To Know: to perceive, understand as TRUTH; to apprehend clearly and with CERTAINTY. Fixed in the mind or memory. How do we come to “know” anything? We come to know over the course of time, through experience, practice, study, relationship, the opening of oneself, sharing. In the same way, we come to know Christ, and note that TRUTH and CERTAINTY speak in terms of absolutes! By knowing Christ, we know God, God who became man. And we know them as TRUTH, with CERTAINTY. We, the image and likeness of God, because we know Christ (and therefore know God) can also know ourselves and know what God intended for us. Jesus…
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Book Recommendation
Over the summer I have been flying through the books – rekindling my love of reading which was, for several years, a bit stifled or limited — relating only to my studies or my work. I was determined that over the summer months I would expand my horizons once again and I have found myself pouring through books of many different genres from fiction to memoir, fable-based to mystery, historical to enlightening. I am pretty pleased with my picks! I wanted to take just a moment to recommend one of the books that I brought home mid-summer that I had been considering for a few months (not sure when or…
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Sleep.
I haven’t been sleeping well over the past few days — perhaps week. There’s a connection, I am certain, to feeling off my game – distracted – worried – and derailed. The irony is that I know (based on much experience) that when I am on my game and keeping life (and it’s challenges) all in the proper perspective – when I prioritize correctly – everything else, including sleep, falls into place. Knowing and doing, however, are two completely different things. Therein lies the challenge. I have to wonder and thus ask, why is it so difficult to just keep everything on track? Is it a reminder (a ‘humbler’, if…
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The little bit of Pilate within.
I have had this thought on my brain all day today — and I really need to get it out. It’s getting late and I haven’t even had time to make dinner yet. The stomach is growling. But the thought persists and will not be denied! Bear with me here while I fill you in. This morning while walking and pondering the sorrowful mysteries as I said my mental rosary – I had one of those ‘ah-hah!’ moments that have been popping up quite frequently lately. Moments where I gain insight based on looking at something from a perspective that I hadn’t considered before. This morning that perspective had to…
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Prayer in Praise of the Trinity
I venerate and glorify You, O most Blessed Trinity, in union with that ineffable glory with which God the Father, in His omnipotence, honors the Holy Spirit forever. I magnify and bless You, O most Blessed Trinity, in union with that most reverent glory with which God the Son, in His ineffable wisdom, glorifies the Father and the Holy Spirit forever. I adore and extol You, O most Blessed Trinity, in union with that most adequate and befitting glory with which the Holy Spirit, in His unchangeable goodness, extols the Father and the Son forever. Amen.
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Thought for the day? The Trinity.
The Diocese of Pittsburgh launched a brief commentary on social media this morning. It features our pastor here at Saint Kilian parish, Fr. Charles Bober. In the video, he speaks succinctly on the mystery of the most Holy Trinity and allows the eye of the person behind the camera to wander just a tad and take in the gorgeous view of the stained glass windows of our very new church. Follow the link to have a listen. Click HERE –> Father Bober on the Trinity.
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I thirst.
This week, our parish 33 Days to Morning Glory retreat group is reading through the section on Mother Teresa and unpacking the words of Christ on the Cross; “I thirst…”. The perspective that Mother Teresa brings to these two simple words, that by themselves seem so plain, enrich our understanding of what God wills for us and the direction in which we should be heading. I wanted to share a few things with that group, and anyone else who might be interested. The first is a link to MOTHER’S LETTER in full (mentioned in today’s reading assignment and a bit longer than what is reproduced in the book) and also a…
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The Light is on for you …
Today, from 6-9 PM across the entire Diocese of Pittsburgh, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available in every parish church. What a wonderful opportunity for those who have perhaps been away from this sacrament for a long period of time to become reacquainted with it – and for those who perhaps have difficulty coordinating their schedules to the limited times available to receive this sacrament otherwise. The mercy of God is such an incredible gift offered to us. Take advantage this evening. The weather may look daunting, but the snow is supposed to stop shortly. Give yourself plenty of time to get there, and take plenty of time to prepare. …
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Anyway
There is an inspirational saying of Mother Teresa’s that I have hanging over my desk. There are many days when I need to read it, contemplate it, and absorb it – and today is one. It brings me a sense of peace and reminds me that I need to accept what comes my way with grace and keep my chin up as I forge ahead. Enjoy. People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are…
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Life in the Spirit
I have heard great things about the Life in Spirit programs that have been ongoing throughout the diocese. I had the good fortune to attend one session, last year or so, where Fr. Dave Pivonka, known for the Wild Goose series, was the guest speaker. He was absolutely awesome. I am passing along this flyer for those of you who may be interested in checking it out. Lots of music. Some small group sharing perhaps? And good talks. If you go – let me know your thoughts. Can’t hurt to give it a try. If it’s not for you, don’t go back. But if you like it — it’s well…