welcoming strangers

I am Roman Catholic.

I live in a Diocese who, not unlike many other Dioceses’ in the Country, are noticing a decline in active worship members. As a result, our Bishop is in the process of making difficult decisions to handle the reality of the increasing number of empty pews and the limited amount of Priests to preside over these (somewhat noticeable) empty Churches. Following the Easter Season we shall all know the consolidation plans for our Diocesan Parishes. I know for certain my Parish will be affected by these changes in some capacity.

Obviously, as one who loves the Catholic Church and all its teachings this is very sad to me. I struggle to understand the lack of zeal for the faith and the lukewarmness that has settled in to the hearts of many faithful. Truly, the Catholic Faith is not the only one to see a decline in its worship members, as I know the evil-one is not prejudice in his ploys to lead people astray from their Faith in a higher power.

However, even though I know there is cause for concern & a need for prayerful intercession for our prodigal brothers & sisters there is cause for great hope! Because without hope we fall into despair and despair is the playground of the Devil.

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good guidance

He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

Proverbs 10:17

Picture the sheep being guided by the shepherd. When it begins to wander, the shepherd will gently use his rod to steer it in the right direction. If the sheep still doesn’t correct itself, the shepherd will have to use more force. Occasionally, the sheep might get completely off course, and this could distract other sheep who will easily follow the wrong path.

This is how the Bible likens our spiritual journey. 

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blessing the darkness

Some people might say that we find God only when we need Him. Simple words, but true. It’s like looking for the light switch in a dark room. No one goes searching for it until the sunlight has gone. Similarly, darkness can impel our search for God.

I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night – but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.

Psalm 139:11-12

Genelle Guzman-McMillan was the last survivor pulled from the wreckage after the destruction of the World Trade Center in 2001. Genelle tells the story about flirting with faith but choosing to live without it. Then, on September 11, her world fell apart and she found herself in complete darkness, buried alive under a mountain of rubble.

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