfection I will give Thee the glory Thou desirest of me, and in that perfection I will find my greatest joy in heaven. Amen"

A Quick Change! -VIDEO-

With the motu proprio supposedly to be released on April 16th now - the birthday of our Holy Father - here is a video that was posted on Catholic Answers. This video shows exactly how fast a Altar table can be changed to an Traditional High Altar!

La métamorphose d'un autel
Uploaded by CHRIST-REDEMPTEUR

Love

With Divine Mercy Sunday coming up I wanted to touch on the subject of Love,

It seems today most people have a hard time loving, their spouse, children, neighbor, themself's and most of all God.

Love is a gift from God that we can freely accept or reject, if we chose to reject Gods love that does not mean that he stops loving us. We are told that God Infinitely loves us more than we love our self's

I feel in todays most secular society with the increase in depression, anger, suicide, these people are victims of rejecting Gods love, maybe not fully of their own choice- possibly were abused mistreated.. etc.. therefore have no love for self. let alone God. These people need to hear the Good work that God's love is infinite, ever loving ever forgiving, always there for you.

This message must be spread out to the most lonely, wretched soul's and we must find a way to show them God's love so that they fully feel it deep down where its possible no love has ever reached.

What are some ways we can express our Lords never ending love to those who have never felt true love?

How can I personify God's Love? Let Us Pray for Our Brothers and Sisters that If today they hear his voice, Harden Not their hearts.

HE HAS RISEN!

HE HAS RISEN
ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA ,ALLELUIA ,
HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST!

ALLELUIA ,ALLELUIA ,ALLELUIA

Easter Triduum Marks "Supreme Confrontation"

4-April-2007 -- Catholic World News Brief

Easter Triduum Marks "Supreme Confrontation," Pope Says
Vatican, Apr. 4, 2007 (CWNews.com) - At his regular weekly public audience on April 4, Pope Benedict XVI looked forward to the Easter Triduum, saying that the liturgical events of the coming days enact "the supreme confrontation between light and darkness, between life and death."

The Easter Triduum, the Holy Father said, "invites us to contemplate the mystery of the Cross, to acknowledge our sinfulness and, in faith, to unite ourselves with Jesus in his saving passover from death to life."

Speaking about each liturgical event in turn, the Pope said that the Chrism Mass and the Mass of the Lord's Supper-- both celebrated on Holy Thursday-- encourage the faithful to recognize "the supreme triple gift of priestly ministry, the Eucharist, and the new commandment of love."

Good Friday, he continued, is a day of solemn fasting, penance, and prayer, with the Way of the Cross giving the faithful an opportunity "to imprint the mystery of the Cross ever more deeply on our hearts."

Holy Saturday should be a day of "interior meditation," the Pope said-- acknowledging that this is a challenge as the faithful prepare for the Easter celebration. Then at the Easter Vigil, "the veil of sadness shrouding the Church… with be shattered by the cry of victory."

In the Easter Triduum, the Pope said with emphasis, the Church relives "not just a memory but a current reality." Christ is triumphant over sin and death today, the Pope said. "It is upon this certainty that our Christian lives are built."

Poetry

SORROW

Sorrow is true for everyone-a word
That illiterate men may read
By divining in the heart
God's human name, and natural shroud.

Sorrow is deep and vast-we travel on
As far as pain can penetrate, to the end
Of power and possibility; to find
The contours of the world, with heaven aligned
Upon infinity; the shape of man!

Kathleen Raine

1962 Missal Sales Rise as Motu Proprio Expected Soon

4-April-2007 -- Catholic World News Brief

1962 Missal Sales Rise as Motu Proprio Expected Soon
Rome, Apr. 4, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Italian media outlets are once again reporting that a papal document liberalizing the use of the Mass of St. Pius V could be released during the Easter season.

Reports of the imminent release of a motu proprio allowing all Catholic priests to use the Tridentine rite have been circulating in Rome for a full year. The rumors have intensified recently, however, and this week saw the Vatican Secretary of State confirm that the document is close to publication. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone told the French publication Le Figaro that the Pope is prepared to take action soon-- although he did not give a date.

In expectation of the motu proprio, Catholic bookstores in Rome have begun selling copies of the 1962 Missal. Expecting brisk sales, publishing houses in Italy are reprinting the old Missal.