Mary

At Mass the other day, Father Almagno gave a homily on Mary. He said she is our role model in Holiness. Every time I listen to him preach, or yell at us as some call it, he reminds me of all of the ways I can follow Christ better. This time, for the first time, I was able to say…Hey, I do that! Mary sacrificed her reputation for our Lord. She was pregnant and without husband. The penalty for this was being stoned to death. She knew that and said yes to our Lord anyhow. In a town of around 150 people, everyone would be whispering about it…just like we would today. She still said yes. The moral of his preaching was to not be embarrassed about our Faith. We should be proud to be Catholic and let everyone around us know. I can say in everything I am, I am never embarrassed about my Faith. As Michelle Bachman said “I am unapologetic about my Faith.” Hold onto God in Church, behind closed doors, in public, at your job and with your life. The translation is beautiful at the end of Mass. Go now Glorifying God with your life. How special is that. That means with everything we do. We glorify God not only in Mass and in the sacraments, but with the rest of our life. We need to be good people in every aspect. You and I must also remember that no one part of us defines our relationship with God or who we are as people. Married, divorced, old, young, gay, straight, black, white, student, teacher…wherever we may fall in any of this does not define us completely. It is what we do with these things that makes our relationship special with Him. There is one moral we must all follow regardless of the way we are born. Remember to be like Mary and ask Mary to pray for you at the two most important moments of your life. Right now, this very second and when you die. “…Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

Life

What is the problem? Everyone takes life lightly. We don't know about purgatory. We don't know about heaven and hell.

Life is just a raindrop in the ocean of eternity.

Without an afterlife, the length of life no matter the length, would be arbitrary.

Without purgatory no one could get into heaven since nothing unclean may come into His kingdom. Jesus didn't die for our sins so we could do whatever we want and simply be forgiven. What, then, would be the purpose in trying to be a "good person" aka a follower of Christ?

Todays life in some ways mock the life of our souls when we pass.

If we do something bad, such as steal, we get a small penalty...maybe get a fine or do some community service. If we do something, like murder, we get a larger penalty...maybe 20 years in prison.

Purgatory works the same way. We have to pay for our sins. Sins can be large or small and have consequences, receptively. We have to ready our souls for heaven just like we need to ready ourselves to go back into society after we commit a crime.

Simply put, sins are not all equal. If we murder two people, the penalty will be greater...perhaps life in prison. Purgatory, again, works the same way. Just because we have done one sin, doesn't mean it is okay to that sin again. They add up, just as crimes do.

If none of this is real and heaven and hell don't exist, what happens? Do we never see our loved ones again? My grandparents were married for 63 years. Do they never see each other. Is my grandmother or your grandmother just buried in the ground and that is it?

For those who believe, is God your King all of the time, honestly?

If we are honest with ourselves, which is difficult to do, He is only our King some of the time.

If God came down right in front of you and me TODAY and told us what we cannot do, would we be more serious about it? If he said don't use contraception, don't masturbate, don't have premarital sex, don't have oral or anal sex, don't have sex for simple pleasure, don't have sex with the same gender, would we listen?

These things are PROMOTED today as an okay thing to do. This is serious stuff.

If Jesus came to us TODAY how would we change our lives. He said not to do these things yet almost everyone continues to. If we are honest, we are followers of Christ SOMETIMES. We need to live our lives as if Jesus came and told us these things today in person if we wantt o be true followers of Him.

Since when?

Since when has it been okay for everyone in the Catholic church to get up and receive the Eucharist?

Since when has the attitude changed. Why, when I'm not in a state of grace and I stay kneeling during the Eucharist because I'm not worthy to receive the actual body of Christ, do I get strange looks from others? Why am I the only one doing this? This means everyone else in the house of God is in a state of grace...I doubt it.

Why am I one of just a few that go to confession before mass? So the other 100 people are perfect and only me and the other two people that I am ever waiting with to go into the confessional are sinners? I doubt it.

Since when does a church of 100 people need FOUR Eucharist ministers? Why are so many just as happy to receive from non consecrated hands? Would it be that big of a deal to have to be in the church for an extra 5 or 10 minutes. Ohh no! Wouldn't want to be in the beautiful Cathedral 55 minutes instead of 45! Then our days would be shot.

Since when was it strange to receive the Eucharist on the tongue? Why are priests shocked by this? Why do they go to put the Eucharist in my every single time even while my hands stay folded. God forbid someone take the Eucharist on their tongue while on there knees. People look at you like your doing something bad.

Since when has it been okay to walk past the alter or the TABERNACLE and not show respect? NO need to stop and genuflect or bow. Maybe people don't know you're supposed to do that...but, then again, one would think the people would notice others doing this. One would think they would see the spot to kneel and the railing and think maybe it is there for a reason. Why don't follow the old saying "when is Rome" since that is what everyone does while receiving the Eucharist right? We don't want to kneel down in respect because we might get looked at funny.

Since when don't people need to be reminded of the rules? Are we scared to offend people? Why on Easter and Christmas is it okay for everyone to walk up and receive? Would it be such a bad thing to remind those "Easter and Christmas Catholics" they cannot come up?

The problem is people don't even know this. They don't even know when they are allowed to receive the Eucharist, let alone what is in the Bible. Why aren't people reminded that they must have at least a one hour fast before the Eucharist? Why aren't people reminded that if they miss Mass and don't confess then they are in a state of sin? Why aren't people reminded that they must confess their sins before receiving?
This is serious stuff! This is people receiving JESUS CHRIST! The only hope for our salvation.

Then, once people are informed of these things they make excuses like ohh Jesus didn't mean that or Jesus made a mistake. I have news for you...Scripture is TRUTH. Jesus does NOT make mistakes. People say ohh if Jesus came around today he would have said it was okay to let women be Priests. I got news for you...NO HE WOULDN'T! God is timeless. He has already seen your life, my life, this post...he has seen it all.

This all goes back to one of the many terrible "isms." Christian Liberalism. What a terrible thing it has done to the church.
The baby boomer generation as a whole has tried to ruin the Church with liberalism. Luckily there is a new generation of Catholics who are attracted to the truth. Not by me, but by everyone who loves the truth, we can fix this. Lets go back to the way things should be!

Obama is not a Christian

There I said it.

First of all, Obama does not know scripture int he least bit.

June 28, 2006 he talks about The Holy Bible and takes it MASSIVELY out of context.

"Should we go with Leviticus that suggests slavery is okay? Or we could go with Deuteronomy that suggests stoning your child if he strays for the faith. Or should we just stick to the sermon on the mount; a passage that is so radical that it is doubtful that our own defense department would survive its application. Folks haven't been reading there Bible."
Last time I checked Christians don't make fun of Jesus or The Holy Bible.

Maybe he is just an open heretic?

Obama - "I'm pro choice."

Open heretic again?

"If you believe that life begins at conception...that is a core issue of Faith for YOU." Not us?

"Science holds the key to our survival as a planet...it's time we put science at the top of our agenda." Not morals (which come from faith)

"It's [science] about ensuring that facts...are never twisted or obscured by politics or ideology...the highest purpose of science is for knowledge and truth." Scripture is the only truth there is. Science has scientific theories, not truths.

He does not attend mass each week.

"All people of faith - Christians, Jews, Muslims, Animists, everyone - knows the same God."

That's funny - that is not what the Christian Bible says. Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. In 2008 Obama was asked if Jesus was the only way to salvation. He said "Jesus is the only way FOR ME." He affirms Christ as his own savior (to make people think he didn't lie when he ran as a Christian) but then negates Christ as the only savior of the world. Jesus warns us about this Matthew. Obama is then saying the death of Christ was unneeded since there are multiple paths. Who should we believe, Jesus Christ or Obama. Hmmm.....

He bowed to the Muslim king.

On multiple occasions he has said things about "my Muslim faith."

On multiple occasions he leaves out "endowed by our creator" in the DofI

He is simply not a Christian by any Biblical or historical measure.

Forgiveness

At my last confession, the Priest was able to get into my deepest feelings with a few minutes.

It was amazing what he knew about me without saying it. I hear God's words through him.

God...

I'm a sinner. I sin every day. I don't deserve the love you give to me. When I look up at the cross and thing about what you did for me, it's hard to understand why. I don't deserve you, yet every time I need you, you are there. Without fail you carry me through everything. I hope one day I will be worthy to stand in your presence. I'll fall to my knees and beg for your mercy. I'll pay for my sins and then I hope you invite me in.

God, forgive me for I am a sinner. I promise to follow your word, live your word and spread your word.

You are the light, the truth and the way.

My post today is more of a sad one...

I ran through the cemetery during my run today and of course my eyes filled wit tears as I started thinking of my grandma.

I remembered when I was in preschool. Ethan wanted to marry one of the girls in the class. Of course, I was jealous.

My mom asked who I was going to marry and I said i don't know. She said well what girl do u love the most? I thought for a few seconds and said Grandma. My mom gave me an old ring that I gave to her. Grandma asked what we will do with Pop Pop. I said throw him out!

I don't think I talked to him for like a month ahah.

Well, I still love you the most grandma. I don't want to throw Pop Pop out anymore though.

It's stories like this that make me laugh and cry at the same time.

I love you so much and I miss you.

Cast strength upon me, oh Lord. I wish i had no more tears to shed.

May I someday join her in paradise.

Silly Liberals...

Using the "alcohol is legal so marijuana should be legal" argument is stupid.

First off no one said alcohol being legal was a great idea. During prohibition alcohol related diseases went down, accidents went down, abuse....

Also, alcohol is used for many other things than simply getting drunk. It is used in cooking and pairing with food. People can drink one or two drinks at night with dinner or after dinner and not get drunk. Yes, people use it to get drunk and it causes problems...but that is a much smaller percentage than those who use it responsibly. And, again, I never said it was a great idea.

Lets look at marijuana. Number one it is a stepping stone to harder drug usage...which I think both sides can agree is not a good thing. No one smokes weed a little. Every time people smoke, it is to get high.

People murder other people over drugs. True. First, these people are obviously scummy, stupid and immoral. They can't find a legal way to make money and get a real job. They are also TAKING AWAY HUMAN LIFE. Do we really want that in the gene pool and have them raise kids that will continue in their footsteps. So a drug dealer gets killed? That means in 15 years when his son would have grown up we will have one less drug dealer on the streets, one less person mooching off the government. Doesn't bother me any. Maybe he would have been the one to offer YOUR kids drugs and start them on a life path to disaster.

Yes, murder will go down if it is legalized but I don't think it would be worth all of the other problems it will carry with it.

The ONLY good thing that could come of making marijuana legal, would be for the government to subsidize it, like they do with alcohol and tax the crap out of it and make easy money off pot heads. (They should also raise taxes on cigarettes enormously and alcohol reasonably.)

The theory that legalizing it will make the usage go down is silly. The only way this could happen is if the government taxes it so high, the poor (the majority of people who smoke pot) could not afford it.

Before any liberals start yelling, screaming and crying...

I didn't say I don't drink.

I didn't say all people who smoke are lazy pieces of shit.

I didn't say the immediate effects of smoking are that terrible.

I didn't say legalizing it wouldn't help boost the economy immediately.

Even the liberal socialist Obama said it is a silly idea.

Mass today

Going to Mass at Our Lady of Peace Parish, St Stephen Church, is always an experience.

When Mass started, the cantor had to tell a Church full of adults to turn off there cell phones. This, alone, is very sad. Then each time, without fail, someones cellphone goes off. Here is a news flash...God probably doesn't like when you distract everyone with your cellphone while HIS BODY is up on the altar. Leave your cellphones in the car adults. Whoever is trying to call you isn't as important as GOD.

To the people who let their kids talk the entire time. STOP DOING THAT. When I was a little kid my dad made me sit up straight and keep my hand folded to be respectful to God and those around me.

How about when we pray, middle aged man in the seat ahead, you actually pray instead of staring off aimlessly or rubbing your wifes back.

Ohh yeah and one more thing. Show up to Mass on time and don't leave after the Eucharist because MASS ISN'T OVER YET.

You might be thinking that none of these things are a big deal...but they are. They are distracting to the people around you and disrespectful.

On positive notes:

The Baptism was amazing. The baby was so happy and they had a whole lot of family there to support them. Way to start your baby on the right track for life! God bless your family.

We sang in Christ Alone...which is one of my new favorite songs.

Father Hoan is a funny guy.

The family next to me I see every time I go to 10:30 because we both always sit in the same spot. You can tell they didn't shower, or have nice clothes to wear. It looks like a grandmother taking care of her grandchildren. Without a doubt I know I will see them there. You are giving your grandchildren more than you even know. It's not about the material things. You are showing them God and that is a miracle. You are true blessing from God on your family and the people around you. How beautiful.

Someone brought up a decent point to me today about the hypocrisy of the right side. I clarified this to him and he, a democrat, actually suggested I write a blog posting about it because he actually thought I was right. There's a first...

The argument is that the right side supports rights for unborn babies yet does not support rights for homosexuals.

If there is a separation of church and government, which there very well should be if we are to continue the ideas this great country was founded on, then our arguments must be ones that are political, not religious.

An unborn baby is still a human and humans have rights. Religion aside, the country also says that murder is wrong. People can argue that it is still a fetus all they want and it doesn't count as life, but if they actually knew science, they would realize they are incorrect. I could write twenty-five pages on that...so I'll save that for another time. A quick point-of-thought...when someone is pregnant do they have fetus showers? Does anyone ask "how is your fetus doing?" No.

So, if we can agree that a unborn baby is a human, which I think anyone with an IQ above 50 can, we can agree that it has certain rights. One of those rights is life. It is a crime to kill a 50 year old, just like it is a crime to kill a baby. Abortion/murder leaves one dead and one wounded. The right is pro life because they think GASSPPP murder is wrong!(although they may feel the same in their religious beliefs)

The right side supports legal rights for heterosexual and homosexual couples. However, they do not support "gay marriage." They do support legal bindings. Well, is that fair?

Yes. Marriage was created by the church. If we are to have separation, than marriage for heterosexual or homosexual couples should not have anything to do with politics. It should be left up to the church to decide. The right doesn't support "homosexual marriage" because it has nothing to do with politics, not because of their religious beliefs (although they may feel the same in their religious beliefs)

Aside from that, I would like to clear up what Christians say about homosexuality.

Lets take a look at homosexuality. Here are some facts:

-A lot of Christians believe homosexual couples should have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples.

-Christians do not believe that being homosexual is a sin.

-Christians believe that leading a homosexual lifestyle is sinful.

-Christians believe that having premarital sex (be it with the same sex or opposite sex) is equally as sinful.

-Marriage is a sacrament between a man and women

-There ARE CHRISTIANS that ARE HOMOSEXUAL! They understand that isn't the lifestyle God wants for them. They try there best to lead a life of abstinence.

God controls your soul. He didn't make you homosexual. God creates us perfect and we CHOOSE to sin. I choose to sin. Everyone chooses to sin. People make the argument that "so I choose to be gay?" NO! Did people choose to be straight? NO! Development and nurture control that...I hope to write on this at another point as well to help explain.

Remember, Gods love is unconditional and timeless. He wrote two books, The Holy Bible and Nature. They NEVER contradict each other...ever.

A post on "public schools."

As my shirt becomes saturated with sweat, I wish I could take it off. Sadly, I can't. I might OFFEND someone. This is in the weight room of our "public school" known as Geneva High. It's not just there, though, it's at all public schools.

When I run on public roads, I can run in just shorts if I feel like it and no one will say a word. It's a public place.
In Wegmans I have to have a shirt on. It's a private place. They can tell me whatever they wish and, if I want to shop there, I have to follow it. Makes sense.

If its supposed to be a public school and a free school for religion and expression (though I say it's a liberalized school run by the liberal government) shouldn't I be allowed to run shirtless?

When I ask for there reasoning they say "people may get offended and then we would have to let everyone workout shirtless."
Well, I say this: Who is going to get offended? Who is going to say ewww look at that kid. His body is nicely toned, he's in great shape and has a nice eight pack. No one. If you took a vote I would bet 99.9% of people wouldn't be offended; probably 100%. Heck, half the people would probably prefer it if I ran shirtless.
Point two...let everyone workout shirtless. Who gives a shit? If they look that bad they will either be too embarrassed to do it or people will pick on them and they will put there shirts back on. But NO their FEELINGS might get hurt. Then maybe they might actually so something while they are up there instead of walking around for an hour doing five minutes of actual work then going home and eating a sheet pizza. Maybe they will ACTUALLY get in shape out of embarrassment. It would actually be helping there case. You might argue that people will be too embarrassed to go to the gym...but NO they won't. They are still welcome to keep there shirts on.

Seriously, who even gets offended. If some 400 lb hairy dude starts walking around shirtless I'm not going to want to sneak an extra look but I'm certainly not going be get offended. I'll say look at that guy he's trying to change his life and hes not afraid to be judged.

Even if I did get offended. Who cares what I think? I don't get a shit about they person on the treadmill next to me. Who are they to judge me? They can judge all they want...but it comes down to does anyone actually care or is it just another liberal rule to makes things "fair?"
If it were truly fair then you could workout shirtless or with your shirt on.

Here is my overall theory. Liberals are lazy. They want everything handed to them. So they are probably the "fat, embarrassed" people. They don't want hard workers to be noticed more than them. THAT is where they want the equality. They are more concerned with other people judging them because they are Godless, than only caring what God thinks. Another beauty of being a Christian.