Sliney Central

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!

Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

     “The words printed here are concepts. You must go through the experiences.”  St. Augustine

    The first time I jumped into the deep end of a swimming pool, my dad was in the water at a distance, but I had to swim out to him.  I had real fears of sinking to the bottom, of taking in water…but it all worked out.  This is the spiritual life…you need to jump in and commit, and little by little, you will experience the joy and freedom of flying across the water of life, being gently propelled by the grace of God. Trust in Christ, and take the plunge!!

Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

     “There are no galley-slaves in the royal vessel of divine love–every man works his oar voluntarily! ”  St. Francis de Sales

   One of the disadvantages of being the youngest is getting the household chores when your older siblings go off to college.  I was given the task of cutting the grass in 7th grade and continued straight through High School.  In the beginning, I tried to avoid this chore and kept myself intentionally “busy” caddying, golfing or playing with my friends to postpone this task as long as possible.  Then my mom pulled me aside and said, “Michael, you know how important it is to your dad to have the grass cut every week, and you know when it needs to be cut.  Is it too much to ask that you do this on your own, without being constantly told?  It would make your dad very happy!”  I soon began to “oar voluntarily”, and even offered it up for souls, and it really wasn’t so bad!

God bless,

Fr. Michael Sliney, LC