Wise Words on Wednesday: The origin of our trouble
The origin of our trouble is, that we love ourselves with a blind passion that amounts to idolatry – Francois Fenelon
"We are travellers…not yet in our native land" – St. Augustine
The origin of our trouble is, that we love ourselves with a blind passion that amounts to idolatry – Francois Fenelon
The authors behind my favourite apologetics website, Shameless Popery, have just posted the first part of the recording of their seminar “The Art and Craft of Catholic Apologetics”:
In this week’s Readings we hear about prophethood and about our utter dependence upon the grace of God.
In our First Reading we read about the calling of the Prophet Ezekiel, how he was strengthened by the Spirit and sent to proclaim an unpopular message to an obstinate people. In the Gospel, Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth and is met with suspicion and unbelief.
We are convinced beyond doubt that the truths of faith cannot deceive us; yet we cannot seem to bring ourselves to trust in them. It is easier for us to trust in human reasons and the deceiving appearances of the world. This, precisely, is the reason for our poor progress in virtue and in all that pertains to God’s glory – St. Vincent de Paul
For me though, the Readings which stand out are the Psalm and the Second Reading from St. Paul. The psalm expresses complete reliance upon God. St. Paul’s epistle to the Corinthians expresses a similar theme. Paul, probably the greatest Christian missionary in the history of the Church, knew something about strength and weakness. He knew that, in his weakness, God’s strength was more greatly manifested.
As we prepare ourselves to receive the Eucharist this week, let us come mindful of our weaknesses and therefore also recognize our need of God, thankful that He calls poor, imperfect creatures to be His children and to declare His goodness.
Well, this is kinda cool! I was having a little look at my WordPress statistics and noticed that somebody in Finland referred to a Restless Pilgrim post!
Despite living in America for over two years, until recently I had never registered with a doctor. Well, a couple of months ago I finally got around to it and I went for a check-up.
Fortunately, everything was fine. However, prior to the check-up, I was weighed by a nurse. I was utterly horrified by the number which appeared on the scales: 175lbs. I knew I hadn’t been exercising much and I knew that I had been comfort eating, but I didn’t think it was that bad!
The following week I returned back to Boot Camp, determined to lose the weight. In fact, I set myself the goal to return to the weight I was when I first came to America, 155 lbs. I’ve been going to the 6am class every weekday and cutting down on my food portion sizes.
Well, today I had my first weigh-in since I’ve tried losing the weight: 167 lbs. That’s 8lbs in a month and a half. You have my permission to be impressed.
Only 12lbs to go…