A Man for All Seasons

     A Man for All Seasons is a great film, a powerful message, and a lasting legacy.  My hope and prayer is that when I die, I will be able to say in all honesty that I have ultimately put God first before everyone and everything else in my life, that I have chosen to do God’s will, live by His Truth, His love, His mercy, affection, and forgiveness rather than seeking and catering to the approval of other people.  

     I can’t think of a better witness to Truth than someone who will not turn away from God even when (or rather especially when) what He asks of us is particularly difficult.  Christ was challenged in mind, body, and spirit with unimaginable suffering, yet He was willing to bear it in the name of Truth and out of Love.

     How fitting a theme—to remain close to Christ when it would be far more popular and widely accepted to bow to the latest fads, trends, and practices supported by a government or administration as being superior to the commandments of the Lord as handed down to Moses.  What perfect timing—in the same week as hundreds of thousands gathered in Washington DC, in inclement weather to stand and pray in protest against some of the most prominent and widely-accepted lies of our time. 

     People from around the world and around the country of all races, colors, and creeds gathered in our Nation’s capital to stand witness to the Truth that all human life is sacred and that the weakest, most vulnerable among us deserve protection, dignity, and certainly life. 

     Pope Francis sent a message of solidarity and support to those who took part in this year’s March for Life.  This is a man who supports, promotes, and lives out a Culture of Life. 

     Forty-one years is a very long time to allow a practice which kills the weakest, poorest, and most defenseless among us.  How sad that this policy has not only remained legal, but that it has also been praised by government officials elected by the people to protect the right of every human being to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”  

     There is another impressive video I’ve watched this week produced much more recently than the original film A Man for All Seasons.  In it are the historical facts, figures, and legal action documented about Roe v. Wade and the related official decisions made by our government since then.

    

     Would a man for all seasons like Sir Thomas More go along with what is popular and widely-accepted if it were not in keeping with What God asked of him?  He wouldn’t.  He didn’t.  And neither should we which is why I say and I pray along with countless others: “My generation will end abortion!”

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 108)

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Covenant Players The dear friend of ours who will be entering a cloistered monastery this August to begin her postulancy with the Carmelite Sisters by the Sea did one last performance in Richmond of the original play "Teresita" she wrote about St. Teresa of Avila’s vocation discernment.  Friends of hers who she’d met when traveling the world with Covenant Players and some of her classmates from Union Seminary came to the final show and the reception afterwards.  Michele was overjoyed that they’d come.  How perfect that her farewell to her theater friends from Covenant Players occurred after they’d watched the one-woman play she wrote and directed that involves faith.

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Out of Africa I’m very grateful that my youngest sister has returned safely from her time studying West African dance (and culture) in Burkina Faso.  She attended a dance school called ÉDIT (École de Danse Internationale Irѐne Tassembedo.  Here’s one of the video’s made of the dance they do there. 

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Up on the Altar One neat thing about Mass, other than the most obvious ones, at St. Peter's (in Richmond) is that you never know how you'll be "called" to serve that day. On Tuesday, Fr. Bob pointed to me and mimed opening a book to ask me do the Readings before Mass and he has faith in the attendees that three will come up without being asked to help serve the Eucharist. "Eternal Father, I offer You, the Body and the Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Your dearly Beloved Son in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.” from The Divine Mercy Chaplet

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Bring On the Bling This week Livie has been having fun playing with the scarf I gave Vivi for her birthday.  All of them love accessories, of course.  The girls have always been interested in shoes.  Beads, bracelets, ponytail holders, and whatever necklace I happen to be wearing are popular.  It cracks me up that the twins spend so much of their day trying to put their pajamas and any other articles of clothing they find over their heads.  Even after I dressed Livie this morning, she grabbed her sister's matching skirt and attempted to pull it over her head.

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You’re a bum! It’s fun hearing Vivi’s random rambling.  While coloring with markers, she mentioned The Paper Bag Princess book, and started singing: “You are a bum!” which is the apt description of the prince in the book who is rescued by the princess.  I’m often amused by the little chants and declarations: “The lamb is sure to go” and “Knuffle Bunny: A cautionary tale by Mo Willems.”  It reminds me of when she was on a Green Eggs and Ham kick, and while working on some art project suddenly looked up and stated emphatically: “You let me be!” I was thoroughly amused, because no one was bothering her at that time.  Her sisters hadn’t even been born, yet, so I knew for sure she was just processing lines from the book I'd read dramatically twenty or more times that day.

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How versatile it is I read children’s picture books with a dramatic flair.  The kids love it, and adults within earshot are generally entertained as well.  Once when I was speed-reading a Dr. Seuss book, Kevin looked at me wide-eyed and asked: “What was that?!”  To which I responded: “It’s my face.  Haven’t you noticed it and how versatile it is?”

     

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Truth never changes In a time when our culture and world are praising certain court decisions, scientific finds, and medical practices as being progressive and signs of advancement, I’m grateful for faith in the Lord, the One who is Truth and Love itself.  The best response to these many signs of the culture of death becoming even more widespread and the Father of Lie’s influence expanding is to pray that the Lord will open our hearts and minds to the One Truth which is everlasting.   

                  

Check out Jen Fulwiler’s tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday at her tremendously popular blog Conversion Diary.

Fatherless

     Frighteningly realistic and suspenseful, Fatherless is the first book in what has been perfectly labeled as “the American tragedy in trilogy.”  It immediately grabbed my attention and kept me intrigued throughout.  I know it’s good when I don’t want to get to the end of the first book before the next one is available and ready to be read.

     I can empathize with and at the same time be horrified by many of the decisions we make as Christians in the world today when it comes to our families, our friends, our workplace, our faith community.  It’s all-too-easy to get lost on that slippery slope of moral relativity rather than seeking the Gospel Truth, which doesn’t change according to modern opinion or current trends.    

      The stories powerfully illustrate and verify the authenticity of many descriptions and assessments included about the mainstream media, corporate America, the popular culture, and watered down Catholic teachings most prominent in our times.  The other main characters are mostly laity with families of their own to care for and shepherd.  The people in these novels vary quite a bit when it comes to their knowledge of Church teachings (or lack thereof), their devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ, their practice of the faith, and the life choices they make as a result.    

     Some of the family struggles and situations are familiar enough to make me uncomfortable and reflective.  Having two parents who were cradle Catholics and practiced the faith throughout their lives while also knowing a number of people who have fallen away from the Church for a variety of reasons helped me identify with a number of the characters and families in Fatherless.  My father used to be a high-level sales executive for major pharmaceutical corporation, so the ethical, moral, and faith questions raised in this book through many of the situations and characters really hit home. 
     John Sweeney, one of the main characters and narrators who serves as a primary link connecting the many families in these books, is a Roman Catholic priest.  Fr. Sweeney is young, fresh out of seminary, and in many ways inexperienced in pastoral care at the start of the first book, but this adds quite a bit of interest and insight into the life of the consecrated religious, particularly priests, and the unique opportunities and challenges they face in their vocation to shepherd the flock entrusted to their care.  A major crisis of faith inspires him to take some time away to discern if the vocation he’s chosen is really where God wants and needs him to be.

     When I read that the author Brian J. Gail is a former semi-pro athlete, Madison Ave. ad man, and Fortune 500 senior executive, I was completely blown away that a man so steeped in the culture of corporate America, mainstream media, and all that comes with it has been incredibly vulnerable, honest, and even critical of the world he has been a part of for so long, even under the veil of fiction. 

     In some ways, I feel that these books tell part of my dad’s life story.  They have given me a much deeper insight into the professional and personal challenges he and countless others in his generation (and the following one) struggle with.  Brian J. Gail gives voice to the questions, concerns, and torments whirling about in the hearts of many men and women of faith.  Clearly, this author is someone who understands companies that regularly tempt people to compromise their values and/or change them under pressure.

     So much of what’s in these pages has actually happened, is happening now, and/or will take place in the not-too-distant future.  The truth pharmaceutical companies hide about the side effects of their products, the lies promoted and promulgated through advertising, the media, and government, along with the permanent scars left by a rampant culture of death that embraces everything from abortion to euthanasia as convenient, revolutionary, advanced, and scariest of all they tout these scientific discoveries and technologies as being: humane, moral, and ethical.  This skewed view of Creation and man’s manipulation of what God has made shows that the interconnectedness of people, their influence on others, and their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ (or lack thereof) are of greater consequence in time and eternity than appears at first glance. 

     Reading these novels has reminded me that we have so many opportunities to do the right thing, to choose life, to bring about healing where there is great pain, possibly even suffering that we have unintentionally caused.  What seems like the end of a relationship, a calling, a career, a dream can so often be a new beginning.      

     This trilogy raises some vital questions: Who determines our worth?  Who do we trust and what does that say about who we are and what matters most to us?  Who do we turn to for answers, guidance, and advice?

     Depending on the answers to those questions and the choices made because of them we have a responsibility and accountability to others and to God.  Our choices have consequences for others as well as ourselves.  Are we true to ourselves or are we more devoted to discovering and upholding Truth=God?

     What’s worth putting everything on the line for?  No need to answer with words.  The choices we make and actions we take show clearly what or whom we value above everything and everyone else.  What example, what values, what legacy are you leaving by the way you live your life?  What impact is it having on those around you?  What impact will it have on the generations to come?
     For more information about Fatherless, to purchase a copy of this book (paperback or Kindle), or read more about the author, or "the American tragedy in Trilogy," check out this website. 
     This post is linked to the May 2013 issue of New Evangelists Monthly.  

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 98)

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Hope in the Lord! There are many times that I’m acutely aware that I'm not who anyone wants me to be, but I have a glimmer of hope because God loves me even when all those around me serve only to remind me of how much of a disappointment I am to them for a myriad of reasons. I do offer that pain up to the Lord on behalf of all who feel utterly rejected and do not know or believe in the love of God for every single one of His beloved children. 

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Beautiful in God’s Eyes Because I’m someone who tends to see myself in a very critical light, it can be really painful for me when others (especially those closest to me whose opinions’ I’m more likely to take to heart) convey a steady stream of reasons that I’m not who they want me to be, that what I say, do, how I

look, feel, my values…are wrong, ugly, stupid, delusional, quaint, ill-informed, ridiculous...  It’s not always easy for me to separate objectively what criticisms are just and accurate and which are more indicative of the insecurities or misconceptions of the other person rather than true assessments of who I am and what I’ve done, especially when judgments are being thrown at me fast and furious. 

     My tendency is to believe the bad since that’s what predominantly goes through my own thoughts about myself.  Fortunately, there is a source Truth that never lies.  So as scary as it seems when steeped in disparaging lies, I turn to God and ask how He sees me when I want the Truth.  Do you have the courage to ask: “God, how do You see me?” And, more importantly, are you willing to listen in silence and believe what He tells you?

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Spring Dance Festival I was often fondly reminded of my Hollins friends and dancers (from when I was in college way back when) during this past weekend while visiting my youngest sister at OSU. The dance Road Trip & Spring Dance Festival.

performances were great! I enjoyed getting to see my sister dance, meeting her apartment mates—all three of whom are gorgeous women and fun to spend time with like my sister is.  We ate at some of her fave restaurants and dessert places.  To read more about our visit, check out

     I got back from Ohio with Mom on Monday evening. It's been wonderful to spend time with Kevin, who knows me well and loves me lots. It's also nice to be home and be back together sleeping in our own bed.  To which Kevin says: “Yeah buddy!”

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Body Image Spending time around beautiful women who are in really great shape, always wearing fashionable clothes, make-up and jewelry can be intimidating and discouraging for me at times.  I’m no longer able to fit into the single digit sizes I wore in my twenties nor have I have really been in tip-top physical condition at any point.  (My approach to appearance most of the time these days is probably best summed up in my post Fashion Faux Pas.) Seeing and hearing other women criticizing their bodies is very difficult for me, though, because it is far easier for me to see the genuine beauty in other people than it is to see it in myself.  The grace and trouble about that is no matter what I say or think, it’s unlikely to affect on the deepest levels how someone else sees or feels about herself.  If you’re not quite ready or willing to ask how God sees you, at least watch this video clip to see how it is that women usually view themselves.     

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Undeniably Adorable! There are numerous times during the day when Vivi will say that she’s beautiful or that her lips or fingers…are beautiful.  I always confirm that fact and say to her: “You are beautiful!”  Silently, I pray that she will hold onto that truth for many years to come.  I hope that’s the statement she will always return to when she looks in the mirror and stares back at her reflection.  Who do you recognize in your own family as undeniably adorable, beautiful, gorgeous?  Have you told them recently?  How about ever?  How about now?   

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Best Books on True Beauty Here are some of the most amazing books (and their authors) I’ve read in recent years that deal with the topics of beauty, body image, seeing ourselves in God’s image.

Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body by Pope John Paul II

Fierce Beauty by Kim Meeder

Weightless: Making Peace with Your Body by Kate Wicker

Wrapped Up: God’s Ten Gifts for Women by Teresa Tomeo and Cheryl Dickow

Extreme Makeover by Teresa Tomeo

Becoming the Woman God Made You to Be by Tammy Evevard

  
     

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Comfort for the Heartbroken This week I have been and will continue praying for all who are mourning the loss of loved ones, that they may feel the hope of the Lord, allow His love to wash over them, and move in and through them as they grieve and hang on while God, in His time and in His way, turns their tears into dancing, their profound sorrow into a lasting joy.

                  

Check out Jen Fulwiler’s tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday at her tremendously popular blog Conversion Diary,  This week we’re meeting up over at Camp Patton since Jen and their newborn baby are just getting home and settled in.  

The First Station of the Cross

The First Station of the Cross: Jesus is condemned to death.

He was completely innocent, pure, and free of sin, but was sentenced to death for speaking the Truth the people found upsetting because it went against their way of seeing the world and God. 

   
No one likes to have their way of life challenged or judged.  We don’t like being criticized or forced to change.  However, when we get swept up in the ever-changing public opinions rather than seeking Truth at all costs, then we are very likely to become one of those in the crowd yelling: “Crucify him!”

What does mainstream society advocate today that condemn people to death? 

Abortion, embryonic stem cell research, the selling body parts of human fetuses for scientific experimentation, euthanasia, the death penalty, ethnic cleansing, in vitro fertilization, harvesting organs, the one-child policy in China, contraception most of which are actuallyabortificients, sterilization, test tube babies…

How do we wash our hands of the responsibility for protecting innocent life?

By not researching and learning about what the Bible says about it or what the Catholic Church teaches and why, by promoting lies about the physical, moral, emotional, and spiritual effects of abortion, ignoring clear Church teachings and advising others to do the same, donating money and/or time to organizations whose moneymaking centers on abortion, euthanasia, genocide, gendercide, taking advantage of the poor, slandering the innocent, and otherwise contributing to the culture of death.

Silence is acceptance.

We are just as guilty as those who carry out the crimes against life if we know something to be not only morally wrong, but intrinsically evil, if we do not speak out against it and take what action we can to inform others of the implications and ramifications the Lord has made clear to us. 

           

Out of sight, Out of Mind 

The decisions we make and actions we take that purposely jeopardize, damage, or destroy lives of others aren’t stains washed away from our hearts or souls by the passage of time, by the so-called justification of hateful practices, the fervor of public approval, or the legalization of such practices.  Once we have innocent blood on our hands, those stains remain on our hearts and souls until we acknowledge our sinfulness, ask for and are willing to receive God’s mercy.

Music Meditation: This song by music missionary Danielle Rose addresses a number of the evils that our society condones rather than condemns. The song's lyrics are here: "Crucify Him."  

Making it a Matter of Prayer

     
Lord, please help us use the courage and conviction You give us to teach others and show them by our lives how sacred human life is in all of its stages.  Keep us focused on You, Lord God Creator of Life, Love, and Truth, so that we may not be dissuaded or discouraged by the culture of death, but rather draw closer to You in prayer and an ever-growing hope in that which is holy, compassionate, merciful, and eternal.  Amen.

What’s So Special About Mary?

Here's a quick answer to that question from Busted Halo:

    

Honor Your Mother:

     
Mary did what Our Creator hopes each one of us will do: use the gift of free will to glorify the Lord and bring others closer to Him.  The Virgin Mary's entire life on earth and in Heaven has been centered on giving praise, honor, glory, and worship to the Lord who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  

     
From the very moment she was conceived, God preserved her from the stain of original sin, because the Mother of Jesus had to be spotless in order to be a fitting tabernacle for Christ.  We celebrate this feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th.  Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the patron saint of the United States.  The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, is the largest Catholic church in America.  It is quite breathtaking, definitely holy ground.   

    
Who is the person who knew Christ most intimately, loved Him most unconditionally, and bore the greatest suffering so that God's plan of salvation would be accomplished?  The Mother of God.  That's why she is to be honored: for submitting completely to the Lord's will, for saying "Yes" to God every minute of her life, and thereby spending every moment in time and eternity praising the Lord.  Catholics don't worship Mary, but we do honor her as The Mother of God and "the handmaid of the Lord."  

    
I firmly believe that any good mother (and/or childcare provider, nanny, teacher...) learns a great deal from children.  What better instructor could Mary have had to teach her lessons of love, hope, faith, peace, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, gentleness, kindness, wisdom, honesty, innocence, joy, suffering, and sacrifice than Jesus Christ Himself?   

A Strong Devotion to the Blessed Mother Always Leads to a Closer Walk with Christ   

Note to reader: I originally wrote and posted the following part of this reflection on January, 1, 2011. 

     
I’ve had a very strong devotion to the Blessed Mother for a number of years. I know the Lord has used her example and intercession to help me grow closer to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Mary was willing to do what God calls us each to do: put Him before everyone and everything else now and always.

When she was asked to be the Mother of Christ, she didn’t say something to the effect of: “I don’t know (or flat-out no), it wouldn’t be good for my reputation or my family if I became pregnant before living with my betrothed. Actually, since I would likely be stoned to death since that’s the punishment for a woman who becomes pregnant out of wedlock, I think I’ll pass.”

She asked how this would come to pass and is told: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:34-35). Instead of fretting over what her parents would think, what Joseph would say, what her friends might start whispering behind her back, Mary had the grace and trust in the Lord to respond with: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38).

     
What a wonderful example Mary was of being open to the Lord’s grace and willing to serve Him in whatever ways He calls us to be vessels, holy tabernacles for the Holy Spirit! There have been countless times when I’ve prayed to know God’s will and have the courage to carry it out, but at the same time, I’ve had a million things come to mind about what might happen in terms of adversity, struggle, pain, or suffering, if I submit to the Lord completely in mind, body, and spirit. I know doing so means He’ll likely bring about some major changes in and around me that will bring me closer to Him. Some of the Divine Pruning will be quite painful, though, absolutely necessary.

     
“Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Savior’” (Luke 1:46-47. These two statements seem to sum up what every person is called to do: be a tabernacle which reflects and projects the Lord and rejoice in the God who saves us.

     
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son Jesus and the Blessed Mother of God, who always point others to You. Please help us be open to whatever is necessary for us to become holier tabernacles for You. Plant Your will in our hearts and make it our deepest desire and most fervent longing. Amen.

Four Books about Mary I highly recommend: 

A Mary Christmas

Praying with Mary
Here is the link to my favorite prayer from this book.

Mysteries of the Virgin Mary: Living Our Lady’s Graces

Preparation for Total Consecration

Catholic, Reluctantly: John Paul 2 High Book 1

I enjoyed this Young Adult (YA) novel for a number of reasons, not the least of which it inspires me with excellent examples and encouragement to continue working on my own manuscript of one.  The characters in Catholic, Reluctantly: John Paul 2 High Book 1 are interesting and complex.  The high school drama, personality clashes, conflicts, cruelty, and questions are appropriate for the age/grade levels discussed, the circumstances described, and what’s at stake.   There’s a sufficient amount of suspense and surprise to keep the reader intrigued throughout. 

   
Of the John Paul 2 High characters, some actually try to live out their Catholic faith while others are Catholic in name only.  The different personalities and varying levels of understanding the Catholic faith intellectually and spiritually create a considerable amount of tension and challenge those involved to figure out where they stand and why.  The highly controversial struggle over whether it’s most important to keep the letter of the law and/or to live by the spirit of the law comes out in a slew of tricky circumstances.         

   
Many of the facts and stereotypes about the Catholic faith, its followers, Catholic schools and other institutions, traditional practices, and prayers are covered in thought-provoking ways.  The subject of seeking Truth in all circumstances and letting it be the guide is one that’s explored in-depth. 

    
Some of the situations are quite hilarious and others very ominous and foreboding, giving the novel a good blend of the humorous and harrowing.  There are many big questions left unanswered by the end of the first book, definitely leaving room for more to come.  I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.  For more information on the author and other books in the series and other interesting extras, check out this website for the John Paul 2 High series.

     
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Catholic,Reluctantly: John Paul 2 High Book 1. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your family Advent activities and supplies this year, such as Advent wreaths and calendars for kids, as well as Christmas decorations such as nativity scene sets and religious Christmas gifts for the whole family.
   
This post is linked to the Catholic Bloggers Monthly Round-up.

Wrapped Up: God's Ten Gifts for Women

What is a woman worth?  It depends on whom you ask, when, where, and how what answer you will get to that question.  There are so many people and things vying for women’s attention, evaluating their worth, and holding up what society says should be their ideal, it’s easy to get lost, hurt, and confused.  What’s difficult is seeking God’s view of who you are, actually accepting it, and then putting that above anyone else’s, including your own, your family members, your friends…  At least that’s what I’ve found to be among the greatest challenges of being a real W-O-M-A-N of faith.  

     
Wrapped Up: God’s Ten Gifts for Women describes the blessings that women are and possess because we are created in the image and likeness of God; we’re daughters of the King.  Two faith-filled women approach this topic to unwrap the innate beauty and uniqueness of feminine genius as it’s revealed to us through Scripture and most often profaned by the mainstream media. 

     
Media expert Teresa Tomeo examines her time in the spotlight versus her new life in the light of Christ.  She illustrates how fame and fortune made her what this world considers successful but left her with a sense of spiritual desolation.  How can we pick out the truth from the lies?  First, we need to be mindful of what and to whom we’re listening.  “Giving serious thought to the messages that bombard us is essential if we are going to really see ourselves as unique gifts to the world created by God” (pg. 121).  With thirty years of broadcasting under her belt, some hard knocks, and quick breaks, Teresa uses her experience to take a closer look at the most prominent lies we’re fed by modern culture.   

     
Co-author Cheryl Dickow supplies Scriptural support and reflections that underline the value of women in the Old and New Testaments as well as in the present day.  Cheryl’s discussion of women in the Bible who were open to God working in and through them and fascinating insights into Jewish traditions and practices that are key to understanding the deeper meaning and significance of these stories give this true view of women the solid faith foundation it needs.     

     
These fundamental virtues of women through God’s eyes are combined with some of Teresa’s and Cheryl’s own personal experiences to bridge the gap between Bible Truths and their modern-day implications.    

     
“Women, with our unique role as nurturers, have something the world needs desperately: motherhood.  Some of us are spiritual moms.  Some of us have been blessed with the gift of physical motherhood.  Some of us are both spiritual and physical moms.” (pg. ix of Introduction) Teresa Tomeo

     
This book provides an in-depth look at the sanctity of women and how that holiness leads to a responsibility to share our God-given abilities, talents, and wisdom with others. 

     
“I knew that being wrapped up in God’s love happens in many ways, one of which is through words and love and prayers that have been part of this book—written just for you. (pg. ix of Introduction)” Cheryl Dickow

     
Check out this video interview with the authors. 

     
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Wrapped Up - God's Ten Giftsfor Women. The Catholic Company is a great resource for tools to help you participate in the Year of Faith, including Year of Faith bible studies and exclusive Year of Faith personalized gifts. The Catholic Company also has all your Advent needs in stock, such as Advent calendars and Advent wreaths.



Are you a modern-day Judas?

What was the gravest error that Judas Iscariot made? 

Betraying a close friend who welcomed you into his inner circle and treated you like a brother is high on the list of his biggest blunders, especially when it leads to you being brutally tortured and murdered, but it’s not the most serious indiscretion of this well-known traitor. 

     
In the Gospel reading from John 13: 21-33, 36-38 when Jesus informs the Twelve that one of them will betray Him, they all look at Him confused.  Peter nudges John, who was reclined at Jesus’ right hand, to ask who will do this.  In response, Jesus says He will hand the morsel to the person who will betray Him, then He dips the bread and hands the piece to the disciple sitting at His left hand, the spot given to the guest of honor, Judas Iscariot. 

Guess who’s coming to dinner?

I hadn’t realized this before, but Fr. Kauffman explained in his homily on Tuesday of Holy Week that the two people sitting closest to Jesus at the last supper were John and Judas.  This really struck me.  I have a hard enough time being around people who have lied to me, betrayed me, purposely hurt me in some way, so it hit me hard that Jesus kept Judas close to Him and lavished love upon him, knowing that he was about to hand him over to the people who would torture and kill Him. 

     
This boggles my mind!  Because I have been very hurt and harshly betrayed by the people closest to me in the past, I can sometimes be weary even of people who have proven to be sincere and worthy of my trust.  I get frustrated with myself for putting up walls of protection, but I still do it.  I tend to feel really tense and uncomfortable when sharing a meal or in the same room with someone who has hurt me very badly. 
     
Jesus wasn’t like that at all.  Jesus knew well in advance that Simon Peter and Judas Iscariot were going to betray their allegiance to Him, yet He kept them close by.  Jesus didn’t start distancing Himself from the two He knew were going to give in to temptation and turn their backs on Him.  He treated them as beloved brothers before, during, and after their betrayal.

What’s the main difference between Peter and Judas, the two disciples who Jesus indicates will betray Him? 

Peter denies his connection with Christ not once, but three times when the stakes of discipleship are quite high.  When he realizes what has happened, he weeps bitterly, painfully aware of his desperate need of Jesus’ forgiveness and mercy.          
     
Judas hands Jesus over to the soldiers and the police of the chief priests and the Pharisees.  When he acknowledges that he’s made a tremendous mistake, Judas despairs, condemns himself as one whose sin is greater than God’s mercy, and takes his own life. 
     
Not only has Judas betrayed Jesus, he makes the ultimate mistake of believing that his sin, the darkness within him, something he’s done in a moment of weakness has cast him outside the bounds of the Lord’s mercy, love, and salvation.  Judas decides that he cannot, shouldn’t, or wouldn’t be forgiven by Jesus for the evil he committed, so he rejects all faith and hope in exchange for despair and eternal damnation. 
     
Peter royally screwed up, but he had faith enough to believe in Christ’s message of mercy and forgiveness, to trust in His unconditional love and promise of salvation.  He held on to hope and allowed himself to be forgiven.

Is Your Faith Fireproof?

     My husband and I can’t help but smile and laugh a little when we hear the reading from the book of Daniel about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  We do know that this account of forced idol worship and cruel torture has an awesome, miraculous ending, but our amusement has a lot more to do with our familiarity with the Veggie Tales version still fresh in our minds.       

     The Rack, Shack, and Benny: A Lesson in Handling Peer Pressure DVD is a hilarious, very kid-friendly retelling of this story which is hard to forget.  Truth be told, it’s also amusing to think of the person doing the reading suddenly start referring to these three fireproof men of faith as Rack, Shack, and Benny. 
     It’s powerful to consider these types of questions and scenarios regarding peer pressure, submitting to popular culture, and the effects of standing up for what we believe in.  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has spoken out about the violations of religious freedom that are included in the Health and Human Services (HHS) Mandate. 
    Am I going to believe whatever Obama and his administration tell me? Am I going to check out one news source only?  Am I going to pray at all about this and ask the Lord what He wants and knows is best for us?
     Over the years, I have been faced with a number of tough decisions and have walked with friends who have asked for advice as they’ve struggled with challenging choices.  The best advice I’ve received and can give is to take it to the Lord in prayer.  If you genuinely want to know the truth about something, then humbly come before the Lord and ask for wisdom and understanding. 
     I’ve found this request for spiritual enlightenment works best when I don’t throw in any provisos or quid pro quos about what the answers ought to be or what they should not include (due to my own particular likes and dislikes).  When I’ve been willing to lay my burden on the altar, and without putting any limitations, restrictions, or rules on the request ask what He wants me to do, then He’s usually made it clear.  Sometimes the answers haven’t come immediately as I’d hoped, but they will be received when our hands, hearts, and minds are opened to whatever God wants to share with us.    
     I have been willing to do some very difficult things in order to stand up for what I believe in and have had it made clear to me by the Lord are His will for my life.  That’s not to say I haven’t freaked out when the flames around me are getting higher and higher.  I’ve flipped out plenty of times, but fortunately that’s not been grounds for revoking the free gift of salvation extended to each one of us.    

     Will you be thrown into the fiery furnace for standing by and for God?  Maybe.  Is that a better prospect than being cast into unimaginable heat for all of eternity?  Absolutely!

Catechism of the Catholic Church

I honestly never thought I’d write a review of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, but here I go.  I selected this complete and updated edition of the tome because I figured this is one book along with the Bible that every Catholic ought to read from cover to cover at least once.  I presumed the commitment to writing a review of it would help motivate me to read through the 846-page paperback even if the academic dryness I suspected it would have bored me at times. 

    
Imagine my complete and utter astonishment upon discovering this summation of the Catholic faith, as it has been handed down to us through Sacred Scripture, Divine revelation, the apostles, and the saints, is a fascinating read.  I looked forward to diving into the Scriptural texts and tenets of the faith, because they are presented with such brilliance.

     
My heart rejoiced in reading the explanations and explications of the Creed, the Our Father, the proclamation of the Word of God, and the foundations for the celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  This passionate portrayal of the faith handed down to us by God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit blends the elements of Catholicism I have read about, experienced, and come to understand through prayer in a way no other book has.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church beautifully explains the basic beliefs, moral and ethical teachings, as well as the eternal Truths professed by the Church.  Along with the Bible itself, it is the perfect reference for any questions regarding the history of Christianity and present application of the principles of it.

     
Want to rediscover Catholicism or really grasp it for the first time?  Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

    
I wrote this review of Catechism Of The Catholic Church for the free Catholic book review program, Tiber River. Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases. I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.

From Ashes to Ashes

My personal favorite blessing from last Lent was that my husband Kevin, prompted by the Holy Spirit, was inspired to start attending daily Mass with me.  As many Christian traditions observe the practice of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as part of Lent, a number of people take stock of their spiritual lives and their outreach to others, ask God for guidance, and come up with a plan that will help them grow closer to the Lord between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.      

     
Last year, I had the jaw-dropping experience of my husband Kevin informing me that he was going to begin attending daily Mass with me as part of his Lenten observance.  By then, Kevin was participating fully each Sunday and on holy days when we attended Mass.  He’d even been open to going on a couple different retreats and later served as part of two different teams for other groups of men seeking spiritual renewal.  He was living out the Catholic faith, something that I had begged, pleaded, and hoped for over a period of years when we first began dating.

     
Hearing about Kevin’s plan to join me for daily Mass made me excited, then it made me wonder how long it would last.  Praise God Almighty, since it came directly from the Holy Spirit, he started and hasn’t stopped!  For the past year, even when we’ve been on vacation, he’s accompanied me to daily Mass. 

     
This is one of the major reminders for me that not only is God still in the business of miracles, but He’s also continuing to grant prayers He inspired me to start praying years ago.  When Kevin and I first met, he’d been away from the Church for a number of years.  He’d never lost his faith in God the Father or Jesus Christ, but he fell away, sometimes ran away, from the Catholic faith. 

    
Only the Lord God could change that man’s heart and mind.  I tried many times, and I failed completely or had minimal success at best.  I prayed for Kevin’s conversion, but I had a hard time picturing the day when he wouldn’t think it was “a bit much” to go to Mass on Sundays in addition to going a few times during the week. 

     
If I think about spending 40 days focused on how sinful and selfish I am, then I’m likely to get depressed.  If I focus on how amazing the Lord is— how incredibly loving, merciful, and compassionate our God is—that He would give us His only Son as expiation for our sins, then I’m likely to be hopeful.  I’m likely to submit more fully to the Lord’s Will in all areas of my life.  I’m likely to invite God in my heart and mind to remove the lies and replace them with His infinite Truth.

     
What or whom are you going to focus on this Lent?

     
Is spending quiet time in prayer something you schedule into each day?

     
What’s the most important thing you can give up this Lent?

Tell Me the Truth, though It May Be Daring

     In many ways, it’s human nature to want to keep our failures, guilt, shame, insecurities, and struggles away from others.  To some extent we do that with every single person in our lives, at least I do.  I hide some facet of who I am (or at least I think I hide it), so that someone isn’t as likely to judge or reject me, like I assume they would if only they knew some of my deepest darkest secrets.

     In a sense there’s truth to the statement that you’re only as sick as your secrets.  Those things which we are too ashamed, horrified, embarrassed, humiliated, afraid, or traumatized to talk about with others or even be honest with ourselves about, are most likely the areas in our lives where there are deep-seated lies and a measure of stronghold over us because of the fear of being exposed. 
     There have certainly been times after I have shared something incredibly personal that I have worried that person betray my trust.  Most often I have feared that the more people find out about me and the better they get to know me, the more likely they will be

A List of Books I Read in 2011 (probably incomplete)

I thought it would be fun to make a list of books I read last year.  I've likely left some out inadvertently, as I read quite a bit, but here's what I can recall for now.  If you're interested in what I thought of any of these books, you can look up the the book title under my book reviews.

 

1.      Who Is Jesus Christ? by Eric Sammons
2.      The Seven Levels of Intimacy Matthew Kelly
3.      Set Free to Love by Marcel LeJeune
4.      The Practice of Healing Prayer by Francis MacNutt
5.      Soulprint: Discovering Your Divine Destiny by Mark Batterson
6.      Truth for Your Mind Love for Your Heart by Fr. Alfred McBride
7.      Life Inspite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson
8.      Burst: A Story of God’s Grace When Life Falls Apart by Kevin Wells
9.      unPLANNED by Abbey Johnson
10.  Parenting on Purpose by Jason Free
11.  How to Listen so Kids Will Talk by Dr. Maryln Appelbaum
12.  The Eternal Messiah: Jesus of K’Turia by W. R. Pursche and Michael Gabriele
13.  Blessed: Living a Grateful Life by Ellen Michaud
14.  Surviving Depression by Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP
15.  Holding on to Hope by Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP
16.  Lazarus Awakening: Finding Your Place in the Heart of God by Joanna Weaver
17.  Recovering Faith: Stories of Catholics Who Came Home by Lorene Hanley Duquin
18.  Secrets of the Vine for Women by Darlene Marie Wilkinson
19.  Streetwalking with Jesus by John Green
20.  You Were Born for This by Bruce Wilkinson
21.  How to Talk to Kids so They Will Listen by Dr. Maryln Appelbaum
22.  Atheist to Catholic—Stories of Conversion by Rebecca Vitz Cherico
23.  The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison by Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan
24.  The Chocolate Diaries by Karen Scalf Linamen
25.  Catholic Update Guide to the Mass by Editors of Catholic Update
26.  Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly
27.  Dion the Wanderer Talks Truth by Dion DiMucci with Mike Aquilina
28.  Christianity and the Crisis of Cultures by Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVIm
29.  Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley
30.  Reiser’s Ramblings by Fr. Bernard Reiser
31.  Dug Down Deep: Building Your Life on Truths that Last by Joshua Harris
32.  I’m a Stranger Here Myself by Bill Bryson
33.  The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson
34.  The Evangelization Equation: The Who, What, and How by Fr. James A Wehner
35.  The Church and New Media by Brandon Vogt
36.  The Amazing Sacrament by Fr. Stephen Redmond
37.  Celebrating the Holy Eucharist by Francis Cardinal Arinze
38.  Dogmatics in Outline by Karl Barth
39.  Becoming the Woman God Made You to Be by Tammy Evevard
40.  Sinner by Lino Rulli
41.  Raised Right: How I Untangled My Faith from Politics by Alisa Harris
42.  Church Folk by Michele Andrea Bowen
43.  The Truth of Catholicism by George Weigel
44.  Sons of Cain by Val Bianco
45.  Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo
46.  Compassion: Living in the Spirit of St. Francis
47.  The One Thing by Matthew Kelly
48.  Fierce Beauty by Kim Meeder
49.  Transition Tips and Tricks for Teachers by Jean Feldman
50.  Story Engineering by Larry Brooks
51.  A Catholic Christmas by Kathleen M. Carroll
52.  Hope Rising by Kim Meeder