This blog is based on references in the Bible to fear. God wills that we “BE NOT AFRAID”. Many theologians state that the eighth deadly sin is fear. It is fear and its natural animal reaction to fight or flight that is the root cause of our failings to create a Kingdom of God on earth. By “the power of the Holy Spirit” we can be witnesses and “communicators” of a new and redeemed humanity “even to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:7 8). This blog is dedicated to Mary the Mother of God.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
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Luke,
Chapter 1, verse 30:
Then
the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor
with God.
It is important to note as the
Vatican Council II pointed out at the message of the angel, Mary received the
word of God in her heart and in her body, and gave the world Christ. Notice
that in order to be the blessed sanctuary of the messiah it was necessary for
her to be fearless. Mary is a model of courage for us and at the death of her
son she shows both her courage and generosity in accepting us all as her
adopted sons and daughters.
Our Lady puts all she has at God’s disposal. In an instant, all her personal
plans – and no doubt she had many – were discarded so that she could do
everything God wanted her to. She made no excuses, had no reservations. From
the very first moment, Jesus is the one great ideal of her life. Throughout
her life on earth Our Lady showed limitless generosity. Among the few episodes
of the Gospel that refer to her, two of them speak directly of her attention to
the wants of others. She generously gave of her time to look after her cousin
St Elizabeth until the birth of her son, John, and she was solicitous for the
well-being of the young couple and their guests at the wedding reception in
Cana of Galilee. Such attitudes were second nature to her. Her
neighbors in Nazareth would have much to tell us about Mary’s innumerable
little services to them in their everyday lives. The Blessed Virgin never
thought of herself, but of others. She did her household chores with the
greatest simplicity and happiness while maintaining the deepest interior
recollection, for she knew that God was within her. In Elizabeth’s house
everything was sanctified by Our Lady and the Child she carried in her
womb. In Mary we confirm the truth that generosity is a virtue of great
souls, who know how to find their reward in the act of giving: you received
without pay, give without pay. A generous person knows how to be
loving and understanding and how to give material help without demanding love,
understanding or help in return. He gives and forgets he has given, and in this
lies his riches. He has understood that it is better to give than to
receive. He realizes that to love is in its essence to give oneself
to others. Far from being an instinctive inclination, love is a conscious
decision of the will to draw close to other people. To be able to love truly it
is important to be detached from
everything and, especially, from self, to give gratuitously … This detachment
from self is the source of a balanced personality. It is the secret of
happiness.
Christmas gift suggestions
to your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.”
— Oren Arnold
Come, and bring forth the
captive from his prison.
O Key of David, and Scepter of the House
of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens; Come and
bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in darkness and in the
shadow of death.
GREAT GIFT FOR THE NEW YEAR!
COURAGE FOR THE MODERN WORLD 2017 #2017CALENDAR
Authored by Mr. Richard H. Havermale Jr.This book is the continuation of my first book based on more than 365 references in the Bible to fear, dread, and that in fact our God encourages us to "BE NOT AFRAID". To do this we must be in the presence of our Lord and talk to Him. I recommend you develop the habit of spending 10-15 minutes a day with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel or if that is not available some other quiet place where you can be in the presence of our Lord. Read the daily entry and reflect on it asking our Lord and His mother to talk to your heart and reveal to you the will of the Father and then Do it. The layout of this book is to list and reflect on the books of the bible Sirach through Revelations. In the early part of September my search of the verses dealing with fear and being afraid was completed; so I asked the Lord what do I, do now. After some reflection I realize that the fruit of fear in the Lord is the Theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Love which ultimately results in Peace of the Lord. As a consequence the month of September will deal with Peace, October with Love and the month of November will be reflections on Faith and Hope. After Thanksgiving for the season of Advent and Christmas this work uses a multitude of references that reflect the Christmas season. There are many theologians who state that the eighth deadly sin is fear itself. It is fear and its natural animal reaction to fight or flight that is the root cause of our failings to create a Kingdom of God on earth. Saint John Paul II in his writings and talks also tells us to BE NOT AFRAID. In fear or anger we walk away from God. Our Lord, Jesus Christ taught us how to walk back toward God in His sermon on the mount through the Beatitudes. Each of the beatitudes is the antidote for the opposite deadly sins.
iFrame is not supported! Self-mastery. Manliness requires virtue. Yet “virtue” can seem like a vague concept. How do you make it concrete? What does virtue look like for a man, a husband, a father? Most of you who took our survey awhile back asked us to talk about this. Today’s video covers the basics. In The Catholic Gentleman+, you’ll grow in virtue through a monthly challenge. By accepting each challenge, you will: Break down self-mastery into achievable goals. Practice essential virtues like chastity, patience, and charity. Perfect your God-given masculinity. WATCH THE VIDEO NOW We launch tomorrow! Look for the next email with your signup link. We’ll give you a special launch discount too. See you inside. In Jesus Through Mary, John PS: Through all of the excitement we continue to get asked what will be inside Catholic Gentleman+ so I thought it would be helpful to outline it here. Daily Saint Quotes for Meditation straight to your email or SMS 6 Pillar Vi
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