St. Paul's Thorn

When I saw this, I knew I had to share it.

How "The Dark Knight Rises" Should Have Ended

OK, so if you haven't seen "The Dark Knight Rises" yet and plan to, then don't watch this parody.  But if you have, I think you would enjoy this:

Of Men and Camels

Today's Gospel (Mt 19:23-30) reflects on the difficulty of having worldy wealth and following Christ:

 "Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich
to enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Again I say to you,
it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God."

I remembering thinking about this passage often when I was young.  It's a wonderfully discriptive way of conveying an impossible task.  I mean, just try to think of fitting a 1000lb beast of burden through the eye of mom's sowing needle.  It's hard enough trying to get a thread through it; I might as well try to pass throught the eye myself!  And I think that's the point.

If we look at this passage with the eyes of Faith, we realize that it is not speaking of mundane wealth, but of the wealth we all have as human beings and as Christians.  Here Christ reminds us of our powerlessness to obtain what we seek in Heaven, no matter that wealth we may have, be it the cars we drive or the good deeds we commit.  There is only One for Whom the impossible is possible, and we aren't Him. 

We are called to humility because of our wealth as creatures made in the image and likeness of God.  As with so many things related to our faith, this truth is a mystery, but it is truth.  

"On Smoking and Running"

A Diocesan brother had a link to this interesting article on his facebook.  This is a great story about the life of a former seminarian which rings true for many of us in formation.  Condsidering my personal aptitude for music, my recent interest in physical wellness, and my friendship with several smokers and runners, I thought I'd share: On Smoking and Running.  The crux of Fr. Ference's message can be summed up in this excerpt:

"... when we say 'no' to things that threaten our vocations—sometimes even good things—we imitate Christ in saying 'yes' to the will of the Father."

Enjoy

Seminarian Days 2012

Today marks the second day of Seminarian Days for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.  As always, it's a joy to spend time with my diocesan brothers.  It is one of the few time in the year where we gather together to strengthen our bonds of fraternity.

Unfortunately, this Seminarian Days was curtailed because of scheduling conflicts, but, as a wise man once told me: "it's quality, not quantity that matters."

In less than a week, I return to St. Meinrad to begin my second year of theology and my fourth year in seminary.  That means in two years, God willing, I will be ordained to the transitional diaconate... WOW!!!

I look forward to the regiment of seminary again.  This summer, which I hope to speak about more in depth at a later time, was full of growth for me, for which I am grateful.

Please continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  Til next time, folks,

This Pic Speaks a Thousand Words

Ethiopian runner Meseret Defar won gold in the 5000 meter women's race.  Before starting the race, she crossed herself.  After crossing the finish line, she pulled this picture from under her shirt and showed the world who ran with her.