A New Dickensian World

How far away are we from re-living a Dickensian world? Where Oliver Twist is born an orphan to an unmarried mother and ends up working for the evil Fagin, it is here that Oliver learns to run with the likes of the 'artful dodger.' These days of course Oliver would belong to a gang where violence is the name of the game and children as young as ten kill for fun. If life was cheap in Victorian England, it is even cheaper now.

Many parents have abdicated responsibility so they can live their lives free of commitment, which leaves their children devoid of any knowledge of affection or love. Their learning is done on the streets, should we be surprised then if we find ourselves surrounded by miniature barbarians? Only a few years ago tourists going to Russia were warned not to wear brand names on their person lest they find their throats slit for a brand of Nike Shoes.

We leave much of the responsiblity for these youths to Governments, how far have they succeeded? These children are passed from one foster home to another and as we know many fall through the cracks in the system. The cracks are becoming the Grand Canyon, do we care?

If in Victorian times you had a job you also lived with the threat of being one pay cheque away from being on the streets. There were no sick days, no vacations and pray God your children did not get sick. You could afford lace curtains at your window's but not a doctor at your door.

Now parents work up to three jobs and barely see their children as they try and support their families in order to afford the basics for them. These parents are not working for fun, they work so they can afford health insurance, they work in the hope of sending their children to College and to plan for their own retirement. All of this is done to keep the wolves at bay but the wolves are howling at the door.

There are many families who are one pay cheque away from being on the streets.

Centuries have passed and still there is no answer to the problem of poverty and it's viscious cycle mainly because consecutive governments place the problem in the 'too hard box,' after all many homeless don't vote!

Having worked among the homeless and families who are considered borderline poverty I have seen where giving people driblets and droplets simply doesn't work. If anything it merely helps the poor to remain exactly where they are, never able to get ahead and only just managing to keep a roof over their heads. As we strip them of their basic rights, to believe in themselves and to maintain their dignity.

Poverty is viscious, it is meanspirited and it shows no mercy towards anyone.

When it comes to poverty we have become numb, we see the homeless as a faceless mob who irritate our conscience not because we are uncaring but because we do not know how to help.

Organized charities are also not much good in making real change, much of your donations go towards administration costs. These charities dispense food vouchers as miserly as Scrooge counted his money. If a mother of 2/3/4 children comes to a charity seeking help because she may have bills in the amount of $ 500 or more and these mothers are given a $20 food voucher, what help is that? The following week the same mother is back begging for another voucher. Where is the dignity?

It is a fundamental human right that people are housed, clothed, educated and fed. When did these essentials become luxuries meant for the few?

We have money to send rockets to the Moon and now Mars, billions of dollars spent so we can see grainy pictures of a desert. Governments find the money for war, but not for the poor.

We have our priorities wrong.

When we turn away from the poor we turn away from Christ.

Are we a loving and compassionate people? Do we take the example shown by our Lord and Saviour seriously or do we give mere lip service when we hear the cries of the downcast and broken hearted? Do we listen or do we preach at people from a comfortable position of privilege?

An alcoholic or a drug abuser do not need lectures on the evils of drinking and drug taking, they are already in their own private hell, do not heap coals upon their head. When was the last time you conversed with a homeless person? When was the last time you volunteered to work in a homeless shelter?

We need to rise to the challenge when it comes to tackling poverty as did Blessed Frederic Ozanam, who not only gave assistance to the poor but ennobled them by his friendship. Being poor is not a crime, but withholding our help from those in need shows a flagrant disregard for the Teachings of the Gospel and the Church.

Going to Mass once a week does not make a Christian if we fail to live the Gospel Message, in our daily lives.

Frederic was not a dreamer, and he understood that though he may not be able to assist everyone, he could help one person and then another and so it goes on, as Frederic said, "If we are too young to intervene in the social struggle, are we then to remain passive in the middle of a world which is suffering and groaning? No, a preparatory path is open to us. Before doing public good, we can try to do good to a few...We can give relief to a few of her poor."

This young man also understood that in order to render true and sincere charity it must begin by making the giver, the servant of the poor. This is the central core and the entire heart of authentic charity, for it is not about what we give but why we give. This is the central theme, to give from from our hearts to those whose hearts have been broken by life and its cruelties.

Charity is spirit and unless we understand this we will fail to fulfill its Divine purpose, which is not to make your life better but to enrich others by giving them your full attention and love. We can all speak of charity but if that is all we do, then it is mere empty words in a world which has grown bloated with self importance and 'catchy phraseology'.

No more turning away

From the weak and the weary

No more turning away

From the coldness inside

Just a world that we all must share

Its not enough just to stand and stare

Is it only a dream that there'll be

No more turning away?

The next time you see a homeless lady or gentlemen will you be one of the turning away? Or will you be the one who came back?

Written by Marie

Lyrics Pink Floyd

A Radical Love-Homeless Part One

The love you have for Christ is measured by the love you have for those who are considered least amongst us (And many that are first, shall be last: and the last shall be first. Matthew 19:30). God does not count how many times we go to Mass but rather He looks at the intent. Do we go to Mass to fulfill a duty or for Love alone?

Is going to Mass all we do? Is that all God requires from each of us?

Or are we being called to be revolutionaries of love? Designed to set the world on fire by the love we show towards those who are considered beneath us, the anawim and in many cases, the unwanted.

If the world is not on fire with our love, then who put out the Light?

The world teaches us to work hard in order to get ahead. We learn to be self sufficient, to put our own needs and wants above others. To plan for our future and the future of our children, this is all well and good but it falls apart if that is all we do.

What is the Gospel message?

The message of the Gospels is the opposite to what the world teaches us. Christ's message is that we make ourselves vulnerable, that we go the extra mile not for ourselves or even our families but for complete strangers.

Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same...Be merciful, just as (also) your Father is merciful. Luke 6:30-36

We spend hours in prayer in a longing to love Jesus with all our hearts which is commendable, but do we leave it there? How do we show Jesus love? By loving the unlovable's in our midst.

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' but not do what I command? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them. Luke 6:46-47

Can you imagine growing up never knowing a mother or a father's love, never to be hugged? Can you imagine standing alone while people choose what child they wish to adopt? What was wrong with me? Was it my hair? Am I not pretty enough, not the right colour, too tall, too short? Can you imagine being rejected because you are you?

Do you see the youth standing on the corner selling herself or himself because we sold out?

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27

Do you hear the unheard cry of the rejected? Do you see the pain of the one whose love was not wanted and not needed and they know this. Their eyes are a mirror, for in them we see they do not care, for we did not care.

If we do not hear their unheard cries or see the tears shed, God has heard their cries and seen their tears. God also see's us when we avert our eyes from the unwanted one's.

And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Luke 6:20-21.

Can we imagine a pain so great that we wish to obliterate ourselves? The homeless and unloved know this pain and it is killing them. To these broken souls Heaven is too far away and hell to near.

When did hope die? Hope dies when we stop caring.

Perhaps when we are faced with the unwashed, the unloved, the faceless spectre of the homeless is God saying to each of us, how much do YOU love ME?

Will we fail to see Him in them?

But the one who listens and does not act is like a person who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, it collapsed at once and was completely destroyed." Luke 6:49.

I was inspired to write this article by a post done by Stu at Tears of a Clown and Half the Kingdom. Thank you both.

Written by Marie

Homeless-Blessed Mother Teresa

At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done.

We will be judged by "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in."

Hungry not only for bread - but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing - but naked of human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a home of bricks - but homeless because of rejection.

Blessed Mother Teresa

LORD, WHY DID YOU MAKE ME BLACK?

Lord, Lord,

Why did You make me Black? Why did You make me someone
the world wants to hold back?

Black is the color of dirty clothes; the color of grimy hands and feet.
Black is the color of darkness; the color of tire-beaten streets.

Why did you give me thick lips, a broad nose and kinky hair?
Why did You make me someone who receives the hatred stare?

Black is the color of a bruised eye when somebody gets hurt.
Black is the color of darkness. Black is the color of dirt.
How come my bone structure's so thick; my hips and cheeks are high?
How come my eyes are brown and not the color of the daylight sky?

Why do people think I'm useless? How come I feel so used?
Why do some people see my skin and think I should be abused?

Lord, I just don't understand; What is it about my skin?
Why do some people want to hate me and not know the person within?

Black is what people are "listed", when others want to keep them away.
Black is the color of shadows cast. Black is the end of the day.

Lord, You know, my own people mistreat me;
and I know this just isn't right. They don't like my hair or the way I look.
They say I'm too dark or too light.

Lord, Don't You think it's time for You to make a change?
Why don't You re-do creation and make everyone the same?

(God answered:)

Why did I make you black? Why did I make you black?

Get off your knees and look around. Tell Me, what do you see?
I didn't make you in the image of darkness. I made you in the Likeness of ME!

I made you the color of coal from which beautiful diamonds are formed.
I made you the color of oil, the black-gold that keeps people warm.

I made you from the rich, dark earth that can grow the food you need.
Your color's the same as the panther's, known for beauty and speed.

Your color's the same as the Black stallion, a majestic animal is he.
I didn't make you in the Image of darkness, I made you in the Likeness of ME!

All the colors of a Heavenly Rainbow can be found throughout every nation; And when all those colors were blended well,
YOU BECAME MY GREATEST CREATION.

Your hair is the texture of lamb's wool, such a humble, little creature is he.
I am the Shepherd who watches them. I am the One who will watch over thee.

You are the color of midnight-sky, I put the stars' glitter in your eyes.
There's a smile hidden behind your pain that's the reason your cheeks are high.

You are the color of dark clouds formed when I send My strongest weather.
I made your lips full so when you kiss the one you love they will remember.

Your stature is strong; your bone structure, thick to withstand the burdens of time.
The reflection you see in the mirror...
The Image looking back at you is MINE!

by RuNett Nia Ebo

Be A Beautiful Reminder

In a world darkened by the
madness of bigotry
and injustice, be a beautiful
reminder of all that
is good and kind. Let the
light of your life rise
with each new sun. Don't hide
in its shadows. Be
warmth for the cold, comfort
for the weary.

As you journey through the
day, leave an
imprint of understanding on
your fellow
travelers. You know the
burden of sorrow and
the weightlessness of joy.
Share in it. Participate
in life on earth. Don't allow
your precious time to
settle in the dust and blow
away.

Be a reminder, a beautiful
reminder,
of all that is good and kind.

Anon

When was the last time

When was the last time you smiled at a stranger?

When was the last time you really enjoyed a good meal?

When was the last time you did absolutely nothing all day and didn't feel guilty about it?

When was the last time you did something special for yourself?

When was the last time you anonymously did something nice for someone else?

When was the last time you listened without interrupting?

When was the last time you picked up the phone without looking at the caller-id?

When was the last time you took a bath without any interruptions?

When was the last time you made a child feel special?

When was the last time you paid your bills on time?

When was the last time you forgave someone?

When was the last time you confronted someone who hurt you?

When was the last time you said "I'm sorry" and meant it?

When was the last time you had gratitude?

When was the last time you liked what you saw in the mirror?

When was the last time you prayed with conviction?

When was the last time you stood up for yourself?

When was the last time you paid someone a genuine compliment?

When was the last time you avoided gossip?

When was the last time you were happy with your weight/hair/skin/clothes/job?

When was the last time you hugged your child?

When was the last time you told someone you love them?

When was the last time you silenced your inner critic?

When was the last time you focused on your strengths instead of your weaknesses?

When was the last time you did something you love?

When was the last time you took a nap in the afternoon?

When was the last time you shared in someone else's success?

When was the last time you patted yourself on the back?

When was the last time you took care of yourself?

When was the last time you took a day off from work?

When was the last time you felt satisfied with your life?

The Feast of Corpus Christi

The Feast of Corpus Christi reminds us that we possess an immense treasure. When a Catholic priest takes a little piece of unleavened bread and repeats the words that Jesus spoke at the Last Supper, "This is my body", and when he takes a small of amount of wine in a chalice and says, "This is my blood", the bread is no longer bread and the wine is no longer wine.

At every Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, we participate in a marvelous miracle, the miracle called Transubstantiation. Transubstantiation cannot be proved through scientific experimentation.

Transubstantiation belongs to the reality of faith. Faith does not contradict reason. Instead, the gift of faith that we receive at Baptism, gives us a superior vision.

Transubstantiation means "change of substance", or "change of reality." When the priest repeats the words that Jesus spoke at the Last Supper, the bread is no longer bread, and the wine is no longer wine. Instead, the entire substance of the bread and the entire substance of the wine have been changed into the substance of The Body and Blood of Christ. Transubstantiation occurs only by the power of God, and in a way that we cannot empirically detect. We know that transubstantiation takes place through the certainty of faith.

Jesus, the Son of God; Jesus the Messiah; Jesus the Lord and Savior of the universe said: "This is my body"; "This is my blood". Faith is a vision superior to reason, but it does not contradict reason, precisely because faith relies upon the authority of God who does not deceive, nor can be deceived. Jesus is the truth and thus is incapable of lying.

To read the entire reflection click here.

I thought I would share this video on a Miracle of the Eucharist that happened in Betania, Venezuela on December 7th, 1991. This is absolutely amazing and having seen this Host at Los Teques, where it is kept several times, I got a renewed appreciation for the REAL presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. I'm not saying that one needs to see a miracle such as this to believe but its so amazing, awesome, incredible, humbling, really cannot put it into words, to know that our God makes Himself present before us, and through the eyes of FAITH we know HE is really there.

The Magnificent Seven

Every direction you turn, every paper you pick up, every news channel, all talk about the negative happening in a country and in the world. It really makes you wonder is there any good, any beauty, anything to enjoy in this world. I rarely watch the news, rarely read the papers cause it seems as if it’s the same thing, every single day. There is good out there, there are people out there doing good, embracing and sharing the human spirit, it just never makes the headlines. So I decided that I wanted to write about the good and beautiful norms and traditions of the people here, the things that make this island so unique.

We have these seven old Colonial Buildings called The Magnificent Seven that line the Savannah. I love old buildings and while these edifices are indeed impressive, I want to highlight seven things, the genuine Magnificent Seven that make a Trinidadian a Trinidadian. These are not things that have been financed by foreign powers but rather have been developed as original Trinidadian-grown traits and behaviors. I not only have some of these traits but I really admire, respect and regard deeply how they overlap and intertwine into every aspect of everyday life and add to the rich tapestry of my delightful, diverse, gem of an island that I call home.

The first magnificent norm is perhaps the most obvious: the ever-ready capacity of Trinidadians to enjoy life, leisure and the passage of time. It goes without saying that we Trinis love a “lime” (Trinidadian slang for a group of friends hanging out together. It can be large or small, pre-arranged or impromptu. It often involves food, and ALWAYS requires beverages (not necessarily alcoholic, but it certainly may). It is NEVER a hurried activity. It can occur on a beach, by a river, at someone's home, or on a street corner.) It goes way beyond this ordinary pastime and yields significant evidence of its utility.

It speaks of a parent’s joy in simply sitting and watching their developing children having fun at the beach with friends, easily forgetting the multitude of work and other responsibilities they might otherwise be engaged in. It speaks of the growing child’s productive use of their daily recess and lunch time to discover themselves, relate to others and dream of what the future may hold. It speaks of the benefits of time spent in peaceful solitude, not doing anything, where one comes languorously to an understanding of their place in the world or how they can help to change it. All these ways of valuing, using and thinking about one’s time on earth are splendid reminders to enjoy it and not necessarily “make the most of it.”

Second on my list would be the extensive and generous sharing of positive emotions and genuine, spontaneous displays of non-sexual physical affection. To smile, laugh and joke with each other in all kinds of settings is commonplace and so is the public display of affection. This includes the many hugs, touches and smiles between men and women, girls and boys and parents and children but also between young women and other young women, fathers and babies, even men and men. It is not done in way that might suggest homosexuality but more naively carefree, bodily expressions of true feelings that say I’m glad to see you and be with you, I like you and wish to share this warm feeling with skin to skin contact.

The loving public care of babies is especially very touching, which actually reveals a lot about the nature of native parenting. We live in a time where many places seem to do whatever they can to physically distance themselves from these newcomers with bulky plastic infant carriers, car seats, strollers, etc. The level of affection between adults and infants bodes well for the future human capital here.

Daily Prayer

Take my lips, O Lord, I pray,

Show me clearly what to say.

Take my ears and let me hear,

Only those things that You make clear.

Take my eyes and let me see

Those beautiful sights you have for me.

Take my hands and let me touch

What will help the others so much.

Take my feet and let me go

To those places that You will show.

Take my mind so every thought

Will remind me of all You've wrought.

Take my heart and let it beat

In tune with Yours at the mercy seat.

Take my life to do Your perfect will

And assure me that You love me still.

We Are Born To Love

We are born with two eyes in front
because we must not always look behind,
but see what lies ahead beyond ourselves

We are born to have two ears
-one left, one right
so we can hear both sides,
collect both the compliments and criticisms,
to see which are right.

We are born with a brain concealed in a skull
then no matter how poor we are,
we are still rich,
for no one can steal what our brain contains,
packing in more jewels and rings
than you can think.

We are born with two eyes, two ears,
but one mouth
for the mouth is a sharp weapon,
it can hurt, flirt, and kill.
Remember our motto:
talk less, listen and see more.

We are born with only one heart,
deep in our ribs it reminds us
to appreciate and give
love from deep within.

Looking For Love In The Wrong Places

Many people in today’s world are seeking validation in all the wrong places and in the wrong people. In that in order to feel good about themselves they rely on another’s opinion, this leads to a roller coaster ride of insecurities.

We see in the world around us, how many people fall into the trap of making the outside look perfect whilst ignoring the inner soul. Even in this consumer society, just how many face lifts, botox treatments and divorces do people need in order to gain some sense of security?

Many reach this predicament because they have forgotten what love is, for sincere love is selfless, it longs to give rather than receive. True love seeks not after its own gratification, but instead it seeks to enrich those who have most need of it. Most especially those in the margins of life, who feel unloved, unwanted and who feel the chill of knowing they are special to noone.

God loves us without need of a receipt.

God does not love us because we have made efforts to deserve it, He loves us because we need Him. Therefore the Triune Spirit endeavours to give each soul the Gifts it needs in order to teach the soul how to Love with Christlike compassion and mercy. But, this Christlike Love is not what we share with our family and friends. This love calls us out into the desert. It calls us to go beyond our bounderies and limitations to risk ourselves, for loves sake alone.

God's Love is a Radical Love.

It is when we place our happiness in the hands of another that we are doomed to a life of inner unhappiness, in that it is beyond man's ability to provide the inner joy and peace that many seek. This inner peace and joy can only be found in Christ, and through the Holy Spirit our souls are illuminated to the fullness and meaningfulness of the essence of Divine Love which ignites the heart and sets itself aflame.

God calls the broken hearted for only He alone can heal that which man has torn asunder.

Love is risky. Love hurts. Love scorches our souls till we cry out in anguish and loss..and then we understand..Love Sacrificed Himself so we could live Eternally with Divine Love.

Written by Marie

Love Takes Time

Love takes time. It needs a history of giving and receiving, laughing and crying...

Love never promises instant gratification, only ultimate fulfillment.

Love means believing in someone, in something. It supposes a willingness to struggle, to work, to suffer, and to rejoice.

Satisfaction and ultimate fulfillment are by-products of dedicated love. They belong only to those who can reach beyond themselves; to whom giving is more important than receiving.

Love is doing everything you can to help others build whatever dreams they have.

Love involves much careful and active listening. It is doing whatever needs to be done, and saving whatever will promote the other's happiness, security, and well-being. Sometimes, love hurts.

Love says no with empathy and great compassion.

Love is firm, but when needed it must be tender.

When others have tried and failed, love is the hand in yours in your moments of discouragement and disappointment.

Love is reliable.

Love does not attach conditions... Genuine love is always a free gift.

Anon

A Day With Mum

I remember when I had a day off in high school rather than sit around my mother allowed me to accompany her to a place she visited everyday.

First, she went to a store to buy a packet of cigarettes after that we both walked to the park where my mother told me to be quiet and watch. I knew where we were going and so was whining about it, my mother then turned and told me very strongly not to be such a snob!

Where were we going? We were going to visit my mothers friends.

As my mother made herself comfortable it wasn't long before she was joined by what appeared to my young eyes to be an elderly gentelmen. He sat beside her as my mother offered him a smoke, he gratefully took it and my mother then spent a few minutes discussing the weather, politics, music and books. It didnt take long before the gentleman began to talk about his life and my mother then went silent and listened.

He told her that he had once had a family but oneday he had come home early from work and found his wife in bed with his friend. The two men ended up in a fight where unfortunately and by accident his friend hit his head and died. The man then spent several years in jail, when he got out his family didnt want to know him, and so his home was now this park.

As the man spoke other gentlemen began to gather around as my mother offered them a smoke, she then told me to offer my seat to her friends and so I sat on the ground near her feet. I watched as an aboriginal man approached, he looked at my mother and said, 'you got a smoke for a black fella, lady?' My mother looked up and smiled at him as she said, 'ofcourse please join us?' He did.

I listened to these men tell of their pain. How some had been kicked out of their homes because their mothers had been in abusive relationsips. Another young man had been turned out of his home once his parents found out he was Gay, my mother took off her cardigan and placed it on the ground so the young man could join us.

I learnt that day that listening is more important than talking. I also learnt to never judge a book by it's cover and that life is often painful.

On the way home I asked my mother why she just didnt give them money or food, her reply surprised me. My mother said, 'if I gave them food or money then it would be charity. It is not about me feeling good, it is about giving those men an hour where they are can be men with dignity.' My mother then looked at me and said, 'noone was born to die on a park bench, remember that.' I remember it.

A few months later I was late out from school and decided to take a short cut through the park. It wasn't long before a younger man jumped out in front of me, I knew I was in deep trouble when suddenly these homeless gentlemen came out from everywhere. I found myself surrounded as the elderly gentlemen said, 'dont think about touching this young lass.' He lifted his head and said proudly, 'her mother is our friend.' They then escorted me out of the park and watched as I made my way home.

I found that day that not only was my mother their friend, she was also a Great Lady.

RIP Mum with love xoxoxoxoxo

A HAPPY & BLESSED MOTHER's DAY TO ALL.

Marie xoxoox

PENTECOST PRAYER

Spirit of Christ, stir me;

Spirit of Christ, move me;

Spirit of Christ, fill me;

Spirit of Christ, seal me.

Consecrate in me Your Heart and Will, O Heavenly Father.

Create in me a fountain of virtues.

Seal my soul as Your own,

that Your reflection in me may be a light for all to see.

Amen.

Anon

MOTHER OF COMPASSION

O Holy Virgin,

in the midst of all your glory,

we ask you not to forget

the sorrows of this world.

Cast a look of pity upon all

who struggle against life's difficulties,

and who cease not to feel all its bitterness.

Have pity on all who have been

separated from those they love.

Have pity on the lonely and friendless.

Pardon the weakness of our faith.

have pity on those whom we love.

O Holy Mother,

show a mother's compassion toward the sorrowful

and those who tremble under life's afflictions.

Give them hope and peace.

Amen.

Anon

WORDS...

We need to use our words wisely for in our words we have the power to bring both happiness and grief. We can either build someone up who has suffered or add to their burden by thoughtless words uttered by inexperience if not downright ignorance. It helps if we have gained a sound knowledge and grounding in Scripture for as the Word reveals to us, "Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing." We are all a work in progress, and at times we too are in need of an encouraging word but also one guided in wisdom, lest we speak more as a longing to be liked than speak the Truth as revealed to us through the Word and the Teachings of the Church.

We must always be aware that every person needs to feel loved, validated and needed. So in order to be truly wise, we must weigh our words for they will act upon the heart like a flower ready to bloom or they will crush the bud before it has a chance to reach full maturity. So before we speak remember to examine your own inner motives, and to pray to the Holy Spirit so we may speak in wisdom so as to edify the recipient rather than cause harm and hinder the spiritual path of another. As Thomas Kempis says, "In all your actions keep your end in sight, and how you will stand before your judge, your God, from whom nothing is hidden."

At times we may not know that our actions and words are harming another in that our overzealousness instead of helping may in fact harm the recipient, St. Philip Neri wisely says, "If you wish to go to extremes, let it be in sweetness, patience, humility and charity." When our friends come to us with their souls in anguish and the wounds within exposed, do we rub salt in them or do we with utmost compassion become a balm to the troubled and pained individual?

We may think what has words to do with spiritual warfare? This is so because it is from the mind that sin begins and is then carried out in both word and deed. For Satan knows our weakness, if we are quick to take offense he will send us offensive people. If we are over sensitive, he will send people to criticize our every word and action, but if some are lazy and apathetic, Satan leaves them to themselves, for they are already his. So if we think that Satan has no use for words then many will be sadly mistaken, for Satan is a sower of malice, and discord is its seed upon which hate becomes its fruit.

On the other hand God also understands our weakness and will put trials in our path not to break us but to strengthen that which is weakest in our nature. So if offensive people cross our paths it enables us the chance to practice patience. If one is over sensitive and meets a person with little sensitivity this again enables the person to practice charity.

For everything Satan tries to do, God will undo, through prayer.

This should teach us to measure each word as if our soul depended on it for it does, for when we wound another, we wound Christ. We need to take heed of our words and motives, but in order to do so we also need to know what is pleasing for God to hear, and that is words spoken in love, even when correcting another. In the words of another great Saint, "A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love." St. Basil is correct for what we give to others and how we treat them will affect our own relationship with our Heavenly Father.

We are all at times in need of a kind word, a gentle reminder that all is not lost and the knowledge that we are loved.

Written by Marie

Greeting Mary

Hail Mary, hello, how are you? I greet you with love, And I thank you for being available. Deeply, I breathe your roses, The twelve fresh roses you place in my spirit Every morning when I say hello to you.

Full of grace are you, Grace spilling over Heaven's boundaries Into my world, living water, bread and wine, The unmerited favor of God That you come carrying to me, Your arms always full of gifts.

The Lord is with thee, Jesus Christ the Messiah is with you, And you teach me how to recognize That the Lord is with me.

Blessed art thou amoung women, Glowing with love for Jesus, Pure blessedness never tainted But alive with holy beauty.

And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus, The most blessed of humanity, Delivered through you, Virgin Mary. Jesus, the most cursed of humanity, Who became a curse for me So that I might be blessed With his resurrection life.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, Teach me to value motherhood, Help me pray for mothers and fathers To love and support each other. Show me how God loves you.

Pray for us sinners now And at the hour of our death. Pray that I can live each moment Consecrated to love, to Christ, That I recognize each now As the moment of salvation So that I die prepared for eternal life. Pray that I can crucify my passions, Those passions that make me a sinner, And that I can die to sin on the cross with Jesus As you look on weeping and praying But joyous, knowing that resurrection follows.

Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners Now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Anon

Blogs Behaving Badly VS Virtuous Blogging

When we place Catholic symbols on our blogs we are then obligated to write what the Catholic Church Teaches which may differ from your own private thoughts and wishes. If you write a different doctrine other than the Teachings of the Catholic Church then what exactly is the reason you have emphasised your blog as Catholic?

As Catholic bloggers we have a responsibility to proclaim the Church's Truth as it is and not what we 'think' it should be.

We sometimes think because we are writing in 'cyber space' that somehow God is not listening or watching therefore we are not accountable for what we write or espouse. Yes, we are indeed responsible and yes indeed, God will hold us accountable for every word we type.

Do we think God is a technophobe?

There is also the case that some blogs fall in with the fallacy that many comments equals quality, no it doesn't. If your writing deviates away from the what the Catholic Church Teaches then it is yourself you believe in and not the Catholic Church. Vanity and pride also play a part as some try and make their blogs more 'withit' while giving no thought that they may, in fact, be a cause for scandal.

Yet a failure to speak out when another is in error is not an act of Virtue, for if we fail to speak The Truth what has kept us silent?

Two of the Virtues we must practice is Prudence and Temperance.

If you visit a blog which is behaving badly do you join in the slug fest? Or with prudence do you understand the motivating force behind the written text? Once you have understood what is motivating the writer surely temperance is needed to speak the Truth and then with prayer leave things in God's Hands.

We can disagree with each other without becoming disagreeable and when it comes to our Faith we can at times become heated when defending it.

God can withstand an article which may be incorrect. God does not need your harsh words, instead temper your reasonings to God's Holy Truth and once again, learn when to walk away.

Choose your battles wisely.

Our time is precious and should be spent to give all honour and joy to God and God alone. This also needs discernment, where can you best serve God? None of us are super heroes. We instead are called to be servants to one another whether that be in making sure your family duties have been fulfilled or working in your community towards the betterment of those on the margins of society.

The key, is to do all your tasks with love.

We all have different talents and gifts what we must not do is bury them or leave them dormant.
Some have a talent for encouraging others to become better people and to be better disciples. If these encouragers go silent, then what will be heard, the raucous noise of the dissenters?

Others have a talent for standing up for what they believe, if they go silent once again who will reign, those who misrespresent our Faith?

Let us remember the Early Church Fathers did not go to their deaths silent. Our Sainted Martyrs also did not go silently to their deaths but instead proclaimed God's Glory to the last. Will you do less?

"At the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." (Martin Luther King Jnr.)

Written by Marie

PS: Thankyou Esther for inspiring this post from the piece you wrote on Virtuous blogging. You are indeed a Virtuous blogger and I enjoy reading your blog enormously. God bless you.

Prayers Of The Stress Impaired

Lord help me to relax about insignificant details beginning tomorrow at 7:41:23 am e.s.t.

God, help me to consider people's feelings, even if most of them ARE hypersensitive.

God, help me to take responsibility for my own actions, even though they're usually NOT my fault.

God, help me to not try to RUN everything. But, if You need some help, please feel free to ASK me!

Lord, help me to be more laid back and help me to do it EXACTLY right.

Lord help me not be a perfectionist. (Did I spell that correctly?)

God, help me to finish everything I sta

God, help me to do only what I can, and trust you for the rest. And would you mind putting that in writing?

Lord, help me be less independent, but let me do it my way.

Lord, help me slow down andnotrushthroughwhatIdo.

Amen

Anon

To Lighten Things Up- LOL

Coming TV Shows

Television shows that may be appearing soon as a result of the electronic and computer age.

Modem, She Wrote: Each week, our intrepid detective tries to solve the ultimate mystery: why her modem won't ever connect at 56k.

Micro-CHiPs: Ponch and Jon now patrol the Information Superhighway.

Carly's Angels: Chief exec Carly Fiorina instructs her team of three vixen market analysts on how to prop up HP's sagging stock price.

Hawaii 6.0: An upgraded version of the classic series. Steve McGarrett goes surfing for bad guys online. Book em Dono!

T.J. Hacker: A retired cop, with an uncanny resemblance to James T. Kirk, takes up computer hacking to track down the miscreants who canceled his TV show.

The Excel Files: Inexplicable things are happening to the data in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Can this puzzle be solved? The truth is out there.

The AOL-Team: Each week, AOL, Time Warner, Netscape, and Mr. T unite to promote corporate mergers and make the world safe for capitalism.

Magnum, PC: This series about a crime-solving personal computer that goes by the code name Deep Blue is based in beautiful Hawaii.
Season finale cliff-hanger: Will Deep Blue be seduced by the wily charms of the Texas Instruments Speak 'n' Spell?

The Incredible Bulk: The exciting adventures of Windows, which just keeps growing and growing.

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Summer Reading

Strategic Defense in the Space Age
by Ray Gunn

Manned Planetary Expeditions Vol. 1: Mercury
by Hugo Furst

Projectile Motion
by Fah Ling

The Complete Do-It-Yourself Guide to Amateur Astronomy
by I.C. Stars

The Physics of Rotation
by S. Pining

Science Education Today
by I. Noah Little

The Statistical Variations of Scantron Test Keys
by Noah Lot

Computers
by Kent Standm

The Past, Present and Future of the Stars in the Milky Way
by Horace Cope

"How to Write Large Books
by Warren Peace

The Lion Attacked
by Claude Yarmoff

The Art of Archery
by Beau N. Arrow

Songs for Children
Barbara Blacksheep

Irish Heart Surgery
by Angie O'Plasty

Desert Crossing
I. Rhoda Camel

School Truancy
by Marcus Absent

I Lost My Balance
by Eileen Dover and Phil Down

Mystery in the Barnyard
by Hu Flung Dung

Positive Reinforcement
by Wade Ago

Shhh!
by Danielle Soloud

The Post Office
by Imelda Letter

Things to Do at a Party
by Bob Frapples

Stop Arguing
by Xavier Breath

Raising Mosquitos
by I. Itch

Mountain Climbing
by Yugo First