Dad's Brithday- how to celebrate a deceased family members birthday

Dad's Birthday- 

how to celebrate a deceased family members birthday

Today is my father's birthday. He would have been 88 if he was alive on earth. Naturally he is celebrating well, I hope in heaven. Of course, Dad is still very much part of my life, and I believe that he is helping me in the ways I need from heaven.

I have been reflecting on my dad and been reminiscing and the many happy times we spent together.

I wondered what other people do since this is the second birthday without him.  So I found this article. You may be interested.  Read more:

So, I would like on his special day as I remember him fondly to share the following poem.

Everything Dad

A little girl needs her daddy
To love her with manly charm,
To soothe her when she’s hurt,
And keep her safe from harm.

A girl needs her dad
To show her a man who’s good,
To help her make right choices,
As only a father could.

A woman needs her father
Just to be aware,
He’ll always be there for her
To sustain her and to care.

You’ve been all these things, Dad.
I hope that you can see
How much I treasure you;
You mean everything to me.

By Joanna Fuchs

Happy birthday dad- celebrate well in heaven.  Love you always.

Compendium Series: Divine Revelation Part 2

Compendium Series: 

 

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Divine Revelation Part 2

Today's post is the last of the group in the Compendium related to the transmission of Divine Revelation. However, it provides an important link, since no 18-24 pursue the importance of Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church.

17. What is the relationship between Scripture, Tradition and the Magisterium? (CCC 90)
  
The Compendium states: 

Scripture, Tradition and the Magisterium are so closely united with each other that one of them cannot stand without the others.  Working together, each in its own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls.

What does this mean for me?

 I am able to praise God for the unity Scripture, Tradition and the Magisterium have and how they effectively work together for the salvation of my soul.

2. I can pray to the Holy Spirit for a greater understanding of Sacred Scripture, appreciation of Tradition and the Magisterium.  

Questions to consider:

1.            How do I contribute effectively to the salvation of my soul?

2.            How do I contribute effectively to the salvation of  those people who cross my path each day?

So stay tuned to explore the next section of the Compendium-Sacred Scripture (nos 18-24). It really is enlightening and fascinating and a must for every Catholic to know and understand.

About the Mass Series: Liturgy of the Word: Second Reading

ABOUT THE MASS SERIES:

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Liturgy of the Word: Second Reading

he Second Reading presents the letters of the New Testament (the writings of the apostles). It is ‘semi continuous’, as it is spread out over the three year cycle, according to the tradition of Jewish synagogue practice. On Sundays, we have three readings, whilst during the week we have two, except on Feast days, such as, the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 
  

For centuries, the Roman liturgy used the term ‘Epistle’ to designate the reading, which preceded the Gospel, even when this reading was not taken from the New Testament Letter. 

We now refer to it as the Second Reading. However, did you notice the term ‘Epistle’ used in the Holy Saturday Ceremonies? In this ceremony, the Church offers us an extended Liturgy of the Word (3-4 readings from Old Testament), so it is apt that the term ‘Epistle’ is used at this time. It is as though we are being reminded of the different style of writing, and it is from the letters of the apostles.

Unlike the first Reading and Gospel, where there is a common theme or connection, the choice of text for the Second Reading on Sunday is quite independent.

In the second Reading, we encounter the early Church living its Christian faith. The witness of the apostolic community provide an example for all time, since we are invited to recall the love of the Father en fleshed in Christ and the good news of our redemption.

PERSONAL RESPONSE

What about you?

·                     Do you remember any part of the Second Reading- a line, a phrase which spoke to you as the lector proclaimed it?

·                     Do you prepare for Mass during the week by reflecting on the readings?

·                     What resolve do you have when you hear Christ in his Word speak to you?

What about our response to the readings?   The Lector completes the reading, saying ‘This is the Word of the Lord’ and then pauses for silent reflection.

We as a congregation reply: ‘Thanks be to God’.

So, let us meet Christ in His Word this week as we hear it proclaimed.  

May our hearts as well as our lips say ‘Thanks be to God’.

WYD- a life changing experience

WORLD YOUTH DAY SERIES.

WORLD YOUTH DAY CROSS

Á LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE

World Youth Day is a life changing experience. However, the change is not necessarily external, rather it manifests itself with changes in thinking and reacting and the way the pilgrim looks at things. It usually starts small in the preparation leading up to WYD with a simple decision such as:

• I will invite God into my daily life
• I will place spending time in prayer as a daily priority
• I will take time for others and for God's work
• I will remember to be still and know that God is near. 

WYD is not just a day, a week or an unforgettable experience. It is about:

• Connecting with God, with your local church and with all Young Catholics around the world.
• learning to breathe fresh air again from the staleness that our lives can engender.
• examining your life and reordering your priorities.
• showing that you are not alone in your quest for answers and meaning in life.
• being prepared to be spiritually transformed
• appreciating your Catholic faith and accepting at a heart level the truths of your faith.
• learning to be a witness of Christ throughout your world.

My WYD challenge this week is to speak to other pilgrims of WYD. Listen carefully to their experiences and its impact on their lives. Remember we are all unique in God's sight, so what God might be wanting to do with you, will not be the same as other pilgrims of previous WYD events. However, they will have something valuable to offer you as you prepare for your life changing experience.  Ask God to assist you with any doubts and concerns you may have about WYD.  After having listened to as many WYD pilgrims as you can find, then spend some quiet time with the Lord and ask:

Lord, what do You want to change in my life by attending WYD 2011?

Jesus may not answer you automatically, but day by day as you prepare physically, emotionally and spiritually, you may start to realize the answer that God is wanting of you and for you. 

Genesis Series: Chapter 38

EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES

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 Chapter 38 Tamar and marriage.

Chapter 38 gives us some insight into the importance that marriage, children and widowhood had. It also highlights what tactics Tamar was prepared to engage in to be married, and have children, although she waited until Judah was ‘available’.

It is interesting to note that she wanted not only to conceive, but she also wanted some tangible commitment (signet and cord) which she was later able to use as evidence of Judah’s pledge. When Judah realised that Tamar was his daughter in law and he had been tricked, he was at first angry, wanting her to be burned, but Tamar confronts him with the evidence of the cord and signet and informs him that he is the father of the child whom she is expecting. In due season, the time of delivery arrived and Tamar had twins.

Chapter 38 highlights the timing of marriage, sex and bearing children, and the ability of humanity to wait for the appropriate person.

Nowadays, in secular society the sequence of marriage and then ‘the patter of little feet’ is often reversed and we can be mistaken into believing that this is the norm. For Catholics, pre-marital sex, and adultery are grave sins, which when, these sins are committed, the sinner need God’s healing and mercy. 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS.

What is our attitude to marriage, sex and bearing children?

What disguises and ploys do we use to ‘employ in ’ the dating game’?

What is our attitude to widowhood?

What ploys do people use to gain a commitment in an improper relationship? How do those ploys affect the relationship?

Why is adultery so damaging to the marriage?

Opening Prayer Series:25th Sunday of the Year

OPENING PRAYER SERIES:

 

THE MASS: OPENING PRAYER SERIES.

OPENING PRAYER

The Opening Prayer of 25th Sunday of the Year reads as follows:

Let us pray

(that we may grow in the love of God and of one another)

Father,

guide us as You guide creation,

according to Your law of love.

May we love one another 

and come to perfection 

in the eternal life prepared for us.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible for my life during this week, the following reflection questions emerged: 

1.             How does God guide creation?

2.             What hinders me from being guided by God the creator?

3.             Name one area of my life that I will ask God to assist me to change this week?

4.             What does the commandment of love mean for me?

5.             How is eternal life and the commandment of love linked?

6.            What does it mean for me that God has prepared for me eternal life? 

My virtue series may be a helpful resource for you this week if you wish to understand more about the virtue of love.  

GOSPEL REFLECTION

In the Gospel we are reminded yet again to have the right priority- God must be first in our lives.  God knows that we need money to support our temporal well being. God is not against the rich, since many of them use their wealth for the betterment of others in society, less fortunate. We are also reminded by the parable not to 'feather our own nests' by taking advantage of others and manipulating them for our own cause.

When we are given a position of trust, we must carry out our duty honestly, since the quality of trust and dishonesty have an accumulative effect.  Most people do not start off being dishonest in a big way such as fraud or robbing a bank or the like. No, but dishonesty can creep in in small ways, and before long, our conscience is blunted. Then the next bigger step of dishonesty is so much easier, since we have placed God down on the list of priority, allowed evil to go unchecked in our hearts, and have not confessed our wrongdoing. God must be first in our lives at all times.

During this week, let us review the place of God in our lives-

place God first, so that we may through God's help 

come to perfection in the law of love.

Reflection and Prayer Series: God's purpose

REFLECTION AND PRAYER SERIES.

Christ the Redeemer.

My reflection and prayer series is about sharing reflections and Prayers which have impacted upon me and have provided food for thought. I hope that they will also nurture your soul and spirit.

My post is called:

GOD'S PURPOSE

We fulfil God's purpose
And delight His heart as well
when we walk the journey with Him, hand- in-hand
We discover that His presence
Makes each moment something precious
When we're living the adventure that He planned. 

May God show us His ways and teach us His paths during this coming week.

May God show us His ways and teach us His paths during this coming week