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The Church’s Apostolic Charity

As agents of Christ in the world, our approach to the world around us ought to be different than that of an unbeliever.

by Fr. Jeff Loseke

When Jesus established the apostolic ministry among His own Apostles, He commanded them to continue His mission of reconciliation in the world. We see this most clearly expressed by Jesus in His appearances to the Apostles after the Resurrection (e.g., Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:46-49; John 20:21-23). Not only did He command them to preach “repentance, for the forgiveness of sins” (cf. Luke 24:47) but also He gave them a share in His very power so as to effect it. The Apostles, once filled with the Holy Spirit, went out and began building up the Church, the Body of Christ on earth.

Saint Paul reminds us that, “It was he [Christ] who gave some to be apostles… to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God…” (Ephesians 4:11-13). As Jesus’ disciples today, we have benefited from the witness of the Apostles and have been gathered together in virtue of our common baptism. Our mandate is clear: we must be active in “works of service.” Anyone who has heard the Gospel and has been taught how to live as a disciple cannot ignore the prompting of the Spirit to put his or her faith into action. Through our works of charity, we participate with the Apostles in transforming the world and communicating Christ’s presence wherever we go. As agents of Christ in the world, our approach to the world around us ought to be different than that of an unbeliever. The way we conduct our business, participate in our communities, and raise our families ought to show others how Christ Himself would do such things. Living more like Christ will draw us more and more together and overcome the divisions our sins have caused.

As Catholics, we recognize that the apostolic ministry itself has been shared with the Apostles and their successors, the Bishops today, through the laying on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit (cf. 2 Timothy 1:1-2,6). We are confident that the Apostolic line has remained unbroken for 2,000 years and that Christ’s ministry remains present and active in His Church today. All of us who have benefited from the Apostolic ministry—especially through the preaching of the Word and the reception of the Sacraments—must take up our own part in the Church’s apostolate. Through our works of charity, we reveal to the world that Jesus Christ is indeed risen from the dead and that He desires to draw the whole world to Himself for salvation.

The Reverend Jeffery S. Loseke is a Priest of the Archdiocese of Omaha and is currently the pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Gretna, Nebraska. Ordained in 2000, Fr. Loseke holds a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) from the Pontifical Athenaeum of St. Anselm in Rome and is working to complete his doctoral degree (Ed.D.) in interdisciplinary leadership through Creighton University in Omaha. In addition to parish ministry, Fr. Loseke has served as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, taught high school theology and college-level philosophy, and has been a presenter for various missions, retreats, and diocesan formation days across the country.

Art: Saint Luke Catholic Church (Danville, Ohio) – tympanum painting – Immaculate Heart, Charity, 2016 (Wikimedia Commons)

The Original Novena: Ascension to Pentecost

by Fr. Jeff Loseke

Devotionally speaking, Pentecost marks the fulfillment of the original “novena” prayed by the early Church in anticipation of the promised Gift of the Holy Spirit. After Jesus’
Jesus_ascending_to_heaven Resurrection, He spoke repeatedly to His Apostles about how He would send the Holy Spirit to remain with them after He ascended into heavenly glory. The Acts of the Apostles recounts how Mary, the Apostles, and other disciples returned to the upper room and remained there in prayer and supplication. The total number of days between Ascension Thursday and Pentecost Sunday is nine. This is the reason the Church’s devotional novenas follow a similar nine-day model.

The purpose of a novena prayer is to teach us patience and perseverance in prayer. Too often we can be tempted to believe that God is not answering our prayers if we do not see “results” as expediently as we would like. Our prayers can easily turn from being supplications, whereby we attempt to conform our wills to God’s will, to demands, whereby we attempt to conform God’s will to our own. The discipline of the novena is more for us than it is for God: God hears and answers all our prayers, whether we pray for just one day or for 99 days. We, however, are always in need of learning how to pray as we ought. In a traditional novena, like the Apostles and Mary, we agree to wait for the working of the Spirit and to submit our desires to the will of God.

Unfortunately, the beautiful traditions of the Church are not free from human manipulation and error. The Evil One wants us to forget that the purpose of the novena prayer is to wait patiently for God to work in His own time, and so he tempts us to approach novenas in superstition, believing that the prayer will be magically answered according to our will at the conclusion of the nine days. Sadly, there are any number of unofficial prayers in print that are the result of such diabolical deception. Perhaps you’ve seen them: “This prayer has never been known to fail,” or “Make nine copies of this prayer and leave them in church for nine consecutive days and your prayers will be answered.” We can never forget that our repetition of prayers for any amount of time cannot force God’s hand. Likewise, the failure to carry out a novena perfectly cannot invalidate the prayers and petitions of a humble and contrite heart. When formulas become more important than our relationship with God and our trust in His mercy, then we find that we have turned from authentic devotion to empty superstition. The upcoming “original novena” between Ascension Thursday and Pentecost teaches us once again that Jesus always keeps His promises and that God’s will is always done. Come, Holy Spirit, and renew the face of the earth!

The Paschal Mystery in Three Acts

This week, during the Sacred Triduum, the Church invites you to participate in the very mysteries that merited salvation for you and for all.

by Rev. Jeff Loseke

This week, during the Sacred Triduum, the Church invites you to participate in the very mysteries that merited salvation for you and for all. “Triduum” literally means “three days” and commemorates the events of the Paschal Mystery from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. The Triduum begins with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, which recalls Jesus’ Last Supper with His Apostles. The Gospels remind us that on this night, Jesus instituted the Eucharist, washed His Apostles’ feet, and went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. At the Mass of the Lord’s Supper we do the same: the Eucharist is celebrated as usual, the Priest washes the feet of twelve parishioners, and the Blessed Sacrament is taken to a side altar for adoration throughout the night.

Holy Thursday’s Mass has no formal conclusion… it simply ends. The liturgy commemorating the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday has no formal beginning… it simply picks up where Thursday’s Mass left off. The altar has been stripped, and the tabernacle stands empty: Jesus has been arrested and has been taken away to die on the Cross. The Passion from John’s Gospel is proclaimed and the faithful have the opportunity to venerate the Cross, paying homage to the Tree of Life on which was hung their Savior. Afterwards, Holy Communion is distributed. Since no Mass is permitted on Good Friday, there must be enough hosts in reserve from the Mass of the Lord’s Supper from the day before. This liturgy has no formal conclusion either. Everyone departs in silence, leaving us with an eerie sense of emptiness.

Finally, the Easter Vigil begins in the darkness where Good Friday left off. A fire is lit, and the Easter Candle emerges, scattering the darkness of death with its Resurrected light. This candle represents Jesus Himself risen from the grave! The whole Church is reborn on this night. The Liturgy of the Word consists of many readings, retracing the promise of salvation up until the coming of the Messiah. The Gloria and Alleluia are reintroduced to the congregation by the Priest, and the waters of Baptism are blessed. Those being baptized and/or confirmed are brought into full union with the Church, and every believer reaffirms his or her own baptismal promises. The Eucharist is celebrated, and the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle again. This liturgy concludes what was begun on Thursday night, and the final blessing is imparted at long last. These are liturgies not to be missed. If you regularly attend them, you know of what I speak. If you have not been to them before, then I invite you to “taste and see the goodness of the Lord” in these, the Church’s most beautiful and moving rites.

Art: Triduum Pascal St. Leger d’Orvault (Wikimedia Commons)

Where Did All the Crosses Go?

As Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum fast approach, we cannot relax our efforts to rend our hearts. Ultimately, it is God who will work the grace of His Death and Resurrection in us, breaking our hearts of stone in order to give us hearts that live (cf. Ezekiel 36:26).

by Rev. Jeff Loseke

In many places this weekend, the Fifth Sunday of Lent, the faithful will walk into churches and find that the crosses and sacred images have all been covered or removed from sight. During Lent, the Church recommends—and even obliges in some matters—that the liturgy be stripped of those elements that communicate the fullness of Easter joy so that the reality of this penitential time might be more apparent. For example, no flowers are permitted and musical instruments are silenced (except for last week’s Lætare Sunday celebration), the Gloria is omitted, fewer Saints’ days are commemorated, and so forth. And now, as we enter into the final two weeks of Lent, many parishes will observe the longstanding tradition of stripping away even the crosses and sacred images from the church—a poignant reminder of how Christ Himself shed His heavenly glory to become a man for our sake… even to the point of death.

The church building itself is consecrated to stand in the midst of the local community as a visible image of Christ. For this reason, its architecture and artistry should stand out from all the ordinary, profane, and secular buildings that surround it. Indeed, a church’s walls are anointed with Sacred Chrism by the Bishop, signifying that it stands in and of itself as an “anointed one,” (i.e., a “Christ”) for all to see. During these last weeks of Lent, as the beauty of the physical environment of the church building fades away, we recall the words of Scripture regarding God’s Suffering Servant: “He had no majestic bearing to catch our eye, no beauty to draw us to him” (Isaiah 53:2).

Rather than winding down at its end, Lent intensifies. The reason is simple: How can there be a Resurrection without first experiencing a death? As we ritually and sacramentally experience Jesus’ Passion and Death, each of us is called to enter into these very Mysteries and to let them permeate his or her own life. Just as Jesus was stripped—and now the church stands stripped—we must ask ourselves: What needs to be stripped away in my own life? How yet do I need to die to my own selfishness? There is nothing serene or passive about that! As Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum fast approach, we cannot relax our efforts to rend our hearts. Ultimately, it is God who will work the grace of His Death and Resurrection in us, breaking our hearts of stone in order to give us hearts that live (cf. Ezekiel 36:26).

Art: Photography – Golgotha Crucifix, Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem (Wikimedia Commons)

Pain: A Path Leading to Virtue

Learning such a love does not necessarily come easily. Indeed, the acquisition of virtue is often—if not always—a painful process.

by Rev. Jeff Loseke

When a child is brought to be baptized, the parents and godparents are reminded over and over again by the Church’s minister of their responsibility to teach their son or daughter how to love God, how to love their neighbor, and how to constantly practice their faith. These exhortations always remind me that, because of our fallen human nature and the inclination to sin (i.e., concupiscence), the love to which God calls us must be learned and practiced over time. Learning such a love does not necessarily come easily. Indeed, the acquisition of virtue is often—if not always—a painful process.

For those engaged in the practice of Christian love and virtue, it is not uncommon to experience painful emotions such as shame, shock, anger, discomfort, confusion, and so forth. As an example, think of the person who goes on a mission trip for the first time. His or her encounter with poverty, injustice, suffering, and other evils can be difficult to process at first. The experience of negative reactions and emotions, however, should not be interpreted as a bad thing or as a moral evil. Rather, this painful path is more in accord with Aristotle’s theory that those being schooled in the virtues do not actually enjoy practicing them. Nevertheless, the path of pain leads a person to see things more clearly and to recognize what it true within oneself regarding his or her complicity in the injustices and sins of the world. In reflecting upon the path of virtue through pain, I am reminded of something C. S. Lewis wrote in The Problem of Pain: “Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”.

While the process of growing in virtue—especially in the virtue of justice—may be painful or uncomfortable, I firmly believe that it should not be avoided. The challenge to parents, educators, and all who guide others, however, will be to provide the tools and the resources to help learners process their painful experiences in order to grow from them. As a spiritual director and confessor, I often have to challenge my directees and penitents to delve more deeply into the shadows, the brokenness, and the pain in their lives in order to arrive at the deepest level of truth about themselves. Walking with them in order to help them face those difficult emotions, feelings, and spiritual realities is part of my ministry as a Priest. Even more, it must be part of our lives as Christians. Jesus reminds us in the Beatitudes that we are blessed when we mourn or suffer pain. He also reminds us that we are blessed when we work to alleviate such pain by working for a more just world.

Art: St. Therese de Lisieux on her Death Bed by Anonymous, 1925 (Wikimedia Commons)

Follow these Tips to Stop all that Complaining and Negativity – Your Soul will Thank You (and so will your loved ones)!!!

Sacred Scripture makes it pretty clear that our tongues were meant for building up the Kingdom – not for tearing it down; and yet, have you ever noticed how much conversation in a given day focuses on the negative?

Do everything without complaining or arguing. – Philippians 2:14

So Many Complaints, So Little Time

Here is just a brief brainstormed list of conversation topics I have overheard or participated in on any given day. How many have escaped your lips today?

bad weather
bad service
bad food
bad leaders
poor sleep
lack of sleep
late nights
early mornings
lack of exercise
lacking the will to exercise
poor diet
lack of self-discipline
sickness
aches and pains
blemishes
messy home
too much to do
strained relationships
ugly culture
bad government
poor entertainment
cultural demise
your mistakes
the mistakes of others
your faults
the faults of others
obstacles in our day
financial difficulties
unmet goals
unattained dreams
disrespectful kids
frustrating neighbors
annoying relatives
your fears
your doubts
news
news
and more news

None of us likes to spend time with chronic complainers. They bring us down, and they tend to make for pretty miserable company. So given that we are readily annoyed when we spend time with friends or family who pour their energy into all that’s wrong with the world, why do we spend so much of our time on complaints and negativity?

Maybe because they work – in the short run.

Have you noticed that a negative comment can drive a conversation like nothing else? Try announcing at your next meeting that you arrived on time, without incident and even enjoyed a lovely prayer during the drive. Chances are, you’ll get a few smiles, and “That’s nice.” Or, depending on the culture in which you work, everyone may look at you like you’re nuts, even raising an eyebrow or two, before turning back to the more stimulating conversation at hand. However, when you rush in, complaining about the five car pile-up that stopped traffic for 30 minutes or you rue the horrible weather and the terror you experienced as you nearly ran off the road, people will hang onto your every word, riveted by all the excitement.

When you go negative, you have the floor.

In addition to offering something exciting to a conversation, doesn’t it seem that negativity provides a give and take of one-upmanship – often boiling down to a tennis match wherein we try to “outdo” others in sharing the trials and tribulations of life?

The 24-Hour News Cycle

It doesn’t help that the media provides us with fodder for negativity 24-hours-a-day. Clearly they “get” that our attention is riveted to the negative.

Once I heard a French priest talk about why he never listens to the news. “It take my joy,” he’d say in his beautiful accent. “Same news. Every day. Always sad. I no listen. But I pray. I know there is death. I know there is crime. I know bad things happen. I pray. But I no listen. I keep my peace. I keep my joy.”

I should take that advice. I’m sure my husband rues the day I learned I could have a News App on my phone – complete with notifications. It never fails that we’ll be enjoying a peaceful moment together when the familiar “ding” of a notification comes in, followed by my voice: “Oh my goodness! Violent protests to block free speech at X University?! Are you kidding me? What is this world coming to?!” Then comes my diatribe about youth of today and the horrors of our education system.

And of course, a story about protests inevitably leads to a discussion about politics – the ultimate in negativity.

Politicians Digging up Dirt

Think about all the ugliness in the political world this past year and a half. Campaigns seem to run on negative energy. And in each cycle someone ups the ante – the contest for who is most qualified to represent his fellow countrymen becomes a game of Who Can Dig up the Most Dirt. We, as citizens, express our utter shock and dismay – and then we turn around and talk about it with all our friends and acquaintances.

Politicians get it . And they capitalize on it. Rahm Emanuel, the Mayor of Chicago, once slipped, “You never let a serious crisis go to waste.” Sure, we all complain about campaign seasons or the media’s obsession with finding a new low (yet one more thing to complain about, of course); but secretly, we seem to relish in the latest gossip about the campaign antics of the day.

I don’t know about you, but I left this past election cycle with a nasty taste in my mouth. And today, with all the talk of protests and anger in the streets, it seems to me that there is a distinct relationship between negative talk and negative action. What are we teaching our children with all this negativity?

Peace Amidst the Storm

Which begs the question – does all this negativity bring peace?

Does complaining or negativity improve our lot one iota?

I submit that the French priest spoke for me when he said, “It take my joy.” Negativity and complaining take my joy. And I’m willing to bet they take yours too. Yet even though we know all the negativity isn’t good for us, somehow we are drawn to it. And just like any bad habit, we need to take proactive steps to make changes…

Put the Power in the Positive

I wonder what the world would be like – what our souls would be like – if each of us stopped complaining? If we filled our minds and hearts with positive messages?

It’s almost daunting to think of centering our world on the positive. But let’s see if we can do it. Let’s start small. One day. We can all do one day, can’t we?

Here are a few suggestions to get us started:

1.Be Grateful.

First and foremost, gratitude brings peace. And how can we possibly complain about something for which we are grateful? It helps to remember that everything that happens – from our alarm clock failing to go off to a burnt dinner or a messy house – is allowed by God for His good purpose. And He assures us, that, come what may, we have reason to be thankful.

Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests by made known to God. -Philippians 4:5-6

2. Say less. Listen more.

Maybe it’s just me, but in order to go through a day without mentioning any of the above, I might just have to be silent. Could it be that God had our temptation toward the negative in mind when he gave us the Psalms:

Set a Guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips! -Psalm 141:3

Or Proverbs:

Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. – Proverbs 17:28

Instead of focusing on things to complain about, use that silence for prayer. The more you unite yourself to Christ, the more peace you are bound to find.

3. Turn off the news.

Spend the time you gained on spiritual reading. Spiritual reading has a way of bringing peace that we cannot find in the world, perhaps because of all the negativity inherent in the culture. In my new book, How to Read Your Way to Heaven, I talk about how spiritual reading “arms us for battle:”

…the more we fill our hearts with the love of Christ, the greater the light we bring to the darkness around us. Spiritual reading arms us for all those daily battles with negativity, temptation, and sin, filling our minds, hearts, and souls with truth, building us in Christ, and strengthening us for combat. (p. 16)

4. Disengage.

If your “friends” on social media engage in negativity or if they spew cutting remarks, sarcasm, block them or log off. And even if they don’t, Lent is a good time to get rid of excess “noise” and rest in the quiet of the Lord. You might be surprised at how much time you have to reflect in gratitude on all the gifts you’ve been given if you stop comparing yourself to your neighbor.

Be still and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:10

5. Avoid words like “Don’t.”

In my world, negative topics are not the only problem. Unfortunately, I even find myself saying the simplest things in a negative way. Whether telling my kids, “Don’t leave the door open” rather than saying, “Shut the door, please.” Or “Don’t eat with your mouth open, please” rather than “Chew with your mouth closed.” I heard once that when you direct your child in a negative way, it’s more difficult for them to obey because you force them to double think. First, they have to think about what you’re telling them not to do; and then they have to process the opposite; finally, they have to do the opposite. Way too much work.

6. Do something positive.

If the world is falling apart, don’t tell people about it; do your part to help put it back together. Think of that one thing that causes you the most frustration. Now do something about it.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.- Matthew 5:14-16

Note: Need Biblical inspiration? Check out these verses and replace all that complaining with something positive: Philippians 2:14; Ephesians 4:29; James 5:9; Numbers 11:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 10:10; Exodus 16:8; Philippians 4:11-12; Philippians 2:12-16; Isaiah 53:7; Proverbs 17:22; James 1:2-4; Colossians 3:12; Philippians 4:6; 2 Timothy 1:7; Proverbs 25:28; Colossians 3:17; Psalm 95:2-3; Colossians 2:6-7.

Art: Le malade imaginaire: Argan, a hypochondriac, complaining of his ailments to his nurse. ; Pen and ink drawing by L. Frölich, 1859.

Please Excuse My Absence

Friends,

I have noticed that readers continue to check in faithfully, week after week, only to find no new posts and no explanation. It occurred to me that perhaps I should comment on my absence.

I haven’t forgotten my blog. But the fact is that I have a huge deadline looming at the end of September. I am finalizing my first book, which is scheduled for release in February 2017. Exciting? Yes. Time consuming? Absolutely. More information to come as the release date gets closer.

In the meantime, please check out our book club at spiritualdirection.com, where we continue to read and comment on Life of Christ, by Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

Regarding Pelican’s Breast, I expect to resume our discussion on life and sacrifice in October. Please come back and chat again then!!

In Christ,
Vicki

23 Great Movies to Inspire Sacrifice

They say that visual images can become powerful conduits of change. Maybe a few great movies can set the stage. Rev us up. Inspire our wills to engage in something greater than ourselves. And if not, well, at least we’ll have enjoyed two hours of great entertainment!

Sacrifice is about giving of oneself for another. Whether that other is God, country, family, mankind or even some worthy cause, there is something so powerful about such a visible and even painful act of love.

In our world, sacrifice is difficult to offer. Perhaps because of all the entitlements we enjoy (Have we become weak in our consumption?), or perhaps because relativism reigns and love has become so intertwined with our fleeting emotions that it is no longer construed as worthy of sacrifice.

Whatever the reason, the world is sorely in need of an increase. Could a little inspiration spur us on? They say that visual images can become powerful conduits of change. Maybe a few great movies can set the stage. Rev us up. Inspire our wills to engage in something greater than ourselves. A few heroic examples may just inspire in us the courage, discipline or the will to stand tall.

And if not, well, we’ll have enjoyed two hours of great entertainment!

A couple of notes about the list: First, I know there are plenty of saint stories that demonstrate heroic sacrifice; but I opted to include two of my absolute favorites. And frankly, I’m sure there are plenty I’ve never seen, so I’m not even going to try to pretend to be an expert here! The same is true for war movies. I included a few; but I’m sure there are many more that you could add to my list.

Additionally, I did not include any movies about sacrifice for one’s own benefit. For example, one of our favorite movies is Rudy; but as inspirational it is, every ounce of sweat Rudy spills is in pursuit of his life’s dream of playing football for Notre Dame. While his goal is laudable, it is not a sacrifice for someone or something outside of himself. And all those other great “sport” movies? I felt the same about them – although my husband and son both declared that they are all about sacrificing for the good of the team. Maybe, but if I were to include all the inspirational movies about athletes, this list would be virtually infinite.

Most important to note: This list is simply meant to be a conversation starter. I am definitely not a movie guru! If you think of any greats that are missing, please comment and add them to the list!

For God

(OK. The first two movies are about God’s sacrifice for us; but I couldn’t think of a catchy title for that category.)

The Passion (2004) – No explanation necessary. His Passion says it all.
The Gospel of John (2003) – Masterful work of art depicting the entire Gospel with no additions.
Mary of Nazareth (2014) – This movie walks with Mary through the life of Christ; most notable is her great joy, despite all that she must suffer. Everything she is and everything she has (including her Son), she offers to God.
A Man for All Seasons (1966) – Amazing demonstration of courage in the face of great pressure to conform to the will of an earthly king.

For Country

Les Miserables (2012) – This arguably could be listed under family as well – Jean Valjean’s sacrifice for Fantine and her daughter are so integral to the movie that they take center stage at his death. But with the huge overtones of sacrifice for love of country and the score that highlights that aspect of the movie, I opted to list it here. This has to be my all-time favorite movie. I could watch it over and over and never tire – especially of the final scene.
The Patriot (2000) – I’ve heard that this movie is not at all historically accurate; but there must be some element of truth to the grueling nature of the sacrifices offered by early Americans. We saw this movie for the first time only recently, and while it was violent, I definitely found it inspirational.
Air Force One (1997) – Don’t we all dream of a Commander in Chief who would be so courageous and honorable?! And who doesn’t love Harrison Ford as a hero?! I could have included his others here as well – Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger. Now that I think about it, perhaps the Star Wars series should have been on my list too.
Casablanca (1942) – Great classic and one of the most quoted movies ever! When I was younger, I always wondered why in the world this movie ends as it does. Now I know – sacrifice – and I love the movie all the more.
We Were Soldiers (2002) – Mel Gibson is such an honorable and prayerful leader in this movie. This is one war movie that demonstrates the sacrifice of both our men in uniform and their wives who held down the forts at home, never knowing when or if their husbands would return.
For Greater Glory (2012) – This one shows how saints are made.
Braveheart (1995) – Confession – I haven’t actually seen this movie. But I’ve heard about it forever and it’s on my short list. Ask me after this weekend and I’ll let you know whether I think it lives up to its reputation.
Red Dawn (Chris Hemsworth)(2012) – Or you could watch the first version from 1984 with Patrick Swayze. – The concept of this movie is a little frightening these days considering the state of the world.

For Family

It’s a Wonderful Life (1947) – Love, love, love it! Sadly, I have actually met people who haven’t seen it. What better way to demonstrate the power of a single life?!
Cinderella Man (2005) – Next to Les Miserables, this is my absolute favorite movie! What a wonderful depiction of a beautiful marriage and a devoted father.
Life is Beautiful (1998) – My husband saw this on accident midway through one night and had no idea what it was called; but he assured me it was one the best movies he’d seen. We did the research and rented it right away. To have such a positive outlook in such horrendous circumstances for the sake of one’s son – I only wish I demonstrated such joy and optimism in the wake of something as minor as a spilled glass of milk!
The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (2006) – Greatest movie ever about perseverance in a difficult marriage. Despite alcohol abuse and irresponsibility, this marriage survives – efforts were not not 50/50, but 100/0 for many years. I loved this woman’s example of joy and determination.
Bella (2007) – Choose life.
Pinocchio (1940) – Yes, it’s a children’s movie. But I am reading the book to my little ones right now (again) and this is such a biblical book! Gepetto is quite a father (Jesus?). And through his sacrifice, Pinocchio (who represents you and me) learns what it means to love (i.e sacrifice).

For Mankind

Mother Teresa (Olivia Hussey) (2006) – No explanation necessary.
Schindler’s List (1993) – Here we have an opportunist who learns the value of human life – and then sacrifices to protect it.
The Bells of Saint Mary’s (1945) – While there are other plot lines, the entire movie showcases the conversion of Mr. Bogardus, a selfish business man who becomes an extravagant giver.
Amazing Grace (2007) – The amazing story behind the abolition of slavery in Great Britain.
No More Baths (1998) – Our family has loved this movie for years. Essentially it’s about a group of kids who find an unusual way to stand together and make a difference.

Lord, Teach Me to Love

Dear Lord,

This morning in prayer I was contemplating your Sacred Heart. I thought about Saint Margaret Mary and how you told her of your great love for us and your desire to be loved. How you ask that we make reparation for all those who don’t love you. Those who take you for granted even as they call themselves Christians.

I thought of your great desire for love and sacrifices. In a passion of prayer, my heart was full to overflowing. I threw myself at your feet and promised that I would love you. That I would do anything to make up for those who have failed you.

But immediately I was struck by a paralyzing realization.

I am the one who has failed you. I am the one who has turned my back on you. I am the one who has taken you for granted. I am the one for whom you seek reparation.

I am not the cure; I am the disease!

It occurred to me that I, who long to love you above all things, don’t even know how to love.

Through divine inspiration, you defined love for us in 1 Corinthians 13:

Love is patient

...but I am not patient.

Love is kind

…but I can be unkind.

Love is not jealous

…but as I look around, I find it difficult not to compare myself to others and succumb to jealousy when I come up short.

Love is not pompous; Love is not inflated

…but too often I find myself full of pride.

Love is not rude

…but I can be rude.

Love does not seek its own interests

…but my interests are all too often on my mind.

Love is not quick-tempered

...how often do I lose my temper?

Love does not brood over injury

…but I brood. And brood. And brood.

Love bears all things

…but I am so weak.

Love believes all things

…but too often I live in fear and doubt.

Love hopes all things

…how many times have I felt helpless and hopeless?

Loves endures all things

…but I have been known to argue and complain.

Who am I to offer my devotion to you?

Love is sacrifice. And sacrifice calls me to give of myself. In this, I hesitate. I want to let go; to give. But I continue to hold on. Hold on to what? To my desires. My goals. My preferences. My plans. My time. Each time I reach out, I am quick to pull back. I know that, like you, I must crucify myself in order to truly love. But even in small things, I often find the cross too painful to bear.

Saint Paul instructed us,

…Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God… —Romans 12:1

But crawling up on that altar is soooo hard.

Thankfully, he also told us what we must do to take this difficult step:

Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. — Romans 12:2

I have a long way to go before I break the shackles of this world. But in this I am not hopeless. I know that if I ask, You will give me the grace to know You, to love You and to serve You. To sacrifice for you.

Please help me to climb up on that altar.

Teach me to be patient and kind. To avoid jealousy, pompousness, pride, selfishness, a quick-temper and please replace my brooding nature with one of great joy! Help me to bear all things, hope all things and to endure all things.

Lord, teach me to love.

*Image borrowed from Holy Card Heaven

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Divine Mercy for Godly Leaders

Tomorrow is Super Tuesday. Voters from thirteen states and one territory will head to the polls to voice their choice of Republican and Democratic candidates for president of the United States of America. As a resident of Nebraska, I will not be voting tomorrow, but will be riveted to my television set to learn where all the votes land. With 600 delegates up for grabs, tomorrow will either serve to further solidify the current path or prove to be a significant game changer.

Thus far there has been record-setting participation throughout this process. Americans realize there is a lot at stake in this election. I don’t think I’m overstating things when I say that many Americans believe our country stands on the brink of disaster. With regard to social, economic and national security issues, our nation’s very identity may be on the line.

What can we do? Of course, each of us has an obligation to vote with a well-formed conscience. But additionally, we must pray. I’ve learned that prayer for our country is a sacrifice that is both immediate and fruitful.

At spiritualdirection.com we are reading Father Michael Gaitley’s The Second Greatest Story Ever Told. I strongly recommend the book; thus far it has illustrated for me in a profound way the very personal interest Our Lord has in our lives and the power of Divine Mercy to change them. Not only our lives as individuals, but to change our nations.

Until now I have felt relatively helpless about the direction of this campaign cycle. Certainly I have prayed – but in a posture of isolation. No longer. The truth is that I am certainly not alone; doubtless there are thousands who desire God’s mercy on our country and who might be willing to unite together in a sacrifice of prayer for Divine Mercy with the intention of God’s hand in the selection of our nation’s leaders. With this, I have gained a new hope.

For with God, nothing will be impossible (Luke 1:37).

Just imagine how Our Lord will look down upon his children, pleading together for His purpose in this, the Year of Mercy. Perhaps together we can be to Our Lord as the widow who incessantly pleaded with the judge for vindication against her adversary (Luke 18:1-8). In the end, He took pity on her and acted on her behalf. This parable serves as an example to us, for Christ concluded by saying,

And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. – Luke 18:7-8)

Would you be willing to sacrifice a few minutes every month until the November election to join us in a perpetual prayer of Divine Mercy for the united intention of Godly leaders for our country – particularly for the office of president and for the selection of a Supreme Court nominee that may or may not be appointed before the November election? If so, please click on the link below to commit to one day of the month when you will pray a Divine Mercy Chaplet for our united intentions. Then over the next eight months – until the election – please pray the chaplet each month on your chosen day. This type of sign-up does not allow for email reminders, so please put your date on the calendar with a monthly reminder.

Divine Mercy for a Divided Country

Please find a link to the Divine Mercy Chaplet here.

Eight months and eight days stand between us and the presidential election. The number eight has great biblical significance. There are eight beatitudes – our given path to Joy and Peace. Also, our Lord rose from the dead on the eighth day after his providential ride into Jerusalem. The number eight represents joy, peace and resurrection – three things of which our country is in great need.

None of us knows what November will bring. But no matter how the election bears out, we have confidence that our prayers will be fruitful. For we know

that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to His purpose. — Romans 8:28.

With that in mind, always…

Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. – Romans 12:12

I hope that you will consider this small sacrifice for our country.

Mother Mary, Immaculate, Patron of The United States of America, Pray for Us.

Note: If you like what you just read, please click the “follow” button to receive thought-provoking and action-oriented bi-weekly posts promoting the virtue of sacrifice.

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So Many Complaints, So Little Time

The 24-Hour News Cycle

Politicians Digging up Dirt

Peace Amidst the Storm

Put the Power in the Positive

1.Be Grateful.

2. Say less. Listen more.

3. Turn off the news.

4. Disengage.

5. Avoid words like “Don’t.”

6. Do something positive.

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For God

For Country

For Family

For Mankind

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