Christian Hipster
Like most groups, Christianity has its various subcultures. Introducing…the Christian Hipster:
Category: Catholicism
“I’ll pray for you…”
The other day, after a rather difficult meeting with a friend I parted with the words “I’ll pray for you”.
It got me to thinking – how many times do I say that and I never actually do it? How many times do I use it as just a farewell, or as code for “Stop talking to me about your problems”?
That’s all I have to say. Please consider that as your thought for the day…
Wise Words on Wednesday: Pope St. Gregory the Great
“The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist”
– Pope St. Gregory the Great
The Obvious Joke
The other night I was watching Tim Allen on TV doing stand-up. He was talking about a car accident that he had and how the doctors had to remove 8 inches of his colon.
What was the *obvious* joke he should have said?
It’s now only a semi-colon…
Sunday Lectionary: Of Sheep and Kings
Feast of Christ the King: November 20th, 2011
In this last week before Advent, we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. In the First Reading, through the Prophet Ezekiel, the Lord describes Himself as a shepherd who will gather together his sheep. The Lord ends by saying that He will judge the flock and this theme of judgement is picked up in the Gospel Reading where Jesus contrasts the “sheep and the goats”, those who loved Him through loving the afflicted and those who did not.
Every Member Ministry
As I was driving home last night I was thinking about the parable of the talents which we heard at Mass, where Jesus teaches us about using our God-given gifts in service of His Kingdom.
This parable’s message was certainly taken to heart by my former Protestant communities. In fact, I think this is one of the many things which we Catholics can really learn from our separated brethren. In those churches the question isn’t “Will you serve?” but “How will you serve?”.
In those congregations, the various ministries were regularly advertised and they were often mentioned in the pastors’ Sunday sermons. There was a very clear understanding that to be a part of the faith community meant to be joined with others in service. I remember in one parish’s bulletin, in the section listing the Church Staff, under the final entry of “Ministers” it simply read “Everyone!”
Service is also a really powerful evangelistic witness. Seeing people live out their faith by serving others stirs up far more interest and questions in unbelievers than any car fish sticker ever has. Service is also a great way to grow in your faith, grow in holiness and to encounter Jesus Christ in a really concrete way. As we will hear in next week’s Gospel:
“I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me” – Matthew 25:36
Men’s Ministry Launched
Yesterday we had a Men’s Breakfast to launch a new Men’s Ministry in San Diego. After we had eaten, I gave a short talk. Some of what I shared was quite personal, so I’m not going to put up the entire talk, but here’s a slightly edited version…
