April 20, 2023

Hi Folks,

Reading an article “View Points” in the Catholic News Herald, 3/31 I thought it worth while to post part of the article written by Jesuit Father John Michalowski as follows:What can lead to murder is anger that is allowed to seethe and grow until it 💥 burst forth into , hurting even killing another. Reconciliation is crucial. Even if the other person does not forgive us,God forgives us if we seek to be reconciled. If the wrong has been done to us,often we have to ask God to help us forgive others. If we are unable to forgive, the hurt and anger often act as a weight that burdens us and keeps us from being free!

September 8, 2022

 Hi Folks,

        Well, today we celebrate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary after the September 8th, celebration of her Immaculate Conception, when she was conceived without original sin.

          From Mary we learn to surrender to God’s will in all things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope is gone.From Mary we learn to love her Son and the Son of God, i.e. Divine Mercy

August 15, 2022

 Hi Folks,

    Today is the Feast of  the Assumption. On the Aug. 15, Catholics and many other Christians celebrate the feast   of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This significant feast day recalls the spiritual and physical departure of the mother of Jesus Christ from the earth,  when both her soul  and body were taken into the presence of God.

    Although the bodily assumption of Mary is not explicitly recorded in Scripture. Catholic tradition identifies her with "woman clothed with sun" who is described in the 12th chapter  of the Book of Revelation. 

***This is part of an article posted in the Catholic News Herald (catholicnewsherald.com)Aug. 5,2022

I feel it is important to note another article:

 Going back to May 13, 2022 Part of another article  in the Catholic News Herald an article written by Sue Ann Howell, Senior Reporter: She writes,A hallmark of Catholicism is love for Jesus'mother'Mary.

Catholics love her, honor and venerate her image in thanksgiving for her "yes" to God, for her role as the Theotokos ("God bearer") and as a powerful intercessor for all of God's children. It is important to note that Catholics do not worship Mary, but revere pivotal  rule in salvation history.

Now a few facts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

By pronouncing her "fiat" at the Annunciation and giving her consent to the Incarnation, Mary was always collaborating with the whole work of her Son was to accomplish. She is the mother wherever he is Savior and head of the Mystical Body.

The Most Blessed Virgin Mary,   when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory  of heaven, where she already share in the glory of her Son's Resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of  His body."

"We believe that the Holy Mother of God, the new Eve, Mother of the Church, continues in heaven to e exercise her maternal role on behalf of the members of Christ" (Paul VI, CPG s 15).

So to  end this writing,"Stay close to Mary; she is the spouse of the Holy Spirit."Say the Rosary everyday. And please know that when you can't put your prayers into words, GOD and Our Blessed Mother hears  your heart. I personally stay close to Our Blessed Mother and she hears and answers all my prayers in good times and bad times as well! Amen

June 24, 2022

    Hi Folks,

Well, as you already know; today Roe vs Wade was over-turned by The Supreme Court!

And I was inspired to write. Recently, just the other day on Fox News, they showed a video of some women protesting against the right to life for the life of the un-born. They were dressed with green tops, with signs and  white pants. On the inside of the crotch of the pants it was  painted red; obviously to represent blood. In the front of their costumes they were carrying a baby doll. The only thing they missed was a set of  horns to represent Satan and a knife coming out of the baby dolls head, representing late term Abortion.

I know these are strong words. However, being a pro-life, I feel I have the right as well to speak out and verse my thoughts on Abortion. However, just as these women were making a strong statement about their feelings and about their rights as women; let us talk about the rights of the un-born child.There only representive is their mother to be. The un-born child's mother has the right to have an abortion or to let the un-born child to live. It is a proven fact that life does begin at the time of conception. And early on in  the pregnancy their is a heart beat. Many people would dispute these facts and yes, that is their right. BUT, speaking on the behalf of the un-born and their mothers'; it is also a known fact that women who have had an abortion suffer from feelings of remorse, quilt for having made the decision to  abort their child and need therapy to deal with these issues. However, we are NOT to judge these women! There are many reasons that a women chooses to have an abortion! Fear, lack of parental or family support, shame of  being an un-wed mother, inconvenience and many, many more reasons.

Today, after many years of debate, The Supreme Court over-turned Roe vs Wade and The Supreme Court turned over the Abortion decisions to each individual states of our nation.

The following are some facts, not written by me; but, in defense of the un-born child!

1) In Cardinal Dolan's book, Who Do You Say that I AM. June 18th,pg. 171, "Everybody counts or nobody counts." words written by Michael Connelly. That is a perfect pro-life declaration. Everybody counts-both the mother facing a difficult pregnancy and the tiny, fragile baby in her womb. In God's eyes and in the wisdom of any enduring culture, every life is sacred. Pope Francis    speaks movingly of the terrors of the throw-away culture and he challenges us to defend the dignity of the human person-because everybody counts.

2) In a letter to the editor, June 10,22,  Catholic News Herald,pg. 31, writer Michael Coyle writes in his article' "What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his immortal soul?" (Mt 16-26) At the end of his article he writes," all Catholics, clergy as well  as laity, must stand strong and united in this most deceitful human sacrifice. The intrinsic evil of the wholesale slaughter of the innocent cries out for justice.

3) And, finally for the National Catholic Register, 6 5,22, pg. 2 the "Most recent annual data ended the lives of nearly 630,000 unborn children in 2019 alone.

Well folks,  that was over three years ago and how many more innocent babies have been aborted  even until today, 6 24,22 ?

It is my hope, that someone or somebody will read what I have wrote. We can all do something on behalf of the innocent un-born child; speak out, join a march for life and most important pray,pray,pray for these innocent un-born children! "When you can't put your prayers into words, GOD hears your heart!"

And remember, "No los pierdas de Vista/Don't lose sight of Him."

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April 21, 2022

 Hi Folks,

Well, it's hard to believer that two church events have already passed. Advent/ Christmas joy have passed and mostly forgotten until next December. Next came the season of Lent, prayer, fasting until Good Friday ( the Crucifixion) Holy Saturday and then the Resurrection (Easter Sunday).The Resurrection Of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ. And yet, when the holidays are over we move on until next year. But, is that a fact? Here is a quote from the Book, "Who Do You Say That I Am?" The author is Cardinal Timothy M Dolan, April 17, pf. 109.

    We  hear such resurrection stories around us. We see them inside  of us. We are partakers in the Resurrection of Jesus. In Him and through Him, we have the power to die for our sins, anxieties, heartaches and suffering.  Through Him, with Him, and in Him we rise to a new life of virtue, peace and fidelity. Yes, the cross is still there and will always be, but with Him we can  conquer it.

    Just ask the cancer survivor, the recovering alcoholic, or the married couple struggling and persevering. The RESURRECTION goes on! So true! And thank you Cardinal Dolan for your words of wisdom~

    So folks! Let's not forget Him and what He has done for us: The road to Calvary was brutal and  then the Crucifixion! He did what  God the Father asked Him  to do; so we can be forgiven and rise again! One of the last words, while being nailed to the cross was,"Forgive them Father for they know not what they do." If He can forgive us for our sins; can we not  forgive those who have injured us? Let's give that some thought! Here is a short prayer by St. John Vianney that I like to pray: "When you awake in the night, transport yourself quickly in spirit before the Tabernacle, saying,"Behold my God, I  come to adore you, to praise,thank and love you, and to keep you company with all  the Angels." Do we ever take the time thank Him? Don't we all appreciate a "Thank You" once in awhile. Yes! I hope you enjoyed reading my blog and remember:

DON'T LOSE SIGHT OF HIM!

Amen and God Bless you each and  everyone!

    

April 11, 2022

 Hi Folks,

Yesterday was Palm Sunday and as in the past we celebrated Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, mentioned in all four Gospels. Jesus entered the city knowing He would be tried and crucified and welcomed His fate to rise to rise from the grave and save us from sin. So, I thought is was appropriate since this was the beginning of Holy Week in many religions to post the Stations of the Cross as follows:  

      1.JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH -Matthew 26:66

Jesus, though He was innocent, was falsely accused and unjustly judged. Yet, He trusted His heavenly Father to rescue Him from the designs of the wicked. Let us imitate His Faith in God.

    2. JESUS ACCEPTS THE CROSS- John 19:17

Just as Jesus embraced the cross out of love for us, so we must put up with the trials and contradictions wee must meet in following Him. Thus, our individual cross can become a means of salvation for us.

    3.JESUS FALLS FOR THE FIRST TIME-Is 63-5

Jesus, our Lord, fell beneath the weight of His heavy cross. He knows we need His help when we stumble and fall in following Him. When we turn to Him in our distress, He will not fail to come to our aid.

    4.JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER-Mt 3:17

How Mary must  have grieved to see her Son, Jesus being led to crucifixion! Our Lady shared the pain of that hour; and so she also shares in His triumph over death. Our Savior gives us this same opportunity.    

    5.SIMON OF CYRENE HELPS JESUS-Mt 27:32

Christ's yoke is easy and His burden light, as Simon learned in helping Him. Though we naturally resist pain and hardship, we also will find that serving Christ will be joy.

    6. VERONICA WIPES JESUS' FACE-Mt 25:40

Anything else we can do for anyone, Our  Lord counts as done for Him. To help those in pain or trouble is always and act pleasing to God, one that  will not go without a reward here and hereafter.

    7. JESUS FALL A SECOND TIME- Is 35:3

Our Lord fell again under the weight of His cross. When we weaken, falter and fall, Our Savior knows how hard our way is. He will strengthen us in sorrow and come to help us. He will be our strength.

    8.JESUS SPEAKS TO THE WOMEN-Lk 23:28

The heart of Jesus was full of pity for the sufferings His people were destined to undergo. So, too, does He have immense pity for us for whom He once suffered and died. Ask Him now to help you.

    9. JESUS FALLS A   THIRD TIME-Ps 22-12

How frail at this stage is Christ in His human nature ! Yet, He endured despite His weakness and failing strength. So must we carry on in spite of our infirmity and failings to do God's work.

    10. JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS- Mk 15:24

Just as Christ's clothing was taken away, so one day  will be separated from all the possessions given to us in life. Nothing we own belongs with us permanently; so we must each be generous with the gifts God gives us.

    11. JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS -Mk15-27

The soldiers nailed Christ to the cross so that He knew the pain and anguish  of being unable  to move hand or foot. In distress He cried out Psalm 22,"My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?

    12. CHRIST DIES ON THE CROSS -Mk 15-37

When it comes our turn to die, let us meet death as Jesus did, trusting to God for deliverance. Having suffered with Christ and dying with Him, we shall rise to reign with  Him forever.

    13. JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS- Mt 27:43

Christ's death is the final proof of His humanity. Unless He was human, He could not have died. Unless He was God, His death would profit us nothing. "Ours were the sufferings He bore."

    14, JESUS IS  LAID IN THE TOMB-Mk 15-46

Christ's lifeless body is laid to rest, but the grave could not hold Him who created the universe. He rises gloriously on the third day to new life with God where He lives to make intercession for us always.

V. We adore you, O Christ, and praise you;

R. Because by your hold cross you have redeemed the world.

The above Stations of the Cross YOUR WAY OF THE CROSS are from the Franciscan Mission Associates, P,O. Box 598, Mount Vernon, New York 10551-0598

It is my hope that some of us will take the time to walk with Jesus on His way to Calvary this year of 2022, too show Him our appreciation for all He has done for us! Amen and God Bless!

    

    

March 28, 2022

 Hi Folks,

    While keeping up with the daily news about the war (invasion) of Ukraine by Russia; an old folk song by Pete Seeger comes to mind. The name of the song is "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" Pete Seeger wrote this song as a call for peace! Two lines of the lyrics are: "Oh, when will we  ever learn,Oh, when will we ever learn?" You can get the full lyrics of the the song and some history of its origin on Google.

    Throughout history, as you already know, since time began, there have been many wars.  When God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to earth; He didn't come as king; but, as an ordinary human being. He was sent to teach us the commandments. His greatest commandment was "John 15:12. This is my commandment, "To love one another as I have loved you."

    Now, over two-thousand years ago and many  years later what have we learned? The present war in Ukraine is proof; that we    haven't learned anything! After World War II, our Jewish brothers and sisters said, "Never Again!" Well after World War II, was the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Irag War (Desert Storm), etc. etc. until the present time, the Ukraine War. I am sorry to say; "We have still not learned anything!" I don't have the answers to these dilemmas; but, I would like to post two quotes that I recently read:

    The God who is Emmanuel has revealed that His will is for peace, healing, love and reconciliation. Our sacred duty, those who dare to claim that our religion is Emmanuel, is to welcome, never turn away, to raise up, never knock down; to act with mercy, never violence; and to offer bread and wine, not instruments of destruction. This quote by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, in his book, Who Do You Say That I Am? March 4th, pg. 65

      Another quote: Unless we recover the zeal and the spirit of the first century Christians-unless we are willing to do what they did and pay the price-the future of our country, America, are numbered! This quote is by Father John Hardon, S.J.

    Finally, a quote by Saint Padre Pio, "Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God's heart!

  Well, folks, I believe, are never too old to learn! Do you agree? Hope so!!

"No lo pierdas de vista/ Don't  Lose Sight of Him" and please, LET'S PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER!  

God Bless us, each and everyone! Amen