With Every Rejection, Is God's Protection

Yesterday a friend turned against me because of my faith.

I was trying to respectfully explain my beliefs to her, NOT impose or force my beliefs on her. She told me I was closed minded and that she's "heard enough." And just like that our friendship ended with a single worded text message, "BYE!"

I felt my heart sink. I asked God, "Why did I lose a friend over your Name? What did I do wrong?"

One of my coworkers saw the sadness in my face and asked what was troubling me. After I told her what happened, she told me something I will never forget:

"With every rejection, Is God's protection."

She was right. I've realized that God was indeed protecting me from negative people who will try to bring my spirit down. Those who disrespect my beliefs were not really my friends in the first place. I will still continue to keep them in my prayers.

Real friends accept each other no matter what. I love my friends for who they are regardless of their beliefs. I am blessed to have diverse friends because we RESPECT each other despite our differences. To all of my friends out there, thank you for being a true friend by accepting me for who I am.

Stating My Faith to Others Doesn't Make Me Close Minded

Hello everyone,

Thank you to all of those who have taken the time to visit my blog . I have been getting a lot a lot of supportive and positive responses. Thank you--I've really appreciate it.

However, I have also gotten a couple of responses that have criticized me for being "judgmental" and too "closed minded." The primary reason for starting this blog was to share my faith with others--not to scorn others who do not share the same beliefs. I did not start this blog to point a finger at anyone. I did not start this blog to say that Catholicism is better than any religion. That was not my intention at all!! I've started this blog to take account of my own spiritual journey in my chosen faith. I did not mean to rub my beliefs in anyone's faces. I am a firm believer of free-will--that God granted you the choice to believe in whatever you want to believe. I am only stating my own faith. I know that it is difficult to talk about religion in today's society...I used to be embarrassed to talk about my faith to anyone because I was afraid what others would say about me. Now I am accepting to all criticism and I pray that I will be able to defend my faith with patience and wisdom. I don't have all the answers. I really don't. I, too, have so many questions about my faith and I am determined to seek the answers! This is why I hope to grow everyday with my faith...to never stop reading God's Word and praying to Him.

Just because I openly state my faith, doesn't make me close-minded or "afraid to be a little adventurous." I have researched and read about other religions as well as conversed with many friends who range from Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, to atheist. Even my last relationship was with a Muslim. I am glad to have a diverse group of friends because they open my mind to their points of view. As I am striving to keep true to my faith, I am eager to learn about others.

I've realized that I can't express my faith without being criticized by others. I'm accepting to that. I am no longer afraid. The words of Christ have really encouraged me to be strong:

"...If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you....whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name."
Peter 4: 13-16

Other people may try to bring me down and take me away from God. Call me a freak--I don't care. No matter how hard they can try, I will still stand tall and keep strong. I always like to sing Alicia Key's "NO ONE" as a song to God:

'"People keep talking
They can say what they like
But all I know is
Everything is gonna be alright
No one, no one, one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you!"

Prayer By Pope John Paul II- "An Offering of the Self"

"O Lord,
may my soul
be flooded with your light
and know you more and more profoundly!
Lord,
give me so much love,
love forever, serene and generous,
that I will be united with you always!
Lord,
let me serve you well,
on the pathways that you wish to open
to my existence here below."

-Pope John Paul II

(The photo above was taken during my visit to the Vatican in the Summer of 2004, a year before Pope John Paul II passed away. )

SCRC 37th Annual Catholic Renewal Convention

Thanks to my good friend Mayra, I have been informed of another Catholic convention! It is the Southern California Renewal Communities (SCRC) Catholic Renewal Convention, which will be held in the Anaheim on August 29-31, 2008.


Please visit http://www.scrc.org/ for more information.

I'm planning on going!

Magnificat Pilgrimage of Hope- Boston 2008

I just got an e-mail today that there will be a Magnificat Convention held in Boston on October 11-12, 2008. Below is more information:

Dear Friends, As you may know already, Magnificat will sponsor on 11 & 12 October 2008 a unique opportunity for everybody. The upcoming Magnificat Pilgrimage of Hope will afford the chance to discover the unfathomable riches of grace found in the prayer of the Church. As St Paul reminds us, an experience of grace-filled prayer transforms our lives. At this experience of renewal, which will take place at Boston’s newest convention center, you also will enjoy the opportunity to meet personally the Magnificat editors and contributing authors. During these two exceptional days, we will display the Magnificat way of life that comes each month in the publication many have become accustomed to welcome as a dear friend. In the name of all those associated with Magnificat, I ampleased to invite you to join us for the Pilgrimage of Hope. The Columbus Day weekend brings a burst of autumn colors. The reds and golds in nature remind us of the gifts of the Holy Spirit who is the source both of our personal spiritual renewal and of the sure promise of the new springtime in the Church in the United States. Sincerely yours in Christ, Rev. Daniel P. Barron, OMV Pilgrimage Director P.S.: Only a few days left to take advantage of the early registration discount, which expires May 1! Register now! WHEN Saturday, October 11, 2008 8:00 AM - Sunday, October 12, 2008 5:00 PM WHERE Boston Convention and Exhibition Center 415 Summer Street Boston, MA 02210

Click here for more information

Click here to register

Click Here to book the hotel

Our block of reserved hotel rooms is almost full. To guarantee your room in the Pilgrimage Hotel, book your room today.

Praying the Rosary- A Meditative Act

I admit I used to dread praying the rosary when I was younger. I thought it was the most boring act to repeat the same thing over and over. I just saw rosaries as nothing more than pretty beads with a crucifix. I just didn't get it.

Now I know that praying the rosary means so much more. It is a meditative act of praying. Not only do we honor our Virgin Mother Mary, we also honor the mysteries of Our Father and the Life of His Holy Son.

There are twenty mysteries in the rosary:

• The Joyful Mysteries:
• The Annunciation
• The Visitation
• The Nativity
• The Presentation
• The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
  
• The Luminous Mysteries:
• The Baptism of the Lord
• The Wedding of Cana
• The Proclamation of the Kingdom
• The Transfiguration
• The Instution of the Eucharist
  
• The Sorrowful Mysteries:
• The Agony in the Garden
• The Scourging At the Pillar
• The Crowning With Thorns
• The Carrying of the Cross
• The Crucifixication
• The Glorious Mysteries:
• The Resurrection
• The Ascension
• The Descent of the Holy Spirit
• The Assumption
• The Coronation

To Pray the Rosary:

1. Make the Sign of the Cross and say the "Apostles' Creed."
2. Say the "Our Father."
3. Say three "Hail Marys."
4. Say the "Glory be to the Father."
5. Announce the First Mystery; then say the "Our Father."
6. Say ten "Hail Marys," while meditating on the Mystery.
7. Say the "Glory be to the Father."
8. Announce the Second Mystery; then say the "Our Father." Repeat 6 and 7 and continue with Third, Fourth and Fifth Mysteries in the same manner.

After the Rosary:

HAIL, HOLY QUEEN, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O GOD, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

After each decade say the following prayer requested by the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy."

As suggested by the Pope John Paul II, the Joyful mysteries are said on Monday and Saturday, the Luminous on Thursday, the Sorrowful on Tuesday and Friday, and the Glorious on Wednesday and Sunday (with this exception: Sundays of Christmas season - The Joyful; Sundays of Lent - Sorrowful)

(Source: http://www.rosary-center.org/howto.htm)

**Rosary picture from Handmaid For The Lord – www.handmaid-jewelry.com.

Confirmation- A Promise to God

As I sang with my choir for the confirmation mass yesterday morning, I smiled as I watched 58 young people make their promise to God to be lifelong members of the Church. Confirmation is a big event in a young person's life. As one of the Sacraments of initiation, it confirms or "seals" the grace of Baptism. In Baptism, the parents make the decision to initiate their child in the Church. It is only in Confirmation where the child makes his or her own decision to become a lifelong servant of God. It is his or her free will...it should not be based on anyone else's decision.

I pray for every young person who is confirmed. I pray that they wholeheartedly nurture their faith for the rest of their lives.

"Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the spirit of right judgment and courage,

the spirit of knowledge and reverence.

Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen"

(The Rights of the Catholic Church)

A Response To My Last Entry

I've posted my last entry "How Can One Be Spiritual and Not Go To Church?" on Facebook and I have gotten this response:


" this particular post called my attention. i suppose you are inviting dissent, considering that you have made it a public announcement.

It seems that your targeting of those who do not attend the Church or who do not follow the Commandments the way you see it fit (and yes, your way, because I doubt God literally calls you up) is based on a western Christian way of thinking. No wonder we have so misunderstandings among cultures!

How can you ignore the fact that people have different-spiritual rules that exist outside of the Church and even inside those who consider themselves Cristian or Catholic, it seems as you strategically forget that the Church, aside from preaching rules from God, are also based on rules that perpetuate elitism, gender discrimination, and many times classism and hidden forms of racism. I love God and respect God, but I do not need to follow an institution that alienates me or the communities I live in. Perhaps you need to step outside of what those norms mean and where do they come from before accepting them as universal truths.

this criticism is a joint effort by my best friend and I. we're also open to your opinion/response."

***

Here is what I had to say:

"Thank you for taking the time to read what I had to say and for posting your comment. I know that religion is a very touchy subject and can cause a lot of anger and "dissent." However, from reading your response, I felt you may have took what I had to say personally. It was not my intention to "invite dissent." It was not my intention to discriminate or judge anyone who is outside of my faith. I do feel it is important to express my faith...even if it means being scorned by those who do not share the same beliefs.

My entry was mainly addressing Catholics and other Christians who say they are spiritual but do not see it as a priority to go to church. Church is a huge part of the Catholic Christian faith because it is God's House. I do not see it fit for a Catholic Christian to say "I'm spiritual but I don't see the need to go to Church." They are contradicting themselves because they are denying a huge part of their spirituality.


It sounds like you are having doubts with church because you feel they are run by "hypocrites." Please read my blog entry: http://insideacatholicmind.blogspot.com/2008/04/why-go-to-church-if-it-is-run-by.html

Thank you... I will keep you in my prayers. God bless."

How Can One Be Spiritual And Not Go To Church?

I know Catholics and other Christians who say "I'm spiritual but I don't go to church." (Please note I'm talking about healthy people who are able to go out, not people who are bedridden). As long as they are good with God and live a good life then they should be fine, right? People who don't like to go to church see it as an inconvenience. "I don't have time for it...it's not in my schedule." Others don't like to go because it is "too boring" and a "waste of time." The most common reason why people don't go to church is because they don't like rules--they do not like to be told what to do.

The truth is God has rules and they are called the Commandments.

We cannot avoid rules...they exist inevitably in our lives. We especially cannot avoid the rules made by our one Creator.

How can you be spiritual and see it a burden to worship in God's House? How can you be spiritual and not let your spirituality grow by not going to church and sharing your faith with others?

Because everyday is a struggle with all today's distractions, there is no such thing as achieving 100% spirituality. We need to be constantly reminded of trusting in God's love. Going to church helps his followers share faith with others as a family. Praying, reading the scriptures, and listening to the teachings from the Gospels all help us grow as faithful Christians. Like food and water, we must nurture our spirituality.

Going to church doesn't make us any more holy or righteous. It doesn't make us immune to all sin. Going to church must be done from the will of your heart to express your praise and love for the Lord. God doesn't want people to be forced to go to Church...that's why He gave us free-will to decide for ourselves whether or not we want to express our dedication for Him.

Otherwise, a person is not spiritual if he or she does not make the effort to make time for God.

Magnificat: A Must Read!

According to New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia, "Magnificat" is the title commonly given to the Latin text and vernacular translation of the Canticle (or Song) of Mary. It is the opening word of the Vulgate text (Luke 1:46-55): "Magnificat anima mea, Dominum", etc. (My soul doth magnify the Lord, etc.).

Composed of daily readings from the Scriptures, passages, hymns, daily meditations, biographical passages of saints, and prayers, MAGNIFICAT is a monthly subscription I highly recommend for every Catholic. Reading this everyday has really changed my life. It allows me to focus my prayers and concentrate on the readings. I am thankful to have it as a resource to my faith because it makes it so much easier to understand the Scriptures. The daily meditations reflect each gospel and are truly inspiring. Check out the official Magnificat website at: www.magnificat.com to order your subscription. It will greatly supplement your faith!

The Lord is My Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

In verdant pastures he gives me repose;

beside restful waters he leads me;

he refreshes my soul.

He guides me in right paths for his name's sake.

Even though I walk in the dark valley

I fear no evil; for you are at my side

with your rod and your staff

that give me courage.

You spread the table before me

in the sight of my foes.

You annoint my head with oil

my cup overflows.

Only goodness and kindness follow me

all the days of my life;

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

for years to come.

-PSALM 23

Being Ready

This reading from 1 Peter 3:13-15 stood out to me:

***

Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good? But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope."

***

I remember when I was younger, I would be asked why I believed in God. I would just shrug my shoulders and say, "I don't know. ..because they told me to." I would also be embarrassed to talk about God to my peers because I was afraid of what they would say about me. It wasn't until I was older, I began to see God's presence. Now I am able to explain my reason for my hope because of my experiences of his miraculous gifts and blessings.

I once knew a girl who said that she didn't need to go to Church because she was young and that only old people go to Church all the time because they are at the end of their lives. This shockedand saddened me. It doesn't matter how old you are! Old or young--we ALL need to be spiritually ready. We never know when our lives on earth will end. When my time comes, I want to be able to be ready for the Lord. Do you?

Why Go To Church If It is Run By Hypocrites?

I asked Father Jim Doogan, associate pastor at my parish Church of Blessed Sacrament in Hollywood, this question:

What would you say to Catholics who don't go to
Church because they feel that people there are hypocrites?

Here is his answer:

None of us are perfect. If we waited until we were perfect we would
never pass through the doors. What makes us Christian is the
realization that we are not perfect and that we need help from our
Savior; we need grace, and we need forgiveness for our errors ---
anger, gossip, partying too much . . . All we have to have is the
desire to follow Jesus' message more nearly, dearly, clearly ;).
Church is our spiritual home. Would they avoid their parents for being
imperfect children.

Going to church is not about perfection - it is about a journey. And
we have the support of others and give support. We have the desire to
be good -- but the flesh is weak. Unless you are telling them that you
are better than others you are no hypocrite.

It is odd that so many people who criticize church goers for being
hypocrites, often see themselves as open minded. Meanwhile, they are
judging the intentions of others. The very things that are in the
hearts of others. Can you not go to church and be a hypocrite --- I
think so.

Simply put -- we all enter the doors to find God -- including me.
Where ever 2 or more are gathered in Jesus' name he assures us he will
be there.

I hope this is of help.
Remember you are countercultural, a radical, a rebel. You stand up to
the peer culture of your time and go to church. --- Also, often the
ones who criticise the most - most desire faith themselves. You are a
great symbol for them. God Bless you and your ministry to people to
whom I have little access.


Padre Jim

Why am I Catholic?

I guess you can call me a "cradle Catholic." As an infant I was baptized into the Catholic Church and I was confirmed when I was 16. Just because I was born and raised a Catholic, it isn't the reason why I am one today. I have come a looooooong way in my spiritual journey. I must tell you, that when I was younger, I never really valued the importance of God in my life. I was more concerned with other things in life such as getting the best grades in school or whether or not I had the newest thing out there in the market. I used to hate going to church because I thought it was a waste of my time. I would rather be doing something else rather than do repetitious acts of standing, sitting, kneeling, and listening to boring homilies that put me to sleep. When it came to Christmas, all I thought about was Christmas shopping and gifts. I didn't care that Jesus was the real reason for the season. I didn't feel the need to have God in my life. I had other things to worry about such as myself... I never took time to appreciate God's blessings and gifts he has given me. You can say that I was a terrible, selfish brat.


God was always with me. He didn't go anywhere. Only I did.

It took a miracle for me to realize that God's presence. Actually--it took many miracles! There have been a lot of times in my life where I thought I could not go on, and there have been many times I had been discouraged and frustrated that I felt I had no one to turn to. There have been quite a few serious close calls---and I knew that it was the work of God when he gave me and my loved ones another chance to life. When I experienced these certain events, I've experienced God's miracles. He gives me hope and comfort that I will get through life's obstacles and darkness. He allows me to see the world in His Light in which everything is so beautiful. When I put God in the center of my life, I feel so much peace and love within myself.

I am Catholic because I believe in the Eucharist and the communion of Saints. I believe in devotion to Mary, Mother of God. Most importantly, I believe in the universal love of Christ--that is his Church, his BODY. There is nothing more beautiful in life than to experience that same Love for God through others. Through the Love, I know God is present.