David, Goliath & the 5 greatest enemies to God being glorified in your life

Posted by Thomas Smith on Jan 18, 2012 in Sundries | 1 comment

One of my favorite places to take pilgrims when I guide Catholics through the Holy Land is the Brook Elah in the broad valley where the Israelites faced off against the Philistines and their champion, Goliath of Gath (1 Samuel 17).  It is a narrative that has fascinated me since I was a young boy, and it is our first reading in today’s Mass.  As you probably recall, the Israelites were paralyzed with fear, listening to weeks of mocking of their God by their enemy, the Philistines and Goliath, in particular.  Even the hero-king Saul would not face off against the towering warrior from Gath.

The Holy Spirit and Mary: Iconographers of the Christian soul

Posted by Thomas Smith on Jan 8, 2012 in Sundries | 2 comments

There are many important themes that one could explore on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, for my part, I want to turn our attention to an often forgotten element, the presence of the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:10). I don’t think we talk about Him enough!  He is not simply a force, bond or power, but rather a full Divine Person, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son, worthy of our worship and prayer. United with the Father and the Son, the Holy Spirit is actively at work in every area of the Church’s life:  He acts in our sacraments, bestows the Church with her hierarchical and charismatic gifts, is the source of our life and holiness, compels us towards Christian unity, and even prays for us (Rom. 8:27).  Talk about a Friend in high places!

Ever Wonder What Kind of New Year’s Resolutions the Saints Made?

Posted by Thomas Smith on Dec 31, 2011 in Sundries | 2 comments

13 General Resolutions from St. Faustina’s Diary:

861. Particular examen: remains the same; namely, to unite myself with the Merciful Christ (that is; what would Christ do in such and such a case?) and, in spirit, to embrace the whole world, especially Russia and Spain

I. Strict observance of silence – interior silence.

II. To see the image of God in every sister; all love of neighbor must flow from this motive.

III. To do the will of God faithfully at every moment of my life and to live by this.