Category: Faith
10
by RetsamsGhost
Prayer last night (day 9 of lent) bought me a little Ignatian Examen prayer. I simple started my prayers the way I normally do and reviewed my day for any remnants of the following all too human tendencies: My fears My attachments My need for control Illusions of entitlement Each of these may not be readily apparent at first glance or very familiar friends … Read More 10
4
by RetsamsGhost
The morning of day 4 of our Lenten Journey that I share with 2.19 Billion Christians? It cannot be. A century ago there were only 600 million recorded. Yet it can feel like we are only 600 million strong. And even that number does not capture the loneliness of being a believer. Yes, having belief and faith in God can be a very lonely … Read More 4
The fallible Army of God
by RetsamsGhost
Arise each morning as if prepared for war. Your foe is admirable in strenght, in numbers, and persistence. Cleverer than most and evasive when needed, confrontational when least expected. You are keenly aware you cannot fight this war alone – but nor can you control your brothers in arms actions, the soildiers you may lead, or the superiors above you to make the right decisions … Read More The fallible Army of God
“Here the Cry of the Little Ones” Pope Francis
by RetsamsGhost
Today 190 Church leaders are meeting with Pope Francis to address the Sexual abuse crisis. Hidden underneath it is the patriarchal structure of the church. At least three NYT articles today are discussing current immorality of church leaders with abuse of Nuns, Children, and other related legacies and current day abuses. A recent NYT article[i] exposes hypocrisy of Southern Baptist presenting rapist as men … Read More “Here the Cry of the Little Ones” Pope Francis
Profit driven economies
by RetsamsGhost
If we were purely driven by animal instinctual needs and life and death were solely driven by survival of the herd decisions this would only be a sad consequence of natural selection and unfortunate gene mutation. It is a significant financial drain on the family and society to provide for a person with Down’s syndrome over a lifespan. It is evident, however, whether you … Read More Profit driven economies
Pope Francis under Siege, We are under Siege (and rightly so)
by RetsamsGhost
I want to be in Rome. I want to be by his side supporting and demanding a naive brand of Christianity with a firestorm of change that will create yet another schism in the church. Pope Francis, listen to me, but just five minutes, and act swiftly with your Papal Authority. After contemplation Pope Francis, tell me how foolish is my thoughts: Zero tolerance: … Read More Pope Francis under Siege, We are under Siege (and rightly so)
Transformation in Christ: Part X
by RetsamsGhost
Holy Sorrow: I have a pair of spectacles from my deceased brother that remain powerful to me long after his death. His death and the premature death of others close to me have challenged my faith in God as a pre-adolescent well into adulthood. Unexpected, unfair, violent, and premature deaths jolt our very core of an all-powerful God. I have been at times defenseless … Read More Transformation in Christ: Part X
Transformation in Christ: Part IX
by RetsamsGhost
Door Knockers: Two men in suits rang my bell today. There was no chime as the battery is dead. In a moment of weakness I ducked my head under a blanket and considered if they were politicians, Jehovah’ Witnesses, or unusual door to door sales men? I peered back out and the two were conversing casually patiently. Now the lead unwanted intruder into my … Read More Transformation in Christ: Part IX
Blasphemy of Alcoholics Anonymous?
by RetsamsGhost
Higher Power versus God Relapse versus Sobriety Misery versus Happiness The characters behind the scenes of the birth of Alcoholics Anonymous are numerous both at its inception as well as built on the pain, suffering, and deaths of alcoholics preceding them and to follow them. That being said Dr. Bob, Bill W., Anne Smith (Dr. Bob’s wife), Rev. Samuel M. Shoemaker[i], Frank Buchman and … Read More Blasphemy of Alcoholics Anonymous?
Radical Transformation: Part VII
by RetsamsGhost
Blessed Are the Peacemakers: (Chapter 13: Transformation in Christ by Dietrich Van Hildebrand) “It is a specific stigma of abysmal separation from God to maintain a quarrelsome and cantankerous attitude, a morbid delight in conflicts and bickering, a perverse pleasure derived from disharmony.” This is certainly a danger for every devout Christian who aspires to live a holy life and actively acts on … Read More Radical Transformation: Part VII
I, John
by RetsamsGhost
Imagine you are responsible for leading a community in both its daily civic life and in its spiritual commitment and dedication. You are held with great esteem by the community in and outside the church. You serve as an adviser for the politicians, a confessor for sinners, and a counselor and spiritual director for many. Your days run into each other with rapidity and … Read More I, John
Radical Transformation: Part V
by RetsamsGhost
Dietrich Von Hildebrand: Transformation in Christ (Chapter 9) On “Striving for Perfection” Who am I? What am I? Where am I today? Can you answer this question today? I believe most of us can. Give it a try. Briefly, write one or two sentences down now or just hold them aside for later reflection. Here is mine: “I am a clinical social worker, married, … Read More Radical Transformation: Part V
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