Sunday, September 18, 2011

Are We Longing?

St. Paul said to the Philippians in today's second reading (Phil 1:23):

I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better.

I almost skimmed past that statement without really thinking about it.

Are we really longing to depart this life?

Are we really?

Then what are we collecting all this stuff for?  

Why are we worrying about all the things we worry about?

Why aren't we spending our time differently?* 

Of course, I want to be in Heaven with Jesus as much as you do.  But if aliens came down from outer space and looked at my life, there is no way they would say I was "longing to depart this life."

Not by a long shot. 

God Bless you.

*  Now that I am an honorary author over at the Community of Catholic Bloggers, I thought it would be fun to do two posts on the same topic.  So click over to my post there to see the mathematical equation St. Paul inspired me to create ....  then read the posts from the other authors for some actual good content ;)

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Perspective: Forgiveness

Two weeks ago someone rear-ended my car.  Nothing bad, just a few scratches.  But the woman was texting or talking on the phone instead of paying attention, so I was steaming mad when it happened.  I held a grudge for a good week until I finally forgave her.

A month ago someone tried to derail my project at work by fudging data. I was angry at him for days before I finally forgave him.

Ten years ago today, a group of terrorists killed thousands of innocent people here in the United States.  Even though I was not physically affected, there is still anger in my heart, and I'm not quite sure I have completely forgiven them to this day.

But two thousand years ago, a loving, innocent, Holy man by the name of Jesus was hunted, beaten, mocked, embarrassed in front of his loved ones, nailed to pieces of wood and left to die.

And he forgave them while it was happening .... 


God Bless you, and prayers for those souls and families affected by the horrible events of 9/11.