tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40901784026044908212024-03-13T11:12:35.122-05:00Lord Grant Us Saints!The Pro Sanctity Movement is a Catholic-based organization dedicated to promoting the universal call to holiness in daily life.
It seeks to address the needs of the mind with theology, the heart with spirituality, and the hands with ministry.
It is open to all, especially those who wish to deepen their commitment to God and share with others the message of holiness.The Pro Sanctity Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11624126400499315237noreply@blogger.comBlogger924125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-68157034183674507332016-09-21T15:57:00.000-05:002016-09-21T15:57:36.048-05:00Retreats 2016 - 2017 to light your fire!<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Pro Sanctity Retreats coming
up…2016-2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b>1) October 14-16, 2016 - open to all<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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St. Benedict Center,
Schuyler,Nebraska - <i>Three T's: St. Teresa of Avila, St.
Therese,</i> and <i>St.</i> Teresa of Calcutta. Msgr.
Andrew Vaccari, National Spiritual Advisor for the Pro Sanctity Movement and
Teresa Monaghen, AO will conduct this silent retreat, with talks, silence, and
personal direction<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>2) November 3-6, 2016 - for women<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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BroomTree Retreat Center in
Irene, South Dakota - <i>Silent Directed Women's Retreat,</i> (Thursday
evening to Sunday afternoon) You may carpool from Omaha with Teresa Monaghen,
AO who will be directing this retreat along with a team of priests.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>3) January 13 - 15, 2017 - for women<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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St. Benedict Center, Schuyler,
Nebraska - <i>“I Came that They Might Have Life and Have it More
Abundantly.” </i>(John 10:10) Women's Silent Directed Retreat,
Schuyler, NE - Fr. Thomas Leitner, OSB and Teresa Monaghen, AO will
be leading this retreat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>4) January 20-22, 2017 – for men<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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St. Benedict Center, Schuyler,
Nebraska - <i>"Men, Stand Firm, For Christ Has Set Us Free" </i>(Gal.
5:1) Men's Silent Directed Retreat, Schuyler, NE - Fr. Thomas
Leitner, OSB, Br. August Schaefer, OSB and (behind the scenes female)Teresa
Monaghen, AO will be leading this retreat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Plus!!Let us know if you
would like to schedule a personal retreat!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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You can always make a personal, quiet day of prayer at
one of our two centers: 1) Pro Sanctity Center in Elkhorn, NE or in 2) Pro
Sanctity/AO Bethany in Omaha, NE. Come away for a mini a retreat with some
direction if you wish. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Write to us and we will send
you more information: <a href="mailto:psm@prosanctity.org"><b><span style="color: black;">psm@prosanctity.org</span></b></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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or <a href="mailto:teresamonaghen@gmail.com"><b><span style="color: black;">teresamonaghen@gmail.com</span></b></a>
- 402-651-9652<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I came so that they might
have life and have it more abundantly. John 10:10</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A day or weekend away is a
perfect way to stay on </span></i><b><i><span style="background: red; color: white; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 40.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 12000000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 1.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 3.25pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%; mso-highlight: red; mso-style-textoutline-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textoutline-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textoutline-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textoutline-fill-gradientfill-stoplist: "25000 \#0A4080 4 100000 shade=25000 satm=190000\,80000 \#7DA6EA 4 100000 tint=75000 satm=190000"; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: 1.242pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: gradient;">fire</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: white; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-align: topleft; mso-effects-shadow-alpha: 40.0%; mso-effects-shadow-angledirection: 12000000; mso-effects-shadow-anglekx: 0; mso-effects-shadow-angleky: 0; mso-effects-shadow-color: black; mso-effects-shadow-dpidistance: 1.0pt; mso-effects-shadow-dpiradius: 3.25pt; mso-effects-shadow-pctsx: 100.0%; mso-effects-shadow-pctsy: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-angle: 5400000; mso-style-textoutline-fill-gradientfill-shade-linearshade-fscaled: no; mso-style-textoutline-fill-gradientfill-shadetype: linear; mso-style-textoutline-fill-gradientfill-stoplist: "25000 \#0A4080 4 100000 shade=25000 satm=190000\,80000 \#7DA6EA 4 100000 tint=75000 satm=190000"; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: 1.242pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-type: gradient;"> </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">for the Lord and in joyful
service for the others.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">www.prosanctity.net<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pro Sanctity Core Group of Volunteers Giving Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15494439870089073087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-580591219808502952016-04-13T09:38:00.001-05:002016-04-13T09:38:35.794-05:00Everyday saints<br />In difficult moments in history, Pope Francis said, we hear it said that “our country<br />needs heroes – and this is true, this is right.” But, he asked, “what does the<br />Church need today? It needs witnesses, martyrs”:<br />“These are the witnesses, that is, the saints, the saints of everyday, of ordinary life,<br />but life [lived with] consistency; and also the witness ‘to the end,’ even to death.<br />These are the life blood of the Church; these are the ones that carry the Church<br />forward, the witnesses, who attest that Jesus is Risen, that Jesus is alive, and they<br />bear witness through the consistency of their life, with the Holy Spirit they have<br />received as a gift.” Pope Francis<br />
April 2016<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoBia12dQiR9m-y0sF33TprT5lF0nP8eYm9x-T2Z-gSeKhqIvRARns_DTPB8GmgVACHtx7mD-AemjHyUsNklySFTYT90ewz34PyZB1yfXXtNVvWSjAhN-rhP1sjsVgJYgnd0txCddDQY/s1600/10d83617246414798e745c2cec22977c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoBia12dQiR9m-y0sF33TprT5lF0nP8eYm9x-T2Z-gSeKhqIvRARns_DTPB8GmgVACHtx7mD-AemjHyUsNklySFTYT90ewz34PyZB1yfXXtNVvWSjAhN-rhP1sjsVgJYgnd0txCddDQY/s320/10d83617246414798e745c2cec22977c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Pro Sanctity Core Group of Volunteers Giving Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15494439870089073087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-92013921001436707942016-03-27T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-27T07:00:06.570-05:00Reflection 3-27-16 Easter Sunday <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Then
the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and
he saw and believed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Alleluia,
Alleluia, Jesus is risen! Sin and death have no power over us who
believe. Glory and honor and praise forever to the lamb that was slain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Jesus,
renew in us the wonder we felt when we first truly understood and believed that
you died and rose again for our salvation.
Give us the courage to share with others this glorious good news! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-44992540707509322202016-03-26T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-26T07:00:01.090-05:00Lenten reflection 3-26-16 Easter Vigil <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Tell
the Israelites to go forward. And you,
lift up your staff and, with hand outstretched over the sea, split the sea in
two, that the Israelites may pass through it on dry land. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">I
am choosing to reflect on the third reading of the Easter Vigil rather than the
gospel. Having had the privilege of
attending the Easter Vigil Mass for the past several years, I marvel at it
every time. Starting with the act of
creation itself, and continuing through all of salvation history, the vigil
shows us quite literally that God has not for a moment removed His hand from
the care of His people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Lord
thank you for your constant and abiding care.
May we thank and praise you forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">To
aid in your prayer, I am attaching a favorite song El Shaddai written by
Michael Card, sung by Amy Grant</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lh5IxRmgcY" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lh5IxRmgcY</a></span></div>
Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-25950984995962436232016-03-25T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-25T07:00:00.954-05:00Lenten reflection 3-25-16 Good Friday <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">When
Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished”. And bowing his head he handed over his spirit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">It
is impossible in just a few words to reflect on the complete self giving of
Jesus for our sins. He spent His life
teaching and healing and doing good, and in the end gave everything He had for
our salvation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Lord,
there is nothing I can do or say to merit in any way shape or form, the
priceless gift of eternal life you have won for me. Give me the grace this day just to sit
quietly with tears of gratitude for your
extravagant love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-48308540431810620742016-03-24T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-24T07:00:13.504-05:00Lenten reflection 3-24-16 Holy Thursday<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">If I, therefore, the master and teacher have
washed your feet, you ought to wash one
another’s feet. I have given you a model
to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">There
are not many clearer examples in all of scripture of service. Jesus Christ, the creator of the universe,
bending down to wash the disciples feet, and telling them as well as all of us
to follow His example. What does service
mean to you? It may mean doing the
family’s dishes after a meal, writing a letter to a friend who needs
encouragement, or serving at a soup kitchen among countless other
examples. God has given each of us
unique gifts that we may serve one another in a particular way for the benefit
of the Kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Lord, lead me to people and places that need a
touch from you, that I might serve you in gladness with my words and my
actions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-59708644763895084172016-03-23T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-23T07:00:13.523-05:00Lenten reflection 3-23-16<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">One
of the twelve who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and
said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">I
read that thirty pieces of silver was not the price for a wealthy man, but
rather what was paid for a common slave.
As I ponder this I wonder if I treat the Lord in this manner. I know that Jesus wants to have a
relationship with me and to be my friend, but sometimes I focus on this too
much and fail to remember that He has the title of King of Kings and Lord of
Lords. I also know many times I ask Him
to do things for me as a slave owner would.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Lord
I know that you want to have a relationship with me and be my friend, but I
also know that you are the creator of
the universe, and I am your servant and not the other way around. Forgive me for the times I have failed to
acknowledge this and help me to honor you as you deserve. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-39639816309554101762016-03-22T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-22T07:00:09.945-05:00Lenten reflection 3-22-16<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Peter
said to him, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life
for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the
cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">All
of us have denied the Lord at some
point, either by overtly saying we do not know Him as Peter did, or by not
speaking in His defense when others have maligned Him. It is comforting to know that even though
Peter did deny Him, Jesus still made him the head of His Church. The mercy of God is so vast that we cannot
fathom it. Even though He knows our
humanity and that we will fail, He still wants to use us to spread His message
of love<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Lord,
thank you for this jubilee year of mercy.
Give me the courage to stand up for You, and when I fail give me the
humility to ask for forgiveness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-58068832192671661102016-03-21T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-21T07:00:08.339-05:00Lenten reflection 3-21-16<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Mary
took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and
anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled
with the fragrance of the oil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Mary
knew Jesus well. She loved Him deeply
and listened closely to His teaching and felt His love for her personally. She did this to express her love for
him. As I read these words I realize my
love for him is not as lavish. Many
times I have felt his love for me and been moved to tears, but I also must
acknowledge there are days when I barely speak to you at all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Lord,
help me to realize that my love for you will only deepen if I spend more time
with you, in prayer, in your word and in
the sacraments. Remind me that I owe my
very life to you, and help me to lavish you with the love you deserve. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-56141604455763495292016-03-20T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-20T07:00:13.091-05:00Lenten reflection 3-20-16 Palm Sunday <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">They
proclaimed: “Blessed is the king who
comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in
heaven and glory in the highest.” Some
of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your
disciples.” He said in reply, “I tell
you, if they kept silent, the stones would cry out!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">As
I read these words about the stones crying out, the Holy Spirit again convicts
me. I am perfectly comfortable talking
about my faith with other parishioners after Mass or in a group of Christian
friends, but too often in other places I keep silent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Lord,
give me the courage to speak your name in the public square, knowing that if my faith doesn’t cost me
anything, it is hard to prove that it exists at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-58499936551587755022016-03-19T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-19T07:00:10.505-05:00Lenten reflection 3-19-16<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">When
Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his
wife into his home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Today
we celebrate the solemnity of Saint Joseph.
He was an honorable and compassionate man chosen by God to be the foster
father of Jesus. Also from the quote
above we know he was quick to obey the instruction of the angel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Lord
thank you for Joseph’s holy example.
Help me to be honorable, compassionate and quick to obey as he was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-61252766067910931552016-03-18T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-18T07:00:23.956-05:00Lenten reflection 3-18-16<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Many
came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about
this man was true.” And many there began
to believe in him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Sometimes
I wish I could have lived at the time of Christ and been among those who got to
see and hear him face to face. I am
blessed to have many friends and family however, that make his existence and
presence undeniable. I believe in Him
because of their witness and love in my life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Lord, help me realize the privilege I have in
helping others to believe. Help my words
and actions be a witness to Your love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-33316306602550902962016-03-17T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-17T07:00:07.688-05:00Lenten reflection 3-17-16<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Amen,
amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">To
never see death, what an amazing promise.
As I ponder this quote I wonder if Jesus is talking about more here than
just physical death. People in a period
of darkness emotionally and spiritually can feel dead inside. We as His followers can bring life to others
with something as simple as a smile and a kind word. I don’t think we realize how powerful this
truly is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Lord,
help me keep Your word and share it with others so that together we can bring
life to the brokenhearted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-85758320371090369032016-03-16T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-16T07:00:06.018-05:00Lenten reflection 3-16-16<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">“If
you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the
truth, </span><span style="font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">and the truth will set you free.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Many
years ago, I made a friend who wrote me letters every week for an entire
summer. I could hardly wait for the
mail. I read and reread every word. I was completely astonished by the sweetness in the pages. As I think back on that time, I feel
convicted by the Spirit. My relationship
with God through His word, is not nearly as alive. Sometimes I read His word, most often I do
not, or do so only half heartedly. The
love that gave to the point of death for me deserves everything from me in
return. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><div>
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
Lord, give me a love for Your word that I might be
completely free to do your will with joyous abandon</span>Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-86347871604845115112016-03-15T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-15T07:00:07.496-05:00Lenten reflection 3-15-16<span style="font-size: x-large;">The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I
always<br />do what is pleasing to him.<br /><br />We are not alone because Jesus, and
the Father and the Holy Spirit are always with us. I know how often I fail,
I know I do not always do what is<br />pleasing to Him. This lenten journey of
fasting and prayer and almsgiving is meant to bring us closer to God and help
us remove ourselves from the things that do not please Him. We may not have
lived up to all of our resolutions for the season, but we can never tire of
starting over.<br /><br />Lord thank you for this season of lent. Help me to draw
closer to you so I can know what pleases you and how to act on it</span><br />Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-59807082730709555382016-03-14T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-14T07:00:11.914-05:00Lenten reflection 3-14-16<span style="font-size: x-large;">Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of
life."<br /><br />There is so much darkness in our world, hatred and confusion and
loneliness and violence seem to be ever increasing. As Jesus' followers we
are called to work with Him to banish these things and bring His love to our
brothers and sisters<br /><br />Lord, help me to follow you more closely and
listen to your voice so that I know what you would have me do to increase the
light and the love in my community. Lead me to specific people today whose
lives I can brighten</span><br />Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-51917018594654940292016-03-13T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-13T07:00:10.442-05:00Lenten reflection 3-13-16<span style="font-size: large;">"Woman where are they? Has no one condemned you? She replied, "No one, sir."
Then Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin
any more."<br /><br />What an incredible picture this paints once again of the mercy
of God. This woman must have been so frightened, literally in fear for her
life. Jesus sent her human judges and accusers away, and even though as God
he did have the right to condemn her, he chose to forgive instead. We
often feel like we should be condemned, due to something from our present or
our past, but Jesus longs to forgive us. All we have to do is admit
our failings and ask.<br /><br />Lord, thank you for always being willing to
forgive. Give me the courage to thoroughly examine my heart and life for
those things that displease you and ask for forgiveness</span>Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-70311292199423558472016-03-12T07:00:00.000-06:002016-03-12T07:00:01.422-06:00Lenten reflection 3-12-16<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to Anne Harsh for this contribution </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“Does our law condemn a
man before it first hears him</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">and finds out what he is
doing?”</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">They answered and said
to him,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“You are not from
Galilee also, are you?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Look and see that no
prophet arises from Galilee.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Have you ever skipped a
workshop with a compelling theme because you knew the speaker? I have. Even
within our Catholic Community we tend to look upon others based on categories
to discern their holiness. Charismatic or dogmatic, Home school or public
school, early morning Mass goers or "lazy Mass" attendees, people who
go to the same retreats as me or those who don't. It is so much easier for me
to accept the word of God from those I don’t know because I am not familiar
with their flaws. I have not categorized them in one of my boxes. But in this
attitude I am convicted of my tendency to see the “good” as being generated by
the person rather than the work of God through them. Jesus said “Why do you
call me good, no one is good but God alone”.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus, bless me with the
eyes to see the potential in every person to be an instrument of your grace,
knowing that all good and perfect gifts come from You.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span>Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-18797876925416373382016-03-11T07:00:00.000-06:002016-03-11T07:00:00.308-06:00Lenten reflection 3-11-16<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to Anne Harsh for this contribution </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Could the authorities
have realized that he is the Christ?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But we know where he is
from.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When the Christ comes,
no one will know where he is from.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So Jesus cried out in
the temple area as he was teaching and said,</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“You know me and also
know where I am from.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Yet I did not come on my
own,</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">but the one who sent me,
whom you do not know, is true. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know him, because I am
from him, and he sent me.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">They didn't recognize Jesus among them because He was familiar and
not what they expected Him to be. They avoided him because He didn't make
them feel comfortable. This brings to my memory a recent experience, but one of
many like it in my life, where an unfamiliar person was placed in my path.
Someone who on the surface looked unassuming and not of interest to me.
I made small talk long enough to meet the minimum requirements of
being a good Christian then proceeded to ignore him the rest of the evening,
instead looking for those people I knew and felt comfortable with. Later
in prayer God brought this person to my recall, gently but truthfully
chastising me asking, "Why did you overlook me?" How many
opportunities to look into the face of God have I missed? How many
interactions with God through all kinds of diverse people have I passed over?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus, grace me with the
desire to find you in all the hidden gems that you place in my path. The
beautiful opportunities to look beyond the simple everyday exteriors into the
radiance of you dwelling inside all of your beloved children.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-86035938900123051912016-03-10T07:00:00.000-06:002016-03-10T07:00:18.821-06:00Lenten reflection 3-10-16<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to Anne Harsh for this contribution </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I do not accept human
praise;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">moreover, I know that
you do not have the love of God in you.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How can you believe,
when you accept praise from one another </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and do not seek the
praise that comes from the only God?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Work without love is
like a noisy gong ? But if someone who doesn't love gives a
starving person food, isn't it still good? If the love of God is
not in that giving, the prisoner is still in their cell with their food.
But if that giving is done in God's love rather than the giver's self
love, the prisoner will be set free.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How often do I do good
works with motives corrupted by my desire to be loved and provide that love for
myself?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Jesus, please give me
the grace to open my heart to your divine flashlight. Let it shine not
just on my wicked deeds but on the impure motives in my good deeds.
Purify my motives for all the good deeds I do so that only your perfect
love that casts out all fear is the fruit. Your love that sets the captives
free.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span>Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-61217275784223084472016-03-09T07:00:00.000-06:002016-03-09T07:00:28.370-06:00Lenten reflection 3-9-16<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to Heidi Knofczynski for this contribution</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Amen, amen, I say to
you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God,<br />
and those who hear will live.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The voice of the Lord
has the power to give life where before there was death! Can it be true?
It is true! And how can we hear His voice? Reading His living
word, praying over it, letting it sink deep into your heart, mind and
soul, knowing always that when He speaks to you He will awaken authentic
desires calling them forth from their tombs and directing them to where they
will bring the fullness of life!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Jesus, you are the way
the truth and the life, speak your word into my soul and bring life to me and
through me.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-58987864338725311522016-03-08T07:00:00.000-06:002016-03-08T07:00:07.937-06:00Lenten reflection 3-8-16<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to Heidi Knofczynski for this contribution </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When Jesus saw him, and
knew he had been lying there a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be
healed?”</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Unforgiveness is one of
the most difficult feelings to be healed of. It is difficult because in
our pain we want the one who wounded us to feel ten times over our hurt and our
humiliation. We may fear that if we release this person from the
debt they owe us, then maybe we will never be freed from the pain of the
injury. Maybe we fear that it means that we somehow deserved to be hurt.
Jesus knows your pain, and He knows what this infirmity is doing to
you. He knows that it saps strength from your pursuit of holiness.
He wants to build each of us up in His perfect love. It
really is an epic struggle to allow Him to heal us from unforgiveness,
but take confidence His grace will prevail. It will prevail over the
Pharisees in our hearts and His great love will prevail over the fear that we
are not worthy of love and restoration.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Saviour, In your
loving gaze you see all my wounds, let your perfect love cast out all fear and
open my heart to your healing.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-42767889830254600332016-03-07T07:00:00.000-06:002016-03-07T07:00:18.684-06:00Lenten reflection 3-7-16<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks to Heidi Knofczynski for this contribution</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">He asked them when he
began to recover.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">They told him,</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">“The fever left him
yesterday, about one in the afternoon.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The father realized that
just at that time Jesus had said to him,</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">“Your son will live,”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The words of Jesus have
power. Do you believe it? Jesus speaks “your son will live”
and at that moment the royal official's son is healed. The royal
official did not see it happen, and that seems to be the point of this verse;
he had the faith to ask for his son’s healing and he then he simply
trusted in Jesus’ words. And the words of Jesus go beyond the
expectations of a mere physical healing! We read that the royal officials
entire family came to believe, and the life that comes through belief in Jesus
is eternal. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For most of us the
healing we need is often hidden deep in our souls occurring in subtle and
unexpected ways. It takes tremendous trust because it is hard to perceive
anything happening. Read, listen and ponder His words in Scripture and, as Mary
directs us, “do whatever He tells you to do.” Most of all trust that His
healing is meant for you too. It may come upon you slowly,
occurring in the depths of your soul but it is occurring. And His healing
will go beyond you, surging forth like the dawn to bring others into His light.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Merciful Jesus, I
need your healing, lead my heart into a deeper trust in your word of
eternal life and let my life be a sign of your saving power.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-2296649359607737432016-03-06T07:00:00.000-06:002016-03-06T07:00:08.410-06:00Lenten reflection 3-6-16<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks to Heidi Knofczynski for this contribution </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘My son, you are here
with me always;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">everything I have is
yours.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But now we must
celebrate and rejoice,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">because your brother was
dead and has come to life again;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">he was lost and has been
found.’”</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Are you an elder
brother? Are you so caught up with works of piety that you forget to stop
and receive the Father’s love? Most of us fall into this as some point or
another, which is why It is so necessary on a daily basis to stop “doing” and
be still in prayer. When we sit before the Lord in prayer His deep
and abiding love gently reveals our vain motivations for doing even good things
as He purifies these motivations in His love. When we know His love we
will not be caught up in counting the trespasses of others, like the
elder brother in this parable. The resentment he stirs up by
comparing himself against the trespasses of his brother is false because his
father’s love was always at hand. Whether our sin is outward and obvious
or inward and not so obvious, we are all becoming new creations in Christ if we
receive what He is freely pouring out upon us even at this moment.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Father, Quiet my busy
mind and open my heart to receive all that you have to give me, purify my
motives and give me true joy for all the blessings you pour out on all of your
children, particularly the prodigals who have come back home.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090178402604490821.post-10681248924258757882016-03-05T07:00:00.000-06:002016-03-05T07:00:03.838-06:00Lenten reflection 3-5-16<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">For
everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">I
don’t think of myself as an overtly proud or arrogant person. But as I examine my conscience and prepare
for the sacrament of reconciliation,
which I find to be difficult, I realize humility is not a strength of
mine. I would rather focus on the good I
have done than be honest about the good I know God was calling me to that I
left undone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "GaramondPremrPro-Smbd","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: GaramondPremrPro-Smbd;">Lord,
grant me the humility to be like the tax collector who bowed his head and asked
for your mercy. It is not works done to
be seen that justify us, but a heart humble enough to ask for your
forgiveness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dan and Joan Kashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491554607037345856noreply@blogger.com0