Sometimes I come across a story that really startles me, that knocks me back, even convicts me. As I read it, I may not initially be convicted, but gradually I come to realize that woe, this applies to me. You may recall when Nathan the prophet told David the story of the rich landowner who … Continue reading “Jesus Comes For Sinners….. Join The Club ”
Category: Forgiveness
“Be Quick To Forgive”
There’s been a lot of words on forgiveness lately. Today’s gospel covers the call to forgive 7x77. Jesus then includes the parable about the man who is forgiven much who then refuses forgiveness to another. The Lord comes down hard on those who refuses to forgive, especially after having been forgiven much. (Mt. 18:21-35) I … Continue reading “Be Quick To Forgive”
“Give Me Souls…Take Away The Rest!”
Today is his feast day of St. John Bosco known as Don (Father) Bosco. I’ve read many intriguing things about him over the years… his journey from poverty, his physical strength and athletic gifts… he was a magician, his great love for the poor and delinquent kids. He didn’t just preach, he developed practical ways … Continue reading “Give Me Souls…Take Away The Rest!”
“What A Family”
I think I’ve mentioned how I enjoy the books of Samuel and the stories of King David. I first remember reading them back in the late 1970’s. In fact I was so touched by the friendship of David and Jonathan that we named our first son “Jonathan David”. Today’s reading from the first book of … Continue reading “What A Family”
“Ref, I Was Fouled”
The other day we were watching some of our grandsons play basketball. The other grandmother who was also in attendance commented that the players never think they commit a foul; they get called for a foul and their arms go up, with a look of shock on their face, and a cry of “no way….. … Continue reading “Ref, I Was Fouled”
“Mercy—Our Companion During Christmas”
As we approach the final moments before Christmas, let’s focus on the approach that can carry us through this great season and beyond with joy. May our attitude to others (family, friends, acquaintances) be the same as God’s attitude toward us. Namely, that we show mercy and forgiveness toward others… especially those that might even … Continue reading “Mercy—Our Companion During Christmas”
“Shame… Part 2 – Healing”
As I was rereading the BLOG on "Shame" from last week, I realized that an addendum might be helpful, so I wanted to add a couple of things. As a reminder, “shame is the feeling that I have done something wrong and I don’t want others to know about it. It is the desire to hide … Continue reading “Shame… Part 2 – Healing”
“The Victim No Longer”
“Life can be hazardous to your health” ….. no one gets out of this life, alive ….. and no one gets a free ride”. Hmmmmm, I don’t know who came up with these phrases, but there is some truth in them. Every day you hear of someone getting a surprise punch in the nose. Maybe it’s an … Continue reading “The Victim No Longer”
“Shame”
“Shame is the feeling that I have done something wrong and I don’t want others to know about it. It is the desire to hide my weakness, my imperfections and my failures from others.” (Bishop Andrew Cousins, Catholic Spirit, Mar. 21, 2019) “Dave, have you ever been ashamed …… hmmmmm, I’m almost ashamed to answer that … Continue reading “Shame”
“Repentance & Forgiveness—A Spiritual Chain Reaction”
A chain reaction is described as “a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind.” A chain reaction keeps going and going and going. In the process, it gives off tremendous energy. A nuclear reaction may be the most known example….could be good (nuclear energy), or … Continue reading “Repentance & Forgiveness—A Spiritual Chain Reaction”