Catholic Hope

Inside out or outside in?

2011-11-20T16:42:00.004+11:00

The world is truly our oyster. So many things we can do or be or so it seems.
I watched The Men Who Stare At Goats and there’s some quality philosophy here…

Words spoken by LYN CASSADY (George Clooney)

Have you heard of Optimum Trajectory before? (No answer) Your life is like a river, Bob. If you’re aiming for a goal that isn’t your destiny, you will always be swimming against the current. Young Ghandi wants to be a stock-car racer? Not gonna happen. Little Anne Frank wants to be a High School teacher. Tough titty Anne. That’s not your destiny. But you will go on to move the hearts and minds of millions. Find out what your destiny is and the river will carry you.

Well the river is truly God. Find out what God wants you to do and the rest will be history. We can look at the world as if through a telescope and see everything we think we can do and be. God however lets us peep through his end which is the true focus. The conentrated view. The concise us. The one that we reveals what we were made for. Imagine if Shakespeare never wrote, Einstein never pondered or Alexanander Bell never tinkered?

Lend your energy and focus on God and he will concentrate your gifts and talents for you.

Little things can be big.

2011-11-15T17:49:00.002+11:00

Last week I had some furniture removalists collect some things my wife donated to Vinnie's. I was a bit discouraged about a health problem at the time. First thing in the morning before they arrived I heard God tell me he would give me a sign that day.The removalist guys were great and very friendly. We talked about football and how one of the guys barracked for a team that was very unlucky. He told me how next year was going to be better when I teasingly said it would take a miracle for them to win a grand final. Without hesitation he looked at me and said "miracles happen" and then said goodbye. I thought nothing of it at the time except as I lay in bed that night and thought about my sign. God,where was it? Its not always a burning bush or a billboard or winning lottery ticket. Its also in the words of total strangers. Be a miracle for someone today.

Maranatha! Singers - Most Holy One - YouTube

2011-09-20T09:39:00.000+10:00

Maranatha! Singers - Most Holy One - YouTube

Dont give up now

2011-09-19T14:04:00.000+10:00

Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.

Winston Churchill

Listen and look.

2011-08-15T13:20:00.001+10:00

Mark 4:9, NIV: "Then Jesus said, 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear.'"

I hear the house creaking, as a strong wind blows against it. Outside, the sounds from swaying trees and hanging wind chimes fill the air. To go outside requires a firm grip on the door, and a readiness to be greeted by a potentially breathtaking gust. And all this is done by something that remains unseen. Most days, the air is so easily taken for granted. It is all around us. We need it to live. But we pay little attention to it unless it becomes too hot, or too cold, or too windy. Yet even on the calmest days, it's still there. Like the air around us, God is also. And so easily taken for granted. But to those who have ears to hear and eyes to see, the effects of His movement are unmistakable. And being in His presence is truly breathtaking. And should we come to a place wherein we turn down our noisy lives, then we shall listen. And we shall hear. And we shall find the voice of God again.

© FaithWriters.com CHRISTIAN WRITERS CHRISTIAN WRITING JOBS MAKE A WEBSITE

written by Randy Chambers
http://reflections.daybyday.org

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God Knows Best

2011-06-30T12:25:00.001+10:00

God Knows Best
by Helen Steiner Rice

Our Father knows what's best for us,
So why should we complain--
We always want the sunshine,
But He knows there must be rain--

We love the sound of laughter
And the merriment of cheer,
But our hearts would lose their tenderness
If we never shed a tear...

Our Father tests us often
With suffering and with sorrow,
He tests us, not to punish us,
But to help us meet tomorrow...

For growing trees are strengthened
When they withstand the storm,
And the sharp cut of a chisel
Gives the marble grace and form...

God never hurts us needlessly,
And He never wastes our pain
For every loss He send to us
Is followed by rich gain...

And when we count the blessings
That God has so freely sent,
We will find no cause for murmuring
And no time to lament...

For our Father loves His children,
And to Him all things are plain,
So He never sends us pleasure
When the soul's deep need is pain...

So whenever we are troubled,
And when everything goes wrong,
It is just God working in us
To make our spirit strong.

Church Bulletin Bloopers

2011-04-30T17:03:00.002+10:00

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.

This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.

A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

The Senior Choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.

The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge--Up Yours."

Our Father who art in Heaven

2011-04-28T14:35:00.002+10:00

Are you struggling at the moment. Trouble paying the bills, struggling with an illness or looking after the kids? Parents and inlaws doing the token effort and possibly living more for themselves?
Dont worry you have another parent. One who can do so much more than than your earthly parents. Let your real Father lend a helping hand.

Never forget

2011-04-13T18:17:00.000+10:00

Knowledge is power

2011-04-01T08:08:00.003+11:00

Remember tha man at the Pool of Bethesda. Sometimes I think I feel that way.
" I have no one to help me"

Let me encourage you with THE TRUTH today. You have Jesus Christ pleading for you at the right hand of the Father 24/7. God will not refuse his son.

Keep on keeping on.

2011-03-22T09:26:00.000+11:00

Plant a thought, reap an act.
Plant an act reap a habit.
Plant a habit reap a character.
Plant a character reap a destiny.

God tells us to pray and to pray unceasingly. Ok, sometimes we just feel we need to take a break or feel we’re all prayed out. When this happens take this exhaustion to God. It won’ t be long until you feel his warm, loving embrace and reassuring words that he will help you and have his son Jesus intercede and pray on your behalf.
But when we are back to our old selves we need to press forward again in our prayer life. Prayer is the key to change. We may stumble and fall from time to time for we won’t be perfect until we our united with our Father who art in Heaven. So don’t be discouraged. Repent ask God for forgiveness and get going again. ASAP.
God tells us to keep praying for a reason. He made us. He knows what we need to do. It is the only way to bear fruit.

A letter from Jesus.

2011-02-16T11:16:00.002+11:00

My dear sweet child, be still and know that I am real. I love you. Right now, I am helping you. I know how much you are hurting but I am with you now, more than ever. At times you doubt this help and feel overwhelmed by your problems. I want you to know today, that they are not your problems, they are mine. Be still and know that I will solve them for you. I love you my precious one and will never abandon you. I am with you now by your side as you read these words and will remain there forever. I am with you tonight as you lay down your sweet head. I am with you in the night whenever you doubt and I will be with you as you arise in the morning. Today, choose to rejoice! Not because you have adversity, not because of your difficulties, but because I am so much bigger and stronger than anything that could come against you!

Follow your God given dreams

2011-01-16T19:03:00.004+11:00

Visit Cameron Semmons website and be enriched
www.webcameron.com

Do your best and God will do the rest

2010-12-01T11:06:00.005+11:00

Life as you know isn't always easy. For some it can be one be an incredible battle of hardships at times. Maybe you feel you are not going anywhere in your health, finances or spiritual growth. Everyone has doubts at times and everyone makes mistakes. Perhaps you are failing your goal of being stoic in times of suffering. Even the esteemed JFK when warned his back operation may kill him, replied that he rather be dead than suffer the pain anymore. Perhaps it is something smaller like taking up smoking again or having that drink you promised you wouldn't. Maybe you are down on yourself for praying not to do something only to find yourself do it a few minutes later. Spiritual and personal growth can often take time. Everyone has doubts and frustration. The important thing is not to get too down on yourself. Even Jesus cried out to our Heavenly Father: "why have you deserted me?" So relax a little if you lose heart because you are certainly in good company. All you have to do, is your best, even if this means failing at times. Doing your best means that their is nothing else you can do. When you do your best, God says OK now its my turn to fix this problem. So relax a little today knowing that God sees every effort you make and not the failings.

Christmas comes early.

2010-11-27T11:51:00.005+11:00

Its advent tommorrow and with that comes a time of peace and reflection. Peace I hear someone groan....what about the office party, street party, family reunion and the guy in acccounts going away drinks next week?
This Christmas season, give yourself a gift. Learn to say No.
Give Christmas back to Christ as much as you can and remember it is about the birth of our Savior who came to bring us peace.
Say no to the little things so you can have so much more of the bigger thing.

Good for what ails you

2010-11-15T19:46:00.001+11:00

Dont forget the wine (take 2)

2010-11-10T15:52:00.003+11:00

Always remember the first miracle. Never seemed that important. I mean they just ran out of vino. Not for our loving Father. He knows everything we need. He wants to help you with your daughter's wedding, your sons first car, your wife's 50th anniversary gift, your nephews school fees, your upcoming gas bill, the university fees, the mortgage. Sure we don't have to be rich but I know we don't have to be poor. So don't be afraid to ask God for money to help you shoulder life's financial burdens. If anyone tells you differently tell them to go away.In exchange economies money is more often necessary than not, in helping others. Churches cost money, School uniforms are expensive, petrol isn't cheap, the water company needs payment and there is also the cost of that upcoming wedding. He will provide, don't forget the first miracle.

Dont forget to pray

2010-06-23T21:12:00.001+10:00

In the name of the Father who loves me and the son Jesus who helps me and the powerful Holy Spirit that changes me. Amen.

I can hear you singing to me in my sleep

2010-06-23T21:07:00.003+10:00

I recently heard an old song of the above title. When it first came out I think its fair to say I wasnt as close to God as I am now. Now the song has a different connotation, Now its about him and me. How wonderful is God that he whispers to us in the middle of the night. How sweet the music he makes.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T07:36:00.000+11:00

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to.
John 14:27

Pray your worries away

2008-11-13T16:47:00.009+11:00

Why do we fret when we know God still answers prayers? Maybe one day I won't. In the meantime feel free to light a candle in the chapel.

Life is short....

2008-11-10T14:02:00.001+11:00

Two Jesuit novices both wanted a cigarette while they prayed. They decided to ask their superior for permission. The first asked but was told no. A little while later he spotted his friend smoking and praying. "Why did the superior allow you to smoke and not me?" he asked. His friend replied, "Because you asked if you could smoke while you prayed, and I asked if I could pray while I smoked!"

Prayer is the reason why some people dramatically forge ahead in their lives while others simply “tread water.” The power of simple, sincere, consistent praying is electrifying. Jesus told us that if we ask, we shall receive.

Truly such power is undoubtedly a most generous gift of a loving God. Thankfully we all receive this gift and because God loves us all, we receive the gift of prayer equally.

Yet how tragic to go through life leaving the gift of prayer unused! Like possessing a rich inheritance in a Swiss bank account and never drawing upon it.

Unfortunately some people never call on God, or they call only in times of emergency and then go back on their “merry” way. They are sadly unaware of the magnificent things God has in store for them if only they would reach out to him in prayer on a regular basis.

In prayer God comes and always helps us. We simply place our worries, cares and needs before God and ask for help. Here God welcomes our slightest word or cry, our smallest effort.

Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.
For every one that asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened

Matthew 7:7

Life is short-PRAY HARD.

Don't forget the wine..

2008-10-15T10:48:00.004+11:00

..my wife yelled out as I went out to pick up the evening’s meal. Sometimes I do. Not the wine to drink that is. Rather the miracle of the water turned into wine. Sure the big ones are important like the woman cured of 12 years of bleeding,or the leper being healed or the blind having their sight restored.

What about the small stuff? Does he help with lost wallets, lost jobs, broken water pipes or broken families? Absolutely. It serves us well to remember that God loves us and what this love means. It means caring about the little things as much as the major ones. It means curing epilepsy as much as turning bills into cheques.

If it matters to you, it matters to God.

Waiting for our jam

2008-10-10T14:26:00.002+11:00

Our next door neighbours have recently added an extension on the back of their house. Much to our chagrin they decided to build right up to boundary line of the property title so their new addition is now our new fence. I was concerned that my treasured eighty year old fig tree that grows next to the old fence and therefore has half its roots under my neighbour's property would not survive. The builders dug up almost half of the trees’ roots to poor concrete for the new structure. I waited patiently to see if it would survive. Looking forward to eating its delicious fruits with my daughter this summer and attempting to make our yummy fig jam once more. I prayed it would make it.

The building was done in mid winter which was quite fortunate as the fig tree is deciduous and sheds all its leaves. In fact some may say that the tree appears dead at such a time.Things are often not what they appear to be. I read the following scripture from Luke 13:9, yesterday, which reminded me of our tree:

There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none,he said to the gardener, 'For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. (So) cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?' He said to him in reply, 'Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it;it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.

Luke 13:9

It seems a little obscure at first and even when looked at contextually (if there is such a word) sounds a little like one of Grandpa Simpson’s stories that don’t really go anywhere. Yet I thought about it in relation to waiting to see if my tree would survive and took it as a reference from God as to how patient he is with us. The caretaker asks for another year on top of the 3 already past.

Is there something in your life you need to be patient with? Have
you struggled with an addiction, illness or problem for years. Have you been unable to give up smoking, curtail your temper or lose weight? I urge you be like the caretaker of the vineyard and persevere. Your breakthrough is coming. Your season of blessings, favour and success will arrive.

Its Spring here now and while the building next door is almost finished with all the concrete poured and digging complete, I have seen the fresh new green buds of growth of my precious tree break free. Wait just a little longer for yours and remember:

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit.
Jeremiah Chapter 17:7

Jim's prayer

2008-09-29T12:53:00.005+10:00

Recently I was reminded of a story I heard about a man named Jim.

Everyday this man would go to his church for about 3 minutes and kneel before the altar.The young priest caught up with him one day and asked, “ Since I arrived some 7 years ago, I have noticed that you come here every afternoon and leave almost straight away. I am curious about what you do?”

“I pray replied the old man.”

The priest asked earnestly; “What do you pray in just a few minutes?”

“I say; here I am Jesus. It is Jim, I love you”

Several years later Jim was moved into a nursing home. Days after his arrival the staff noticed a significant change in all the other residents. A month after staying at the home, everyone there seemed a lot happier. Jim would walk around the home each morning and visit every single person. He would smile at them, chat for a while and dramatically lift their spirits, including the staff.

The same priest who knew him at his church came to give communion at the home one day and spoke about the change in everyone, with Jim.

“Jim, the staf have told me how you visit everyone here each day and cheer them all up. That everybody seems a lot happier since you arrived. What do you say to everyone?”

Jim replied; “I just chat with them and say something nice about their hair, the watch they are wearing or talk about the football. Often I just give them a smile and ask if I can do anything for them.”

“I’m always happy after Jesus comes to see me each day.” Jim responded.

“Jesus comes to see you each day?” exclaimed the priest.

“Yes” Jim beamed, “he comes first thing in the morning and stands exactly where you are”.

“What does he say?” asked the priest.

“Here I am Jim. It is me Jesus, I love you”

Hear this.

2008-09-09T13:17:00.001+10:00

Take comfort in the story when Jesus was told about Lazarus; "that the one you love is ill" (John 11). Jesus was not reminded that the one who loves you is ill. Instead, Jesus was addressed in terms of his relationship with Lazarus. This distinction is important because it reveals the fact that God does not answer prayers based on how we have felt and acted towards him. Our Fathers love is perfect and unconditional. Our faith and love toward God may wax and wain but his love and commitment to us is always the same.

The power of prayer is from the one who hears it, not the one who asks.

Father the one you love needs some help.

The one You love is afraid.

The one You love is sick.

The one You love is sad.

The one You love is worried.

The one You love needs you.

May your love of God grow each and every day. Amen.

But me no buts.

2008-08-13T13:39:00.004+10:00

The word but has stopped so many noble ventures. How many times have you used it to stop you from doing what God wants you to?

When God told Moses to lead his people, Moses replied:"
Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt?"
Exodus 3:11.

Sound familiar? It does to me. Self doubt is common in most people. We wonder if we are in the right job, being good parents, dating the right person or living in the right city.
When it comes to sharing our wonderful Catholic faith however, God reminds us :
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you. "Ah, Lord GOD!" I said, "I know not how to speak; I am too young."
But the LORD answered me, Say not, "I am too young." To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Jeremiah 1:5

Could God be any clearer on this subject? So I encourage you to go deeper into your role as prophet. In your blog, the reading at Mass, giving communion to the sick, your parish group or just in your family. No matter where you are, take stock of these words: YOU have been APPOINTED. No buts about it.

3 am

2008-08-01T10:57:00.002+10:00

"3 a.m. is when the pain meds wear off. 3 a.m. is when sleep deserts you. 3 a.m. is when the silent movie of your life begins to roll in front of your staring eyes. 3 a.m. is when the deep, bone deep, gut deep, heart-wrenching grief of the things you haven't done explodes like a grenade . . . But I'll tell you a mystery. Right there. Right then. Right in the middle of 3 a.m. Beside all the pain, physical and emotional . . . in the midst of wrenching grief, God was with me. . . ."

by Sylvia Lefort Masi. Taken from Get Well Wishes -- prayers, poems and blessings author -June Cotner. HarperCollins.

Sweet somthings

2008-07-25T15:25:00.003+10:00

A few days ago I went to Mass in order to take the Sacrament of Communion to some people in a nearby hospital.
My parish priest took the time to say to me that it was so good of me to do this.
Of course he knew that the pleasure was just as much mine. However it was the kind word from someone to another that is the point here.

I wasn't feeling particuliarly enthused that cold, rainy evening to go to the hospital but after being praised by someone I look up to, I felt a warmth and energy come over me.

Love doesn't always require us to fast for a day or giving up a new purchase. Sometimes the best thing we can do for someone is to offer a kind word or sing their praises to them.

Could it be that Jesus who loves us more than anyone sings our praises everyday? Are you listening?

Can you hear him tell you how much he loves you?

How wonderful he thinks you are?

How talented you are?

How much he wants to help you?

How everything will work out?

How he is changing you each and every day?

That he will never leave you?

I think you can.

Say it clear

2008-07-21T21:08:00.001+10:00

My wife and I watched the WYD mass at Randwick racecourse yesterday and we both felt an immense pride. It was great to see around five hundred thousand brothers and sisters gather to celebrate in my own country. Yet greater still was the sense of connection I felt with all these people from all around the world. I felt part of one big Catholic happy family. There was a sea of coloured flags from so many different nations and I truly felt a part of something so much bigger than my little parish. I could identify with the creed I recite every Sunday-we believe in one holy and apostolic church. When the media talks about religion not being as relevant to people today I was somewhat surprised to see so many attending this mass. Our beloved church is so full of young passion and commitment. Together there is nothing we cannot do. Say it clear and say it loud: I’m Catholic and I’m proud.

Not no way Jose.

2008-06-25T14:41:00.005+10:00

Sometimes in life we can get discouraged to say the least. We may seem to feel overwhelmed by our circumstances and feel that we are trapped in by them. Not too unlike the enslaved Israelites in Egypt. We can look around and not see a way out of all our problems. We try too figure out with our finite minds how the problems are going to be resolved. Though we may not be able to see the way, God can. We may feel surrounded by problems but God will make a way. He parted their Red sea and he will do the same for you and I. We may not see it now, but he does. Let us not say No way Jose, but rather yes way His way. To be more succinct, Yahweh.

Move over superman

2008-06-23T16:09:00.004+10:00

I love the first reading at Mass today.
But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion (Jeremiah Chapter 20)
How reassuring it is to be reminded that God is with us always. In the missal I use, it refers to God as a hero. I think this one is more apt for me. Like the superhero who always turns up when needed so too does Jesus for me. Always.

I think I know you.

2008-06-18T13:38:00.000+10:00

You lay in your bed at night wondering if you will make it. You close your eyes and see the unpaid bills. You pray for your sick children. At 3 am you hear them cry and stumble into their bedroom. You pray and try and rock them back to sleep. I think I know you. Your up at least an hour before the sun gets up. You wonder if you can make a Dr's appointment today. What will the boss say? Here comes that sinking feeling again. Yes I think I know you. The same old problems keep nagging you. Once again you've eaten and drank more than you should and lost your patience with those who you love. So many things to have to deal with. You see loved ones doing it tougher than you and you wonder how you can help them. I do believe I know you. So too does Christ. Though you may not see everything he is doing for you at the moment, it is being done. Your prayers are being answered. You’ll see.