Sliney Central

Fr. Michael Sliney, LC

Michael Sliney

Judging others

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Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

     “Abstain from all thinking about other people’s faults, unless our duties as a teacher or parent make it necessary to think about them.  Whenever the thoughts come unnecessarily into one’s mind, why not simply shove them away?  And think of one’s own faults instead? For there, with God’s help, one can do something.”  (CS Lewis)

    We typically notice and get irritated by the same faults that we often struggle with ourselves.  Shove these critical thoughts away!  Try to see the good points in those around you.  Inspire others with your example of holiness and leave the judging to God.

Drinking too much?

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Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

“Drink because you are happy, but never because you are miserable.” 

― G.K. Chesterton, Heretics: The Annotated

     How much is too much?  How often is too often?  It seems that too many people “need” to have 2 glasses of wine or a few beers after a long day at the office or with the kids.  Certain dinner parties can resemble more of a college fraternity party than a mature adult gathering.  Kids do notice and many assimilate this behavior.   Although this escape can provide a short term “fix”, it does not address the deeper needs of the soul.  Moderation and self control are critical habits for so many other aspects of our lives. Pray more, do physical exercise to burn off the stress,  and try to “offer up” the excess drinks for those you love; this will bring peace.

Forgiveness

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Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

     Several years ago, after a talk on marriage, a woman commented that her husband had the habit of leaving cabinet doors open.  She felt that he was intentionally doing this and he was not respecting her or even trying to correct this bad habit.  This is certainly a bad habit, but I have to admit that sometimes I am in such a hurry with so many things on my mind that I too am guilty of this fault.  I am not intentionally trying to bother other members of my community, I am simply distracted and although I try to remember, sometimes I forget to shut the cabinet doors.

    The devil wants to destroy marriages.  He knows how much damage this will do to you and your children.  He tries to make these small things seem bigger than they need to be and make you read into intentions that are simply not there.  I encourage you to let some of the smaller things go, blow up the grudge box and see these moments as great opportunities to love Christ and offer it up for a good intention!