Inspirational thoughts

“Men do not differ much about what things they will call evils; they differ enormously about what evils they will call excusable.”

G.K. Chesterton

“Beware of no man more than yourself; we carry our worst enemies within us.” G.K. Chesterton

“These are the days when the Christian is expected to praise every creed except his own.”

G.K. Chesterton
I still remember the words of St. John Paul II in Denver for World Youth Day, 1993.  “Be proud to be Catholic!”  We know our warts and weaknesses and the Church is always in need of reform, but the Catholic Church was founded by Jesus Christ himself (and twelve “imperfect” Apostles), with over 2000 years of tradition and so many saints and holy lay people who continue to change culture every day with their holiness and glow. And we have the incredible gift of grace through our 7 Sacraments and the help of our Blessed Mother to keep us on track!

“Don’t ever take a fence down until you know the reason it was put up.” G.K. Chesterton

“Love means loving the unlovable – or it is no virtue at all.” G.K. Chesterton
Hug your porcupines, walk with your skunks!

“What people don’t realize is how much religion costs. They think faith is a big electric blanket, when of course it is the cross.”  Flannery O’Connor

If we embrace the cross of Christ with love, God rewards us with the ineffable peace of Christ in our hearts…

 “All human nature vigorously resists grace because grace changes us and the change is painful.”  Flannery O’Connor

“Love your neighbor with a great, charitable love, but befriend only those with whom you can be mutually supportive in virtue.” St. Francis de Sales

“To bear my exile now, within this world of tears, 
the holy tender glance of Christ, my Lord, I need. 
That glance, surcharged with love, consoles me through the years; 
His loveliness displays foretaste of heaven indeed.” St. Therese of Lisieux

1. Prayer– Jesus went to the desert to pray, to be with his Father before beginning his public ministry.  Take time out of your DAILY schedule to pray more, to recharge your spiritual batteries and deepen your friendship with Our Lord!
2. Fasting– what are your numbing mechanisms or unhealthy attachments?  Too much social media, too little silence, alcohol or sweets, sports apps?  Give up the one that is most getting in the way of your friendship with Jesus and offer it up for a good intention!
3. Almsgiving– sure, make more donations to your favorite charity, but perhaps as well, live your charity in a deeper way with the porcupine in your fishbowl, the person with whom you find it most difficult to interact.  Stretch your heart this Lent and allow JESUS to love that person through you!