Comments on: Taking Your Place in the Chain of Faith

By: Carlos Cortes

Carlos Cortes — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 08:48:38 +0000

Hi Mary!
My first time reading about your inspirational wisdom. I just got back to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria and needed to hear your message today. I am looking to serve God in any way. He has guided my Family through this ordeal. Please keep me in your prayers. Thanks

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 08:11:28 +0000

Every pope of my lifetime has pushed me to think deeply on spiritual matters from a slightly different bent. Pope Francis challenges me as to the comforts of life in my world (United States) and how this materialism is not the best for us. It is difficult to take a path different from the culture – when things that seem ok or morally neutral – like giving one’s kids lots of opportunities – can be a problem if they are a priority over caring for the poor or living a faithful life. I feel I am expressing myself poorly, but even many good people – good parents – stress personal success as measured by job and status. I do not judge or blame – I have many friends who have one or more child away from the church despite the good example and devotion of the parents. The culture has a strong pull, but of late I’ve wondered if we need to be a bit more radical as parents about living the Christian life. How much stuff we have – how much is a waste of money that could have been better spent and a waste of resources? A young couple has opened a Catholic Worker House in my area – a starting place for my children to learn to care for the poor and the emptiness of excesses. Also – in my own home – a need to simplify, declutter, slow down and be still to hear the voice of God.
I always enjoy your meditations Mary.

By: Helene

Helene — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 18:12:54 +0000

Valid comments about kiddos. One is devout (we went searching for a RC Church in Delhi even); the other, like its father, always feels as if religion is taking him away from things he’d rather be doing. Not always possible to convert young people (or even older people) back to faith. I wish that the men in the family believed, but I’m never sure that they do. Conundrum indeed.

Your words are welcome, so pleased you shan’t give up.

By: Mary Ortwein

Mary Ortwein — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 17:43:08 +0000

Maureen,
God kept me on something approaching “one-day-at-a-time” for ministry decisions for seven years before I got clarity. It was very hard for me, a natural Myers-Briggs “NJ” who wants a big picture and plan. However, looking back, by working one task, one small project at a time, God was building the structure I needed. I just didn’t see it. Best wishes with your discernment.
Mary Ortwein

By: Maureen

Maureen — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 17:22:10 +0000

“Let me take the path you have chosen for me today.” Wow! I have never considered my faith journey as a one-day-at-a-time journey. I am so relieved that my notion of choosing the correct way, now, and for the future can be a one-day-at-a-time forward motion. I’ve always set my goal and then gone after It. I’m suddenly at a cross road and not sure of my next ministry. I’ve been searching for a sign from God and I think you just gave it to me. No need for a set goal. Just take it one day at a time. Wow! I thank God for making you my messenger!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 16:32:30 +0000

Thank you for sharing your talents. The chain of faith may break but God’s love and mercy are everlasting. The thief at the crucifixion is proof that it’s never too late to mend the broken link.

By: Chima

Chima — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 15:35:44 +0000

Thank you. God bless you

By: Mark Misencik

Mark Misencik — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 14:09:59 +0000

Hey Mary,

I looked at the title of your reflection and I wondered about it as it pertains to today’s readings.

Solomon, who has “a heart so wise and discerning that there has never been anyone like you until now, nor after you will there be anyone to equal you”, knew better but in the end still chose to do evil. The classic scenario of someone having everything and throwing it all away. In this case a Jewish king worshipping Canaanite gods.

The Syrophoenician woman, or in The Gospel according to Matthew, the Canaanite woman, is a person who is desperate. The classic situation of what do I have to lose. She will do anything for her child, including falling at the feet and begging a Jewish rabbi. A Canaanite worshipping the true God. (An aside, this woman had more courage than any person who had ever walked the face of the earth, nor has there been anyone to equal her. What she did was unbelievable.)

So, in comparing the readings, is it about fidelity? Well, yes. But I think it is more about worshipping the true God, no matter who you are.

Mark