Inspirational thoughts

Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

“If angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion.”  St. Maximilian Kolbe

   The homily may not always resonate, you may not like the architecture in your Church, the music might be a little flat, there may not be coffee and donuts after Mass…but every Catholic Mass guarantees that you will receive 100% Christ into your heart and soul, that is 100% God, in the Eucharist.  What a gift and what a mystery!!

God bless,

Fr. Michael Sliney, LC

TKC!

Please see another  one of my Lifezette article that was published today on the gift of pets!https://www.lifezette.com/momzette/joyful-loving-gift-pets/

TKC!

A special thanks to Juan Manuel and Federico Segura who helped contribute to my latest LifeZette article. http://www.lifezette.com/faithzette/listening-gods-voice-silence/

Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends, in Christ,

     “The more the flower of humility blossoms in a soul, the greater is the good odor it imparts to her who possesses it, to those who behold her, and to those who are about her.” -Saint Teresa of Avila

     Many years ago, I was at a board meeting with a large group of ladies.  Two new ladies had come that day and one came up to me afterwards and asked the name of a particular lady who sat close to her.  She said, “Fr. Michael, I could tell there was something different about this woman…she had a soft glow, a gentle smile, a profound peace…she only said a few words, but they had a huge impact on me.”  This woman truly was special and I believe that her daily Mass, regular adoration, strong devotion to Mary, and her authentic humility had a lot to do with it!

Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

     “A quarrel between friends, when made up, adds a new tie to friendship, as experience shows that the callosity formed around a broken bone makes it stronger than before.”

St. Francis de Sales

    Nothing beats a sincere apology from the heart.  No “but’s”, no “justifications”, or added comments tacked on at the end of your statement.   Just say, “I am really sorry. I was wrong and I should not have done that/said that…please forgive me.”  Then the healing begins…

Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

     “In confession you not only receive absolution from the venial sins you confess but also great strength to avoid them in the future, light to see them more clearly, and abundant graces to repair whatever damage you have incurred.”  St. Francis de Sales

     I personally look forward to my weekly confession precisely because of the points listed above.  A “sin” for me is preferring my plan over God’s plan.  If you truly love Christ, the small things do matter, and we should all be concerned about keeping this friendship at a high level of intimacy.  Happy Divine Mercy Sunday!!

Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

     “Let the mouth also fast from disgraceful speeches and railings. For what does it profit if we abstain from fish and fowl and yet bite and devour our brothers and sisters?” St. John Chrysostom

     When was the last time you heard a conversation in which everyone was praising the virtues of a person? My mom would help me to see the good in others, and I overheard so many conversations on the phone in the kitchen in which her words would be edifying and positive.  As Christians, we should distinguish ourselves in this area!!

Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

“Just as the sun shines at the same time on trees and flowers, like each was the only one on earth, so does our Lord care for all souls in a special manner, as if they were each unique.”

 – St. Therese of Lisieux

     Christ is always looking after us, protecting us, walking with us, trying to guide us and inspire us to be holy.  We are not just a “number” to Jesus, we are his intimate friend and he will not let us down!!

Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

     “If we wish to make any progress in the service of God we must begin every day of our life with new eagerness. We must keep ourselves in the presence of God as much as possible and have no other view or end in all our actions but the divine honor.”  St. Charles Borromeo

     I always played a little better football or baseball in grade school, or soccer in high school if I noticed my brothers or parents in the stands.  I performed a little better in my plays in grade school and high school if I noticed my parents in the audience.  I live my priesthood much better when I remember that Christ is always close by.  Never doubt that Christ is in the stands…he watches, he cares, and he is always ready to help!