Comments on: Sunday, September 30, 2018 – Resist

By: Shirley

Shirley — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 22:45:59 +0000

Excellent reflection Joe. God Bless.

By: TM

TM — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 11:37:37 +0000

Joe
The way you explain faith is always insightful. Perhaps a good confession leads us to a therapy-style digging of the cause of our sin, which it seems usually comes from our pain. God tries to heal our brokenness but we have to be willing to do “the work” with him. Each person he puts in our life can help us on our journey (even the ones who are hard to love). The work of change can be so hard but thank you for the hope that it is possible through Christ.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 09:58:56 +0000

Christine,
I hear your quandary and am saddened for you. God is perfect, people are not. The Catholic Faith is beautiful and true. I pray you do not “cut off” your faith based on the actions of a few. All of us are working to be true followers of Christ, but it is a constant struggle. Take steps toward forgiveness and focus on love and humility. It has done a lot to help me see more clearly.
God Bless!

By: Christine Wheeler

Christine Wheeler — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 15:04:40 +0000

The gospel reading today can be interpreted in several ways. Another Catholic website suggested that cutting off a limb could be a friend who is causing you to sin, or if you are causing that person to sin. It recommends cutting off that relationship. Your reflection, Joe, suggests that we need to cut out the sin (fluff) we are committing. Both reflections are correct. I used to go for confession regularly, but I found I was confessing the same sin over and over. Then I decided I needed to just have a chat with the priest and told him about something the behaviour of another priest and deacon, hoping for direction. He just shit me down and appeared irritated. Just gave me my penance. I stopped going for confession. I disconnected with certain people who were causing me a lot of stress. Eventually, I stopped going to church. My stress levels dropped. But I missed being in community on Sundays and weekdays. Quandary!

P.S. Joe, I am 71 years old and used to be very active, running, jogging, badminton, racquetball, etc. Now I walk and commune with nature. I love nature, and am an amateur photographer. These things give me immense pleasure, and I try to see God in nature. Meister Eckhart says “Whether you like it or not, whether you know it or not, secretly, all nature seeks God and works toward Him.”

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 13:40:15 +0000

So true!
I would always have the same argument with my husband. My defense would always be that he is too sensitive and that he needs to accept who I am.
I started reading the daily readings and praying each morning. Since then, no more arguing.
Amazing. The root of the problem was me. The arguing stopped without me even trying. I needed to increase my gratitude and humility.
God is Amazing!

By: Wayne

Wayne — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 13:36:28 +0000

“Spot On” reflection Joe… A side to understanding repeat offenses … Seems all too obvious… But… sometimes needs to be pointed out… Something that really helped me… Thanks and God Bless….

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 11:41:14 +0000

Thank you Joe. A really touching reflection. You opened my understanding to todays Gospel like never before. Just a new way to look at sin and temptation. Thank you again and God bless you.

By: maria

maria — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 03:50:59 +0000

Hello Joe
I loved your your catholic moment for today
I am one of those people that never learn the lesson .I think i learn it but then I re offend again but always trying the best I can be
But when I do sin I hate myself because i know what i have done is gone back on my promise