Thankful Spirit

by David Lins  |  11/28/2021  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

Hello Friends,

It’s been a bit difficult to be in the thankful spirit lately.

The past month has been a time of unprecedented illness for me. I’ve managed to burn through every last sick day I stored up during the pandemic and then some. (There are few things I covet more than vacation days and using them for sick days hurts my soul.) In the end, this time is reminding me of the awesome grace of those who live joyfully with chronic illness.

I do not comprehend how you do it!

My various symptoms are conspiring to make me a grumpy monster swimming in self-pity.

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Jesus Christ the King

by David Lins  |  11/20/2021  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

Did you ever notice how often Jesus answers a question with another question? It turns out, in all four Gospel accounts, Jesus answering a question with a question is the norm, rather than the exception. Since He calls Himself “the way” (Jn 14:6) there must be something for us to learn and imitate from this, as in everything Jesus says and does.

There are two helpful lessons we can learn from Jesus’ questioning: One involves being a better missionary, and the second involves being a better friend. It’s worth looking at each.

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by David Lins  |  11/14/2021  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

For many, the end of the world is a terrifying thought. What else do we know, except this world? How can we conceive of it all going away and something unfamiliar and unknown beginning? Everything about our Faith is “good news”. To profess otherwise is to declare that God is not all-good. So what’s going to happen when the earth as we know it comes to an end and how is it “good news”?

When the “appointed time” (Dan 8:19) has come, Christ will appear: “They will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Lk 21:27). Everyone will be compelled to acknowledge that Jesus is Lord! No more feeling alone in our belief or being quietly tolerated as “naïve” or lacking in scientific knowledge. We will rejoice that our faith in Christ is totally affirmed.

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Thank You!

by David Lins  |  11/07/2021  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

This weekend’s Gospel touches on the poor widow who contributes all that she has to give. I feel there is no better time to thank all of you who financially contribute to our parish.

I’ve worked side by side with incredible Catholics (your parish staff) for almost six years. They work hard. They are deeply aware of the importance of their work. They are completely cognizant of the sacrifice that makes their work possible.

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