Now this is a link for a great way to start, or to refresh, your day:
3-Minute Retreats
3-Minute Retreats.I have found them to be short, thoughtful ... and challenging.
Please take advantage of this online opportunity.
3
-Minute Retreats
DAILY 3-MINUTE RETREAT COURESY OF LOYOLA PRESS.
Now this is a link for a great way to start, or to refresh, your day:
I have found them to be short, thoughtful ... and challenging.
Please take advantage of this online opportunity.
SO MANY PEOPLE DYING DAILY ... WHAT IS THEIR ETERNAL DESTINATION?
Today there was a horrific collision between a city bus and a passenger train about a half an hour north of me. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-bus-train-crash-kills-6-in-commuting-horror-1.1858868
For the last year or two, as I listen to/read the news, my mind keeps turning to the immortal souls of those who die. Everyday we have tragedies and people dying natural deaths.
Obviously we are concerned about those who are mourning their deaths, but far more important than that is whether or not they died in a state of grace!
Jesus gave many warnings about how hard it is to enter the kingdom of heaven. We need to enter through the narrow gate. He warns, through the parable of the ten virgins who went out to meet the bridegroom, that those who do not stay prepared (in the parable by bringing enough oil for their lamps) that he will 'not know them'. Matthew 25:1-13:
[1] Then shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. [2] And five of them were foolish, and five wise. [3] But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them: [4] But the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. [5] And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept.
[6] And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him. [7] Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. [9] The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. [10] Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut.
[11] But at last come also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. [12] But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not. [13] Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.[ Douay-Rheims Bible]
Jesus separates the 'lambs' from the 'goats' per their deeds. For the 'goats' there is no entrance into heaven. (Matthew 25:31-46)
The Holy Spirit, speaking through His holy Catholic Church, has warned us that to die in a state of mortal sin means a decent into hell ... for eternity.
[ In order for a sin to be mortal, it must meet three conditions:
Even if our spiritual leaders fail to mention it. Even though the media never goes near the idea. Even though it makes us uncomfortable to consider that any individual may be choosing hell over eternity with God, WE MUST REMEMBER THE SOULS OF EVERYONE WHO DIES.
Never, ever, assume that someone is going to heaven. We only know for sure that the saints are in heaven.
For everyone who is destined for heaven, unless they are already pure in every way, they have to head to purgatory for to be purified from the stains of their sins.
We need to pray, pray and pray.
For the last year or two, as I listen to/read the news, my mind keeps turning to the immortal souls of those who die. Everyday we have tragedies and people dying natural deaths.
Obviously we are concerned about those who are mourning their deaths, but far more important than that is whether or not they died in a state of grace!
Jesus gave many warnings about how hard it is to enter the kingdom of heaven. We need to enter through the narrow gate. He warns, through the parable of the ten virgins who went out to meet the bridegroom, that those who do not stay prepared (in the parable by bringing enough oil for their lamps) that he will 'not know them'. Matthew 25:1-13:
[1] Then shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. [2] And five of them were foolish, and five wise. [3] But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them: [4] But the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. [5] And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept.
[6] And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him. [7] Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. [9] The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. [10] Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut.
[11] But at last come also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. [12] But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not. [13] Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.[ Douay-Rheims Bible]
Jesus separates the 'lambs' from the 'goats' per their deeds. For the 'goats' there is no entrance into heaven. (Matthew 25:31-46)
The Holy Spirit, speaking through His holy Catholic Church, has warned us that to die in a state of mortal sin means a decent into hell ... for eternity.
[ In order for a sin to be mortal, it must meet three conditions:
- Mortal sin is a sin of grave matter
- Mortal sin is committed with full knowledge of the sinner
- Mortal sin is committed with deliberate consent of the sinner ]
Even if our spiritual leaders fail to mention it. Even though the media never goes near the idea. Even though it makes us uncomfortable to consider that any individual may be choosing hell over eternity with God, WE MUST REMEMBER THE SOULS OF EVERYONE WHO DIES.
Never, ever, assume that someone is going to heaven. We only know for sure that the saints are in heaven.
For everyone who is destined for heaven, unless they are already pure in every way, they have to head to purgatory for to be purified from the stains of their sins.
We need to pray, pray and pray.
(From http://kbpipes.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/purgatory.jpg)
Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
Have mercy, dear Jesus,
on all the poor souls in purgatory,
and especially for
(Mention the name[s] here...)
Grant them (him/her) eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon them (him/her).
Amen.
(Mention the name[s] here...)
Grant them (him/her) eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon them (him/her).
Amen.
See also: purgatory.ca
Catholics are on the "winning team"!
The Catholic Church was instituted by God Himself. The world may strive to lead people one way, but in the end the world will never triumph over the Church
Being on the winning team, let us all act the part. Be brave and speak out to the world. Speak with charity and with Truth.
Let us arm ourselves with knowledge (now readily available via the Internet). Pray for wisdom. When it is necessary to defend God's teachings as revealed through the Catholic Church let's all be prepared and do so with love and wisdom.
God be with you!
Originally Posted on the Feast of The Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
(Image from: http://0.tqn.com/d/catholicism/1/7/P/0/-/-/Exaltation_of_the_Holy_Cross.png)
Here's a great link with more information on "The Triumph of the Cross" AKA "The Exaltation of the Holy Cross":
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
By Scott P. Richert, About.com Guide
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