Angel of Death - Story

Its time we realize what is most important

When the angel of death came to Joe Smith, to accompany him to his real home, Joe dismissively responded “I am not ready to die as I have so much left to do. Do you mind coming back later?”

Better Management of Church Finances

Francis, Bishop of Rome, has appointed an eight-member commission to study the function of the Vatican Bank, and to suggest steps to be taken to improve not only its functioning but also its integrity. For some years the Vatican Bank has been functioning like ‘a den of thieves’ (Mk 11.17). When John Paul I became the Bishop of Rome there was fear that he would go into the functioning of the Vatican Bank. That was one reason why he was murdered. The eight-member commission appointed by Francis has seven lay persons and only one cleric. The president of this commission is a lay person. Can we learn something from Francis?

Practical and Innovative Modern Furniture

Practica,l Innovative, Italian Furniture - Video

Only in Africa - In Pictures - Humour

  Ideas we could adopt ??? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tiger's Tail and Conversion

It has been said, “Be contented with what you have, but never too contented with what you are.”
There is a story that comes out of Asia about a farmer who saw a tiger’s tail swishing between two large rocks. In a moment of haste, he grabbed the tail and pulled. All of a sudden he realized he had an angry tiger by the tail and only two rocks stood between him and the tiger’s teeth and claws! So there he remained, afraid to loosen his grip on the enraged animal’s tail lest he surely be killed.
A monk happened by and the farmer called out in desperation, “Come over here and help me kill this tiger.”
The holy man said, “Oh, no. I cannot do that. I cannot take the life of another.” Then he went on to deliver a homily against killing. All the while, the farmer was holding tightly to the tail of an angry tiger.
When the monk finally finished his sermon, the farmer pleaded, “If you won’t kill the tiger, then at least come hold its tail while I kill it.”
The monk thought that perhaps it would be all right to simply hold the tiger’s tail, so he grabbed hold and pulled. The farmer, however, turned and walked away down the road.

Two wolves within us - Story

Feeding a wolf and reaping likewise

 

I once heard a story told about a Cherokee grandfather who was teaching his grandson about the life principles of his tribe. The grandfather said ‘on the inside of every person is a battle raging between two wolves. One wolf is evil. It is angry, jealous, proud, lazy, spiteful, hurtful and unforgiving. The other wolf is good and kind and full of self control. These two wolves fight constantly.’  For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption.

but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 6:8
The little grandson thought about this for a moment and then said ‘which wolf will win, Grandfather?’
The grandfather replied ‘whichever one you feed.’

16 Sunday C - Mary and Martha - Homilies

Thomas O’Loughlin
Introduction to the Celebration 

Welcome! Today we recall a small incident in the life of Jesus. Going along a road he came to a village and was welcomed into a house. There one sister, having to get the meal, complained that the other just sat and listened to Jesus; and Jesus says that this second sister, named Mary, ‘has chosen the better part and it is not to be taken from her’. This Mary is a model of discipleship for us. We are frequently busy with many things, but are we spending time listening to the voice of the Lord, are we reflecting on his wisdom, are we meditating on his goodness and wonder as we see it around us in the creation, are we recalling his gift of life, are we rejoicing in the presence of the Word made flesh? 

Neighbour? - Scared couple won't let in rape victim

"Where is my neighbor" continues to haunt us due to excessive fear from past experiences and reports - TK
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Nearly naked rape victim left outside as frightened homeowners call 911

 By Michael Martinez and Marlena Baldacci

 

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• A nearly naked woman in Florida flees a rapist's car just before midnight
• She bangs on homeowner's door, screaming for help
• The homeowner refuses to let the woman inside and instead calls 911
• Police find suspect, say citizens "unfortunately" now fear criminal set-ups

Good Samaritan - Today's Situation & Reactions

First a Prayer:

Lord, who is my neighbor?

-1 was hungry and you helped me buy rice, while trying for a long term solution to my emptiness.
-1 was a stranger in a city where everybody was suspicious of me, and you trusted me, and put me at ease.
-1 was unemployed, without clothes, food and money or security; you tried to help me find a job and rebuild my life.
-I was sick and unable to get into a hospital or see a doctor; you tried to find a hospital bed for me and a compassionate doctor who was more concerned about my health than the money I did not have.
-I was in trouble with the law for my mistakes, and you tried to defend me while encouraging me, to change my ways; as no lawyer came forward, I lost and went to prison for a time, during which you came to visit me without judging me.
-I had a motorcycle accident and profusely bleeding, you called the ambulance and the police while everyone was afraid to get involved.
-I was considered "low caste" by other folks and you tried to give me some status, face and pride in myself.
-In all these difficulties, you never really succeeded. You just tried and that enabled me to plod on for the moment.
-You stood by me and tried. That was all I needed to be myself in a place where I just existed.
-You did these simple, compassionate things until the day when all systems, institutions and hearts were changed into a new history.

Thank you for being my neighbor!
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