Sliney Central

Fr. Michael Sliney, LC

Michael Sliney

Don’t leave Jesus out!

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Always climbing ladders, grinding it out?
Putting yourself out there, garnering clout?
Posting perfect photos…for a shout-out?
Yoga, spinning, marathons…working out?
Kale, cold pressed juices, lots of brussels sprouts?
All solid stuff…but does it leave a doubt?
Is this what “happiness” is all about?
Are Scripture and the chapel your “hang-out”?
Jesus is the key, PLEASE don’t leave him out!

Selflessness

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Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

     “The truly patient man neither complains of his hard lot nor desires to be pitied by others. He speaks of his sufferings in a natural, true, and sincere way, without murmuring, complaining, or exaggerating them.” St. Francis de Sales

     Several years ago, I had the privilege of traveling with one of our priests in Guadalajara, Mexico.  His name was Fr. Morales, and he was dying of throat cancer.  I asked him how he was sleeping at night and he said, “It can be a little difficult with only one lung, but I try my best to get through the night.” Then he asked us to pull over at a snack shop on the road, and he picked out some great Mexican candies, chips and sodas and paid for them…I asked him what he liked best and he said, “Oh no, this is all for you (there were 2 other priests in the car), I cannot each much now, but I thought you would like these snacks.”  Powerful testimony of love and patient suffering…and all with a gentle and kind smile!!

God bless,

Fr. Michael Sliney, LC

Taming the tongue

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Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

     “Violence of the tongue is very real- sharper than any knife, wounding and creating bitterness that only the grace of God can heal.”  Blessed Mother Teresa

     When your passions are boiling, when you have just suffered a terrible injustice, when you “feel” you need to get it all off your chest…stop and ask Jesus for help!  Silence is the better option and “prayerfully” waiting a bit will allow a “calmer” mind to choose “wiser” words.

God bless,

Fr. Michael Sliney, LC

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Swimming upstream

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Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

     “It is necessary to swim against the stream. Faith is no longer taken for granted, as it might have been in other times.  It is a decision in which each of us is required to invest himself with his personal convictions, defying the surrounding environment.”  (Blessed Pope John Paul II)

   During my seminary days in Spain, I made the mistake of jumping into the “Rio Tormes”,  thinking that I could muscle my way upstream with my buddies.  After 20 minutes without progress, I realized the current was simply too strong and I needed to get out.  This is the reality of our culture today, and we need to be prepared for constant battle.  Without daily prayer, frequent Mass and Confession, you simply will not last long.  “Lean into” Christ!  Stand up for your core convictions with prudence and charity, but don’t back down!  Christ needs our help to fight back!

God bless,

Fr. Michael Sliney, LC

Read Scripture daily

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Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

     “Amid our questions and difficulties, and even our bitter disappointments, the divine wayfarer continues to walk at our side, opening to us the Scriptures and leading us to a deeper understanding of the mysteries of God.”  (St. John Paul II)

     Christ knows you inside and out.  He made you, and he has a full understanding of your past and your particular circumstances.  When you read his word in Sacred Scripture, he tries to whisper inspiration that applies directly to your current reality.  Read Scripture daily and be attentive to his voice!