A Note from God

As you got up this morning, I watched you, and hoped you would talk to me, even if it was just a few words, asking my opinion or thanking me for something good that happened in your life yesterday. But I noticed you were too busy, trying to find the right outfit to wear. When you ran around the house getting ready, I knew there would be a few minutes for you to stop and say hello, but you were too busy. At one point you had to wait, fifteen minutes with nothing to do except sit in a chair. Then I saw you spring to your feet. I thought you wanted to talk to me, but you ran to the phone and called a friend to get the latest gossip instead. I waited patiently all day long. With all your activities I guess you were too busy to say anything to me. I noticed that before eating your lunch you briefly debated talking to me, but after a quick glance around, decided that it might be too embarassing, even though some friends of yours two tables across did bow their heads and pray. That's okay. There is still more time left, and I hope that you will talk to me yet. You went home and it seems as if you had lots of things to do. After a few of them were done, you turned on the TV. I don't know if you like TV or not, just about anything goes there and you spend lot of time each day in front of it not thinking about anything, just enjoying the show. I waited patiently again as you watched the TV and ate your meal, but again you didn't talk to me. Bedtime I guess you felt too tired. After you said good night to your family you popped into bed and fell asleep in no time. That's okay because you may not realize that I am always there for you. I've got patience, more than you will ever know. I even want to teach you how to be patient with others as well. I love you so much that I wait everyday for a nod, prayer or thought or a thankful part of your heart. It is hard to have a one-sided conversation. Well, you are getting up once again. And once again I will wait, with nothing but love for you. Hoping that today you will give me some time. Have a nice day!

Heaven's Very Special Child By Edna Massimilla

A meeting was held quite far from earth
It's time again for another birth
Said the angels to the Lord above
"This special child will need much love.
He may not run or laugh or play
His thoughts may seem quite far away
In many ways he won't adapt
And he'll be known as handicapped.
So let's be careful where he's sent
We want his life to be content.
Please Lord find the parents who
Will do this special job for you.
They will not realise right away
The leading role they're asked to play
But with this child sent from Above
Comes stronger faith and richer love
And soon they'll know the privilege given
In caring for their gift from Heaven
Their precious charge so meek and mild
Is Heaven's Very Special Child".

This lovely poem was sent in by Flavia who is a parent of one such child. She believes their lives are all the more richer because of him.

Sr. Manners is Gossipy!

Barbara writes:

Although the column Sr. Manners Goes to Mass does catch my attention, it comes across to me as"uppity" and "gossipy." What is there such much emphasis on this impression that Sr. Manners has that everyone is trying to be the center of attention? I was instructed that we are to make a gesture of reverence before receiving communion. Bow, genuflect, or the sign of the cross. Is that incorrect? I pray on my way up to communion and focus on theLord. If someone wants to joyfully sing, great. I show reverence differently. The column is becoming a turn-off for me. Kindness and patience go a long way in regards to mothers with children in tow. Glares and rude comments are not loving. So you miss a few sentences ofthe sermon...so what? Please quit focusing on the externals and quit judging the intentions of Catholics who are trying to show reverence and love for Jesus.

Sr. Manners is Wrong!

Valerie Doherty writes:

I'm afraid I have to seriously disagree wtih Sr. Manners re how one receives Holy Communion. A traditional Catholic would NEVER receive Holy Communion from a eucharistic minister. I never do, and will change lanes (when I attend the Novus Ordo church, which is rare), but I do so discretely. Also, I NEVER receive on the hand.

Eucharistic ministers were only meant to be used if priests were scarce. Nowadays, it's trendy to have more eucharistic ministers than priests and for the priest to sit back and let them get on with it.

No Catholic should EVER receive Our Lord on the hand. This is another rule that did not come from the Pope, but from trendy bishops who no longer believe in Our Lord's sacred presence in Holy Communion.

Sr. Manners is wrong!

The Lazarus Symptom

15 year old Lenville has a question. Readers are invited to answer.

In the year 1244, at age 29, King Louis IX of France "died" of plague. During his funeral ceremony, to everyone's horror, he sat up in his coffin. He lived for another 26 years. Similar incidents take place even now where people look like they are dead but are actually still alive. What is the viewpoint of scientists as well as the Catholic Church on this particular symptom?

Reordering Our Priorities

Dana Donia writes:

I just finished reading the article by Fr. Peter deSousa titled Reordering Our Priorities and wish to say a hearty AMEN!!!

I used to live in a lay apostolate community (Madonna House in Combermere, Ont. Canada) and living the Gospel was the code we followed. To the best of everyone's ability we lived vows of poverty, chastity and obedience following Christ's example in the Gospels. I have always felt that this model was what was originally intended - for married/single/religious alike.

So I just wanted to say "thank you" to Fr. deSousa for his article - I hope many read it and feel called to really look at their priorities through Christ's eyes and reorder them where the need is greatest.