Tonight was just what I needed. A new friend of mine in CA had been talking about having a Guy's night out for some time when I brought the subject to his attention again this morning. He quickly jumped on the idea again and before I knew it tonight was designated Man Night.
Six Guys, wings (a salad), Buffalo Wild Wings, and enough beer to go around. Fantastic night of friendship and accountability. The kind of night with the kind of guy friends I have not had since I returned to CA. In MN, I had a group of solid guy friends. Friends who would call each other out and hold one another accountable. To the rest of the law school we were sometimes seen as "unapproachable" and "exclusive" (which we were not) because our bond was so great. We were the kind of friends that would go out at least once a week and hang out whenever we had time. And yes, we often found ourselves at Buffalo Wild Wings as well.
But as tonight went, there was accountability, man stories, sports, good times, and did I mention beer? For the most part, we kept our focus off women (which was a little hard to do for the three married men) and on the things that make men, well, men. Some of the conversation pitted the three single guys against the three married men (and thank you for pointing it out; yes we do realize we our single). A great atmosphere of joking, making fun, giving advice, and appreciating the masculinity in each of us.
I hope man night becomes a regular occurrence in CA and we are able to repeat the experience in a way that builds friendships and holds one another accountable in our pursuit of true manhood.
Thank you God for great friends and beer.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Chance Encounters
Last nights post made for a late night. Today I am going to post a little earlier.
I had an amazing day today even though it felt like an emotional roller coaster as I shouted to the Heavens asking God for an explanation of what He wants from me. Yes, there may have been a little frustration there as I continued to seek His will in my life. Every day he wants something from me. Until He answers the questions I have, I must simply continue to get closer to He Who Is, and always will be.
But I digress . . .
The reason, my day became unexpectedly splendid was three chance encounters with people that led to enjoyable and insightful conversations. First, I went to confession with a Priest whom I have never before had the opportunity to confess too. It was delightful; as far as confessions go. The Priest also took the time to turn my confession into a mini Spiritual Counseling session and reaffirm me in my life. Now, I definitely advocate going into confession and simply stating your sins, not trying to "explain away" or "excuse" all of your sins, but when the Priest starts prodding you with questions and giving counseling I am all ears! He also called me to improve in certain ways. A shout out that was much needed and appreciated.
Second, I ran into a woman I was not expecting to see and had no desire to run into. To be polite, I said hello which in turn led to some pleasantries and then a conversation that was quite wonderful (I wanted to use the word enchanting but it doesn't seem to fit the context). It ended up being quite insightful and continued to direct me in my thoughts for the day.
Third, I ran into a friend at St. Mel's Church later in the evening. I haven't seen the person for some time and we were able to connect and fill each other in and discuss issues pertinent to our lives. I am glad to say, we were both able to brighten up the other's day. I left her with a smile on my face.
Praise God for the people you run into who brighten your day and either affirm you or call you out in your discernment and pursuit of holiness. Sometimes, God really knows just who to send.
;)
I had an amazing day today even though it felt like an emotional roller coaster as I shouted to the Heavens asking God for an explanation of what He wants from me. Yes, there may have been a little frustration there as I continued to seek His will in my life. Every day he wants something from me. Until He answers the questions I have, I must simply continue to get closer to He Who Is, and always will be.
But I digress . . .
The reason, my day became unexpectedly splendid was three chance encounters with people that led to enjoyable and insightful conversations. First, I went to confession with a Priest whom I have never before had the opportunity to confess too. It was delightful; as far as confessions go. The Priest also took the time to turn my confession into a mini Spiritual Counseling session and reaffirm me in my life. Now, I definitely advocate going into confession and simply stating your sins, not trying to "explain away" or "excuse" all of your sins, but when the Priest starts prodding you with questions and giving counseling I am all ears! He also called me to improve in certain ways. A shout out that was much needed and appreciated.
Second, I ran into a woman I was not expecting to see and had no desire to run into. To be polite, I said hello which in turn led to some pleasantries and then a conversation that was quite wonderful (I wanted to use the word enchanting but it doesn't seem to fit the context). It ended up being quite insightful and continued to direct me in my thoughts for the day.
Third, I ran into a friend at St. Mel's Church later in the evening. I haven't seen the person for some time and we were able to connect and fill each other in and discuss issues pertinent to our lives. I am glad to say, we were both able to brighten up the other's day. I left her with a smile on my face.
Praise God for the people you run into who brighten your day and either affirm you or call you out in your discernment and pursuit of holiness. Sometimes, God really knows just who to send.
;)
The reincarnations of the Prayer of Saint Francis
This prayer has played a role in my life for a long time. I first remember using it in junior high school. In college, I blew off the dust and used it with a desire to follow my patron saint in whatever direction God may be leading me. In law school, I wanted to use my tools and knowledge to help those less fortunate and help build a society that protects all God's people and brings them closer to Christ.
It is interesting to reflect on my intentions behind my prayer recitations. Usually, or at least most frequently, I prayed this prayer with an ardent desire to be used by Jesus as His instrument to further the mission of the Church on Earth. I wanted (want) to be a soldier for Christ and His Church; a peaceful soldier. Recently, I have once again found new meaning for this prayer in my life. In the prayer's newest reincarnation, I have been focusing more on how Christ can use me to help family, friends, and others close to me. You can see my most recent emphasis below.
What do you focus on when you pray these words? Do you have any prayers that you have continued to recite and change the meaning of in your own mind over the years?
It is interesting to reflect on my intentions behind my prayer recitations. Usually, or at least most frequently, I prayed this prayer with an ardent desire to be used by Jesus as His instrument to further the mission of the Church on Earth. I wanted (want) to be a soldier for Christ and His Church; a peaceful soldier. Recently, I have once again found new meaning for this prayer in my life. In the prayer's newest reincarnation, I have been focusing more on how Christ can use me to help family, friends, and others close to me. You can see my most recent emphasis below.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
What do you focus on when you pray these words? Do you have any prayers that you have continued to recite and change the meaning of in your own mind over the years?
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Discernment and vocation
"Our vocation is nothing else but to belong to Christ." ~Blessed Mother Teresa
For when I lose focus . . .
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Attributes of Love
Love is ever on the watch; it rests, but does not slumber, is wearied but not spent, alarmed but not dismayed; like a living flame, a blazing torch, it shoots upward, fearlessly passing through aught that bars its path. If anyone has this love, he will know what I mean. A loud cry in the ears of God is that burning love for him in the soul which says: "My God, my love, you are all mine and I all yours." . . .
Love is swift, pure, dutiful, pleasant and agreeable, it is strong, patient, faithful, prudent, long-suffering, manly, never seeking its own advantage. For when anyone seeks that, he falls away from love. Love is wary humble and upright; it is not soft, not unstable, not intent on empty trifles; it is sober, chaste, steadfast, keeping due watch on all the senses. Love is submissive and obedient to those in authority, mean and contemptible in its own regard. To God it is ever devout and thankful, ever trusting and hoping in him even when it cannot taste his sweetness; for there is no living a life of love without sorrow.
The man who is not ready to endure everything and stand fast by the will of his Beloved does not deserve to be called a lover; a lover should be glad to welcome all sorts of hardship and bitterness for the sake of his Beloved, and never let himself turn away from him when things go against him.
~Thomas a Kempis
To any of my married friends, do you recognize this as love in your own relationships?
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Love
Love says I sacrifice myself for the good of the other person. Abortion says I sacrifice the other person for the good of myself.
~Fr. Frank Pavone
I think the same can be said for any type of "use".
Update: The Difficulty with Making new friends
UPDATED: This post has been updated, see below.
Most of the time, I have no worries about meeting new people. There are, however, a few things that I could really do without. One is:
It is difficult to learn how to act around new friends. New friends are people who do not know your history, the way you grew up, the way your family does things, the way you and your old friends react or interact in a given situation, if you really mean what you say when you say it "that way," what your tone means, etc. They don't know if you have a hidden agenda behind how you ask a question or if you are really being sincere. They don't know if that "tone" means you are excited or not.
I go through this every time I meet a new person to some degree, but right now I am thinking of it everyday because of someone whom is new to my life. I have no clue if she understands why I am saying something a certain way, what I really mean when I say it "that way," if I am doing something that seems completely outlandish or impolite, or if I am even expressing the excitement I feel.
However, those are all things I can help control and I can always come back later and clear them up if need be. It is the things that the other person says, and are difficult for me to understand, that cause the most problems and leave me guessing: is there a hidden message behind that? is she just asking to be nice or because she really wants me to do that thing with her? is the person happy, sad, indifferent?
These are the kind of personality traits about a person it takes time to learn. Time that we must just be patient and let happen. We learn a little more about people each day we are around them.
For example, in my family, people might invite you to an event or an outing just because they feel obligated to do so. I might not want to go unless I find out the person asking wants me to go as well. Usually the tone in how the person asks might give me a hint as to how they feel about me attending. I found out the other night, that in her family a person will only invite a person if they want the invitee to attend. Otherwise she won't even bring it up . . . That makes sense as well, now that I understand. I just had never thought of it that way. In my experience, the tone means everything. In hers, the act of asking means everything.
One less thing to learn in the future.
UPDATE:
I talked to my father about how our family deals with inviting people to events (by use of the tone of the voice). He gave me a few things to reflect on.
My father agreed with me, that in my family we are used to people inviting each other to events even if we do not want the others to attend; in our family it is all about the tone of the voice and how you invite. He mentioned that this drives him nuts because it seems so insincere. We often invite other family members or friends to attend things not only when we actually want their presence to be there, but also for a slue of other reasons including: 1) we don't want to look like the bad guy who didn't invite the other family members to attend, 2) we want to be invited to the events another family is having, therefore we invite them to our event, 3) we are afraid of not being included in being given all the information or attending the other parties so we make sure we invite them to our parties in hopes that they reciprocate, 4) we want to be able to say that we invited the other people and therefore if they don't attend its their own fault, 5) putting on a show as if we wanted them there. . .
It would probably be much better to be straightforward and invite the person when you want them to attend, and not invite the person when you don't want them to attend. That way, tone and inflection are not the sole showing of the desire of the person in inviting you. In a way, I think it is also more honest.
How does your family deal with these situations?
Most of the time, I have no worries about meeting new people. There are, however, a few things that I could really do without. One is:
It is difficult to learn how to act around new friends. New friends are people who do not know your history, the way you grew up, the way your family does things, the way you and your old friends react or interact in a given situation, if you really mean what you say when you say it "that way," what your tone means, etc. They don't know if you have a hidden agenda behind how you ask a question or if you are really being sincere. They don't know if that "tone" means you are excited or not.
I go through this every time I meet a new person to some degree, but right now I am thinking of it everyday because of someone whom is new to my life. I have no clue if she understands why I am saying something a certain way, what I really mean when I say it "that way," if I am doing something that seems completely outlandish or impolite, or if I am even expressing the excitement I feel.
However, those are all things I can help control and I can always come back later and clear them up if need be. It is the things that the other person says, and are difficult for me to understand, that cause the most problems and leave me guessing: is there a hidden message behind that? is she just asking to be nice or because she really wants me to do that thing with her? is the person happy, sad, indifferent?
These are the kind of personality traits about a person it takes time to learn. Time that we must just be patient and let happen. We learn a little more about people each day we are around them.
For example, in my family, people might invite you to an event or an outing just because they feel obligated to do so. I might not want to go unless I find out the person asking wants me to go as well. Usually the tone in how the person asks might give me a hint as to how they feel about me attending. I found out the other night, that in her family a person will only invite a person if they want the invitee to attend. Otherwise she won't even bring it up . . . That makes sense as well, now that I understand. I just had never thought of it that way. In my experience, the tone means everything. In hers, the act of asking means everything.
One less thing to learn in the future.
UPDATE:
I talked to my father about how our family deals with inviting people to events (by use of the tone of the voice). He gave me a few things to reflect on.
My father agreed with me, that in my family we are used to people inviting each other to events even if we do not want the others to attend; in our family it is all about the tone of the voice and how you invite. He mentioned that this drives him nuts because it seems so insincere. We often invite other family members or friends to attend things not only when we actually want their presence to be there, but also for a slue of other reasons including: 1) we don't want to look like the bad guy who didn't invite the other family members to attend, 2) we want to be invited to the events another family is having, therefore we invite them to our event, 3) we are afraid of not being included in being given all the information or attending the other parties so we make sure we invite them to our parties in hopes that they reciprocate, 4) we want to be able to say that we invited the other people and therefore if they don't attend its their own fault, 5) putting on a show as if we wanted them there. . .
It would probably be much better to be straightforward and invite the person when you want them to attend, and not invite the person when you don't want them to attend. That way, tone and inflection are not the sole showing of the desire of the person in inviting you. In a way, I think it is also more honest.
How does your family deal with these situations?
Monday, November 22, 2010
Chastity, The Virtue
Some thoughtful reading from "In Conversation with God."
When we practice the virtue of chastity we seek not only purity of body but
also purity of mind and heart. We should avoid those thoughts, affections and
desires which separate us from the love of God and the demands of our vocation.
(Council of Trent) Without chastity, it is impossible to have true human love,
much less true love for God. If a person were to abandon his struggle in the
realm of holy purity, he would become subject to the tyranny of the senses. He
would descend to an animal state: 'It seems as if your spirit were growing
smaller, shrinking to a little point. and your body seems to grow and become
gigantic, until it gains control.' (Jose Escriva, Furrow, 841) The worldly
person is incapable of having an authentic friendship with the Lord. In those
early days when the Church was surrounded by a pagan and hedonistic environment
she warned the faithful about the pleasures of the flesh which act as cruel
tyrants. Once they have enabled the soul through impurity, they render the soul
incapable of doing good works. (St. Ambrose, Treatise on Virginity) The practice
of holy purity disposes the soul to the love of God and apostolate.
also purity of mind and heart. We should avoid those thoughts, affections and
desires which separate us from the love of God and the demands of our vocation.
(Council of Trent) Without chastity, it is impossible to have true human love,
much less true love for God. If a person were to abandon his struggle in the
realm of holy purity, he would become subject to the tyranny of the senses. He
would descend to an animal state: 'It seems as if your spirit were growing
smaller, shrinking to a little point. and your body seems to grow and become
gigantic, until it gains control.' (Jose Escriva, Furrow, 841) The worldly
person is incapable of having an authentic friendship with the Lord. In those
early days when the Church was surrounded by a pagan and hedonistic environment
she warned the faithful about the pleasures of the flesh which act as cruel
tyrants. Once they have enabled the soul through impurity, they render the soul
incapable of doing good works. (St. Ambrose, Treatise on Virginity) The practice
of holy purity disposes the soul to the love of God and apostolate.
. . .
In our times it may be that many, if not most people find it very difficult to understand the virtue of chastity. They do not see the point of anybody's living apostolic celibacy or virginity in the middle of the world. The first Christians came up against the same kind of difficulties in a fiercely hostile environment. That is why our apostolate on behalf of chastity ought to include the practice of its related virtues. Through our cheerful and friendly behavior we should make chastity attractive to others. We need to sow abundant doctrine about this virtue. Let us be sure to take care in the way we dress, in the way we exercise and pursue recreation. when a conversation takes a bad turn, we should not be afraid to cut short an impure discussion. We should also reject bad forms of entertainment. Above all, let us give a cheerful example with our own life. We should explain to our friends the beauty of this virtue, and how it is that many good fruits come from this practice of chastity--a greater capacity for love, generosity, joy, spiritual refinement . . . We should proclaim loud and clear that purity is possible as long as we use the means that have been recommended by the Church for centuries: guarding the senses, avoiding occasions of sin, modesty, moderation in entertainment, temperance, frequent recourse to prayer and the sacraments--especially the Sacrament of Confession, sincerity, and last but not least, a tender love for the Blessed Virgin. We will never, ever, be tempted beyond our strength. . . .
Do I make chastity attractive? Am I as chaste as I need to be? How can I help myself and others to be chaste?
Fulton Sheen
"There is not much need for wearing hair shirts for sanctity, because there are enough people around us who take the place of hair shirts." ~Archbishop Fulton Sheen.
So true, Archbishop, so true. Learning how to deal with people is what will lead us to Heaven.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Pope on Condoms: The Real Story
It drives me absolutely mad when the media distorts the teachings of the Church or the comments of the Pope. The most recent debacle surrounds Pope Benedict's comments regarding condoms and male prostitution. And no, the Pope is not making a statement that condoms are permissive in this situation or that prostitution is a morally acceptable living.
For a better interpretation on this matter than what the secular press is relaying, go to Dr. Janet Smith's article (Note: I had Dr. Janet Smith as a professor in a class on the Theology of the Body at St. Paul Seminary in Minnesota and feel strongly about her views.) The article can be found by clicking the link.
http://catholicworldreport.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=220:pope-benedict-on-condoms-in-qlight-of-the-worldq&catid=53:cwr2010&Itemid=70
For a better interpretation on this matter than what the secular press is relaying, go to Dr. Janet Smith's article (Note: I had Dr. Janet Smith as a professor in a class on the Theology of the Body at St. Paul Seminary in Minnesota and feel strongly about her views.) The article can be found by clicking the link.
http://catholicworldreport.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=220:pope-benedict-on-condoms-in-qlight-of-the-worldq&catid=53:cwr2010&Itemid=70
Inside the Sistine Chapel
http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html
This is a great website that shows the inside of the Sistine Chapel from the Vatican. Beautiful images in a 360 degree view. Beautiful music as well. Makes you feel like you are back in the Sistine Chapel. Well, minus the flashes and the guards yelling "No Fotos" and "Shhhh. Silencio," every minute.
The Last Judgment is directly in front of you (Michelangelo). Make sure you look for the Creation Story directly above you.
This is a great website that shows the inside of the Sistine Chapel from the Vatican. Beautiful images in a 360 degree view. Beautiful music as well. Makes you feel like you are back in the Sistine Chapel. Well, minus the flashes and the guards yelling "No Fotos" and "Shhhh. Silencio," every minute.
The Last Judgment is directly in front of you (Michelangelo). Make sure you look for the Creation Story directly above you.
Bar Results Update
I passed. Now I can add the title "Esquire" after my name. The question is, which should I choose: JD or Esquire? Adding both is not kosher.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Bar Results
Today is the day I find out the results of the California Bar Exam. To say I am nervous would be like saying Tiger Woods cheated on his wife; the understatement of the year.
Will it be the end if I don't pass? No, half the test takers fail each time the test is administered. Will I be disappointed if I fail? Definitely. I have no desire to take that test again. It was mentally the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I lose sleep at night thinking about it and I have been a little cranky lately pondering the results.
While I do not necessarily want to be a practicing attorney for all my adult life, I would like to be an attorney for at least a little while and make money in order to pay down my massive law school debt. How much? That's not for you to know.
If I do fail, I will pick myself up, dust myself off (after a few beers) and most likely try again. I will see it as a challenge and make sure I pass the next time I take the test. "Champions get up when they have nothing left and no one else can." I want to be champion.
In the meantime, I will need to find a job. Loans come due in two weeks. I am ready to move onto the next stage of my life, whatever that may be. I know for certainty that involves moving back out of my parents' house.
Until then I will continue to build friendships and relationships and continue to learn.. I ask everyone to pray for those of us who took the bar exam and are awaiting results. That God's will may be done in our lives and that we may always turn towards His kingdom.
Will it be the end if I don't pass? No, half the test takers fail each time the test is administered. Will I be disappointed if I fail? Definitely. I have no desire to take that test again. It was mentally the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I lose sleep at night thinking about it and I have been a little cranky lately pondering the results.
While I do not necessarily want to be a practicing attorney for all my adult life, I would like to be an attorney for at least a little while and make money in order to pay down my massive law school debt. How much? That's not for you to know.
If I do fail, I will pick myself up, dust myself off (after a few beers) and most likely try again. I will see it as a challenge and make sure I pass the next time I take the test. "Champions get up when they have nothing left and no one else can." I want to be champion.
In the meantime, I will need to find a job. Loans come due in two weeks. I am ready to move onto the next stage of my life, whatever that may be. I know for certainty that involves moving back out of my parents' house.
Until then I will continue to build friendships and relationships and continue to learn.. I ask everyone to pray for those of us who took the bar exam and are awaiting results. That God's will may be done in our lives and that we may always turn towards His kingdom.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Loves
I had a beautiful night the other day, which reminded me of some of the things I truly cherish in life; things I really enjoy. These are some of the things I Love, feel free to let me know others I should list:
What are some of the things you like? I may steal them and add it to my post if it reminds me of something I'm forgetting.
-Watching a lightning storm going on outside your window as you are curled up safe inside with someone you care about.
-Cuddling on the couch deep into the night with someone you care about; talking about everything and nothing at all.
-Playing with someone's hair.
-Giving (and receiving) back massages.
-Drinking hot chocolate or hot tea on a cold day.
-Long bike rides with a friend.
-Visiting family.
-Going to Mass with family.
-Going to Mass with someone special.
-Having long talks about theology or politics.
-Evenings out with friends.
-Beer.
-Playing sports.
-Cooking with someone special.
-Picnics.
-Playing in the rain.
-Trips to the beach or lake.
-Being there to hold and comfort someone when they are sad.
-Raking leaves into piles and jumping in them.
-Playing with little children and seeing through their eyes a sense of amazement at the world.
-Praying with someone special.
-Hiking.
-Sharing bottles of wine with friends.
-Trying new cheeses.
-Opening a good book and racing to get it read.
-Traveling around the world by yourself or with friends.
-Visiting beautiful churches.
-Disneyland.
What are some of the things you like? I may steal them and add it to my post if it reminds me of something I'm forgetting.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Adoration, Silence and Praise
A few thoughts to chew on from men, if nothing else, who were striving for holiness. Relinquishing control and silence are two areas I have a difficult time with in my own life.
"When tempted to lose hope, I have only one recourse, to throw myself at the foot of the tabernacle like a little dog at the foot of his master."
~Pope John XXIII
"In a world where there is so much noise, so much bewilderment, there is a need for silent adoration of Jesus concealed in the Host. Be assiduous in the prayer of adoration and teach it to the faithful. It is a source of comfort and light, particularly to those who are suffering."
~Pope Benedict XVI
Fragrance Prayer
One of my favorite prayers-also beautiful when sung. Thank you for this moment and I pray that each of us may live out this prayer in our own life.
Dear Jesus, Help us to spread your fragrance everywhere we go.
Flood our souls with your spirit and life.
Penetrate and possess our whole being so utterly that our lives may only be a radiance of yours.
Shine through us and be so in us, that every soul we come in contact with may feel your presence in our soul.
Let them look up and see no longer us, but only Jesus.
Stay with us and then we shall begin to shine as you shine,
so to shine as to be light to others.
The light, O Jesus, will be all from you.
None of it will be ours.
It will be you shining on others through us.
Let us thus praise you in the way you love best by shining on those around us.
Let us preach you without preaching, not by words, but by our example;
by the catching force-the sympathetic influence of what we do,
the evident fullness of the love our hearts bear to you.
Amen.
~Mother Teresa
Monday, November 15, 2010
Theology of the Body Post 1: Embracing our Sexuality
I am avid fan of all things related to the Theology of the Body and true Sexual Freedom. I plan on writing many posts that deal with this subject. This is the first of those many.
I recently spent a lot of time re-reading some books on the teachings of the Theology the Body in preparation for a talk I gave to high school students. Learning this great teaching the first time was quite a blessing for me. How I wish I had been taught these teachings about sex when I was younger. It makes so much sense, and the thought process is rational from beginning to end.
It is unbelievable the differences in how I looked at relationships even six years ago versus how I look at relationships now. For example, the point where I thought it was prudent to draw the line in my relationship at that time is much different from the point I think it is prudent to draw the line now.
While researching, I found some quotes by Jason Evert and Christopher West that, when put together, I believe truly explain my new understanding of the ideal relationship, embracing our sexuality, and how a man should treat his girlfriend in dealing with those little physical signs of affection. Yes, I realize I am quote dropping, but I believe that each of these men would agree with the final product set forth below. Moreover, the creator of the Theology of the Body, Pope John Paul II, would also agree with these sentiments. Let me always honor a woman in helping her to guard her heart.
A dating couple is not crossing the line of physical behaviors by holding hands or even kissing. But if a dating couple is holding hands or kissing merely because "it feels good" and not because they want to say what these expressions mean, they've crossed the line in their heart. At a minimum, these behaviors should mean, "I respect you deeply as a person, I have tender affection for you, and I want to speak to you of your goodness." . . . They should be expressions of a disinterested desire to affirm the other person for his or her own sake. [All actions should be made with a desire to "will the good" of the other . . . never simply to make them an object of your use].
Let me strive to always live my dating relationships according to this quote so that I can embody the personalistic norm and prevent a desire "to use" the other from creeping into my relationships.
I am so glad for the opportunity to re-read some of these books in order to prepare for the lecture I gave to the teens. May God open their eyes as He opened mine.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Lord's Day
Too often we forget that Keeping Holy the Lord's Day is not only a good recommendation, but a commandment. Keep Holy the Sabbath is actually the Third Commandment given to Moses on the tablets (Ex. 20). I know I have a hard time with this myself. It has been easier since I finished law school, but too often I find myself consumed by work on the first day of the week.
If we truly believe that He is God, then we should honor him in everything we do. Including, in following all His commandments. Isn't it interesting, that almost every other commandment on that list of 10 commandments is something no person of faith would object to? Can you imagine somebody saying that stealing is ok? Or that one should not listen to their parents? Or, worse yet, that adultery should be encouraged? Yet, for some reason, we continue to try out best to uphold these commandments, while foregoing heeding the Third Commandment.
God knows what is best for us. Other than just the reason that He is a jealous God, and He is (Ex. 20:5) keeping Holy the Sabbath also has a positive emotional, physical, and psychological impact on humans. In modern society we are too often completely overwhelmed by our daily activities and we become slaves to the schedule. We need a day to calm down. We need a day to build relationships with our families and our loved ones. Relationships that are not nurtured will crumble. Keeping Holy the Sabbath allows us to relax, energize, and reconnect with those who are important to us.
So, this week I challenge you to attempt baby steps at doing a better job of keeping Holy the Sabbath. Get your work/homework done ahead of time and don't do it at all during the day time on Sunday. Instead, spend time worshipping your God, praying, or learning about Him. Spend time with family or friends (and not just in front of the television) and growing your relationships. Remember, God made time. If you are feeling as if you do not have enough time to relax and take Sunday off that is the time when you most need to work on your relationships. God will help you take care of the other things later. I also challenge you to hold me accountable in keeping HOly the Sabbath. God knows I could use some accountability.
If we really want to uphold God's word, we should strive to achieve everything he asks of us; including Keeping Holy the Sabbath.
If we truly believe that He is God, then we should honor him in everything we do. Including, in following all His commandments. Isn't it interesting, that almost every other commandment on that list of 10 commandments is something no person of faith would object to? Can you imagine somebody saying that stealing is ok? Or that one should not listen to their parents? Or, worse yet, that adultery should be encouraged? Yet, for some reason, we continue to try out best to uphold these commandments, while foregoing heeding the Third Commandment.
God knows what is best for us. Other than just the reason that He is a jealous God, and He is (Ex. 20:5) keeping Holy the Sabbath also has a positive emotional, physical, and psychological impact on humans. In modern society we are too often completely overwhelmed by our daily activities and we become slaves to the schedule. We need a day to calm down. We need a day to build relationships with our families and our loved ones. Relationships that are not nurtured will crumble. Keeping Holy the Sabbath allows us to relax, energize, and reconnect with those who are important to us.
So, this week I challenge you to attempt baby steps at doing a better job of keeping Holy the Sabbath. Get your work/homework done ahead of time and don't do it at all during the day time on Sunday. Instead, spend time worshipping your God, praying, or learning about Him. Spend time with family or friends (and not just in front of the television) and growing your relationships. Remember, God made time. If you are feeling as if you do not have enough time to relax and take Sunday off that is the time when you most need to work on your relationships. God will help you take care of the other things later. I also challenge you to hold me accountable in keeping HOly the Sabbath. God knows I could use some accountability.
If we really want to uphold God's word, we should strive to achieve everything he asks of us; including Keeping Holy the Sabbath.
My blog
This is the blog of a Catholic in California. I wanted a place to put my thoughts as I rant regarding all things Catholic, Christian, political, and life in the twenty-first century. I plan on updating this blog whenever the mood strikes. Please feel free to post any comments below.
God bless,
Matt
God bless,
Matt
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