Christ In The Ruins

When our world seems to be full of woe and great catastrophe's abound we can wonder, where is God in all this? Some will say that it is God's punishment on a people that have strayed from the path of righteousness. Others will opine that it is the end of the world and go on long lamentations on everyone else's sins but not there own.

None can speak for God we may never know the reasons behind many catastrophes, but neither can we place everything at the door of a fickle Mother Nature who places no one above her tempestuous reach.

When we build hotels, shops and homes on the shores of our native land should we be shocked that an earthquake may turn the water into a tsunami which then destroys all in its path? Is it the fault of God when many companies build high-rises and other monumental buildings on land that is known for its many earthquakes, then when the ground shakes down fall the buildings as many are crushed beneath them? Do we blame God or Mother Nature when we are warned that a catastrophic hurricane is heading in our direction yet the levies that were built to protect the land from flooding can only hold a category three, whereas the predicted storm is a category five, is that God's fault?

Is this not the thinking of little children to point the finger at everyone else but never look beyond to our inability to take Mother Nature seriously.

In our history have there not always been catastrophes where whole empires were overthrown as if overnight. Where lands were flooded beyond recovery and volcanoes killed in an instant all that were trapped in its path. But unlike ages past, these days we have access to multi media so when one land is hit with a catastrophe the world learns of this with a flick of a TV switch. Catastrophes are not new, but we are always stunned by them when they happen, how can they not happen when we build our homes both temporal and spiritual on shifting sands?

Perhaps we need to look at natural catastrophes in a different eye in that maybe we are being challenged to love more than we do. To give not from our bounty but from our inner core.

When catastrophes happen do we count out our pennies to help the victims recover while we keep our dollars so as not to be deprived of our own luxuries that we have grown accustomed too? Do we really give till it pains us? Till we and our families feel the pinch? Or do we spare what we don’t want, is that truly compassionate giving?

Could this be a call from God to return to Him in humble obedience? To love God not for what He can give us but to love God for Himself alone? Or are there too many Esau’s in the world who are prepared to sell out their Salvation so they may enjoy the superficialities of life, rather than the treasure which God holds in store for His beloved children.

When catastrophes occur, we need not wonder where is Christ, for He is in the ruins with his afflicted children. The challenge is, where are you when the weak and the weary face us not with their poverty.....but with our own?

Tone Of Voice

It's not so much what you say, as the manner in which you say it;

It's not so much the language you use, as the tone in which you convey it.

"Come here," I sharply said, And the child cowered and wept.

"Come here," I said; he looked and smiled, And straight to my lap he crept.

Words may be mild and fair, But the tone may pierce like a dart;

Words may be soft as the summer air, But the tone may break my heart;

For words come from the mind Grow by study and art,

But tone leaps from the inner self, Revealing the state of heart.

Whether you know it or not, Whether you're mean or care,

Gentleness, kindness, love and hate, Envy, anger are there.

Then, would you quarrels avoid and peace and love rejoice?

Keep anger not only out of your words, Keep it out of your voice.

Chastity Ring Banned From School

A young girl from England has been fighting for the right to wear a chastity ring, though I applaud her courage it does concern me that she may be bullied for her stance against loose morals.

It does seem to be a case of unfair discrimination in that it is only a ring, not a banner. Is the school authorities Anti-Christian by opposing this young girl from wearing the ring? Is it a case of different policies for different relgions? At the same school Muslim and Sikh students are allowed to wear their headscarfes and religious bracelets as an expression of their belief system.

Surely if they have banned Lydia from wearing her chastity ring then why have they not taken this stance across the board and banned all Faiths from wearing religious items?

I admire Lydia's courageous stand in taking on the authorities for discrimination but I am also concerned for her wellbeing. What if she is bullied by other students for wearing the ring? Again, what if young boy's see the ring as some type of macho challenge or competition to see if Lydia can hold true to her faith?

I would like to know what both mothers and fathers think of Lydia's bravery? And would you allow your daughter to do the same thing?

I see this as yet another attempt by the secular minority to impose their views on Christianity and Christians. It is an attack on our Faith and should we tolerate it?

Lydia seems to be a young girl of immense strength of character I pray that she will be victorious.

Be Still

I've not only seen the Light,

I have reached into Him.

His brightness shone upon me,

And touched the depths of my soul.

I've struggled

And fought

Angry and frustrated,

And to me He taught:

Be still and

Know that I AM God.

But my Lord, I frantically raged on,

I desire to follow Thee.

O Lord,

I am so forlorn and tired.

He turned to me

The Light shone brightly

I tried to cover my eyes

And yet I felt His warmth surrounding me.

"Why do you struggle?

Why do you fight against me?

Be still

And know that I AM God."

Pre-marital Sex

We are all concerned with the physical environment, oil spills, acid rain, depletion of the ozone layer etc. Yet how may of us are concerned with Spiritual Pollution??? Low Morals??? Is not disrespect for our bodies, Spiritual Pollution??? Premarital sex is dangerous because it robs your Spirituality!


Most of us would become very annoyed if we were called a thief or a liar. If we are accused of premarital sex, we say, "We're not hurting anyone." or "We're taking precautions. So its O.K." Well, neither your parents, teachers or priests can be with you at all times and at all places. But they trust you. Even so, Our Lord is with you at all times... at all places.. and loves you. Remember it is GOD THAT YOU ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE TO.


It is a mistake to think like this: If we engage in premarital sex and don't contract a disease or we don't become pregnant, then it’s OK. As far as sex is concerned the physical and the emotional are most closely linked. How many have said, "I only did it because I loved him." or "If I didn't do it, he wouldn't see me anymore." We must understand that there is a physical and emotional aspect to life. The difference between boys and girls as far as sex is concerned is this, a boy wants to have Sex and then ... get to know you. A girl wants to know a boy first and then perhaps have sex.


A physical relationship is a privileged aspect of love. We are all aware of its importance. It is part of God’s plan to bless the union of man and woman (Genesis 1:2). It is a very special part of the relationship in which the spouses give themselves joyfully to one another and through which they may have a child.


We often hear that having sexual relations before marriage is a way of "getting to know each other better." This is a misconception! Very often, sex takes away from real affection and deep communication. Body language ends up replacing dialogue. Moreover, the sexual harmony of a couple depends on the quality of their love for one another, and not on how they get along physically.

The world today trivializes sexual relations as if they were merely a physical act. We need to understand that a sexual act involves the whole person. Civil law, for instance, considers rape to be not only a physical attack, but an attack against human dignity and against the integrity of the person. Indeed, a man and a woman become deeply involved when they unite in a sexual act.

To give one’s body is to give one’s self. That means something! And a gift is not a loan. If what we live is at odds with our deepest choices, then we are not living in the truth. Is it right to give my body when I have not given myself? The truth is that a physical union can only have true meaning if it reflects a personal gift of oneself, a gift that is lasting and definite. This gift is marriage.


Even if it does not conform to today’s fashion, we can make the decision to remain chaste, to keep ourselves whole for the one whom we will marry one day. Don't rob your spirit of the graces and the blessings that our Lord bestows upon us. Sins against chastity are against the spirit and the soul. This is the truly dangerous aspect, not only of premarital sex, but of all the actions that we take. Chastity is synonymous with a love that wants to give itself totally and respectfully to the other. It is a decision that we can make at whatever stage we are at in our lives. If we have had sexual relations in the past, this should not prevent us from making that choice. Chastity is a road to freedom.

Let us remember to pray each day and ask Our Lord and His Mother to strengthen us against ALL temptation.

Chastity and Purity- The Challenges

How can a young person remain chaste when the media, music, movies, fashion and television promote everything that contradicts chastity? Turn on the television and everything from the advertisements to the cartoons promotes promiscuity. Society assaults us with sex, clothing advertisements, perfume, candy, lingerie and food. When did we reach the point where we need almost naked girls to sell water and pizza?

With respect to daily living, adultery and fornication are the media’s point of view. It’s undeniable. Most every daytime soap and evening show treat premarital sex, promiscuity and indecent behavior as just a normal daily routine in life. It’s so routine that you can compare sex to like taking a shower, its part of our daily routine. Some argue that television is simply our lives shown on the big screen. It’s a frightening thought to think that this is indeed how many choose to live their lives. Today I like Jim and so we sleep together, I get mad at Jim so to get even I sleep with his best friend John. Then when I get tired of Jim I simply like Bill and so the saga continues. Sex is seen as nothing more than something used to manipulate and control people, often times brutal and animal like. Immorality and promiscuity are as normal as having a cup of coffee in the morning. Do we ever see anything that even remotely suggests that morality and loyalty do exist? A lot of us who do know better sit and watch this trash. We are bombarded with it so instead of not watching it we just settle in and get comfortable on the couch. I mean we have to watch it because it’s all that is on.

So we decide okay we wont watch the soaps or the sitcoms, we are going to watch music videos. I mean its just music videos, how bad can it be? Well you turn on MTV and its girls grinding and shaking and doing nothing short of seduction. The lyrics, the suggestive dancing, the clothing, in all honesty how much different is watching these videos than watching pornography? Its all about what a guy wants to do to a gal or vice versa, listening to the lyrics is like listening to the script of a porn flick. So we can’t watch music videos cause to see one good video you have to see like ten more of these videos to every good video there is out there.


On average a young person spends say 25 hours a week viewing television from ages 5 to 17. This is the kind of junk that we are subjected to, is it any wonder why we are confused? Compare this to one maybe two hours of religious instruction if we had any. We have a media that condones adultery, promiscuity and violence. The media portrays a family as my two moms or my two dads and even the real families with a mom and a dad, the parents are portrayed as being idiots. I can’t name three shows that portray parents as moral, wise and being supportive to each other and their children. Everyone seems to manipulating each other to have their way. But somehow children are portrayed as being wiser than their parents. The rating system used for the media is so bogus. It’s basically saying that it’s okay to add trash to your food, its just a little trash so it won’t hurt you in any way. Rite! Wrong!

We pick up a magazine. On the front cover the feature articles,” how many partners have you had?’, “100 ways to cheat without your partner knowing”, “rate your love life”, “10 new ways to arouse and excite your partner.” So we flip pass all this to the fashion section. Ahhh the less is more concept, what I like to call brand name floss, the scraps that are being worn today costs more than actual clothing. To find actual clothing one has to search high and low. Everyday chores become that more difficult.

Is it any wonder that in this world devoid of morality and common decency that our youth struggle so? I encourage the young person who decides to stand against the common thinking of the many and rise to follow the simple teachings of a man who lived more than two thousand years ago. I entreat the youth of today not to listen to a society who portrays and treats you as animals unable to control your urges but to rise and set a new standard, one that will see this debased society stop and listen to the wisdom that comes from you who choose to submit yourself to the will of Christ, using Him, His Holy Mother, Mary and the Saints who mirror their beloved Savior, as your guide, your examples and the Holy Spirit as your strength.