ECCLESIASTICUS II

2. My son, if you aspire to serve the Lord,                     

prepare yourself for an ordeal.

Be sincere of heart, be steadfast,

and do not be alarmed when disaster comes.

Cling to him and do not leave him,

so that you may be honored at the end of your days.

Whatever happens to you, accept it,

and in the uncertainties of your humble state, be patient,

since gold is tested in the fire,

and chosen men in the furnace of humiliation.

Trust him and he will uphold you,

follow a straight path and hope in him.

You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy;

do not turn aside in case you fall.

You who fear the Lord, trust him,

and you will not be balked of your reward.

You who fear the Lord hope for good things,

for everlasting happiness and mercy.

Look at the generations of old and see:

who ever trusted in the Lord and was put to shame?

Or who ever feared him steadfastly and was left forsaken?

Or who ever called out to him, and was ignored?

For the Lord is compassionate and merciful,

he forgives sins, and saves in days of distress.

Woe to faint hearts and listless hands,

and to the sinner who treads two paths.

Woe to the listless heart that has no faiath,

for such will have no protection.

Woe to you who have lost the will to endure;

what will you do at the Lord’s visitation?

Those who fear the Lord do not disdain his words,

and those who love him keep his ways.

Those who fear the Lord do their best to please him,

and those who love him find satisfaction in his Law.

Those who fear the Lord keep their hearts prepared

and humble themselves in his presence.

Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, not into the hands of men;

for as his majesty is, so too is his mercy.

The Number Seven in the Holy Bible

THE NUMBER SEVEN IN THE HOLY BIBLE

The number SEVEN is one of the most significant numbers in the Holy Bible.

This is a chapter from the book, Biblical Mathematics, written by Evangelist, Ed F. Vallowe.

When man began to analyze and combine numbers, he developed other interesting symbols. He took the perfect world number FOUR and added to it the perfect divine number, THREE, and got SEVEN, the most sacred number to the Hebrews. It was earth crowned with heaven -- the four-square earth plus the divine COMPLETENESS OF GOD. So we have SEVEN expressing COMPLETENESS through union of earth with heaven. This number is used more than all other numbers in the Word of God, save the number ONE.

In the Book of Revelation the number SEVEN is used throughout. There are SEVEN churches, SEVEN Spirits, SEVEN stars, SEVEN seals, SEVEN trumpets, SEVEN vials, SEVEN personages, SEVEN dooms, and SEVEN new things. SEVEN symbolizes Spiritual Perfection. All of life revolves around this number. SEVEN is used over 700 times in the Bible. It is used 54 times in the Book of Revelation.

The whole Word of God is founded upon the number SEVEN. It stands for the SEVENTH day of the Creation Week, and speaks of the Millennial Rest day. It denotes COMPLETENESS or PERFECTION.

In Leviticus 23:15-16, the number SEVEN and the Sabbath, which was the SEVENTH day, is connected with the word COMPLETE. The word COMPLETE follows after the words "SEVEN SABBATH" (Seventh day). The day following the SEVENTH sabbath there was something NEW that took place.

The word FINISHED is also connected with the number SEVEN. In Revelation 10:7 we read,

"In the days of the voice of the SEVENTH angel, when he shall begin to sound the mystery of God should be FINISHED."

"It is DONE" is another expression found in connection with the number Seven.

"And the SEVENTH angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne saying, It is DONE." (Revelation 16:17)

The word CREATED is used SEVEN times in connection with God's creative work. (Genesis 1:1; Genesis 1:21; 1:27 (three times); 2:3; and 2:4). God created all things in the beginning and then took six days of restoring His creation and then rested on the SEVENTH day. (Genesis 2:1-3). He appointed SEVEN days for the week, and most, if not all advanced nations reckon time in that way: SEVEN days to the week. Few ever stop to think of why there are SEVEN days in a week. Do atheists and infidels give God and the Bible credit for it?

  

There are SEVEN notes in the musical scale. All other pitches are only variations of these. When the musician uses the eighth note he goes back to "do" and starts over. Man named the notes but God fixed the sounds, even as God fixed the days of the week, and man named them.

Noah took the clean beasts into the ark by SEVENS (Genesis 7:2) SEVEN days after Noah went into the ark the flood came. (Genesis 7:-10) Peter tells about the long-suffering of God waiting in the days of Noah. (I Peter 3:21) Those SEVEN days COMPLETED God's time of waiting.

Before Aaron and his sons entered their priestly work they were consecrated SEVEN days. (Leviticus 8:31-36) Here is a picture of a life COMPLETELY or WHOLLY consecrated or dedicated to the Lord for service.

On the day of atonement the high priest sprinkled the blood upon the mercy seat SEVEN times. (Leviticus 16:14) This is a picture of the COMPLETENESS of the redemptive work of Christ.

"By his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Hebrews 9:12)

When Christ offered Himself that FINISHED the sacrificial offerings. They were ended. No longer must we place sacrifices upon an altar.

When Israel took the city of Jericho God told them to march around the city SEVEN times. Thus, on the SEVENTH day, when they marched around the city SEVEN times, they COMPLETED their marching. (Joshua 6:1-16)

There were SEVEN FEAST days of our Lord. (Passover, Unleavened, First-fruits, Pentecost, Atonement, Trumpets and Tabernacle). (Leviticus 23:1-44)

There were SEVEN branches on the CANDLESTICK in the Holy Place in the Tabernacle and this pictures the COMPLETE light of God for the souls of man.

Solomon was SEVEN years in building the Temple and kept the Feast for SEVEN days. Job had SEVEN sons. When his friends came to visit him they sat SEVEN days and SEVEN nights in silence, and afterward they were required to offer a Burnt Offering of SEVEN bullocks and SEVEN rams. Naaaman washed SEVEN times in the Jordan. The Saviour spoke SEVEN words from the Cross. SEVEN men of honest report were chosen to administer the alms of the church in Acts 6:1-7. There were SEVEN years of plenty and SEVEN years of famine in Egypt during the days of Joseph.

SEVEN times in the Book of Revelation blessing of the Lord are promised to His people. These are called the "BEATITUDES" of Revelation. These are found in Chapters 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14.

There are SEVEN Dispensations - Innocence, Conscience, Government, Patriarchal, Law, Grace, and Milleniah (sic) Age.

«

SEVEN times the Book of Life is mentioned in the Bible. The Book of Revelation is a Book of SEVENS. We have SEVEN churches, SEVEN seals, SEVEN Trumpets, SEVEN Personages, SEVEN vails (sic), SEVEN dooms, SEVEN new things. SEVEN SEVENS make up this Book . It is the COMPLETENESS of all things.

Jesus said to "forgive SEVENTY times SEVEN" In other words, He is saying, "Keep on forgiving until you are complete." Even the duration of Israel's great punishments was based upon this law of SEVENS. Their captivity in Babylon was for SEVENTY years, ten periods of SEVENS. (Jeremiah 25:11-12; Daniel 19:2)

Life operates in a cycle of SEVENS. Changes take place in the body every SEVEN years. There are SEVEN bones in the neck, SEVEN bones in the face, SEVEN bones in the ankle, and SEVEN holes in the head. Most births are multiple of SEVENS. The hen sits three weeks (21 days); the pigeon two weeks (14 days); after having laid eggs for two weeks. Of 129 species of Mammalia (sic) the majority have a period from conception to birth of an exact number of weeks, a multiple of SEVEN.

Human physiology is constructed on a law of SEVENS. Children are born to mothers in a certain number of weeks usually 280 days, a multiple of SEVENS. Fevers and intermittent attacks of gout, ague, and similar complaints have a period of operation of SEVEN, FOURTEEN or TWENTY-ONE days knows as critical days.

All departments of nature are marked all over with mathematics. In this realm practically everything is in SEVENS. Notice next time the shape of frost when it crystallizes on the window. Notice the small snow flakes. It is wonderful how God formed everything in a pattern of SEVENS.

It would be well for the reader to always remember the SEVEN means COMPLETENESS or SPIRITUAL PERFECTION. Whenever you come to a SEVEN in the Word of God read the meaning and the message is plain.

SEVEN is found 735 times in the Bible. SEVENFOLD is mentioned 6 times and SEVENTH is found 119 times.

The SEVENTH time Noah's name occurs is where it is said,

"Noah was a just man, and PERFECT in his generations." (Genesis 6:9)

In the second chapter of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream of a great image whose head was of gold, arms and breasts of silver, his belly and things of brass, legs of iron, and feet of iron and clay. (Daniel 2:31-33) Daniel told him that he was the head of gold (vs 37-38) In the next chapter Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold to be worshipped. At that time he called together SEVEN kinds of officials to the dedication of the image: (1) princes, (2) governors, (3) captains, (4) judges, (5) treasurers (6) counselors, (7) sheriffs. The penalty for refusing to worship that image was death by being cast into the burning fiery furnace. THREE Hebrew children refused to worship the image and were cast into that furnace of death, and brought forth alive, thus picturing the resurrection, signified by the number THREE That furnace was heated SEVEN times hotter than it had ever been. Here is a COMPLETE DELIVERANCE FOR GOD'S PEOPLE from the power of death. (Daniel 3:1-27) When those THREE Hebrew children came out of that furnace of fire, or death, there was not a trace of fire upon their bodies or their clothing. When Christ brings His people out of death there will not be a trace of death left on them. The will be COMPLETELY delivered from its power.

More from the uneducated plowboy

I used to believe that my Dad had witnessed so much in his life, from walking a load of phone poles by mule, to the computer age, which of course my father had no interest in. He was a laborer all his life and voted Republican.  He was not too keen on the specifics of world politics.  He was honest, always sincere, and aside from butting heads alot, I can look back and can't help but notice how much he taught me.  He taught me it was good to get your hands dirty.  Manual labor was good for you, all the way around.  His approach was a joyful one and at 62, he could work rings around my 16 year old body.
Moma was the one who taught me how to think and reason.  She had a certain instinct about people and life.  She had a sense of knowing what was in some one's heart, as soon as she met them.  She could smell a rat a mile away.
This is my background.  I learned to take joy in my work, and how to navigate the highway of life from my father and my mother.

I can look back and reflect on how the past has shaped my present, but the fact of the matter is, I live in the present.  I can't compare my life with anyone else, for we all journey on different paths.  They say, walk a mile in my shoes before judging me, but really, you'd have to walk a lifetime in my shoes to know me.
Even if I had to walk it all over again, it would be impossible to recreate the same roads.  Each breath we take, will never be taken again.

Like Dad, I am not too keen on world politics.What I do see is a beautiful world created by God, being manipulated by those of power and great wealth, grinding the lowly and poor under their feet.  This is nothing new; It's been going on since the beginning of time.  Because of greed, power, wealth, and resources, we continue to make the same stupid mistakes, generation after generation.

I still consider myself to be young, not exactly wet behind the ears, but young.  The changes I have seen during my short life, and the increased acceleration of these changes is as obvious as the nose on my face.  I wasn't sure if my perception was being influenced by false or out of context media, but I've since come to grips that it is taking place.  Our society has become a land with false gods and/or no gods.  I'm reading a book by His Holiness John Paul II.  He explains how society has moved away from God over the last 200 years or so.  He believed that man's intellect has progressed so far that the need for a higher authority just is not present, nor the inclination to believe that God came to be born of a virgin, die and be resurrected.  Alas for mankind, so intelligent.

Canticle of the Sun

St. Francis of Assisi

Altissimu, onnipotente bon Signore, Tue so le laude, la gloria e l'honore et onne benedictione. Ad Te solo, Altissimo, se konfano, et nullu homo ène dignu te mentouare. Laudato sie, mi Signore cum tucte le Tue creature, spetialmente messor lo frate Sole, lo qual è iorno, et allumini noi per lui. Et ellu è bellu e radiante cum grande splendore: de Te, Altissimo, porta significatione. Laudato si, mi Signore, per sora Luna e le stelle: in celu l'ài formate clarite et pretiose et belle. Laudato si, mi Signore, per frate Uento et per aere et nubilo et sereno et onne tempo, per lo quale, a le Tue creature dài sustentamento. Laudato si, mi Signore, per sor'Acqua, la quale è multo utile et humile et pretiosa et casta. Laudato si, mi Signore, per frate Focu, per lo quale ennallumini la nocte: ed ello è bello et iucundo et robustoso et forte. Laudato si, mi Signore, per sora nostra matre Terra, la quale ne sustenta et gouerna, et produce diuersi fructi con coloriti fior et herba. Laudato si, mi Signore, per quelli ke perdonano per lo Tuo amore et sostengono infirmitate et tribulatione. Beati quelli ke 'l sosterranno in pace, ka da Te, Altissimo, sirano incoronati. Laudato si mi Signore, per sora nostra Morte corporale, da la quale nullu homo uiuente pò skappare: guai a quelli ke morrano ne le peccata mortali; beati quelli ke trouarà ne le Tue sanctissime uoluntati, ka la morte secunda no 'l farrà male. Laudate et benedicete mi Signore et rengratiate e seruiteli cum grande humilitate. Notes: so=sono, si=sii (you are), mi=mio, ka=perché, u replaces v, sirano=saranno English Translation: Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is Yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To You, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your name. Be praised, my Lord, through all Your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and You give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of You, Most High, he bears the likeness. Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens You have made them bright, precious and beautiful. Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which You give Your creatures sustenance. Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure. Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom You brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong. Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs. Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of You; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for by You, Most High, they will be crowned. Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing Your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them. Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve Him with great humility.

English Translation: Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is Yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To You, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your name. Be praised, my Lord, through all Your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and You give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of You, Most High, he bears the likeness. Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens You have made them bright, precious and beautiful. Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which You give Your creatures sustenance. Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure. Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom You brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong. Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs. Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of You; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for by You, Most High, they will be crowned. Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing Your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them. Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve Him with great humility.

 

Cooking Tips

I love to cook and consider myself a pretty good cook, but good cooking techniques evolved over many years.  Here's a few simple but often overlooked things you can do to make things flow smoother. 

First, get a sink of hot soapy water going.  As you use pots, pans, or any utensils, it's easier to wash up as you go along;  It will make the job easier and when you're done cooking, you will have little to clean up but the dishes and maybe a pan soaking.

Try to calculate the cooking times for the courses you are preparing so that you can sort of have things ready at the same time.  It can be tricky at times.  Sometimes, the meat or other big pot is not done as you expected, so it has to cook longer.  This can throw things off and you have to learn how to nip, tuck, and adapt.

Prep your foods so that they are available whenever you need them.  For example, I will peel and slice my onions and place in a dish or bowl.  I do the same with garlic, and any other thing that has to be washed, cut, diced, sliced or otherwise.  I use a few more bowls or dishes, but my ingredients are at the ready.  Remember the sink and hot soapy water? 

Assemble all the things you need so that you don't have to go in search of Curry Powder or Turmeric. 

Use a ledger to record times of your cooking progress.  Make note of what time you put something in the oven, or grill, or anywhere. 

Bon Appetite

March 14, 2014

Friday of the First Week of Lent

 

Reading 1 ez 18:21-28

Thus says the Lord GOD:
If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed,
if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just,
he shall surely live, he shall not die.
None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him;
he shall live because of the virtue he has practiced.
Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked?
says the Lord GOD.
Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way
that he may live?

And if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil,
the same kind of abominable things that the wicked man does,
can he do this and still live?
None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered,
because he has broken faith and committed sin;
because of this, he shall die.
You say, “The LORD’s way is not fair!”
Hear now, house of Israel:
Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?
When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies,
it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die.
But if the wicked, turning from the wickedness he has committed,
does what is right and just,
he shall preserve his life;
since he has turned away from all the sins that he committed,
he shall surely live, he shall not die.

 

 

 

Click on link below to hear Psalm
http://www.gimmesound.com/BuckyGelo

 

Responsorial Psalm ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8

R. (3) If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?               

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;
LORD, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to my voice in supplication.
R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?
If you, O LORD, mark iniquities,
LORD, who can stand?
But with you is forgiveness,
that you may be revered.
R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?
I trust in the LORD;
my soul trusts in his word.
My soul waits for the LORD
more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
Let Israel wait for the LORD.
R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?
For with the LORD is kindness
and with him is plenteous redemption;
And he will redeem Israel
from all their iniquities.
R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?



 

Gospel mt 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you,
unless your righteousness surpasses that
of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment,
and whoever says to his brother, Raqa,
will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,
and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

 

 

Oatmeal Honey Bread

Oatmeal Honey Bread

 

 

 

1 cup rolled oats

2 cups boiling water

½ cup Honey

2 tsp salt

2 Tbs Butter

 

1 pack yeast

½ warm water

 

In large bowl, combine 1^st set ingredients & let sit for one hour.

 

Then, combine yeast & warm water in small bowl and sit for 10 min.

Add yeast mix to oat mix, and slowly add about 4 cups flour.

Mix and turn out on floured board and knead for about 10 minutes.

Place in greased bowl to rise about 1 ½ hours.

Punch dough down on board, divide in two, and shape into loaves.

Grease a cooking sheet, sprinkle some corn meal on it, and place loaves.

Cover and let rise one hour.

Bake at 350 for about 45 min to 1 hour.

As bread is cooling, drizzle honey over tops and sprinkle some rolled oats.

WHY I GO TO CHURCH

 

 

 

Many people tell me they believe in God but do not feel the need to go to church.  I hear excuses like

1. “God is everywhere; I don’t have to go to church to be with Him.”
2.  “All they are after is money!”
3.  “I live a good life; I do all the right things, why should I need to go?”
4.  “I don’t feel welcome.”   

Let’s examine excuse #1.  Considering, God is our Father, here’s how I feel.  As a parent, I have a son who has not visited, not contacted me in over 1 ½ years.  I am heartbroken.  This must be similar to how God feels when we do not visit His House. I could not agree more that God Is everywhere, yet I don’t see how this is a valid excuse for not going to Church.  If we are baptized in His name, we have an obligation to abide by His rules. 

 

Excuse # 2.  Yes, they ask for tithes and for good reasons.  The Church community must be maintained, just as our own homes require upkeep.  Churches help support the many agencies that care for the needy and poor.  I am on a fixed income and can’t give but a fraction of what many parishioners give, yet I do my part. 

 

Excuse # 3.  First of all, you are not doing all the right things if you can justify not going to church.  The love of God does require something back from you.  “If you wish to follow me, pick up your cross and come.”  If you really have faith, then you should pay your due share.  Feed the hungry.  Visit the sick.  Clothe the needy.  Pray for those in need.  Remember those before us, who gave their lives for our religious freedom.  By staying home, within your domestic church, you will not be strengthened and replenished as you would if you go to the community church.  We are weak sinners and must be fed and forgiven continuously.  If you believe that you never sin, then you make God out to be a liar. 

 

Excuse # 4.  This one’s really a very bad excuse.  I was attending a church and it was about to be sold and closed.  I thought to myself, I will go to a new church.  I picked a new one and began to go daily at 12:10 PM.  About a month after I was going each day, one day, a man came up to me before Mass and said “The priest wants to see you;  He’s over there.  I got up and made my way to him.  He ushered me into a hallway for privacy and said “ Some of the parishioners are concerned about your whiskers in the wine cup.”  He seemed uncomfortable and a bit embarrassed.  I laughed and said “Oh dear!”  He asked me if I would mind coming up to communion last.  I had a real chance to feel not welcome.  My response was “Of course I don’t mind.  I’ve been coming here for the last month for this time slot fits nicely into my day.”  He seemed relieved and I continued to attend that Mass daily.  I know that the elderly man who told me that the priest wanted to see me, was the one complaining about my beard.  That was over three years ago.  Since then, that man and I have been friends.  Since then, I have been going to the early Mass at 0630.  Since then, that same priest who asked me to go up to communion last, asked my wife and I if we would consider joining the pre-Cana team and give our testimony to the couples about to be wed.  We give our talk, twice a year, spring and fall.  It is rewarding to us and do I feel welcome?  You bet I do!       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHY I GO TO CHURCH

 

 

 

Many people tell me they believe in God but do not feel the need to go to church.  I hear excuses like

1. “God is everywhere; I don’t have to go to church to be with Him.”
2.  “All they are after is money!”
3.  “I live a good life; I do all the right things, why should I need to go?”
4.  “I don’t feel welcome.” 

 

Let’s examine excuse #1.  Considering, God is our Father, here’s how I feel.  As a parent, I have a son who has not visited, not contacted me in over 1 ½ years.  I am heartbroken.  This must be similar to how God feels when we do not visit His House. I could not agree more that God Is everywhere, yet I don’t see how this is a valid excuse for not going to Church.  If we are baptized in His name, we have an obligation to abide by His rules. 

 

Excuse # 2.  Yes, they ask for tithes and for good reasons.  The Church community must be maintained, just as our own homes require upkeep.  Churches help support the many agencies that care for the needy and poor.  I am on a fixed income and can’t give but a fraction of what many parishioners give, yet I do my part. 

 

Excuse # 3.  First of all, you are not doing all the right things if you can justify not going to church.  The love of God does require something back from you.  “If you wish to follow me, pick up your cross and come.”  If you really have faith, then you should pay your due share.  Feed the hungry.  Visit the sick.  Clothe the needy.  Pray for those in need.  Remember those before us, who gave their lives for our religious freedom.  By staying home, within your domestic church, you will not be strengthened and replenished as you would if you go to the community church.  We are weak sinners and must be fed and forgiven continuously.  If you believe that you never sin, then you make God out to be a liar. 

 

Excuse # 4.  This one’s really a very bad excuse.  I was attending a church and it was about to be sold and closed.  I thought to myself, I will go to a new church.  I picked a new one and began to go daily at 12:10 PM.  About a month after I was going each day, one day, a man came up to me before Mass and said “The priest wants to see you;  He’s over there.  I got up and made my way to him.  He ushered me into a hallway for privacy and said “ Some of the parishioners are concerned about your whiskers in the wine cup.”  He seemed uncomfortable and a bit embarrassed.  I laughed and said “Oh dear!”  He asked me if I would mind coming up to communion last.  I had a real chance to feel not welcome.  My response was “Of course I don’t mind.  I’ve been coming here for the last month for this time slot fits nicely into my day.”  He seemed relieved and I continued to attend that Mass daily.  I know that the elderly man who told me that the priest wanted to see me, was the one complaining about my beard.  That was over three years ago.  Since then, that man and I have been friends.  Since then, I have been going to the early Mass at 0630.  Since then, that same priest who asked me to go up to communion last, asked my wife and I if we would consider joining the pre-Cana team and give our testimony to the couples about to be wed.  We give our talk, twice a year, spring and fall.  It is rewarding to us and do I feel welcome?  You bet I do!       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHY I GO TO CHURCH

 

 

 

Many people tell me they believe in God but do not feel the need to go to church.  I hear excuses like

1. “God is everywhere; I don’t have to go to church to be with Him.”
2.  “All they are after is money!”
3.  “I live a good life; I do all the right things, why should I need to go?”
4.  “I don’t feel welcome.” 

 

Let’s examine excuse #1.  Considering, God is our Father, here’s how I feel.  As a parent, I have a son who has not visited, not contacted me in over 1 ½ years.  I am heartbroken.  This must be similar to how God feels when we do not visit His House. I could not agree more that God Is everywhere, yet I don’t see how this is a valid excuse for not going to Church.  If we are baptized in His name, we have an obligation to abide by His rules. 

 

Excuse # 2.  Yes, they ask for tithes and for good reasons.  The Church community must be maintained, just as our own homes require upkeep.  Churches help support the many agencies that care for the needy and poor.  I am on a fixed income and can’t give but a fraction of what many parishioners give, yet I do my part. 

 

Excuse # 3.  First of all, you are not doing all the right things if you can justify not going to church.  The love of God does require something back from you.  “If you wish to follow me, pick up your cross and come.”  If you really have faith, then you should pay your due share.  Feed the hungry.  Visit the sick.  Clothe the needy.  Pray for those in need.  Remember those before us, who gave their lives for our religious freedom.  By staying home, within your domestic church, you will not be strengthened and replenished as you would if you go to the community church.  We are weak sinners and must be fed and forgiven continuously.  If you believe that you never sin, then you make God out to be a liar. 

 

Excuse # 4.  This one’s really a very bad excuse.  I was attending a church and it was about to be sold and closed.  I thought to myself, I will go to a new church.  I picked a new one and began to go daily at 12:10 PM.  About a month after I was going each day, one day, a man came up to me before Mass and said “The priest wants to see you;  He’s over there.  I got up and made my way to him.  He ushered me into a hallway for privacy and said “ Some of the parishioners are concerned about your whiskers in the wine cup.”  He seemed uncomfortable and a bit embarrassed.  I laughed and said “Oh dear!”  He asked me if I would mind coming up to communion last.  I had a real chance to feel not welcome.  My response was “Of course I don’t mind.  I’ve been coming here for the last month for this time slot fits nicely into my day.”  He seemed relieved and I continued to attend that Mass daily.  I know that the elderly man who told me that the priest wanted to see me, was the one complaining about my beard.  That was over three years ago.  Since then, that man and I have been friends.  Since then, I have been going to the early Mass at 0630.  Since then, that same priest who asked me to go up to communion last, asked my wife and I if we would consider joining the pre-Cana team and give our testimony to the couples about to be wed.  We give our talk, twice a year, spring and fall.  It is rewarding to us and do I feel welcome?  You bet I do!