After being an initial fan of Teresa of Calcutta, I had decided that she was an ambitious lady who had done much but short of saintly. I might have committed the sin of pride for I have judged her while not even having even done a miniscule fraction of what she had accomplished. My idea of one who is saintly is not one who is famous or have or had done things that grab the attention of the world, but one who loves deeply and sincerely God, and God's only Son, Jesus and His Mother, and ours, the Virgin Mary and does the best to his or her ability to serve those around him or her. Even if he or she can save just one soul, that is saintly enough for me -- it does not have to number in the hundreds, or hundreds of thousands.
Mother Angelica is another lady who has done things that have grabbed international attention, at least of those who are Catholic. I like her. I love her. I believe that she was not driven by ambition but by humility and obedience to God. I accidentally came across a blogger who believes she is an instrument of Satan because she had gotten so much money to build the "temple" in Hanceville, Alabama: The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery. [1] I hope this blogger will find that Mother Angelica truly saw a vision of Baby Jesus in Bogatá, Columbia, who asked her to build a temple. I believe that Mother Angelica saw this vision and it was not "made-up" or from a desire to be powerful and/or famous.
Mother Angelica,
Pray for me.
With all my love, Al
[1] The Shirne of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monestary
In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with spending millions upon millions of dollars glorifying God, the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. There is also nothing wrong with millionaire monks and nuns who live in the spirit of poverty, who assist the needy, who love God without reservation, even though they may enjoy the luxuries of life on earth and share them with others [2], for Heaven have even more abundant luxuries waiting for the faithful ones. I think money is cheap but a lot of people put a lot of weight on it because it buys so much, so much of what our existence simply does not need. What we do need is a place, a place of awe that reaches up to the heavens, to do God's will "on earth and it is in heaven" and that is to pray to God and to ask others to join in. To have this place, money needs to be spent. Money is but a medium of exchange, and when this medium is used in buying things that are not necessary, how cheap is that medium? In other words, one is using something to gain something not needed, then one has just exchanged something worthless for something equally worthless. Building a place of worship with money is exchanging something worthless for something worthwhile. And as a result of that exchange, there is borne a place where our time, our kindness and our love are shared generously with others, if not by deed then by dedicated prayers. That is rich. God is rich because those are the things we receive from God - God's time, God's kindness and God's love. Without God's time to listen to us, God's kindness in caring for us, God's love in forgiving us, then we are already in Satan's Hell. A person who spends wealth in glorifying God is not under the influence of Satan; the person who is envious of such spending is.
[2] I found this passage (Acts of the Apostles 4:32-5:11) on the internet after writing this at http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+4%3A32-5%3A11&version=ESV":
"32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet."
So glad to find support in the Bible for my thought.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Youth, Maturity And Beyond
In my youth I searched for happiness in the company of friends and in material possessions but ended up being unhappy when the happiness I found was fleeting, and when those happy moments passed, silence and void returned with a vengeance, causing depression, depression that was at times deep and painful. I prayed to get out of it, and when I felt better, I would gather enough courage to go out and search again, and again, in the hope that I would find lasting happiness filled with fun and laughter, but that was not to be. I never succeeded in reaching the level of happiness I desired.
The depression that followed each failed search was shallower, less painful and shorter than the previous. I was used to the pain that grabbed my entire being and was able to force myself to function normally despite its presence, as difficult as it was at times, by holding my head high, my tears back and myself together. I was beginning to manage depression's debilitating effects. That was a blessing.
As time passed by quietly in the background without my awareness, so passed slowly but steadily my dreams and cravings for happiness and a free and sexually satiated life in the flesh with the simultaneous existence of good looks and health of youth and the gift of wealth and comfort. In lieu of searching continually for my unfulfillable youthful fantasies of unspeakable joy, I was compelled by a negative energy fueled by floundering hormones without a goal, the meaninglessness of life and an unhealthy curiosity of all that is depraved to go into the dark crevices to look for the sinister desires that titillate, even though God was not far from my thoughts (I brought Him along). Eventually, escapades of that sort became less and less of a compulsion with every passing year, like seeing the same movie over and over.
Perhaps it was ennui, perhaps it was a quiet confidence in myself that ever so gradually replaced the void and loneliness within. If that is maturity, then maturity is quite desirable, short of any other option. Yet maturity cannot the pinnacle of existence even though I do not know what the pinnacle of existence is for I have not been there. I just know there is something more, something more than just confidence, more than satisfaction with the current station in life, more than mere mortal fulfillment of the daily needs and more than just an ordinary peaceful life without turmoil or too much stress.
Not knowing what the pinnacle of existence is does not prevent me from speculating what it could be, whether or not it is attainable in the flesh. I believe that it means having complete spiritual fulfillment, co-extensive with the fulfillment that the Holy Spirit can offer the human cavity and completely fill it even though It is ever expanding, even though no human constitution can contain It. I believe that it means having absolute peace, peace in the Eternal God, and inner peace that is perfect and therefore constant and unchangeable and imperturbable. I believe that it means having a loyal and unbreakable bond that is eternally connected with Christ, a bond that brings to the forefront lasting happiness with the One who can save anyone who desires Him from eternal damnation. And I believe that it requires the constant unfailing and selfless unconditional love of a mother and that can only come from the Mother of all, the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.
The depression that followed each failed search was shallower, less painful and shorter than the previous. I was used to the pain that grabbed my entire being and was able to force myself to function normally despite its presence, as difficult as it was at times, by holding my head high, my tears back and myself together. I was beginning to manage depression's debilitating effects. That was a blessing.
As time passed by quietly in the background without my awareness, so passed slowly but steadily my dreams and cravings for happiness and a free and sexually satiated life in the flesh with the simultaneous existence of good looks and health of youth and the gift of wealth and comfort. In lieu of searching continually for my unfulfillable youthful fantasies of unspeakable joy, I was compelled by a negative energy fueled by floundering hormones without a goal, the meaninglessness of life and an unhealthy curiosity of all that is depraved to go into the dark crevices to look for the sinister desires that titillate, even though God was not far from my thoughts (I brought Him along). Eventually, escapades of that sort became less and less of a compulsion with every passing year, like seeing the same movie over and over.
Perhaps it was ennui, perhaps it was a quiet confidence in myself that ever so gradually replaced the void and loneliness within. If that is maturity, then maturity is quite desirable, short of any other option. Yet maturity cannot the pinnacle of existence even though I do not know what the pinnacle of existence is for I have not been there. I just know there is something more, something more than just confidence, more than satisfaction with the current station in life, more than mere mortal fulfillment of the daily needs and more than just an ordinary peaceful life without turmoil or too much stress.
Not knowing what the pinnacle of existence is does not prevent me from speculating what it could be, whether or not it is attainable in the flesh. I believe that it means having complete spiritual fulfillment, co-extensive with the fulfillment that the Holy Spirit can offer the human cavity and completely fill it even though It is ever expanding, even though no human constitution can contain It. I believe that it means having absolute peace, peace in the Eternal God, and inner peace that is perfect and therefore constant and unchangeable and imperturbable. I believe that it means having a loyal and unbreakable bond that is eternally connected with Christ, a bond that brings to the forefront lasting happiness with the One who can save anyone who desires Him from eternal damnation. And I believe that it requires the constant unfailing and selfless unconditional love of a mother and that can only come from the Mother of all, the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
JohnPaul II Slated To Become A Saint!?
What is this world coming to? Answer: An end.
I do not know what the rest of the world thinks, but the late pope John Paul II was not from my perspective particularly saintly during his life; nonetheless, without my vote he is to become a saint. [1] Some have even suggested that if JP2 became a saint, he should be the Patron Saint of Pedophiles. As to the miracles attributed to him I must ask, why in the world would these ignorant nuns ask this dead man to intercede for them in the first place when they have so many other truly holy saints of the past to pray to, such as Saint Francis of Assisi who died with the wounds of Christ and Saint Bernadette of Lourdes who brought us healing water under the direction of the Virgin Mary (they are my favorite saints), as well as the Virgin Mary, our Mother and Christ Himself. Why? Were they being used? Were they paid to make a false claims and admissions? Why do people want JP2 to become a saint anyway? How much money did the Vatican receive from the rich in Poland and elsewhere to elevate and fast track him to sainthood? Although I am not a fan of Teresa of Calcutta, was she not at least as "saintly" and JP2? Why is she not fast tracked to sainthood? Is it because she does not have any supporters willing to pay the Vatican? Is Francis, the pope, not a fan of hers?
The Catholic church is becoming more and more shrouded in political intrigue than spiritual mystique. That cannot bode well for the future, for the Truth of God that is always simple, indisputable, and straight-forward and it is to be shown to all, without apology and with the hope that all will live by.
All the recent activities including actions taken and not taken (i.e. deliberate omissions) by this pope, including the most recent money laundering escapade [2] and his refusal to comment on the status of Catholic gays in America who can now marry and raise children [3], for example, that cannot see the light are the antithesis of God, sanctioned and promoted by the enemy Satan. [4]
[1] http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/05/19301242-pope-john-paul-ii-to-become-saint-vatican-says?lite
[2] http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/07/08/312799/vatican-bank-tied-to-money-laundering/
[3] http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/150135817?access_key=key-9alvedkjnomcorl3fu3&allow_share=true
[4] The money laundering was sanctioned by the Vatican and who is in charge now? Francis, the Pope (the fake Francis, the Francis of Assisi impersonator). We must pray that he be unshackled by the chains of Satan soon before he is doomed. Can he, according to Saint Malachy, really be the last pope?
I do not know what the rest of the world thinks, but the late pope John Paul II was not from my perspective particularly saintly during his life; nonetheless, without my vote he is to become a saint. [1] Some have even suggested that if JP2 became a saint, he should be the Patron Saint of Pedophiles. As to the miracles attributed to him I must ask, why in the world would these ignorant nuns ask this dead man to intercede for them in the first place when they have so many other truly holy saints of the past to pray to, such as Saint Francis of Assisi who died with the wounds of Christ and Saint Bernadette of Lourdes who brought us healing water under the direction of the Virgin Mary (they are my favorite saints), as well as the Virgin Mary, our Mother and Christ Himself. Why? Were they being used? Were they paid to make a false claims and admissions? Why do people want JP2 to become a saint anyway? How much money did the Vatican receive from the rich in Poland and elsewhere to elevate and fast track him to sainthood? Although I am not a fan of Teresa of Calcutta, was she not at least as "saintly" and JP2? Why is she not fast tracked to sainthood? Is it because she does not have any supporters willing to pay the Vatican? Is Francis, the pope, not a fan of hers?
The Catholic church is becoming more and more shrouded in political intrigue than spiritual mystique. That cannot bode well for the future, for the Truth of God that is always simple, indisputable, and straight-forward and it is to be shown to all, without apology and with the hope that all will live by.
All the recent activities including actions taken and not taken (i.e. deliberate omissions) by this pope, including the most recent money laundering escapade [2] and his refusal to comment on the status of Catholic gays in America who can now marry and raise children [3], for example, that cannot see the light are the antithesis of God, sanctioned and promoted by the enemy Satan. [4]
[1] http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/05/19301242-pope-john-paul-ii-to-become-saint-vatican-says?lite
[2] http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/07/08/312799/vatican-bank-tied-to-money-laundering/
[3] http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/150135817?access_key=key-9alvedkjnomcorl3fu3&allow_share=true
[4] The money laundering was sanctioned by the Vatican and who is in charge now? Francis, the Pope (the fake Francis, the Francis of Assisi impersonator). We must pray that he be unshackled by the chains of Satan soon before he is doomed. Can he, according to Saint Malachy, really be the last pope?
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Prayer For Hope By San Francesco Caracciolo, C.R.M.
"By St. Francis Caracciolo, CRM
"Merciful God, I firmly hope that with Your help and the good deeds done with Your grace I will enter into your eternal glory.
"Even if I have committed many grave sins, even if I have lived a life of freedom and turned away from You.
"Even if I was guilty of all the sins from the beginning of the world till today, You, God of love and mercy would forgive me.
"I certainly hope with the help of Your grace to overcome all difficulties of this life to live in the land of the living forever. Amen." [1]
[1] http://adornofathers.org/index.php/prayer-for-hope/
Friday, July 5, 2013
Divine Images
Sometimes, divine images cannot be captured with a camera, because they are too ephemeral or they are not supposed to be captured [1]; rather, they capture the imagination. These images do not occur often, not to me, and they are meant to be seen only by the seer's eyes regardless of the presence of other people. Since they are always unexpected and unusual, and cannot be explained by physics or duplicated by man, they are always remembered by those who have seen them [2], even though they are not famous, unlike the Marian apparitions.
[1] A camera is not available, or perhaps not working.
[2] Some of the ones I had seen I tried to draw them, even though I do not have any artistic talent to speak of, so I supplement my sketches with a narrative. Some images I have not drawn because they are they difficult to illustrate [3] for they are meaningful only in a series and that is way beyond my God-given abilities.
[3] For example, an image that is indescribably beautiful and defies the laws of physics.
[1] A camera is not available, or perhaps not working.
[2] Some of the ones I had seen I tried to draw them, even though I do not have any artistic talent to speak of, so I supplement my sketches with a narrative. Some images I have not drawn because they are they difficult to illustrate [3] for they are meaningful only in a series and that is way beyond my God-given abilities.
[3] For example, an image that is indescribably beautiful and defies the laws of physics.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Lust, Desire & Humility
Lust in the heart lit by physical attraction creates in the mind an ideal image that ignites both desire and passion for possession which in turn fuel an incessant internal and painfully longing obsession that needs to be extinguished by true humility through prayer so that the troubled soul can return to its state of inner peace.
Monday, July 1, 2013
A New Word For Me: Supplication
Many blue moons would pass before I would even think of picking up the Bible but a few nights ago I have decided to read the Book of Psalms while having dinner (not necessarily a good idea because I have gotten four food stains on two pages already). In doing so, I saw the word supplication and had to look up its meaning. Dictionary.com defines supplication as "humble prayer." I would have used that word quite a bit already had I known of its existence. Now that I know, I am going to use the verb "supplicate" in a sentence: To supplicate, one must suffocate his conceit, subdue his arrogance, show his sincerity, admit his weaknesses and infuse his deepest love into his prayer.
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