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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generosity

“Give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Luke 6:38

God has never been the originator of the get-rich-quick scheme! However, it could be inferred that this verse is suggesting that when you give $100 to God then He is going to give you at least $100 in return, but read carefully!

There’s more to it.

Whenever God provides a gift it’s always the gift you really need.

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traveling afar

“May the Star of Bethlehem, which shone down from above, keep shining in your heart and in the hearts of those you love.”

Helen Steiner Rice

Mary has her baby.

Born of God and Mary, he is Emmanuel, “God with us.” Immediately, God begins to reveal the Son who is destined to become king, a ruler to shepherd God’s people.

First the Shepherds, tending to their sheep, come and watch over him. Then, overjoyed, the wise men find him in Bethlehem and kneel before the baby.

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