Sliney Central

Fr. Michael Sliney, LC

Like a flower in bloom

by

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!

Sincere apologies

by

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…

Text message from a wife

by

Thy Kingdom Come!
Dear Friends in Christ,
I received this text accidentally from a lady that was meant for her husband…”Honey bun, I hope your day is going well. I just wanted to express my deep appreciation for all of your hard work to provide so generously for our family and for being such a loving husband and father for our children. I am truly grateful and feel blessed to be your wife…”

Divine Mercy

by

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!!

Loving without liking

by

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!!