Loving the Bride, vol. 15

Something old...

Stop being foolish! Get out of that filthy spiritual muck right now. You roll around in sensuality the way pigs roll in mud. But you can stop.

Abandon all cruelty, slander, hatred, spite, complaining, judgmental thoughts, and violence of every sort. Stop dabbling in stealing. Stop betraying. Stop enjoying the stupid pleasures of this world. Cut off pride's smirk.

Refuse the hatred you have in your heart for those who hurt you. Compare the harm you do to God and your neighbors with the hurt done to you, and you'll see that what you do to God and them is far worse than what is done to you. When you hide hatred in your heart, you insult Me, your God. You break My law then. And you hurt your neighbors by depriving them of love.

Remember? I commanded you to love Me above all things, and neighbors as your very self. Notice I didn't qualify this statement. I didn't say, "If they hurt you, don't love them." NO. Your love must be free and genuine because I gave this command. I gave this command, and it's the Truth. Obey it with the same sincerity with which I gave it because--if you don't--you're just hurting your own self and harming your soul by robbing yourself of the life of grace.

-----Dialogue, St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)

Something new...

Need a Lenten Retreat, but cramped for time? Try this Radio Retreat through your computer or podcast.

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Pope tells us that the Church depends on families.

Something borrowed...

Are you missing adventure in your life? This article by Marcellino D'Ambrosio is not to be missed.

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How could a blog that has a weekly post on "Loving the Bride" not include something as lovely as "The Loveliness of Romance", courtesy of Minnesota Mom? Catholic wives and mothers write about love and marriage--who cares if Valentine's Day is over--check it out!

Something blue....

Prayer to Mary Help of Christians

Most Holy and Immaculate Virgin, Help of the Christians, we place ourselves under your motherly protection. Throughout the Church's history you have helped Christians in times of trial, temptation and danger. Time and time again, you have proven to be the Refuge of sinners, the Hope of the hopeless, the Consoler of the afflicted, and the Comforter of the Dying. We promise to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, your Son, to proclaim His Good News of God's love for all people, and to work for peace and justice in our world. With faith in your intercession, we pray for the Church, for our family and friends, for the poor and abandoned, and all the dying. Grant, O Mary, Help of Christians, the graces of which we stand in need. (Mention your intentions.) May we serve Jesus with fidelity and love until death. Help us and our loved ones to attain the boundless joy of being forever with our Father in heaven. Amen.

Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us!




Copyright 2006 Patricia W. Gohn