“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!!
“Our own evil inclinations are far more dangerous than any external enemies.” – Saint Ambrose
Self control demands a strong motivation and effort. Little things can help a lot: eating more of what you don’t like and less of what you like, being nicer to the difficult people in your life, carving out time to pray daily even though your tendency is to “do more”, biting your tongue when you want to lash out or waiting to respond to a provocative email until you are calm…etc.
Passions need to be put in check, and shut off and on when appropriate…but we desperately need God’s help. Regular Confession and daily Mass is the best way to guarantee this happening!!
