Inspirations

Sell What? Seriously?

Sometimes, the sayings of Jesus in the Gospel stories can feel distant from everyday reality, almost too impractical to live out in “real life.” Luke 12:32–40 is one of those passages that challenges us deeply: “Do not be afraid, little flock… Sell your possessions and give to the poor… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Sell everything? My house, my car, my clothes, my satellite dish?

At its heart, this is a question of priorities. It asks us to consider what truly matters in the life we have chosen as followers of Christ. Does a worker in Christ’s Kingdom really need another electronic gadget to impress their friends? When we are carrying the cross and helping lift up those who have fallen, do we still have room in our hands for a cell phone, a Game Boy, or an iPod?

Ultimately, Jesus’ words call us to place Him first and to seek the “purse that does not wear out.” When we do that, everything else begins to lose its grip on us and becomes far less important.

Mass Intentions

It is a good and meaningful practice to pray for those who have died, for the sick, and for special occasions in people’s lives. Having a Mass offered, along with sending a card to let someone know this is being done on their behalf, is a thoughtful way to show that you care and are asking the Lord to assist them in their need.

Mass offerings may be made, and cards for these intentions may be obtained, through the parish office.

What Really Matters?

No matter what you are called, what matters is where you arrive.
It is not about the comfort of your seat, but the ground on which you stand.
It is how you live, not your financial situation, that truly counts.
In the end, it is not the path itself, but your destination.

Prayer on a Summer Day

God our Father, this is one of Your perfect days. It is warm and sunny, and the whole earth seems filled with goodness. I can see, smell, and touch Your love all around me.

I see Your love in the woods and the garden, in the clear blue sky and the thick green grass. I hear Your love in the songs of the birds and in the laughter of children. I feel Your love in the warm sand between my toes and in the soft petals of flowers.

Thank You for the beautiful world You have given me.

Trusting Jesus

A poem compares our life with Jesus to two people riding a tandem bicycle. It says:

“At first, I sat in front, and Jesus sat behind me. I couldn’t see Him, but I knew He was there. I could feel His help whenever the road became steep.

Then one day, Jesus and I changed seats. Suddenly, everything seemed upside down. When I was in control, the ride was predictable, even a little boring. But when Jesus took over, it became wild. I could hardly hold on.

‘This is madness!’ I cried.

But Jesus just smiled and said, ‘Pedal.’

So I learned to stop arguing, keep pedaling, and trust my companion on the bike. There are still times when I become afraid and feel ready to quit. But Jesus turns around, touches my hand, smiles, and says, ‘Pedal.’”

Why do I find it so hard to trust my companion on the bike as much as I want to?

I may trust Jesus too little, but I can never trust Him too much.

Our Real Work

The Christian duty to work is often misunderstood. We tend to define work as productive activity in the marketplace, shop, office, or factory—in other words, what we do to earn a living. But making a living is not the only purpose of work. Apostolic work is also part of our calling: giving witness to Christ, sharing the Good News, and loving and serving God and His children here on earth.

This may surprise some of us. When we think of evangelization, we may imagine it as something done by the clergy or by missionaries in distant lands. We may also think of spiritual duties as something reserved for our spare time. But in our daily work, whatever our profession or responsibility may be, God calls us to be evangelists and apostles according to the gifts He has given us and the place where He has put us.

If we work only to earn income and acquire more possessions, we are not living the fullness of the Christian life. A true commitment to God means working and praying for His glory, and helping bring the message of Jesus to the world.

Death & Daybreak

When someone we love dies, it is not as though a light has been extinguished. Rather, it is as if a lamp has been gently blown out because the dawn has finally c

Building Materials

A man who had lived in selfish luxury died and went to heaven. An angel came to lead him to his home. As they walked, they passed many beautiful mansions, and each time the rich man thought, “Surely this one must be mine.”

But they kept going. They passed through the main street and came to the outskirts, where the houses were much smaller. At last, they stopped in front of a tiny hut.

“This is yours,” said the angel.

“This is my house? There must be some mistake!” the man protested.

“No,” the angel replied, “there is no mistake. This was the best we could build with the materials you sent ahead.”

The Devil & the Harvest

There is an old European story about a traveler who came upon a barn where the devil had stored seeds he planned to plant in human hearts. The bags were labeled with names such as “Hatred,” “Fear,” “Lust,” “Despair,” “Unforgiveness,” “Envy,” “Greed,” and “Drunkenness.”

The devil appeared from the shadows and began speaking with the traveler. With delight, he explained how easily these seeds took root in the hearts of men and women everywhere.

“Tell me,” the traveler asked, “are there any hearts where these seeds will not grow?”

Looking around carefully, the devil quietly admitted, “These seeds will never take root in the heart of a person who is kind, generous, thankful, and filled with joy.”