Some Things I Believe

Let me be clear:

1. I believe in the sanctity of life, from conception unto natural death.

2. I don't support abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, or euthanasia.

3. I believe that marriage is only between one man and one woman.

4. I believe that there are only two genders, male and female, as it has always been, and always will be.

5. I believe that God is the author of all life, and that He alone is in charge of all things, both seen and unseen.

If you choose to believe otherwise in all of the above named, that is solely between you and God.

From Goffine's Devout Instructions: ASH WEDNESDAY

Why is this day so called? 

Because on this day the Catholic Church blesses ashes and puts them on the foreheads of the faithful, saying, “Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust shalt thou return.” (Genesis 3:19)

Why are the ashes blessed?

1. That all who receive them with a contrite heart may be preserved in soul and body.
2. That God may give them contrition, and pardon their sins.
3. That he may grant them all they humbly ask for, particularly the grace to do penance, and the reward promised to the truly penitent (Roman Missal).

Why are the faithful sprinkled with ashes?

The sprinkling with ashes was always a public sign of penance; as such, God enjoined it upon the Israelites (Jeremiah 25:34). David sprinkled ashes on his bread (Psalm 101:10). The Ninevites (Jonas 3:16), Judith (Judith 9:1), Mordecai (Esther 4:1), Job (62:6), and others, did penance in sack cloth and ashes.

How should we receive the blessed ashes?

1. According to the intention with which they are blessed and sprinkled upon the heads of the faithful.
2. In humility, remembering and confessing that we are dust and ashes, and that for our sins we shall return to ashes again.
3. To testify before God and man that we are willing to commence the holy season of Lent, and are not ashamed to follow Christ, doing penance publicly, and bearing the ashes on our foreheads. To show the spirit of penance and to move God to mercy, the Church, at the Introit of the Mass, uses the following words (Wisdom 11:24,25): “Thou hast mercy upon all, Lord, and hatest none of the things which thou hast made, overlook ing the sins of men for the sake of repentance, and sparing them, for thou art the Lord our God. Have mercy on me, God, for my soul trusteth in thee.” Glory be to the Father.

Prayer

Grant to thy faithful, O Lord, that they may begin the venerable solemnities of fasting with becoming piety, and perform them with undisturbed devotion, through Christ.

Epistle

(Joel 2:12-19) Thus saith the Lord: Be converted to me with all your heart, in fasting, and in weeping, and in mourning. And rend your hearts, and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, patient and rich in mercy, and ready to repent of the evil. Who knoweth but he will return, and forgive and leave a blessing behind him, sacrifice and libation to the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly Gather together the people, sanctify the church, assemble the ancient, gather together the little ones, and them that suck at the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth from his bed, and the bride out of her bride-chamber. Between the porch and the altar the priests, the Lord’s ministers, shall weep, and shall say: Spare, Lord, spare thy people, and give not thy inheritance to reproach, that the heathens should rule over them. Why should they say among the nations: Where is their God? The Lord hath been zealous for his land, and hath spared his people. And the Lord answered and said to his people: Behold I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and you shall be filled with them, and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations, saith the Lord Almighty.

Explanation

The prophet, in these words, calls upon the Israelites to be converted, reminding them of the great mercy of God, and exhorting them to join true repentance for their sins with their fasting and alms. They should all, without exception, do penance and implore the mercy of God, who would then forgive them, deliver them from their enemies, and bring peace and happiness upon them.

Gospel

(Saint Matthew 6:16-21) At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: When you fast, be not tea the hypocrites, sad. For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face, that thou appear not to men to fast, but to thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret, will repay thee. Lay not up to yourselves treasures on earth: where the rust and moth consume, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven: where neither rust nor moth doth consume, and where thieves do not break through, nor steal. For where thy treasure is, there is thy heart also.

How do hypocrites receive their reward?

They receive their reward from men, and have nothing else to expect, for only works done for eternity will be eternally rewarded. Such are those that are done for God’s sake, add with his assistance. The true Christian lives in God, and in truth; but to live with the world and for mere appearance, is contrary to the life of Christians. All those persons therefore are to be counted among hypocrites who observe the obligation of fasting merely in order not to be censured by men, and not to appear without faith or religion; so too are those who pretend to be sick that they may be dispensed from fasting.

What did Christ mean when he said, but thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head and wash thy face?

To anoint the head and wash the face, were, in the East, the tokens of cleanliness and propriety. By these words, there fore, Jesus said as much as, “When you fast appear as usual, and do not make a show of your fasting, by your singularity.”

Why does Christ join contempt for earthly treasures with fasting?

To take away the miserable pretence of those who fast from avarice, and on account of the petty saving. “Let us fast,” says Saint Augustine, “that the savings may be deposited by the hands of the poor in the treasury of Jesus Christ, and not serve as a nourishment for our avarice. Where thy treasure is, there is thy heart also.” Wherever that is which thou lovest best, there are thy desires, thy thoughts, thy works. Is thy treasure of the earth, thy desire will be of the earth also, and will perish with it. Is thy treasure in heaven, thy thoughts and works will be there also, and remain forever.

Meditation

Jesus goes with his disciples to Mount Olivet. Be thou also prepared for the combat.

Prayer of the Church over the People

We bow down before thy majesty, O Lord; look upon us in mercy, that, comforted by divine gifts, we may always be nourished by heavenly assistance. Amen.

– Goffine’s Devout Instructions

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions for June 2018

Universal- Social Networks

That social networks may work towards that inclusiveness which respects others for their differences.

A Little Fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

My birthday will be on May 22, 2 weeks from today. To celebrate my upcoming sixty-third birthday, I decided this year, to create a fundraiser on Facebook to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. St. Jude is also my Patron Saint.

I've chosen this nonprofit because their mission means a lot to me, and I hope you'll consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me. Every little bit will help me reach my goal.

https://www.facebook.com/donate/571624399877949/1873367949360318/

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions for April 2018

For Those who have Responsibility in Economic Matters

That economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths.

Alleluia! For He is Risen!

Alleluia!

For He is Risen!

By His Life, Death, and Resurrection,

All who believe and trust in Him are saved.

Man has been lifted from corruption

And shares in His Incorruptible Glory!

Man who lived in darkness

Now has the Eternal Light of His

Blessed and Glorious Kingdom forever!

For He is Christ the Lord!

Alleluia!

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions for March 2018

Formation in Spiritual Discernment

That the Church may appreciate the urgency of formation in spiritual discernment, both on the personal and communitarian levels.

A World Going Mad

This country has lost it's ever loving mind. Everything that we hold to be true, just, and moral is belittled, lied about, and we get treated as if we are ignorant and out of touch with reality.

We believe that all are created in the Image of God, and all have an inalienable right to life. We believe God when He told us that He knew us before He made us. Then we are called misogynists, backwards, and "anti-choice" for our belief.

We believe that marriage is only between one man and one woman, and that their union is inviolable and Blessed by Christ. Then we are called homophobes, anti-gay, and bigots because we believe what God Himself has commanded.

We believe that God created two genders only. Male and female He made them. Anything other than that is a novelty created by some confused, ill people and their enablers. Yet we hear that we are hate filled religious zealots and bigots, even when we can rightly see what Natural Law and Nature's Infallible Author has made.

We believe in the healing power of prayer, not just for illness of the body, but also for the healing of the soul and of the mind, that brings us closer to God, and imparts to us a portion of His Mercy, Love, and Grace. We are called fools for believing in an "invisible man in the sky", whom they say doesn't exist.

I see all of these things that we are ridiculed, ostracized, and persecuted for believing, and it makes me realize this simple truth. That until the day arrives that this nation, it's people, and it's leaders falls on our knees, bows our heads, and pleads for God's Forgiveness and Mercy...until that day...we are going to see more days like the mass shooting in Florida. Worse days, that will make that day seem like a walk in the park.

Pray to God now, that it won't be so.

Personal Prayer Request

I would appreciate your prayers for a personal situation I am going through at this time. God knows the need, so I will place it in His hands.

Thank you, and may God Bless you all!!

Yours In Christ,

Steve Smith

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions for February 2018

Say "No" to Corruption

That those who have material, political or spiritual power may resist any lure of corruption.

Prayer to End Abortion

Note: This prayer was written by Father Frank Pavone, National Director Priests for Life.

Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life,

And for the lives of all my brothers and sisters.

I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion,

Yet I rejoice that you have conquered death by the Resurrection of Your Son.

I am ready to do my part in ending abortion.

Today I commit myself

Never to be silent,

Never to be passive,

Never to be forgetful of the unborn.

I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement,

And never to stop defending life

Until all my brothers and sisters are protected,

And our nation once again becomes

A nation with liberty and justice

Not just for some, but for all,

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.