Inspirational thoughts

“How you think when you lose determines how long it will be until you win.” C.S. Lewis       Do you sulk and moan when things go bad, or do you get back up and fight with more determination?  All with Christ and for his glory!God bless,Fr. Michael Sliney, LC

“Those who run best in the race do not think of the crowd which is looking at them.” St. Francis de Sales    The first miracle of Jesus of turning the water into wine was truly “behind the scenes”, away from the crowd, hidden but so magnanimous and timely.  He worked this miracle so that the young couple would get the credit!

 “I think the world today is upside down. Everybody seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater development and greater riches and so on. There is much suffering because there is so very little love in homes and in family life. We have no time for our children, we have no time for each other; there is no time to enjoy each other. In the home begins the disruption of the peace of the world.”  (St. Mother Teresa)      A mother of a large family of kids once told me, “Fr. Michael, what I most like about my husband is that when he steps in the door, he leaves his work behind and he turns on his best self.  His smile and positive attitude rub off on all of us, and he engages with the kids both during and after dinner.  This is so helpful to me and I am so appreciative because I know it’s not easy after a long day at work.”  I know this particular husband very well, and I have no doubt that his strong prayer and Sacramental life is what drives him to be so generous.  And you can see the effect in his happy wife and in his happy kids!

Thy Kingdom Come! Dear Friends in Christ,   “I do heartily forgive them, and also the judges…I do also forgive all those who had a hand in bringing me from Ireland to be tried here, where it was morally impossible for me to obtain a fair trial…I ask forgiveness of all those whom I ever offended by thought word and deed”.(Last speech, from the gallows at Tyburn. St. Oliver Plunkett)   I spent a few weeks at a Parish in south London back in 2000 and I was amazed how many parishioners had such a huge devotion to St. Oliver Plunkett. His last words say it all!!

“It is…to the oldest that we must look with respect (“honor”!); to them families owe their existence, education, and maintenance, which have often been paid for with hard work and much suffering. They cannot be treated as if they were now useless. Even if they lack the strength to be able to carry out the simplest actions, they have, however, experience of life and the wisdom that the young often lack…” (St. Pope John Paul II, Dec. 31, 1978) I had a very special relationship with my Grandmother. She attended daily Mass, weekly Confession, and prayed the daily rosary. There was a gentle glow in her countenance and her peace was contagious. When my oldest brother announced his engagement to his now wife of over 30 years, Granny looked at me with a smile and said, “You will never make this announcement, Michael, you are called to be a priest!” These words and her personal holiness had a huge impact on my decision…thanks Granny!!

When you have reached your own room, be kind to those who have chosen different doors and to those who are still in the hall.” G.K. Chesterton

    We are all a little different…the key is to see who God has providentially placed in your lives and do your best to love and respect them!