Today is the Feastday of St. Anne and it's hard to talk about her without St. Joachim. Here is their story.
Many years ago in Nazareth there lived a devout Jewish couple who were very much in love. Their names were Anne and Joachim. The two of them prayed and waited for God to bless them with the gift of a child. Twenty years of marriage passed and they still had no children. At the time it was shameful to be childless. Many thought that they were barren because the couple had done something that offended God. When Joachim went to the temple to offer a sacrifice to the Lord for a child he was turned away. To them he was unworthy of such a thing, so he went out into the wilderness to pray and offer a sacrifice.
Because her husband was away for so long, Anne worried that he was dead or had abandoned her. Suddenly an angel appeared to reassure her that none of her fears were true. Then she was told that the Lord finally was granting her a child and that they would play a major part in the world's history. Anne praised the Lord for such a blessing. The angel then appeared to Joachim and he was told the good news. He rushed home to his wife praising the Lord. Nine months later their beautiful baby girl was born. The daughter was sinless since the moment of conception so that she could carry on her unique and crucial mission. She was full of grace and the Lord was with her. The girl's name was Mary and yes she did play a major part in the world's history.
If you look back in the Old Testament you'll find stories where there are barren couples who miraculously conveive a child, but this story is different. In earlier times the husband and wife were given a son but in this instance it was a daughter. I think that this is significant. It was foreshadowing of a whole new world that was soon approaching. The Old Law was soon going to come to an end and the New Law was on its way. After thousands of years of darkness after the fall of Adam and Eve a small hidden candle was lit.
Now back to Our Lady's parents. What strikes me about this holy married couple was that though they were sad and frustrated that God still had not given them a child for so many years they didn't give up. They were stronger in their faith because of it. Their trust in the Lord was tested and purified. Not only that but they were excelent parents. Anne and Joachim must have been special people to raise the Mother of the God. Can't you just picture Mary on her father's lap as he instructs her in the faith? Do you not see Anne teaching her how to pray? What Mary learned from her own parents she passed on to her Son. I don't think that we give Sts. Anne and Joachim enough recognition for what they did. We especially should look at them today as examples for the family is under attack now more than ever. We need holy married couples, parents, and grandparents.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Romance Movies
I've noticed that such romance films as "Titanic" and "The Notebook" are very popular among women, but I can't help but notice that these movies, as well as many others don't promote abstinence. If you're looking for some romance films or films that have love stories going on in them where the couples don't sleep together, here are some suggestions. I find that flicks like these are better both morally and entertainment wise.
1) Shadowlands
2) The Princess Bride
3) Ever After
4) Sense and Sensibility
5) Emma
6) Pride and Prejudice (2005)
7) The Sound of Music
8) Sabrina (1996)
9) The Music Man
10) Roger's and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" staring Brandy
11) Beauty and the Beast (If you think that the animated version is good you'll think that the Broadway version is wonderful!)
12) Little Women (1995) (Note that there is one scene where a character kisses another person against their will. The rest of it is pure.)
13) A Walk to Remember
14) Shrek (Note that there are some off-color jokes.)
15) The Lake House
16) Aladdin
17) Lady and the Tramp
18) It's a Wonderful Life (Note that there are a few of off-color jokes.)
19) The Phantom of the Opera (Keep in mind that there is some immodest clothing and someone touching another character in a dishonorable way. So look away at those parts. However there is no fornication.)
20) Simply Irresistible (This isn't squeeky clean either but it doesn't cross the line as far as many films do. There is no fornication in this film.)
21) The Lion King
22) Miss Potter
Monday, July 2, 2007
Holy Darkness
The following is a song based off of St. John of the Cross's classic book "The Dark Night of the Soul." I'm going through a spiritual trial at the moment and this song comforts me.
Holy Darkness
chorus: Holy darkness, blessed night, Heaven's answer hidden from our sight. As we await You, O God of silence, we embrace Your holy night.
I have tried you in fires of affliction; I have taught your soul to grieve. In the barren soil of your loneliness there I will plant My seed. (Then go back to the chorus.)
I have taught you the price of compassion; you have stood before the grave. Though My love can seem like a raging storm, this is the love that saves. (Then go back to the chorus.)
In your deepest hour of darkness I will give you wealth untold. When the silence stills your spirit, will My riches fill your soul? (Then go back to the chorus.)
Copywrite 1988, 1989, Daniel L. Schutte. CD "Glory in the Cross; Music for the Easter Triduum" Published by OCP Publications. All rights reserved.
Holy Darkness
chorus: Holy darkness, blessed night, Heaven's answer hidden from our sight. As we await You, O God of silence, we embrace Your holy night.
I have tried you in fires of affliction; I have taught your soul to grieve. In the barren soil of your loneliness there I will plant My seed. (Then go back to the chorus.)
I have taught you the price of compassion; you have stood before the grave. Though My love can seem like a raging storm, this is the love that saves. (Then go back to the chorus.)
In your deepest hour of darkness I will give you wealth untold. When the silence stills your spirit, will My riches fill your soul? (Then go back to the chorus.)
Copywrite 1988, 1989, Daniel L. Schutte. CD "Glory in the Cross; Music for the Easter Triduum" Published by OCP Publications. All rights reserved.
Friday, June 29, 2007
The Feast of St. Paul
Today is the Feast day of St. Paul and this is my tribute to him. As many of you know, Paul was first called Saul and he persecuted Christians. He sought to bring all of the followers of Christ from Damascus in chains to Jerusalem where they would be put to death (Acts of the Apostles 9:2).
"On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' He said, 'Who are you, sir?' The reply came, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do' " (Acts 9:3-6). When Saul got up he discovered that he was blind and then Ananias cured him after three days (Acts 9:8, 17-18). Saul converted and later became known as Paul (Acts 9:18, 13:9).
The man who once sought to kill Christians became one of the greatest missionaries of Christ. Despite what he had done God forgave him and called him to spread the faith (Acts 13:2). No matter what we've done in the past we still must not give up. We must trust in the infinite mercy of Jesus. Even if we were the most evil human being that ever lived we can still be forgiven.
Remember Judas who betrayed Our Lord? It turns out that he regretted what he did and gave the thirty pieces of silver back to the chief priests (Matthew 27:3). He was in so much despair that he hung himself (Matthew 27:3). Judas didn't believe that he would be forgiven. He committed a grave sin. This is a great tragedy because The Lord would have forgiven him. He died for Judas too. St. Peter denied that he even knew Jesus three times and only one of the disciples came to His crucifixion, yet He forgave them. In fact they became great saints, spreading the Gospel and those same men who had once feared being killed by the Romans suffered and most died for Jesus. If only Judas had trusted in The Lord's mercy! What a great example he would have been for us! Unlike Judas, Paul did not despair. By the power of Christ he was transformed and became a new creation. What a valuable lesson for us all!
"On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' He said, 'Who are you, sir?' The reply came, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do' " (Acts 9:3-6). When Saul got up he discovered that he was blind and then Ananias cured him after three days (Acts 9:8, 17-18). Saul converted and later became known as Paul (Acts 9:18, 13:9).
The man who once sought to kill Christians became one of the greatest missionaries of Christ. Despite what he had done God forgave him and called him to spread the faith (Acts 13:2). No matter what we've done in the past we still must not give up. We must trust in the infinite mercy of Jesus. Even if we were the most evil human being that ever lived we can still be forgiven.
Remember Judas who betrayed Our Lord? It turns out that he regretted what he did and gave the thirty pieces of silver back to the chief priests (Matthew 27:3). He was in so much despair that he hung himself (Matthew 27:3). Judas didn't believe that he would be forgiven. He committed a grave sin. This is a great tragedy because The Lord would have forgiven him. He died for Judas too. St. Peter denied that he even knew Jesus three times and only one of the disciples came to His crucifixion, yet He forgave them. In fact they became great saints, spreading the Gospel and those same men who had once feared being killed by the Romans suffered and most died for Jesus. If only Judas had trusted in The Lord's mercy! What a great example he would have been for us! Unlike Judas, Paul did not despair. By the power of Christ he was transformed and became a new creation. What a valuable lesson for us all!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
In Honor of the Feastday of St. Peter
I know that the feastday of Sts. Peter and Paul isn't until tomorrow, but I decided that since that day is for two saints that I would write about one of them today and the other for tomorrow. Today I will write about St. Peter.
In honor of his feastday I'll recommend a movie about him entitled "The Power of The Resurrection." The story begins with him as an older man in prison waiting to die for his faith. An adolecent boy admits his fear of the horrible execution. The saint comforts him saying that he knows how he feels yet the boy can't believe that he was ever afraid like him. Peter confesses that it wasn't always that way.
The film then flashes back to just after Christ rises Lazerus from the dead. Most of the story takes place during Holy Week and then moves on to all that happened afterwards. The film shows Peter's fear, confusion, his refusal to believe that he will deny Christ three times, and his denial of Jesus. Throughout the story we sympathize Peter and identify with his struggles and weaknesses. Viewers see the human side of this saint but he still has his positive moments later on in the story. The main message in this movie is that without Christ we can do nothing, so we must humble ourselves and ask for His help. Peter is transformed into a saint. He gives an inspiring speech to encourage the other disciples while they're awaiting the Holy Spirit and preaches at Pentecost, despite his fear of death.
By the end of the movie the boy has learned a great deal from the story and is no longer afraid. Then St. Peter is escorted out of the prison by a Roman soldier to be martyred.
If you can't find "The Power of the Resurrection by itself then look for it on the dvd "POPE John Paul II A Documentary of the Life of Pope John Paul II." It should be listed on the bonus features.
In honor of his feastday I'll recommend a movie about him entitled "The Power of The Resurrection." The story begins with him as an older man in prison waiting to die for his faith. An adolecent boy admits his fear of the horrible execution. The saint comforts him saying that he knows how he feels yet the boy can't believe that he was ever afraid like him. Peter confesses that it wasn't always that way.
The film then flashes back to just after Christ rises Lazerus from the dead. Most of the story takes place during Holy Week and then moves on to all that happened afterwards. The film shows Peter's fear, confusion, his refusal to believe that he will deny Christ three times, and his denial of Jesus. Throughout the story we sympathize Peter and identify with his struggles and weaknesses. Viewers see the human side of this saint but he still has his positive moments later on in the story. The main message in this movie is that without Christ we can do nothing, so we must humble ourselves and ask for His help. Peter is transformed into a saint. He gives an inspiring speech to encourage the other disciples while they're awaiting the Holy Spirit and preaches at Pentecost, despite his fear of death.
By the end of the movie the boy has learned a great deal from the story and is no longer afraid. Then St. Peter is escorted out of the prison by a Roman soldier to be martyred.
If you can't find "The Power of the Resurrection by itself then look for it on the dvd "POPE John Paul II A Documentary of the Life of Pope John Paul II." It should be listed on the bonus features.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Wedding Season
Since the month of June is the most popular month for weddings, I decided to post some helpful quotes to encourage those who are married, engaged, or are discerning a vocation to marriage.
"Purity is the fruit of prayer" Blessed Mother Teresa.
"Purity prepares the soul for love, and love confirms the soul in purity" Cardinal John Henry Newman.
"The person who does not decide to love forever will find it very difficult to really love for even one day" Pope John Paul II.
"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends" Christ in John 15:13.
"Now, Lord, you know that I take this wife of mine not because of lust, but for a noble purpose. Call down your mercy on me and on her, and allow us to live together to a happy old age" prayer said by Tobiah with Sarah at his side on their wedding night in Tobit 8:7.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails" St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
"Intense love does not measure... it just gives" Blessed Mother Teresa.
"There is no place for selfishness- and no place for fear! Do not be afraid, then, when love makes demands. Do not be afraid when love requires sacrifice" Pope John Paul II.
"If the one falls, the other will lift up his companion... So also, if two sleep together, they keep each other warm. How can one keep warm? Where a lone man may be overcome, two together can resist" Ecclesiates 4:10-12.
"The LORD God said: 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him.' ...
So the LORD God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. The LORD God then built up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man. When he brought her to the man, the man said:
'This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this one has been taken." That is why a man leaves, his father and mother and clings to his wife and the two of them became one body" Genesis 2:18, 21-25.
"Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body. As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
So [also] husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body" Ephesians 5:21-30.
"Love to be real, it must cost- it must hurt- it must empty of self" Blessed Mother Teresa.
"Purity is the fruit of prayer" Blessed Mother Teresa.
"Purity prepares the soul for love, and love confirms the soul in purity" Cardinal John Henry Newman.
"The person who does not decide to love forever will find it very difficult to really love for even one day" Pope John Paul II.
"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends" Christ in John 15:13.
"Now, Lord, you know that I take this wife of mine not because of lust, but for a noble purpose. Call down your mercy on me and on her, and allow us to live together to a happy old age" prayer said by Tobiah with Sarah at his side on their wedding night in Tobit 8:7.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails" St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
"Intense love does not measure... it just gives" Blessed Mother Teresa.
"There is no place for selfishness- and no place for fear! Do not be afraid, then, when love makes demands. Do not be afraid when love requires sacrifice" Pope John Paul II.
"If the one falls, the other will lift up his companion... So also, if two sleep together, they keep each other warm. How can one keep warm? Where a lone man may be overcome, two together can resist" Ecclesiates 4:10-12.
"The LORD God said: 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him.' ...
So the LORD God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. The LORD God then built up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man. When he brought her to the man, the man said:
'This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this one has been taken." That is why a man leaves, his father and mother and clings to his wife and the two of them became one body" Genesis 2:18, 21-25.
"Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body. As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
So [also] husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body" Ephesians 5:21-30.
"Love to be real, it must cost- it must hurt- it must empty of self" Blessed Mother Teresa.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Our Lady of the Smile
Since Our Lady of the Smile is a co-patron saint of this blog, I thought that I should dedicate this post to her. At the childhood home of St. Therese the other patron saint, there was a statue that her mother was particularly fond of. At about the age of ten Therese was ill with a mysterious illness. The doctor predicted that she would never recover, for he had never seen a case like hers last so long before. Her family tended to her and prayed very hard for her recovery. Therese, gazing at the precious statue begged for a cure.
"Suddenly the Blessed Virgin glowed with a beauty beyond anything I had ever seen. Her face was alive with kindness and an infinite tenderness, but it was her enchanting smile which really moved me to the depths. My pain vanished and two tears crept down my cheeks- tears of pure joy (p. 34 The Story of a Soul by St. Therese).
Whenever I see a statue or picture of Our Lady of the Smile I feel at peace. "There she is...my gentle and compassionate Mother. I can feel the love that she has for me. I feel peace and hope." With the help of her St. Therese was led out of darkness. Just as she cured little Therese Our Gracious Mother can cure of us and help us carry our crosses."
"Suddenly the Blessed Virgin glowed with a beauty beyond anything I had ever seen. Her face was alive with kindness and an infinite tenderness, but it was her enchanting smile which really moved me to the depths. My pain vanished and two tears crept down my cheeks- tears of pure joy (p. 34 The Story of a Soul by St. Therese).
Whenever I see a statue or picture of Our Lady of the Smile I feel at peace. "There she is...my gentle and compassionate Mother. I can feel the love that she has for me. I feel peace and hope." With the help of her St. Therese was led out of darkness. Just as she cured little Therese Our Gracious Mother can cure of us and help us carry our crosses."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)