Surrender to the loving will of the Father

Surrender to the loving will of the Father

MESSAGE #1240 from the Blessed Mother October 25, 1997
 
My daughter, Heaven awaits those who believe and do the Father’s Will.

It is not always easy to do the Father’s Will, for one does not always understand the work that they must do for Our Lord and that is why one must trust and believe that whatever God asks you to do, it is for good reason. For God’s plans are mighty and when carried out, souls will be saved. If one is not patient, then God’s plans cannot be carried out. It is through obedience that one grows and learns to trust, for without obedience one will step ahead of God.

The answers will not always be given to those who do the Father’s Will, for then one would not learn to trust. The answers are given in God’s most perfect timing because God knows how much each child can comprehend. God prepares His children first so they stay strong in their faith through all trials and tribulation. Through God’s grace, one is strengthened and prepared along the way.

The problem today is that many want instant answers. They want to do what they want to do, thus refusing how God wants to direct them. Many then become frustrated and give up because they refuse the guidance needed to stay whole. Many question God due to lack of faith or because of fear. Many do not see themselves the way God sees them, so they refuse to believe that they can do what God is asking of them. This is why so many never do what God is asking of them.

My people, there is no longer time to ignore God. You must be more willing to pick up your cross so more can be accomplished in these times. You must believe that God knows what you can do. You must quit doubting every time God speaks to you, for then God’s work cannot be carried through. You must start confiding in God so your relationship can grow, for without coming to know God, you will only become weaker, which will cause you to deny God.

You need to tell God how you feel so that God can help you sort out your feelings, for your thoughts and emotions are what pull you away. It is your desires that lead you astray, for your desires can be very selfish because of your insecurities and weaknesses. One must ask themselves today, are they truly doing what Our Lord is asking of them or are you only pleasing yourselves? Are you walking the road of Calvary or are you taking the easier way out? Do you truly love God or are you denying God?

I say to each of you, surrender and do the Father’s Will no matter how hard it seems, for God will always be your strength. God will guide you and teach you the more perfect way. God will mold you and purify you on this earth if you allow God to. God will discipline you in the areas where you are weak so you become stronger in your faith. God will never leave you, so please remove that fear of thinking you will have to walk alone. God will always protect you and provide you with the answers that you need to know.

So trust, my people, and become more confident in Our Lord so you do not hinder the grace and gifts that God wants to bestow on you. Be more trusting that God will always see you through. Be not angry or do not blame God when things don’t go your way, for in time, all will be perfect if you stay true to Our Lord.

Now, go forth as true believers so that God can work through you, for then your lives will be less stressful because much peace and joy will be given to you. Be more committed to serve Christ so you stay loyal to Our Lord and keep your eyes focused towards Heaven, for then no job will ever be too difficult for you. For Heaven is eternal and awaits all those who believe and do the Father’s Will. Amen.

 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

2712  Contemplative prayer is the prayer of the child of God, of the forgiven sinner who agrees to welcome the love by which he is loved and who wants to respond to it by loving even more. But he knows that the love he is returning is poured out by the Spirit in his heart, for everything is grace from God. Contemplative prayer is the poor and humble surrender to the loving will of the Father in ever deeper union with his beloved Son.
Gospel (St. John 3:1-8)  Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
 
In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

“How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!”

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Monday April 28, 2003 Homily by Fr. Robert Altier

Our Lord, speaking with Nicodemus in the Gospel reading today, tells us that we must be born again of water and the Holy Spirit. And then, speaking of the Spirit (which is the same word as “wind” in Greek), He tells us that you do not know where it is going to blow – it blows where it wills – and so He says it is with the Holy Spirit. If we are going to be faithful to the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we need to allow Him to lead us. He is going to blow where He wills. It will not necessarily be the way that we think it is going to be because God does not always do things according to our plan, as we all know very well. And so He is going to lead us.

The difficulty for us is precisely the idea that we already think we know what God wants us to do, so we do not check with Him first. There are some things, of course, that we do know that He wants us to do. The duties of our state in life, for instance, are required of us; that is obviously God’s Will for us. Yet at the same time, we still have to make sure we are praying.

If we are praying and allowing the Lord to lead us, all kinds of interesting things will happen that we would never have planned and we could not have planned. We just simply need to trust and allow the Holy Spirit to blow where He will, which means to lead us wherever He wants and to bring the people to us or to bring us to the people that He wants. We have no idea who it is or where it is or when it is; that is completely up to the Lord. And so if we are going to claim what the truth really is – that is, that we have been born again of water and the Holy Spirit – then we need to live that. We need to let go, we need to trust God, and we need to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us wherever He wills.

Pray your Rosary every day, for this is your weapon to combat evil

Pray your Rosary every day, for this is your weapon to combat evil
MESSAGE #2650 from the Blessed Mother July 8, 2004
 
 My daughter, In times to come you will need each other, so continue to gather in those groups that I have formed. Continue to pray and be loving to all your brothers and sisters. Be true friends to one another and support each other through all trials and storms. Practice all that I am teaching you so you do not lose hope or give in to the enemy.

There are many today who want to destroy those groups that I have formed. There are many today who seek control and who do not pray. Their time will come and they will have to answer to God. No one can stop prayer, so I say to my faithful remnant, join hands and pray. Remain united in prayer, faith and obedience. Stay true to the Church and respond to what your Most Holy Pope is telling you. Do not compromise with the world, for I say to you, you will each have to answer to God. Pray your Rosary every day, for this is your weapon to combat evil. Pray in your homes and never, never cease praying. Satan has many followers, so I say to my children, be on guard. Use the protection God has given you and stay close, close to Our Heart.

Live the Gospel each new day and rebuke all evil. Follow the ways of unceasing prayer, penance and sacrifice. Obey each Commandment and be not afraid of persecution. Speak and live the truth and imitate Christ. Live simply and do not seek the pleasures and comforts of this world. Do not allow your material possessions to take over your  life. Live like the Saints and keep your focus on Christ. Keep your hearts open so you can hear the Holy Spirit. Allow God to mold you so you are formed in the proper way. Live, live your consecration. Live it with joy in your hearts.

Now, please pray, pray the Rosary, for it is truly the greatest weapon in these times of unrest. I am truly with you, so be at peace. Be at peace and know that I, your Heavenly Mother, am with you. Amen.

Pope John Paul II  APOSTOLIC LETTER
ROSARIUM VIRGINIS MARIAE

The Rosary of the Virgin Mary, which gradually took form in the second millennium under the guidance of the Spirit of God, is a prayer loved by countless Saints and encouraged by the Magisterium….The Rosary has accompanied me in moments of joy and in moments of difficulty. To it I have entrusted any number of concerns; in it I have always found comfort….How many graces have I received in these years from the Blessed Virgin through the Rosary…..Simple yet profound, it still remains, at the dawn of this third millennium, a prayer of great significance, destined to bring forth a harvest of holiness.

Gospel (St. Luke 21:25-34)

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

“I tell you the truth, this generation[b] will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
Homily by Fr. Robert Altier  Friday November 29, 2002  - Reading (Revelation 20:1-4, 11-21:2)

We have heard Our Lord explaining to His disciples what things are going to happen when the end of the world comes. Yet, at the same time, He adds in today’s Gospel that all these things will happen before “this generation” passes away. And so we ask ourselves, “How can we understand this?” It is very simple: All of these things did happen before that generation passed away. It was not the end of the world as yet but it was the end of Jerusalem as it was known. The soldiers of the Roman army in the year 70 A.D. destroyed Jerusalem, and all the things Our Lord had spoken about – an army encircling the city, the signs in the sky, the various things that were happening with the wars and famines and earthquakes and so on – all these things happened in and around Jerusalem. It is an interesting statistic that not one single Christian person died in the year 70 back in Jerusalem, even though several million Jewish people died. The reason is the people saw what was happening and they did exactly what Our Lord told them to do. That is, they fled for the hills, they got out of Jerusalem and they went to where it would be safe. That was a precursor of what is going to happen at the end. And so the things that happened to Jerusalem, the way it was destroyed in fire, is what is going to happen to this whole earth. It too will be destroyed in fire. All of the various things that occurred, the signs in the sky, the military things, and all of the things that occurred will happen again but on a much larger scale.
 
At the same time, rather than despairing, we need to look forward to things with great hope. For instance, in the first reading from the Book of Revelation, we heard about the angel coming down from Heaven holding in his hand the key to the great abyss and a heavy chain. He tied up the devil with that chain and threw him into the great abyss and locked the door over the top of him. That chain is the Rosary and our Holy Father, in giving us the mysteries to the Rosary and adding new power and authority to the Rosary, has told us exactly what needs to be done without saying it in so many words. We need to pray the Rosary. That is the chain that is going to tie up the devil. That is where the authority of Our Lady is going to be found. Remember, this is the time that Our Lord has given to His mother. This is her time, and if we are not deeply into the prayer of the Rosary and deeply into the life of the Church and the Sacraments and the life of prayer, we will have no part of it. We have heard about all of those who will be dead; and those whose names were not written in the Book of Life are going to be thrown into the pool of fire with the devil.
 
And it is not just a matter of sitting back saying, “Well, gee, I believe in Jesus,” because we heard very clearly what it is about. There are millions of Christian people who are thoroughly duped by Satan and they believe firmly that as long as they believe in Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior they are going straight to Heaven. Nowhere – NOWHERE – in the Bible does it say that, nowhere. But they have believed it. It says right here in the Book of Revelation that the dead were judged according to their deeds. So they had to believe in Jesus, but they had to act on that belief. So it is putting the faith into practice.
 
Are we living that faith? Are we going to be part of that remnant? Are we going to be part of that group that will reign with Our Lord? Or are we going to be part of those whose names will be found among the dead because we claim belief in Jesus Christ but refuse to live it? We spoke it on our lips but our deeds spoke otherwise because we were embarrassed to be known as Catholics in the world.

We did not want people to know that we were really going to live our faith, and so we waffled. When we showed up at Mass we looked very pious, but as long as we were away from the church then we fit in with everybody else. Our judgment will not be a happy one if that is who we are. If, on the other hand, we are deeply rooted in prayer, we are living our faith, and we are standing up for what it means to be Catholic, then we will be in good shape. But we need to put it into practice. It is according to our deeds that we are going to be judged. We profess our faith in Jesus, now we have to live it. That is what is incumbent upon all of us.
 
Our task is to make sure that our souls are in the state of grace and that we are deeply rooted in prayer, that we have taken up the weapons that Our Lady has given to us – particularly the Mass, Confession, the Rosary, and a life of daily prayer – so that we are growing in holiness, that we are performing the works of holiness, and that we are living the faith that we profess so that we will be one with Jesus, that we will be able to reign with Him in this world and in the next.

The First Sorrowful Mystery The Agony in the Garden

The First Sorrowful Mystery  The Agony in the Garden

And they went to a place which was called Gethsem’ane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I pray.”  And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled.  And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and keep watch.” _{(Mark 14:32-34 )}

 

Fruit of the Mystery: Contrition – True sorrow for sin and uniformity with the will of God

 

We offer you, Lord Jesus, this decade in honor of your intense agony in the garden of Olives.

 Through this mystery and the intercession of your holy Mother we ask for perfect sorrow for our sins and perfect conformity to your holy will.  

 May the grace of the Agony of Jesus come into me and make me truly contrite and perfectly obedient to the will of God.  

 

Now, please kneel before our Lord and meditate on our Lord’s Passion. Meditate on our Lord’s Passion and be willing to suffer with love in your soul. _{(2605 )}

 

 1. Begin today by making quiet time to be with Our Lord. Take quiet time so your focus is on God. Take quiet time so you are not distracted by the noise of this world. ( 2677 )
2. I come to you today because My Mother is weeping tears of blood. Not only must you heal My wounds, but you must wipe those tears that My Mother is shedding for each of you ( 1835 )
3. I long to forgive those souls who have added wounds to My Most Sacred Heart. I long to forgive them, but they do not come to Me ( 2868 )
4. I have come to share My pain with you. My heart bleeds when I see the sorrow in My Mother’s face. My heart bleeds because so many are ignoring these heavenly pleas. ( 1934 )
5. I pour My tears of blood over humanity. Listen to Me. Get down on your knees. The time has come for the world to repent. ( 2840 )
6. I am your merciful Lord, who shed My blood for you. I am totally yours when you come to Me, for I am able to be with each of you. I am able to love you even when you offend Me, so immerse yourselves in this love that I have for you. ( 1341 )
7. Now, please meditate on our Lord’s Passion so you never forget the pain Jesus endured for each of you. Meditate on our Lord’s Passion and trust, trust in His Divine Mercy and Love. ( 2463 )
8. Ask God to heal those wounds that are preventing you from praying. Ask and you shall receive the grace needed to live a holy life. Ask and then turn to God and respond to his love and mercy. ( 3068 )
9. Unite your heart to My tears of blood. Spend time with Me and pray for those who are refusing to repent. ( 3039 )
10. I am Jesus. I come today with tears in My Heart, for many are not listening to My Mother. ( 2902 )

Agony in the Garden - Passion of Christ

Agony in the Garden - Passion of Christ - Various images of Our Lord - who loves us some much, to lay down His life for His Friends —  Audio by Doug Barry of Radix -

http://www.excerptsofinri.com/radix_the_passsion_of_christ.html

http://www.excerptsofinri.com/passion_of_christ.html

The Passion of Christ - One Man Passion Play - Recorded at the Orpheum Theater

The Passion of Christ,  a one man stage performace by Doug Barry like none other.

 I just wanted to express my feelings about the video. I bought it last month and I watched it twice (once with my daughter and once with my wife).

It was awesome. I have been passing it around and everyone has the same reaction.

Who is the actor in the video? He gave quite a performance.  I have never seen such passion in a one man show.  His performance was flawless and very moving.  I was in tears throughout the show

ARE YOU READY to Die for Jesus?

ARE YOU READY to Die for Jesus? An intense video, it makes you think. The first Christian martyr was Saint Stephen as recorded in the Acts 6:8–8:3 who was stoned to death for his faith.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_martyrs

What Protestants and Catholics Can Learn from Each Other

Common Ground
What Protestants and Catholics
Can Learn from Each Other

Will  air on Trinity Broadcasting Network
August 5 (Tues.) 2008
11:00 PM Pacific
which is the same as
August 6 (Wed.) 2008
2:00 AM Eastern

A revealing and candid conversation between the leaders of two large churches in Troy Michigan, just North of Detroit: Father John Riccardo of St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church, and Pastor Steve Andrews of Kensington Community Church. Seeking common ground, “the priest and the pastor” respectfully examine the similarities between the two great traditions they represent. Regardless of your religious background, you’ll be intrigued by their open discussion.

Order a DVD Copy

How are we doing at home? Are we really loving and caring?

How are we doing at home? Are we really loving and caring?

1/5/2000 Wednesday 8:15am msg. #1899
Monday - January 10, 2000 transcribed notes
 

My daughter, if our children pray but refuse to change, then their prayers are not from their heart. Without love in ones heart, ones prayers become just words without meaning. Today I ask that you not only pray for peace, but that you yourselves live in peace with one another. If there is fighting or lack of respect in your homes, then ask, ask yourselves why? If you are refusing to forgive or ask for forgiveness, then ask, ask

You must do what God is asking, asking of you.

yourselves why?

Many today pray for peace yet love or peace are not present in their own home. Many today do not want war to break out and they pray unceasingly, yet they are allowing their home to become a battlefield. My heart is pierced when I see so many children fighting amongst themselves. My heart is pierced when I hear so many harsh words coming from our children. My heart bleeds for those who are refusing to change their ways. Change takes time; that is why I have been with you so long. It has been long enough now for many of you and it is time for many of you to take a look at the way you are responding to others. If you are not responding in a loving way to those around you then you must begin now.

You must go to God and tell God whatever it is that is troubling you. You must then ask God to help you so you respond in the proper way. A response is needed from you in order for peace and love to spread. If you are not being an example for others then you cannot call yourself a Christian. Christians love and promote peace wherever they go. Christians work hard each new day to live a holy life. Christians are kind and loving and they try hard to live a saintly life. They do their best to imitate Christ. They do not harbor hate in their heart. They love and forgive and are truly humble. If you truly want to live a good life, then you must strive to cleanse your soul often. You must tell God you are truly sorry when you are displeasing Him. You must come to Mass more often and then take heed to the gospel. You must hunger daily to be fed the truth. You must truly believe that Jesus is truly present and alive in the Eucharist so that God can dwell in you.

If you come to Mass only out of habit then you are not true believers. If you want to be led closer to Jesus then you must cleanse and nourish your soul. You must not deny Jesus’ true presence in the Eucharist. You must prepare your heart and soul before receiving the Sacraments. You must relearn… if you are coming to Mass as sleepy children. Each of you must respond if you want this world to change. You must not wait for others to act first. You must do what God is asking, asking of you. You must humble yourselves and let go of all your pride. You must rely on the Blessed Trinity in order to truly live your faith. You must work hard each new day, not just when you feel like it. You must put your armor on and stay on guard at all times. You must not allow the enemy to attack, you must rebuke Satan immediately. You must begin to recognize those areas where you are weak so you can begin to work on them. Strength cannot be given to those who are not honest with themselves. Strength cannot be given to those who refuse God’s grace. In order to receive strength, you must depend on God to help you.

You must believe that you are weak without God’s strength. You must persevere in prayer and never, never give up. You must allow the Holy Spirit to be your shield to protect you from the evil one. You must decide whose side you want to be on and then go forth in faith and fortitude. You must decide now and then respond to what I am telling you. You must decide now, for so much evil is prowling this earth. So please wake up and give your life totally to God. Please make some changes now. This is the time of God’s mercy and grace. This is the time to prepare so you will be in a state of grace. Today you must not only listen to what I am telling you but you must decide whose side you want to be on, for it is time to get moving. It is time to truly live your faith. I am still here to assist you so please accept my motherly assistance. Please accept and choose now so that I can help you live a more pure and holy life. I am your heavenly Mother so please accept my love and motherly grace. Amen.
Catechism of the Catholic Church

1394 As bodily nourishment restores lost strength, so the Eucharist strengthens our charity, which tends to be weakened in daily life; and this living charity wipes away venial sins. By giving himself to us Christ revives our love and enables us to break our disordered attachments to creatures and root ourselves in him:

    Since Christ died for us out of love, when we celebrate the memorial of his death at the moment of sacrifice we ask that love may be granted to us by the coming of the Holy Spirit. We humbly pray that in the strength of this love by which Christ willed to die for us, we, by receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, may be able to consider the world as crucified for us, and to be ourselves as crucified to the world. . . . Having received the gift of love, let us die to sin and live for God.
The Gospel of John 13:34-35

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Father Reiser’s comments:
Monday - January 10, 2000 transcribed notes

The reading I chose to comment on was very short and simple, a very good and direct message from the Blessed Mother to evaluate how well we are RESPONDING to the messages. At the heart of the whole thing is one big question: How are we doing in our own homes? Are we squabbling and quarreling? If we are fighting and battling with those we should be loving in our own family circle, we should not be praying for peace in the world outside.

We should pray for our home first. If we pray but are not changing our lives, then we are not praying from our hearts. There has to be a change. The change Mary speaks of is more peace and less fighting, more charity, kindness, respect, more direct supervision. What we say and HOW we say it is important so our speech does not become redundant. How are we doing in our own households with those we cherish? If we are battling, then we seem to be refusing change. Mary says, “Ask yourself why many today pray for peace and yet love or peace are not present in their own home.” “If you are not responding to those around you in a loving way, then you must begin now.” So, let’s take a good look at our own lives:

1. How are we doing at home? Are we really loving and caring? Are we watching our language and respecting those at home? Are we losing our temper? Are we using good discipline? How do we act in the workplace? If you pulled “that stuff” socially, they wouldn’t talk to you anymore, right?

2. Are we reaffirming the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist? We should carry that with us all day long. We must believe Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist.

This is a powerful message. If we are not changing, then we are not praying from the heart. It is time for change in ourselves and in our homes before we can change the world. It is time to live the messages NOW!

REVERENCE IN CHURCH - WHY? by Fr. Robert J. Fox

REVERENCE IN CHURCH - WHY?

Order YOUR FREE PAPHLETS  free SHIPPING TOO

The Gospels of Saints Matthew, Mark, and Luke all speak of our Lord’s Holy Anger. It is known as the “Cleansing of the Temple.” Why did Jesus get so angry? Why did He cast out certain people? “He overturned
the tables and seats… Moreover, He would not permit anyone to carry things through the temple area.”

(Mt.21:13; Mark 11:17; Luke 19:45). Jesus left no doubt why He was angry. It was the House of God. It was the Temple of His heavenly Father. He quoted scripture to justify His holy anger. “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” And He added: “You have made it a den of thieves.”

The Church building is a sacred structure devoted to divine worship of God. It is not a social hall. It is not a place of entertainment. The Catholic Church, especially when the Most Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle, is the HOUSE OF GOD. We go there to worship, to participate in the greatest act of worship possible, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which perpetuates Jesus’ Sacrifice on the Cross. This is infinite worship.

This infinite act of reparation in God’s House demands reverence on the part of all who enter. It is Jesus Christ, God become man, who is present in the Holy Eucharist. Jesus offers at Holy Mass the self same Sacrifice He offered on the Cross of Calvary. The ordained priest acts in the Person of Christ. Jesus is both Priest and Victim in every Sacrifice of the Mass. The House of God is therefore a sacred place for adoration and worship of infinite value.

 

http://christianfamilyoutreach.com/pamphlets.htm

http://christian-pamphlets.excerptsofinri.com/

For anyone looking at their own sinfulness and wondering if God would be able to forgive them.

For anyone looking at their own sinfulness and wondering if God would be able to forgive them.

MESSAGE #1299 from Jesus December 18, 1997
 
 My child, In the end, I will be the judge, so be not bothered by how man sees you, for many judge according to their likes and dislikes.  Many criticize yet they know not the truth. This is a weakness that many need to work on in order to better themselves, for pride and a heart filled with hate will destroy one’s soul. Those who refuse to love their neighbor, allow evil to enter. Those who refuse to be humble are prideful. Satan loves a prideful man, because he knows he has but little time to pray because he’s too busy criticizing those whom he finds fault in.

Those who do not take time to pray will be tempted, for their focus will not be on Me. They instead will become distracted by what other people are doing. This happens because of curiosity, but in the end, gossip will be the result. Prayer is what will help one grow; not your pleasures, but how much you desire Me. Without prayer, one will not bear fruit, for one cannot be guided if they never take time for Me. One cannot be taught if they refuse to hear the truth.

I must warn you because Satan has many snares and if you are not strong, this is how you will fall into his web. The more trapped you become, the harder it will be to get free, for you then allow yourself to become distant from Me. So be not foolish, remain close to Me, for then I, your Lord, will protect you from the enemy. I will help you so you do not fall into sin. I will show you a better way so you learn how to cope in this world. I will give you the strength that you need to endure all trials. I will not leave you, for I will be ever so near.

I am merciful for those who try hard. I do not condemn, I forgive. I am able to do this because I am your merciful Lord. So come to Me, and allow Me to help you, for then you will never have to walk alone. Open your heart wider so that I can enter more fully. Surrender your ways, give them all to Me, for it is only I, your Lord, who knows you better than anyone else. I love you more than you can imagine. I yearn for you at all times. If you love Me, then give yourself totally to Me so that I can hold you in the palm of My hand.

Come now, don’t try to do it on your own, for you will not be able to survive on your own. I am waiting for each of you, so abandon yourself to Me. Peace will then be given to you, for it is I who will judge you, not man. For I am your Sovereign Lord, who cares deeply for you.

Catechism of the Catholic Church
—————————-
983 Catechesis strives to awaken and nourish in the faithful faith in the incomparable greatness of the risen Christ’s gift to his Church: the mission and the power to forgive sins through the ministry of the apostles and their successors:

— The Lord wills that his disciples possess a tremendous power: that his lowly servants accomplish in his name all that he did when he was on earth.

— Priests have received from God a power that he has given neither to angels nor to archangels . . . . God above confirms what priests do here below.

–  Were there no forgiveness of sins in the Church, there would be no hope of life to come or eternal liberation. Let us thank God who has given his Church such a gift.
Reading (Isaiah 1:10, 16-20)
———————-

Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah!  wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong,  learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.  Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.  “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.  If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
An Excerpt of a Homily by Fr. Robert Altier   Tuesday March 18, 2003
—————————————————–

In reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, we have a message of great hope for anyone who is a sinner, for anyone looking at their own sinfulness and wondering if God would be able to forgive them. We hear that God, speaking through Isaiah, uses the example of the princes of Sodom and the people of Gomorrah, two places of the Old Testament that would be known as the most sinful, as having the reputation of being the worst among the worst for what it is that they did. And so, having used that as the title that God is addressing to the people of Israel,

He then says, “Wash yourselves clean!” and tells them that even if their sins be like scarlet, He will make them white as wool, and if they are crimson red, He will make them white as snow. He is going to wipe them away; He is going to completely remove them; but, of course, it requires a couple of things on our part. He tells us that we have to put away our misdeeds, we have to cease doing evil, we need to learn to do good, to make justice the aim and redress the wrong, hear the orphan’s plea, and so on. So we have to begin to do what is right. It is not enough just to say, “Well, I know that it’s wrong, but so what?” We need to amend our lives; there is a necessity of change.

We have to be humble. “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted; whoever exalts himself will be humbled.” If we are humble, if we come before the Lord and confess our sins, if we have the intention to change our lives, then we can be guaranteed that we are going to be forgiven of our sins,  that it is not going to be an issue for us. It is something many people fear, thinking that God cannot forgive them, as though somehow their sins were bigger than God, which is a pure act of arrogance anyway, thinking that we can do something that is so big that not even God can handle it. We – in our puny, human, finite nature – think that we can do something greater than God – Who is all encompassing and infinite – it does not make a whole lot of sense. But even so, the devil is very shrewd and very subtle, and he lays these things before people to trip them up.

For those who struggle: that God is merciful, that He wants to forgive our sins. He wants to forgive our sins infinitely more than we want our sins forgiven, but He is also just and He is not simply going to wipe them out without any act on our part. He gave us a free will and we have to exercise that free will. So we have to repent of our sins; we have to intend to stop doing them.

We have to intend to amend our lives; we have to intend to change, to start doing what is right and stop doing what is wrong. Then it does not matter what the sin is. Think of the most hideous thing that you can imagine – it is as nothing for God. The worst sin we can commit is like a piece of dust by comparison to God’s infinite mercy.

To Reclaiming Your Children for the Catholic Faith on EWTN TV

Reclaiming Your Children for the Faith EWTN Video - Hosted by Fr. Robert J. Fox

Reclaiming Your Children for the Catholic Faith

 

 

 

 

 

Fr. Robert J. Fox first wrote a book, Reclaiming Your Children for the Faith, and then Fr. Fox was approached by Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) to make a series for parents and grandparents, Fr. Fox adapted the 13 chapters into the TV series.

Watch on Weekdays July and August 2008
RECLAIMING YOUR CHILDREN FOR THE CATHOLIC FAITH

 

 

 

 

 

Watch RECLAIMING YOUR CHILDREN FOR THE CATHOLIC FAITH at 6 am EST on EWTN

  http://www.ewtn.com/tv/NA_072008.asp
————————————-
Tue July 22  Episode 1  Millions Don’t Practice 
Wed July 23  Episode 2  Do They Know What They Left Behind?
Thu July 24  Episode 3  Christ’s Real Presence Left Behind
Wed July 25  Episode 4  They Need to Know Their Roots

http://www.ewtn.com/tv/NA_072708.asp
————————————-
Mon July 28  Episode 5 Learning True Religion  
Tue July 29  Episode 6 The Catholic Family Sign of Contradiction  
Wed July 30  Episode 7 Worship Due God in Jesus Christ Forfeited  
Thu July 31  Episode 8 The Church of New Covenant - The Cross
Fri August 1  Episode 9 What to do when there are signs of Coming Home 

http://www.ewtn.com/tv/NA_080308.asp
————————————-
Mon August 4 Episode 10 Honesty - Interview of Little Mary “what the Blessed Mother is telling families that they should pray together”
Tue August 5 Episode 11 How to be prepared in your mission of Reclaiming
Wed August 6 Episode 12 Act Now The Opportunity May Not Come Again
Thu August 7 Episode 13 Forming Your Family Admist The Crisis Of Faith

Listen to EWTN Real Audio Archive Files
RECLAIMING YOUR CHILDREN FOR THE CATHOLIC FAITH
———————————————
http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/resolve.asp?audiofile=reclaiming01.smi
http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/resolve.asp?audiofile=reclaiming02.smi

http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/resolve.asp?audiofile=reclaiming03.smi

http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/resolve.asp?audiofile=reclaiming04.smi

http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/resolve.asp?audiofile=reclaiming05.smi

http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/resolve.asp?audiofile=reclaiming06.smi

http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/resolve.asp?audiofile=reclaiming07.smi

http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/resolve.asp?audiofile=reclaiming08.smi

http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/resolve.asp?audiofile=reclaiming09.smi

http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/resolve.asp?audiofile=reclaiming10.smi

http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/resolve.asp?audiofile=reclaiming11.smi

http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/resolve.asp?audiofile=reclaiming12.smi

http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/resolve.asp?audiofile=reclaiming13.smi

 

Reclaiming Your Children for the Faith - Paperback book by Rev Robert J. Fox

This book is openly honest on failures which led to many abandoning the practice of Catholicism. If read by those who have left, the contents will be a great impetus to understanding how they may not have recognized the true faith of Catholicism. Others will recognize how some misrepresented the true faith. Those who left for moral reasons may be inspired to become moral now themselves. Parents will discover what happened to their children and what to do now.

“Any Catholic reading this book will come away stronger in the faith and filled with an evangelistic spirit”.