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Us

Photo by GoaShape on Unsplash

I firmly believe that we’re here to help each other.

There are many times when it feels like I’m on a lonely journey, it’s about ME finding my holy path and getting to heaven. But Jesus made it clear that it’s not just about loving God, but loving each other.

Love your enemies and do good to them,
and lend expecting nothing back;
then your reward will be great
and you will be children of the Most High,
for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Luke 27:37
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Virgin Mary

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Our mother Mary was, herself, born without sin. That’s why this feast day is about Mary’s conception, not that of Jesus.

One explanation that I’ve heard of this is that the Ark of the Covenant must be unblemished. And since Mary is the Ark of the New Covenant, Jesus, it is appropriate that she also be unblemished.

So it’s about faith, not scientific proof. And I’m quite fine with that.

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Show unto us

Photo by Aaron Mello on Unsplash

Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me — Mark 9:37

Our Blessed Mother Mary received her child, Jesus. And she is the one who helps us to know Him and join our will with His.

The way I originally read Hail Holy Queen is that we ask Mary to do this after our death, after our “exile.” But …

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The fruit of thy womb

Photo by Travis Grossen on Unsplash

Today is the solemnity of the nativity of St John the Baptist. Which gets me thinking about the journey that our Holy Mother had during her pregnancy.

Can you possibly imagine the trail of wondrous miracles she experienced during those nine months? From the Annunciation, to the visitation of Elizabeth, and so on.

Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.

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Us

Photo by Anna Dziubinska on Unsplash

Our readings today reinforce the message that we’re all in this together.

It’s a particularly counter-cultural thought, because our country does its best to celebrate individual accomplishment, independence, and self-sufficiency. Which is all good, I suppose, but the fact is that God created us as society, not just a billion random beings on a planet.

I was talking with a guy recently who is writing a book about becoming an elder. Continue reading “Us”

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Holy Mary

Photo from pxhere

There’s no question that our Blessed Mother is holy.

Actually, I was a bit puzzled about this when I converted to Catholicism. I guess I’d assumed that the word “holy” was the same as “divine.” Godly. Not of this world, but of heaven.

What I’ve learned is that holiness is something that each of us – every person – is called to be. And can achieve.

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