Monthly Archives: December 2009

Quote for the Day

“Always stay close to the Catholic Church, because it alone can give you true peace, because it alone possesses Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, who is the true Prince of Peace.” — St. Padre Pio

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The Trinitarian Dimension of Diaconal Spirituality

Much is written about diaconal kenosis, that is, radical self-emptying, self-donation for the sake of the other in the manner of Jesus who emptied himself of all trappings of his divinity in taking on our flesh for our salvation. This kenotic … Continue reading

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The Core Spirituality of the Diaconate

Being a relatively new deacon, I have been pondering how to describe in a concise manner the spirituality of the diaconate, its relationship to marital spirituality for us married deacons, and its common elements with our brother clergy the priests … Continue reading

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Quote of the Day

“In Jesus, I begin to discover the truth about myself, my true identity, my real relationships with others. Like Jesus, I am a beloved son or daughter, someone with whom the Father is well pleased!” — Marie Beha, OSC

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Quote for the Day

“To think on Jesus is like a breath of new life. His kindness fills one to the brim. His sweetness is in overflowing measure.” — St. Claire of Assissi

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Why ask for visions and signs?

Many of us, when in dire straits or faced with doubts about our faith and the direction of our lives, are prone to asking God for some sign or vision to show us the way and to reinforce our shaky … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“We never tire of considering the family as a community of love. Marital love unites the couple and generates new life. It is a reflection of the love of God.” —  Pope John Paul I, 21 Sept. 78

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Quote for the Day

“What does evangelization mean if not to carry to all peoples, after first to the cities of Judah, the good news of the coming of Christ on earth?” –Eusebius of Caesarea, writing of John the Baptist and by extension to … Continue reading

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Compassion over Judgment

The Catholic New Service (see link below right) is reporting Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, the preacher of the papal household, spoke of the call priests have to be bearers of compassion, not judgment, to the people. He said, “Do not … Continue reading

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What would it be like at Christmas if?

I sometimes wonder what it would be like at Christmas if: For every dollar spent on a Christmas present, a dollar would be spent on the poor. For every hour spent shopping, there would be an hour spent with the … Continue reading

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Psalm 116(117)

The shortest psalm in Scripture is Psalm 116(117).  It is a great one to commit to heart. I find that I need to pray it often, as life can be quite a challenge more often than not. I am usually … Continue reading

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Advent Longing for the Lord

Advent is a time for longing.  Longing for the Lord.  We are eager to see him, to be with him, to know him. He is coming. St. Anselm today in his Proslogion writes: “Teach me to search for you, and … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“Peace is not the absence of violence but the unity of love. It is the love that flows from the wounds of the crucified Christ and the love that embraces us in the Eucharist.” — Ilia Delio, OSF

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Dignity and Honor in a Cup of Coffee

I shared a cup of coffee with someone today. It was a symbol of this person’s dignity, and a sign of honor extended to me. It reminded me of another time when someone offered me a very simple meal, and … Continue reading

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Look and be Amazed

For anyone who may want to deny that the developing embryo/fetus is truly a human person, take a look at the website of The Endowment for Human Development: www.ehd.org You will find a wealth of information on embryonic and fetal … Continue reading

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