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Re: A Thread For Catholics by Rich4god(m): 4:42pm On Feb 13, 2016
bluerange:


I learnt that during my aspirancy days! Wasting of meals is not looked kindly upon.
Sadly, pple dont take it. I once saw this quote somewhere... "The tonnes of food wasted on earth in a year can feed the hungry for three years"... I dont know how true it is, but all I know is that, the food we waste is really over the bar.
Re: A Thread For Catholics by jnrbayano(m): 3:09pm On Feb 14, 2016
italo:


My wedding. Good evening.

Fine evening. Glad that IT is finally here. Thank God. smiley
Re: A Thread For Catholics by SalC: 3:56pm On Feb 14, 2016
jnrbayano:


Fine evening. Glad that IT is finally here. Thank God. smiley
Over to you and runaway Striky cheesy
Re: A Thread For Catholics by SalC: 3:56pm On Feb 14, 2016
Happy Val to you all brethren smiley
Re: A Thread For Catholics by Syncan(m): 12:24pm On Feb 15, 2016
Syncan:
From Today's readings LV 19:1-2, 11-18

“Speak to the whole assembly of the children of Israel and tell them: Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy.“You shall not steal.
You shall not lie or speak falsely to one another. You shall not swear falsely by my name..."


I praise the saints of the old testament and hold them a lot in high esteem, do you know why? I will tell you. There's this primary school maths book called lacombe maths, it was more difficult to grasp than the one in "Key to success". Even when it was difficult to comprehend physics using the book by Abbot, it was easier to understand same thing when you read from the one written by "PN Okeke and others", Or which is easier to comprehend prose between "Lonely Londoners" and "Eze goes to school". How easy was it to grasp chemistry using the book authored by "Holdernes and Lambert" to using the one authored by "Osei yaw Ababio". Modern day students use visual aids and it's much easier to understand things than earlier. So when God charged the Israelites to be Holy, His method of being holy, which was made up of thou shall not this, thou shall not that... was like using one of those old books to study.

I say this because in our relationships, It's never enough not to curse a child; you have to bless sometimes. You can't be termed affectionate just because you do not beat your wife; you have to caress her often. How can you be called kind for not defrauding your neighbor; you have to lend a helping hand too. This is just how it goes, It's ok not to do wrong, but you're better of doing right. Dear brethren, we are in the Lenten season, searching ourselves, seeking to desist from one vice or the other, to untangle ourselves from the bond of one sin or the other, yes, yes, it's good, yet the best way is to attempt the practice of the opposing virtues, let the glutton fast, let the slanderer praise, let the selfish show generosity, that's more like learning and understanding using the more modern and easier method. You will rise faster.


That's why the Master Himself, Our Lord Jesus, in teaching about Holiness in today's gospel, gave us an insight into what it demands when he said " ...Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me..." MT 25:31-46. This is what we'll be judged with, this is what will make us holier, this is what will bring us closer to God, this is what we need this lent. When you keep the "thou shall not do", that's ok, but if you don't settle for less, then you'll go for "thou shall do". Recall that when the man told Jesus that he had observed all the "thou shall not...", Jesus looked at him and Loved him, but when Jesus wanted something higher for him; he told him "thou shall do...". Mk 10:21.
May our Lady Intercede for us.

Good morning brethren, a splendid day ahead to all.


Same reading as today...a post from last year. Today let me walk in Prayer with you Rich4god, beloved brother, may our Lord Jesus look upon you with Love as you strive to keep his commandments, may his loving light direct your steps and secure your future.

Good day brethren, a splendid day ahead to all.

4 Likes

Re: A Thread For Catholics by Rich4god(m): 9:35pm On Feb 15, 2016
Syncan:


Same reading as today...a post from last year. Today let me walk in Prayer with you Rich4god, beloved brother, may our Lord Jesus look upon you with Love as you strive to keep his commandments, may his loving light direct your steps and secure your future.

Good day brethren, a splendid day ahead to all.

cool cool cool Thanks a lot...

1 Like

Re: A Thread For Catholics by Syncan(m): 7:46am On Feb 16, 2016
From Today's Gospel MT 6:7-15


"...This is how you are to pray:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

“If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions"....
"

How often have we heard these words "I can never forgive that", that's the way of men, yet we say the Lord's prayer everyday. Forgiveness, just like every act of true sacrifice comes with pain. And like such worthy acts, the joy that comes after; eclipses the pains that accompanied it. In forgiving, we display a trait we inherited from our father who is God, it is a proof of our sonship. The world knows that "to forgive is Divine", hence when you forgive, it is clear who you inherited it from and there is no need proving further your identity to yourself or anyone, for it is clear from which stock you came forth, aye, the household of God. "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us..." Really? Seriously? Is this the way we truly want it? Then stop holding God's Pardon for your offenses down, untie yourself, forgive that person... and earn yours too. Before us each time, examples are placed. Google the name Noel Pumarejo and you'll read something interesting.
Today, let me walk with you in prayers dear deracathy, may the boundless mercy of the Lord find you in your sacrifices; in this period of lent, may your life be securely planted in the hollow of God's hands.

Good morning brethren, a splendid day ahead to all.

3 Likes 1 Share

Re: A Thread For Catholics by Nobody: 11:27am On Feb 16, 2016
Syncan:
From Today's Gospel MT 6:7-15


"...This is how you are to pray:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

“If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions"....
"

How often have we heard these words "I can never forgive that", that's the way of men, yet we say the Lord's prayer everyday. Forgiveness, just like every act of true sacrifice comes with pain. And like such worthy acts, the joy that comes after; eclipses the pains that accompanied it. In forgiving, we display a trait we inherited from our father who is God, it is a proof of our sonship. The world knows that "to forgive is Divine", hence when you forgive, it is clear who you inherited it from and there is no need proving further your identity to yourself or anyone, for it is clear from which stock you came forth, aye, the household of God. "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us..." Really? Seriously? Is this the way we truly want it? Then stop holding God's Pardon for your offenses down, untie yourself, forgive that person... and earn yours too. Before us each time, examples are placed. Google the name Noel Pumarejo and you'll read something interesting.
Today, let me walk with you in prayers dear deracathy, may the boundless mercy of the Lord find you in your sacrifices; in this period of lent, may your life be securely planted in the hollow of God's hands.

Good morning brethren, a splendid day ahead to all.
wow.

thanks dear.

1 Like

Re: A Thread For Catholics by Syncan(m): 7:07am On Feb 17, 2016
From Today's Reading JON 3:1-10

"...When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes. Then he had this proclaimed throughout Nineveh, by decree of the king and his nobles: “Neither man nor beast, neither cattle nor sheep, shall taste anything; they shall not eat, nor shall they drink water. Man and beast shall be covered with sackcloth and call loudly to God; every man shall turn from his evil way and from the violence he has in hand. Who knows, God may relent and forgive, and withhold his blazing wrath, so that we shall not perish.” When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out".

Gospel LK 11:29-32

"...At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”


Every Lenten season, especially here on Nairaland, one reads as people try to dissuade Catholics from their fasts and abstinence. "who said you should not eat meat"; they say. "I can eat anything i like today and nothing will happen"; others say. "Putting ash on your face is a pagan ritual", some will say. "All these are man made rules"; another set will intone. Yet in this obvious display of ignorance, lukewarm Catholics are shaken and dry leaves fall. Brethren, whose commands did the people of Nineveh obey, God's or their King's...yet Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it.... When such attack is thrown at you O Catholic, it is only a test on your obedience, for what the devil prides itself in is disobedience, and that became its trademark. Just as forgiveness is an Identity of belonging to God, disobedience is a character of the devil. In this period of Penance, mortification, sacrifices etc, let's listen to the saints :

Obedience is a penance of reason, and, on that account, a sacrifice more acceptable than all corporal penances and mortifications. --Saint John of the Cross, Doctor of the Church

We must put aside all judgment of our own, and keep the mind ever ready and prompt to obey in all things the true Spouse of Christ our Lord, our holy Mother, the hierarchical Church. --Saint Ignatius of Loyola

He who always acts under obedience may be assured that he will not have to give an account of his actions to God. --Saint Philip Neri

Today, let me walk in prayers with you bro Aizenosa, as you humble your heart and show contrition in this period of lent, may the Lord not spurn, may He create a clean heart for you and renew in you a steadfast spirit.


Good morning brethren, a splendid day ahead to all.

5 Likes

Re: A Thread For Catholics by Syncan(m): 7:40am On Feb 18, 2016
From Today's Reading EST C:12, 14-16, 23-25
"Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish, had recourse to the LORD. She lay prostrate upon the ground, together with her handmaids, from morning until evening, and said: “God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you. Help me, who am alone and have no help but you,..."

Gospel MT 7:7-12
"Jesus said to his disciples:
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”
"

A musician named Jim Reeves once sang a song, it goes like this:

How long has it been since you talked with the Lord?
And told Him your heart's hidden secrets
How long since you prayed? How long since you stayed
On your knees till the light shone through
?

....
I have always loved to listen to that song, for it constantly reminds me of the source of my strength. When last did you truly pray, when last could you say "I talked to the lord"... "mother Mary spoke to me in my heart". When last did you feel a burden lifted from your shoulder after prayers? Jim will ask again:

How long has it been since your mind felt at ease?
How long since your heart knew no burden?
Can you call Him your friend?
How long has it been since you knew that He cared for you
?


The saints knew the power of prayer and utilized it. One good thing about prayer is that both the strong and the weak can pray, often times we get discouraged because we couldn't stand long periods of prayer, but I tell you not to be, for St. Benedict has this to say "Prayer ought to be short and pure, unless it be prolonged by the inspiration of Divine grace". So you see, even a short prayer ...like just before you sleep...could be very powerful, for the efficiency of prayer is not measured by its length. Jim reminds us:

How long has it been since you knelt by your bed
And prayed to the Lord up in heaven?
How long since you knew that he'd answer you
And would keep you the long night through?
?


Esther prayed; God answered her, and delivered her people. Talk with God in your everyday experiences, pray with your lips, pray in your heart, pray by your work, pray always. "Never is a man more manly then when he bends his knees before God" says a quote.
Today, let me walk in prayer with you dear MariaGoretti, as you go through this Lenten season, may your prayers find favor before our God, may your strength be renewed, and may your efforts find success.

Good morning brethren, a splendid day ahead to all.

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Re: A Thread For Catholics by SalC: 1:55pm On Feb 18, 2016
Keep em coming bro Syncan. More grace to you through Christ our Lord.

1 Like

Re: A Thread For Catholics by jnrbayano(m): 10:10pm On Feb 18, 2016
SalC:
Over to you and runaway Striky cheesy

You will get an invitation you won't be able to turn down.

cheesy
Re: A Thread For Catholics by SalC: 11:15pm On Feb 18, 2016
jnrbayano:


You will get an invitation you won't be able to turn down.

cheesy
Hurray!!!

cheesy
Re: A Thread For Catholics by Syncan(m): 6:37am On Feb 19, 2016
SalC:
Keep em coming bro Syncan. More grace to you through Christ our Lord.

Amen Amen, God bless you dearie.
Re: A Thread For Catholics by Syncan(m): 7:36am On Feb 19, 2016
From Today's Reading EZ 18:21-28

"Thus says the Lord GOD:
If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he shall not die...And if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil, the same kind of abominable things that the wicked man does,
can he do this and still live? None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered, because he has broken faith and committed sin; because of this, he shall die
".

Gospel MT 5:20-26

"You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment..."

People often write their autobiography, a peek into their lives. Can you do an autobiography of your life in the past 24hrs, with the readings of today in mind? Just a check on how your life weighed; considering virtues and vices, things done and things left undone....When I look back at mine, I cannot but sigh with the psalm of the day thus : " If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?". For "ordinary" anger against your brother, you are liable to judgement, albeit to determine if it was a just anger or not, and probably the length of time it lasted. Haba! God abhors sin, he punishes severely for it. His mercy however is exceedingly great, that He forgives every repentant heart. No where is this attributes of God so vividly displayed as on the cross and in the existence of Purgatory. Such huge payment on the cross for the reconciliation with man, and such severe punishment in purgatory for venial sins to save the soul. "How easy it is to lack respect in prayers, to prefer our ease to the accomplishment of duty, to sin by vanity, by impatience, by sensuality, by uncharitable thoughts and words, by wont of conformity to the will of God!" says a priest author. These faults have severe punishments in Purgatory, yet some just feel that God simply turn a blind eye to these faults of theirs, and chide you who watch out for them, confess them and ask for pardon, dreading the pains due to them in purgatory. It is you they still accuse of finding an easy way out by believing in purgatory, yet it is they who prepare to carry such faults to heaven, forgetting that "Nothing unclean shall enter..." Rev.21:27. Brethren, let's continue to examine or consciences for faults like these, as the church teaches us, let's not be moved by the snares and jeers of the proud and ignorant, a sincere and contrite heart the Lord will not spurn.
Today, let me walk in prayer with you Hurricanechris my brother, as you watch out for daily faults and make amends, may the Lord supply you with the necessary grace to overcome them, may you be clothed in virtues that you may be pleasing to Him.

Good morning brethren, a splendid day ahead to all.

4 Likes

Re: A Thread For Catholics by Kamsified: 9:42am On Feb 19, 2016
Good morning my brothers n sisters
Re: A Thread For Catholics by hurricaneChris: 11:00am On Feb 19, 2016
Syncan:
From Today's Reading EZ 18:21-28

"Thus says the Lord GOD:
If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he shall not die...And if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil, the same kind of abominable things that the wicked man does,
can he do this and still live? None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered, because he has broken faith and committed sin; because of this, he shall die
".

Gospel MT 5:20-26

"You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment..."

People often write their autobiography, a peek into their lives. Can you do an autobiography of your life in the past 24hrs, with the readings of today in mind? Just a check on how your life weighed; considering virtues and vices, things done and things left undone....When I look back at mine, I cannot but sigh with the psalm of the day thus : " If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?". For "ordinary" anger against your brother, you are liable to judgement, albeit to determine if it was a just anger or not, and probably the length of time it lasted. Haba! God abhors sin, he punishes severely for it. His mercy however is exceedingly great, that He forgives every repentant heart. No where is this attributes of God so vividly displayed as on the cross and in the existence of Purgatory. Such huge payment on the cross for the reconciliation with man, and such severe punishment in purgatory for venial sins to save the soul. "How easy it is to lack respect in prayers, to prefer our ease to the accomplishment of duty, to sin by vanity, by impatience, by sensuality, by uncharitable thoughts and words, by wont of conformity to the will of God!" says a priest author. These faults have severe punishments in Purgatory, yet some just feel that God simply turn a blind eye to these faults of theirs, and chide you who watch out for them, confess them and ask for pardon, dreading the pains due to them in purgatory. It is you they still accuse of finding an easy way out by believing in purgatory, yet it is they who prepare to carry such faults to heaven, forgetting that "Nothing unclean shall enter..." Rev.21:27. Brethren, let's continue to examine or consciences for faults like these, as the church teaches us, let's not be moved by the snares and jeers of the proud and ignorant, a sincere and contrite heart the Lord will not spurn.
Today, let me walk in prayer with you Hurricanechris my brother, as you watch out for daily faults and make amends, may the Lord supply you with the necessary grace to overcome them, may you be clothed in virtues that you may be pleasing to Him.

Good morning brethren, a splendid day ahead to all.

thanks bro. I always knew i could count on your prayer and good wills. Thank alot

1 Like

Re: A Thread For Catholics by Kamsified: 11:07am On Feb 19, 2016
SalC:
Kamsified....
Nnem sorry I missed your call
Good morning ma
Re: A Thread For Catholics by Kamsified: 11:08am On Feb 19, 2016
Rich4god:
Am equally looking for her...

I'm very sorry for my sudden disappearance. But I'm back for good now
Re: A Thread For Catholics by Kamsified: 11:15am On Feb 19, 2016
italo:


My wedding. Good evening.

Dancing 'Igwe'

Bros Italo, I pray The Lord will go before you to make the occasion a good success.

"He that findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtaineth favour from The Lord"
May this promise become real in your life Amen

Big Congrats bro as u take the bold step
Re: A Thread For Catholics by Kamsified: 11:18am On Feb 19, 2016
Syncan:
From Today's Reading EZ 18:21-28

"Thus says the Lord GOD:
If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he shall not die...And if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil, the same kind of abominable things that the wicked man does,
can he do this and still live? None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered, because he has broken faith and committed sin; because of this, he shall die
".

Gospel MT 5:20-26

"You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment..."

People often write their autobiography, a peek into their lives. Can you do an autobiography of your life in the past 24hrs, with the readings of today in mind? Just a check on how your life weighed; considering virtues and vices, things done and things left undone....When I look back at mine, I cannot but sigh with the psalm of the day thus : " If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?". For "ordinary" anger against your brother, you are liable to judgement, albeit to determine if it was a just anger or not, and probably the length of time it lasted. Haba! God abhors sin, he punishes severely for it. His mercy however is exceedingly great, that He forgives every repentant heart. No where is this attributes of God so vividly displayed as on the cross and in the existence of Purgatory. Such huge payment on the cross for the reconciliation with man, and such severe punishment in purgatory for venial sins to save the soul. "How easy it is to lack respect in prayers, to prefer our ease to the accomplishment of duty, to sin by vanity, by impatience, by sensuality, by uncharitable thoughts and words, by wont of conformity to the will of God!" says a priest author. These faults have severe punishments in Purgatory, yet some just feel that God simply turn a blind eye to these faults of theirs, and chide you who watch out for them, confess them and ask for pardon, dreading the pains due to them in purgatory. It is you they still accuse of finding an easy way out by believing in purgatory, yet it is they who prepare to carry such faults to heaven, forgetting that "Nothing unclean shall enter..." Rev.21:27. Brethren, let's continue to examine or consciences for faults like these, as the church teaches us, let's not be moved by the snares and jeers of the proud and ignorant, a sincere and contrite heart the Lord will not spurn.
Today, let me walk in prayer with you Hurricanechris my brother, as you watch out for daily faults and make amends, may the Lord supply you with the necessary grace to overcome them, may you be clothed in virtues that you may be pleasing to Him.

Good morning brethren, a splendid day ahead to all.

I still don't understand how this beautiful sermon has only hurricanechris name mentioned in it undecided
Not like Kamsified is hard to type
Re: A Thread For Catholics by italo: 11:27am On Feb 19, 2016
Kamsified:


Dancing 'Igwe'

Bros Italo, I pray The Lord will go before you to make the occasion a good success.

"He that findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtaineth favour from The Lord"
May this promise become real in your life Amen

Big Congrats bro as u take the bold step

Thank you. God bless you.

1 Like 1 Share

Re: A Thread For Catholics by Syncan(m): 11:34am On Feb 19, 2016
Kamsified:


I still don't understand how this beautiful sermon has only hurricanechris name mentioned in it undecided
Not like Kamsified is hard to type

cheesy cheesy cheesy
Re: A Thread For Catholics by hurricaneChris: 12:35pm On Feb 19, 2016
Kamsified:


I still don't understand how this beautiful sermon has only hurricanechris name mentioned in it undecided
Not like Kamsified is hard to type

kai! nwanyi oma, calm down grin grin

Your own time is coming. I felt humbled and surprised though cheesy
Re: A Thread For Catholics by abrahamind(m): 9:40pm On Feb 19, 2016
I will like to ask you one question
Why is it that catholic world believes in bowing to graven images while God in exodus 20 verse 4 says you should not.
All over the world graven images are all over catholic churches and they kneel to bow to it
Re: A Thread For Catholics by italo: 10:19pm On Feb 19, 2016
abrahamind:
I will like to ask you one question
Why is it that catholic world believes in bowing to graven images while God in exodus 20 verse 4 says you should not.
All over the world graven images are all over catholic churches and they kneel to bow to it

Read Joshua 7:6, then come back and tell me if Joshua and the Israelites bowed to graven images or not.

5 Likes 2 Shares

Re: A Thread For Catholics by Jennydoris(f): 10:28pm On Feb 19, 2016
abrahamind:
I will like to ask you one question
Why is it that catholic world believes in bowing to graven images while God in exodus 20 verse 4 says you should not.
All over the world graven images are all over catholic churches and they kneel to bow to it

Good evening Abrahamind..
Here is an answer to your question.
firstly, I will like to correct an impression which I know fully well that it is what prompted this question... We catholics do not worship or adore any "graven images".
And to your question... The Lord did not prohibit statues; he prohibited the adoration of them. If God truly meant that we were not to possess any statues at all, then he would later contradict himself. Just five chapters after this commandment in Exodus 20, God commanded Moses to build the ark of the Covenant, which would contain the presence of God and was to be venerated as the holiest place in all of Israel. Here is what God commanded Moses concerning the statues on it:
"And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on one end, and one cherub on the other end; of one piece with the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends" (Ex. 25:18–19).

In Numbers 21:8–9, not only did our Lord order Moses to make another statue in the form of a bronze serpent, he commanded the children of Israel to look to it in order to be healed. The context of the passage is one where Israel had rebelled against God, and a plague of deadly snakes was sent as a just punishment. This statue of a snake had no power of itself—we know from John 3:14 it was merely a type of Christ—but God used this image of a snake as an instrument to effect healing in his people.

Now come to think of it.. Why would God use these images of serpents, angels, palm trees, and open flowers? Why didn’t he heal the people directly rather than use a “graven image”? Why didn’t he command Moses and Solomon to build an ark and a temple void of any images at all?
First, God knows what his own commandments mean. He never condemned the use of statues absolutely. Second, God created man as a being who is essentially spiritual and physical. In order to draw us to himself, God uses both spiritual and physical means. He will use statues, the temple, or even creation itself to guide us to our heavenly home.

Psalm 19:1 tells us:

The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.”

So you see, it is not wrong for us to bow at the images of Christ or his saints. it is not idolatry to look at the beauty of God's creation. bowing does not necessarily entail adoration like you and some others maybe thinking. we Catholics take very seriously the biblical injunctions to praise and honour great members of God’s family. we bow down to the images that represents God's family and we do that irrespective of what people will say or do. it is part of us, it started from time immemorial and it's not going to stop or end not even in the next world to come! Thank you!

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Re: A Thread For Catholics by Syncan(m): 7:13am On Feb 20, 2016
From today's Gospel. MT 5:43-48


"Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect"
.”


As I read through this passage, I remember the holy father, Pope Francis. Presently there's a lot of noise in the media about what he said recently, in response to a question he was asked about a certain USA presidential candidate. This is an extract of what he said, the very one that caused the uproar "...and then, a person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian. This is not in the Gospel...I say only that this man is not Christian if he has said things like that. We must see if he said things in that way and in this I give the benefit of the doubt". That's the statement causing the noise, and I ask, what is the difference between what he said and what Jesus has just said above? We know a country known as North Korea, it is a close example of a country whose leaders build walls and not bridges, not Korea rulers are not Christians, if this candidate does same thing as the North Korean ruler, what is the difference between them? Yet people want to gag the Pope, the vicar of Christ, the visible shepherd of the Universal Church. We must check ourselves at all times, yeah I do this good work, but have i done it in a manner more than the pagans do? I'll give you an illustration. To be charitable is good, a wonderful obligation it is, even pagans do that too, but when you offer charity with the disposition of giving to a superior, then you are doing something the Pagan's don't. Ha, what's this guy saying....Well, let me put it this way: We give gifts to priests, bishops and our superiors, we express gratitude to them when they accept the gifts, why? Can such gratitude be felt when you give to the poor? That's where the difference lies. Let's look at this below and consider how we offer our charity.

"It was on this garrison duty at Amiens that the event took place that has been portrayed in art throughout the ages. On a bitterly cold winter day, the young tribune Martin rode through the gates, probably dressed in the regalia of his unit -- gleaming, flexible armor, ridged helmet, and a beautiful white cloak whose upper section was lined with lambswool. As he approached the gates he saw a beggar, with clothes so ragged that he was practically naked. The beggar must have been shaking and blue from the cold but no one reached out to help him. Martin, overcome with compassion, took off his mantle. In one quick stroke he slashed the lovely mantle in two with his sword, handed half to the freezing man and wrapped the remainder on his own shoulders. Many in the crowd thought this was so ridiculous a sight that they laughed and jeered but some realized that they were seeing Christian goodness. That night Martin dreamed that he saw Jesus wearing the half mantle he had given the beggar. Jesus said to the angels and saints that surrounded him, "See! this is the mantle that Martin, yet a catechumen, gave me." When he woke, it was the "yet a catechumen" that spurred Martin on and he went immediately to be baptized. He was eighteen years old." St. Martin of Tours

Question: Who is that poor fellow you are about to give alms to?

Today, let me walk in prayers with you Fvine. As you seek each day to do good in this period of lent, may the Lord visit you in your needs, may you be adorned in virtues and glory, as "someone sacred to the LORD, your God, as he promised.” Deut. 26:19

Good morning brethren, a splendid day ahead to all.

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Re: A Thread For Catholics by Kamsified: 10:49am On Feb 20, 2016
hurricaneChris:


kai! nwanyi oma, calm down grin grin

Your own time is coming. I felt humbled and surprised though cheesy

Lol I see he's walking with the brethren one at a time. Pardon my ignorance smiley
God bless bro Syncan for the encouragement daily
Re: A Thread For Catholics by Syncan(m): 11:43am On Feb 20, 2016
Kamsified:


Lol I see he's walking with the brethren one at a time. Pardon my ignorance smiley
God bless bro Syncan for the encouragement daily

Thanks Nne, God bless you too.
Re: A Thread For Catholics by SalC: 12:55pm On Feb 20, 2016
Kamsified:

Nnem sorry I missed your call
Good morning ma
Welcome back beloved, good to have you back
Re: A Thread For Catholics by SalC: 12:56pm On Feb 20, 2016
hurricaneChris:


thanks bro. I always knew i could count on your prayer and good wills. Thank alot
shocked cheesy

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