Sliney Central

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!