Sliney Central

Fr. Michael Sliney, LC

Michael Sliney

Gospel of “prosperity”?

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Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

“If you believe what you like in the Gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself.”

-Saint Augustine

    The Catholic Church does not promote the “Gospel of Prosperity.”  Christ never promised success, wealth or health…”Then he said to all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Lk 9:23).  Life can be really tough.  We should not be surprised by suffering and adversity, but we can also count on Christ to sustain us with his friendship, his peace and his grace.  Embrace your cross with love!  This is the path to peace and fulfillment!

God notices

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Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

     “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

     Back in 1998, we brought a large group over to Rome for the Feast of Pentecost.  We were scheduled to have a special rosary with Pope John Paul II in the Vatican Gardens, but the crowds in St. Peter’s square rushed towards the gate when it opened for our group, so the Swiss Guards asked if we could form a human chain to keep the crowds under control.  Our guys volunteered for the job, and before long the guards were about to close the gates because the garden area was completely full.  Our guys offered to wait outside to control the crowds and to help lead everyone in a rosary on the steps of St. Peter’s along with Fr. Anthony Bannon, LC.  This was a tough sacrifice, but they did it with a great spirit.

     Two days later, we went to a Papal audience in St. Peter’s Square and as we entered the plaza, a Swiss Guard came up to me and mentioned that he could open up the barricade for our group, because the Pope would be driving right down this particular aisle. One hour later, the Pope drove down that aisle and most of our kids were able to touch him and see him up close.  Our little act of charity did not go unnoticed by God!

God’s presence

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Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

     “You can pray while you work.  Work doesn’t stop prayer and prayer doesn’t stop work.  It requires only that small raising of the mind to him: I love you God, I trust you, I believe in you, I need you now.  Small things like that.  They are wonderful prayers.”  St. Mother Teresa

 The key is to have constant awareness of the presence of Christ as your traveling companion, friend and older brother.  Strive for conversations with Christ or the Blessed Mother from the heart, taking a break from work/technology and re-charging your spiritual batteries.  For example, you can say these words as you are getting closer to home while in the car, “Jesus, I have had a long day at work and am about to walk in the door.  Please give me strength and patience to be a loving presence for my family”

God bless,

Fr. Michael Sliney, LC

Trust in God

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Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

     “In tribulation immediately draw near to God with confidence, and you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction.” St. John of the Cross

    I had been swimming for thirty minutes with a group of seminarians in the Mediterranean near Sorrento when suddenly a massive hail storm came out of nowhere.  The wind and waves picked up, the hail began pelting the water and I was a little afraid.  I held my breath for a moment, went under water and in the midst of the calm, peaceful waters below the surface, God told me, “Mike, don’t worry.  This storm will pass…just keep swimming and I will be with you.”  This experience has repeated itself so many time in my life!