on individuality (quote)
True individuality is measured by this: how long or how far one can endure being alone without the understanding of others. The person who can endure being alone is poles apart from the social mixer. This person is miles apart from the one who manages successfully with everyone – the one who possesses no sharp edges. God never . . .
on constant chatter (quote)
I avoid public gatherings as much as possible, for the discussion of worldly affairs so quickly snares and encumbers the soul.…Why is it that we are so ready to chatter and gossip with others, when we so seldom return to silence without some injury to our conscience? Perhaps the reason we are so fond of talking is that we think . . .
when nothing makes sense (quote)
God promised to care for his people. But when Joseph's brothers said a wild animal had killed Joseph, Jacob and Joseph were both put through a severe test. This appeared to go totally against God's promise. You would think that God would pay some attention to them and show some concern. But God didn't send an angel, or even . . .
encouragement: a means of grace
The book of Hebrews, believed by most commentators to be an ancient sermon manuscript written to a Jewish-Christian congregation, contains a series of warnings and exhortations against falling away from the faith. Multiple times in this book, we are encouraged to remain steadfast to Christ, not forsaking our salvation and being allured . . .
Posted in: lifesacramentstheology
18 things to do more of in 2018
my list of New Year's non-resolutions
I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions. In fact, I'm more the type to gently poke fun as people that do, as they tend to have a shorter shelf life than fresh baked bread. This year, however, in light of the chaos that Hurricane Harvey caused, which essentially disrupted every habit everybody had formed, I decided to make . . .
on holy innocents: King Herod and Uncle Sam
Today the church remembers and honors the Holy Innocents: the male toddlers slaughtered by King Herod in his attempt to kill Jesus, the newborn king who threatened Herod politically (or so he thought) by his mere existence.
As recorded by St. Matthew:
Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, . . .
'to you': the good news of Christmas
I am not concerned about a so-called 'war' on Christmas. I am not shocked when people say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." I simply smirk when my atheist or agnostic friends sponsor grandiose Christmas celebrations with their friends and family.
None of these offenses nor a hundred . . .
