Aaronic Blessing

 

 

 Numbers 6:22-27

 The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn His face toward you
and give you peace.

 New Year's Eve, 2012 A.D.

A theory of soul

My mother died of a brain tumour in 1976. For the last two weeks of her life she was in a coma, in the hospital. She was completely non-responsive. As I sat by her bed, I wondered. "Where is she?" Obviously, her physical body was there, in front of me, in the hospital bed. It was her soul that I wondered about.

As a Christian, I believed that humans are made up of body and soul. The body is physical, made of matter, created by God to live on earth for a limited time, and then to die. I was in the process of witnessing the final stage of Mom's bodily existence. It was heartbreaking, because she was the best parent anyone could ever have been privileged to have.

It would have been more bearable if I could have been assured that her soul or spirit, her essence, the part of her that knew and loved me, her grandchildren, our other family members and friends was no longer there, or perhaps was poised on the brink of eternity, ready and anxious to shed this gravely-ill body and proceed on the journey to her heavenly home.

I asked the devout hospital chaplain who had presided at the passing of numerous patients. "Father Michael, where is Mother's soul right now?"

He tried but he couldn't give me an answer that satisfied me. "Maybe God has some matters to take up with her before she goes. Or, perhaps she's using up some of her time in Purgatory."

That really didn't suffice. God was soon to have all eternity to sort things out with Mother. Besides, the Sacrament of the Sick, which she had received, removed all punishment due to sins committed during life. She shouldn't have to spend any time in Purgatory. Those were his best guesses, so I didn't press for more. But I continued to wonder.

For over 30 years, I've continued to wonder. The puzzle had become extended during this time, it now included those with brain injuries, Alzheimer's sufferers, even surgical patients under anaesthetic. Where is the person's soul during these times?

The body is physical, but the soul is spirit. Anaesthetics, trauma or disease should not be able affect the spirit, should it? Then, one night recently I finally heard an answer that made sense to me.

I've formed the habit of listening to the "Coast to Coast" radio program with George Noory on my Sony Walkman during the night. It helps when I can't sleep, and George's soothing voice doesn't disturb my slumbers, when I do nod off.

Some of the guests have very far-out ideas, some have vivid imaginations, and others are very interesting. One evening, a call-in listener who had been pondering the same puzzle as I had, came up with what seemed to me to be a reasonable explanation.

The brain is physical, it is part of the body. Its function is to collect information from the earth plane, using the five senses and to transfer the data to the mind. The brain is like a computer. It gathers information and transmits it to the mind. The computer can be damaged, or it can crash entirely.

The mind, or soul is spirit. During life, it receives and processes information the brain transmits. The mind thinks, makes decisions, feels emotions, knows people and places the body has been in contact with during life. The mind is superior to the brain. It is eternal.

When the brain becomes diseased, unconscious, or anaesthetized, the computer stops working. The mind is still present and functional, but the connection to the brain has been broken.

Where is the mind, during these times? Probably hovering near, as radio, TV and electrical waves are always around us, even when no receiving device is plugged in.

When the brain is out-of-order, the mind doesn't break through into the physical realm to make its presence known. It probably hovers near the ailing body, waiting to be fully released from its mortal bond. When the brain dies, the soul or mind proceeds to its eternal home.

I have no theological authorities to confirm this theory, I can only state that it satisfies me. After more than 30 years, I feel I know where Mother's mind was during those final days when she was in a coma. She was very near all the time, probably praying for her loved ones to be given peace and courage, even as we prayed for her to have an easy journey to her heavenly home.  

Love

Christmas in Heaven

 

I see the countless Christmas Trees
around the world below,
with tiny lights, like heaven's stars,
reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular,
please wipe away that tear,
for I am spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear,
but the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,
the joy their voices bring,
for it is beyond description,
to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me.
I see the pain inside your heart,
but I am not so far away.
We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me dear ones.
You know I hold you dear,
and be glad I'm spending Christmas,
with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift,
from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of,
my undying love.

After all "LOVE" is the gift,
more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important
in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,
as my Father said to do,
for I can't count the blessings
or love He has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas
and wipe away that tear,
Remember, I'm spending Christmas,
with Jesus Christ this year.                           Author unknown

 

Haiku: God

Add caption

                                                      

Awesome uncaused Cause, 

Creator of all that is,

Unfathomable.

Why Go to Church?

 

Why Go to Church?
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals But I do know this.. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!

                                                      Anon.

Reflection on a granddaughter's graduation from high school

As preparations were made for my granddaughter Heather's prom this Spring, I couldn't help recalling a similar occasion fifty years ago. In the all-girl Catholic school I attended, the grand event was called, "The Graduation Dance".

The panicky feeling began to build right after Christmas holidays. The girls were looking forward, with varying degrees of anticipation and anxiety, to the dance. Everyone was expected to attend. However, for many of us there was a formidable challenge to be overcome first: we had to find and invite a suitable escort.

A few of the girls already had boyfriends. Those with brothers could always ask one of his pals, or if all else failed, the sibling might be threatened or bribed to go himself. Some girls traded brothers or male cousins for the evening. Unfortunately, my friend Frances and I were socially challenged: we had only one younger sister apiece.

We had attended all-girl schools since first grade and teenage boys were scarce in our social circle. If one approached me on the street, I'd cross to the other side after a rapid internal debate. "Should I speak? What if I spoke and he didn't answer? What if he did? What could I say next?" I'd invariably decide it was easier to avoid the whole problem. However this was a situation I couldn't escape. I had to find an escort, or be considered a social outcast forever.

First, I invited the boy who delivered groceries. He said, "That's the day my grandfather died. I always visit the cemetery. Sorry." In the evening? In the dark? At least he deserved an A for originality.

Next, I called the older brother of my sister's friend. When he finally figured out who I was and what I wanted, there was a long moment of silence. Then he squawked abruptly: "I think my mother's calling me," and dropped the receiver. He returned shortly to say that he was very sorry, but he had a previous engagement. I could hear the relief in his voice; his mother had saved his neck.

My mother was doing her best to help. She methodically canvassed her friends with sons of an appropriate age, but she had no luck. Things were getting desperate! I began to wonder, "If a person decided to enter the convent, could she go right away, before June 5th.?"

Mother, never one to concede defeat, was considering importing a cousin from up north. He was younger, but tall for his age. If I could convince him to keep quiet about our kinship, he might even pass for a real boyfriend!

Suddenly, the phone rang. Frances' mother had had a nibble! There was one problem: the boy wanted to bring a pal. Would I go with his friend? Was she kidding? Good-bye convent, hello dance!

The preparations began in earnest. Long gowns, matching shoes, gloves, and evening bags were purchased. The good Sisters had warned us repeatedly not to wear strapless evening gowns, in fashion that season, but they failed to tell us why. Our curiosity was thoroughly aroused and some of the more daring among us might have tried, but we knew we'd never get away with it! Someone would squeal.

We practiced for hours, dancing in high heels to the music of the record player. It would be most unladylike to fall flat on one's face in the middle of the dance floor!

After 50 years, I can't remember much about the dance but I do remember the boy. His name was Gerry, and he was as wary of me as I was of him. I spent the evening trying to make him feel more at ease. If he panicked and made a break for the door in the middle of the evening, it would have been more embarrassing than not having gone at all!

Fortunately, circumstances have improved during the past half-century. Heather, who has always been in a coed situation in school, is perfectly comfortable with friends of both sexes. She went to her prom with a group of girlfriends. There was no anxiety, no pressure, just an evening of elegance and fun shared with peers.

To all the graduates of 2007, enjoy the prom, the last hurrah of your secondary school career. You should smile with satisfaction and confidence as you doze off after the big evening. You will soon realize that nothing lasts forever and tomorrow will be a big day too. It will be the first day of the rest of your life

How does someone become a saint?

For Catholics, canonization it is a formal declaration by the pope that the person named is in heaven. There is a definite procedure the Church follows before the Pope will declare a new saint.

A detailed investigation is conducted into the person's earthly life, to make sure he or she committed no serious, ongoing sin. In addition, there must be evidence presented of at least two scientifically-proven miracles which occurred after this person had died and their help was sought in prayer.

There are many saints in heaven whose names are unknown. They are holy people who lived lives of quiet sanctity without attracting attention. Many people have family members in this category.

Imagine, if you will, the saints' present situation. They are eternally happy, praising God in heaven. However, just as their family members and friends do not forget them, they do not forget those they left behind on earth. They are in a splendid position to petition the Almighty for favours to help their loved ones on earth. They are close to the throne of the God of infinite love. They can ask more effectively and powerfully than folks on earth who are easily distracted and plagued by doubts which assail their already weak faith.

Catholics do not pray to saints. Rather, they ask the help of saints in bringing requests to God. They honour the saints; they study the lives of the saints and use them for role models. Devout parents often give their child the name of a saint, thus asking the holy one to look out for the child, guide him through life and help him attain heaven.

Catholics look upon the saints as friends, helpers, human beings who have successfully completed their earthly journey. Catholics believe in the doctrine of "The Communion of Saints", as mentioned in the Apostles' Creed.

There are three levels of existence in which a human may find himself or herself. Those on earth, are referred to as the church militant. They are struggling against temptations from the world, the flesh and the devil. They can pray for the souls in Purgatory. They can ask for help from the saints in heaven.

Souls in heaven are referred to as the church triumphant. They are the saints, both known and unknown who have reached their goal. They can pray for those on earth, and also for the souls in Purgatory.

 Those in Purgatory are called the church suffering. These souls left earth with some sins or imperfections on their souls. They are undergoing a purifying process which will make them fit to enter the perfection of heaven. Their time of suffering can be lessened by the intercession of those in heaven and those on earth.

The "Communion of Saints" is a circle of friends on a cosmic scale. It's been said that Christians don't go to heaven alone. They go with and through other people. The Church community transcends time and space as we know it.

Catholics, then, do not pray to saints as they pray to God. Catholics ask the saints to present their prayers to the Almighty from the more advantageous position which the saints enjoy. The scores of requests granted through the intercession of the saints are convincing testimony to the effectiveness of this tradition.

Memoirs: First Day in Grade One

The most memorable first day in Grade 1 for me, was that of my sister. I'll never forget it because it scared the daylights out of me. Although I wasn't directly involved, I expected the fallout from her undisciplined antics would result in lightning bolts, excommunication,or leprosy, or maybe all three, to be visited on our hapless family.

The year was 1946 and the setting was the cloakroom of our Catholic girls' school. The characters were the first-grade teacher, Sister Emmanuella, my mother, my sister, Mary Elizabeth, a group of little girls gathered around to see the new student, and me.

Sister Emanuella was a sturdy woman, dressed in the traditional habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph: long black dress, veil, and shoes with a white wimple around the neck. From the black cord around her waist hung a large wooden rosary. It reached almost to the floor and beads clunked against each other when she walked fast. She was a strict disciplinarian, and all the students (and parents) had a healthy respect for her.

Mother, (a recent convert from Presbyterianism) was a doting parent, and she might be forgiven for wiping away a tear or two as she handed over her youngest to this formidable personage. I had been in school two years already, so she would spending her future days in lonely solitude, or so she thought.

Mary Elizabeth (known as Lizard to family and friends) was a child of strong character. Since there was no Kindergarten in those days, this was her first experience with school. She took one look at Sister's deadpan countenance and decided she wanted none of it. She had enjoyed two years of Mother's undivided attention while I was in school. She did not want to give up that halcyon existence for an unknown environment with this menacing-looking creature.

Now Lizard was small and scrawny, but she was wiry. Mother had picked her up and tried to hand the kicking, screaming child over to Sister. Feeling Sister's firm hands around her, Lizard kicked even more vigorously. Sister held on tight, but she got very red in the face. The screams rose to a piercingly high pitch. The little girls put their hands over their ears and some of them started to cry.

Suddenly, there was a clunking sound of wood on wood. I looked in horror at the floor. Lizard had broken the rosary, and it hit the polished hardwood surface with a clatter. Sister's face was now scarlet and I'm not sure to this day whether it was from anger or exertion. There was suddenly silence. Even Lizard shut up.

I wasn't sure what would happen next. Lightning bolts were a distinct possibility, and excommunication for sure. Boy, was my dad ever going to be mad! We were always hearing about leprosy in Bible stories; maybe we'd all come down with that disease and have to live by ourselves outside the city like the early Jewish victims.

Sister unceremoniously plunked Lizard back on the floor. She asked me to pick up the beads. She told my mother that she really thought Mary Elizabeth wasn't ready for school yet. She suggested leaving her home for another a year. Lizard stopped howling. Mother agreed and escaped as quickly as possible, after having offered to pay to have the rosary repaired. Sister said that wasn't necessary. I suspected the angels would probably come in the night and fix it. Sure enough, next day it was as good as new!

The next September, when Lizard actually did start school, Sister Emanuella had been moved to another assignment in a different city. I guess the Lord had a special place in his heart for her.

Now, there are few Sisters left, and most of them dress in ordinary street clothes with only a cross around their neck to indicate their special status. I'm glad I had the advantage having had them as teachers, they were strict but fair. They honestly had the well-being of the children at heart, even those as difficult as Mary Elizabeth.

Oh, and nobody in our family ever did get leprosy, at least not yet.




 

Common reasons why people leave church

Church attendance is falling in many of the mainline Christian denominations today. This is unfortunate, because as society becomes increasingly secularized, the ethical and moral climate of cultures decline. Society needs frequent reminders that there are absolute standards of right and wrong, and that a Supreme Being monitors the deeds of individuals and nations. Ultimately, the good will be rewarded and the wicked punished.

People stop attending church for a variety of reasons. Among the most common are:

* I'm too busy.

 Really?  During the week, the Almighty gives you 168 hours of life, food to eat, a roof over your head and numerous moments of peace and pleasure with friends and family. Can you begrudge Him an hour or two on Sunday in return? Does that not seem like the ultimate in ingratitude?

* I don't believe in God.

This can be a convenient excuse  If everyone took time to observe and reflect on the beauty of the world around them: the glory of a sunrise, the cycle of seasons, the perfection of a newborn, the unerring rhythm with which the universe and everything in it operates, he or she would realize that all creation bespeaks the hand of an all-wise and all-loving Creator.

* There are too many sinners and hypocrites at church.

Agreed. Churches are full of sinners and hypocrites. What better place could they be? Aren't we all sinners? Most of us are also hypocrites in some manner or other. Jesus said: "I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance."  Luke 5:32

* I don't need church. I can pray at home.

Everyone should pray at home, but we were meant to worship in community. Consider the prayer Jesus taught. He instructed us to address God as a group: "Our Father...", and again, "Give us this day our daily bread...", and "forgive us our trespasses". Individual prayer is good, but group prayer is more powerful. " For where two or three are gathered  in my name, I am there among them. " Matthew 18:20

* God doesn't care about us. Look at all the evil in the world.

There is much evil in the world but when the causes are examined closely, they are mainly rooted in man's inhumanity to man. God gifted humans with free will. When that will is used for evil, it is certainly not God's fault.

Also, the earth and everything in it was created perfectly. With the fall of our first parents, sickness and death became part of our destiny.

The planet, too, shared in humanity's loss of perfection. Some of the animals became ferocious, crops no longer grew without a farmer's effort, and floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters came into being.

God however, did not leave his beloved children without a means of help and a guide to salvation. Jesus established the Christian Church to guide us through the chaos of earthly life and enable us to find our way back to God and our eternal home. Those who make excuses, leave the church, and try to find the way on their own, do so at their peril.

How to find contentment

The dictionary defines contentment as being "peaceful, happy and satisfied". Through many years of living, I have found that contentment comes from within oneself. Depending on others to provide your contentment is useless. Others have their own lives to lead. Their concerns will and should claim their primary attention. Here are a few suggestions for attaining containment that I have found helpful:

1. Develop your religious faith. Attend services. Do some spiritual reading. Recall all the "close calls" you've had in life thus far, when you avoided misfortune by the skin of your teeth. Meditate on the fact that you are the precious child of a loving Father, who is the King of the universe and in charge of all the circumstances of your life. Turn everything you can't handle over over to Him, and trust Him to take care of it.

2. When you find yourself becoming worried or upset, count your blessings. They always outweigh the problems of the moment. If you have clean water to drink, a roof over your head and you know where your next meal is coming from, you're already more fortunate than many people in the world.

3. Remember the people in your life whom you love, or who love you. Each one is a treasure to be cherished. Plan to do something to enrich the life of each one within the next few days. Bake cookies to share, write a cheery letter, make a thoughtful phone call, invite someone to lunch. Show each one you appreciate their presence in your life.

4. Take up a hobby, one that is creative and gives you a sense of accomplishment: knitting, crocheting, sketching, wood-working, writing, even paint-by-number sets will produce items in which you can take pride, display in your home, or use as gifts.

5. Volunteer in the community. Each of us of has special gifts which were meant to be shared with others. Working in a soup kitchen, with an "Out of the Cold" program, visiting the sick or shut-ins, reading or writing letters for the blind, all of these and similar activities will reward the volunteer with well-deserved feelings of satisfaction and contentment.

6. Work on making your immediate environment a haven of comfort, attractiveness and tranquility. Even if you only have one room, it should boast comfortable furniture, a pleasant blending of your favourite colours, pictures of your loved ones, and a collection of books, puzzles and your current project or hobby. Your private area, though small, will ward off depression and that old " there's no one to care and nothing to do" mood.

7. Be aware of local and world events, via television, radio and/or newspapers. Even if your life is uneventful at present, matters of great import are probably occurring elsewhere. If you are lucky enough to have access to a computer you can "put in your two cents worth" at network news sites, where your views will be read by thousands of people, and maybe more.

All of us have periods of discontent. Family members can be thoughtless, friends come and go, and the pup you thought was house-trained has regressed, but you can possess contentment nevertheless. Use some or all of the above suggestions and work towards being perfectly comfortable in your own skin and within your own little universe. Then you'll be ready to reach out and share your peace and tranquility with others when they are sorely in need of it.

Fortify yourself with contentment, for this is an impregnable fortress. Epictetus.

St. John Bosco

Believe me...nobody can be truly happy in this world unless he is at peace with God." John Bosco

John Bosco never had the opportunity to experience happiness through the possession of material wealth. When he was born in a small cabin at Becchi, Italy, on August 16, 1815, his family was very poor. His father, Francesco Bosco, worked a tiny farm in the village, providing the family with barely enough to survive.

When John was only two years old, his father died, leaving his mother, Margherita, to raise John and his two older brothers, Anthony and Joseph. Everyone had to work hard to keep food on the table. John helped by tending the cattle and gathering sticks for the fire.

In the evenings, Margherita taught her boys about God. Often, John would follow her around as she performed works of charity for neighbors who were even poorer than her own family. When his mother tended the sick, John would gather the children outside and teach them to pray.

At the age of nine, John had a vision in the form of a vivid dream. Jesus and Mary appeared to him and revealed that his mission in life would be to teach other boys about the evils of sin and the beauty of living a virtuous life. This dream had a vital impact on his future plans.

John studied the street entertainers who were a common sight at that time: jugglers, magicians and acrobats. With persistent practice, he soon learned enough skills to attract other children. After the entertainment, he would teach them prayers and lessons from the catechism.

As he grew older, John continued to support himself by performing farm chores while he continued his studies. He entered the seminary at age 20 and, in 1841, the archbishop of Turin ordained John Bosco a priest.

He began his ministry in the town of  Turin, Italy, where many young men had migrated, hoping to find jobs as the Industrial Revolution commenced. John Bosco searched out those living alone, those sleeping in the streets or languishing in jail. For these needy youths, he opened a youth center, or "Oratorio." Working from the Oratory, John looked for jobs for the unemployed, tried to obtain fairer treatment for those who were working, and taught academics to those willing to study after completing a day's work.

The Oratory expanded to accommodate apprenticeship classes for book-binders, carpenters, printers, mechanics, tailors and shoemakers. John established the order of Salesian Brothers to help with these enterprises.

As the Oratory grew, an ever-present problem was lack of funds. John's mother, Margherita, moved to Turin and sold her wedding ring and the few other jewellery pieces she still possessed to help buy food and necessities. By the early 1860s, the number of boys and young men sheltered by the Oratory was 800.

Some of these youths decided to spend their lives serving other needy young men. Thus began the Salesian Order of priests. John Bosco also founded an order of religious nuns: Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians.

Before his death, John Bosco founded 59 Salesian houses in six nations. Today the Salesians serve others in many countries around the globe.

The saint himself published a series of popular books and invented a education system founded on the values of reason, religion and love. Many educators today recognize it as an ideal system for training young people.

Don Bosco died on January 31, 1888. His last words to the Salesians watching at his bedside:

"Love each other as brothers. Do good to all and evil to none.... Tell my boys that I wait for them all in Paradise."

John Bosco was canonized a saint of the Roman Catholic Church by Pope Pius XI in 1934. He is the patron saint of apprentices, boys, laborers, school children, students and young people.

Good movies for Catholic families

Modern movies are often unsuitable for younger family members, no matter what the religious affiliation of their parents. The following article lists films which are suitable for any children, but which will be especially meaningful for young Catholics, as well as the more mature members of the family.

The Sound of Music (1965)

After entering the convent, Maria (Julie Andrews), a young nun from Salzburg, discovers she is not suited for the religious life after all. She is assigned to be governess to seven children of a Austrian naval officer (Christopher Plummer), who is a widower. The presence of appealing children and memorable music make this movie a family favorite.

Jesus of Nazareth (1977)

This epic presentation tells the story of the life of Jesus Christ in a reverent and engrossing manner. It boasts an international all-star cast headed by Robert Powell, Ann Bancroft and Olivia Hussey, as well as beautiful music and superb cinematography. Because of the film's length, over 6 hours, it will provide several evenings of outstanding entertainment for families with children.

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Teens will love this film version of the Broadway play, because it speaks their language. It is the musical depiction of the last few weeks of Christ's life. The memorable music score is by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and costumes are a mixture of ancient Israeli garb and the hippie style of the 1960s. It's sure to be a hit with the youngsters, and even the dyed-in-the-wool traditionalists may find their toes tapping along to the music.

The Ten Commandments (1956)

This biblical epic film was directed by the masterful Cecil B. DeMille. It has an all-star cast featuring Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner. It follows the life of Moses from the time he was discovered as a baby in a basket in the Nile's rushes. Later, viewers watch as he leads the Israelites out of Egypt, receives the Ten Commandments from God, and finally as he leads his people to the Promised Land. Shot in wide screen Technicolor, this 219-minute film is one of the most impressive family members will ever see.

Ben Hur (1959)

Another epic depicting biblical times, this movie won 11 Oscars, a record number up until that date. With a cast of thousands, it stars Charlton Heston as Judah Ben Hur, a Jewish prince who became a slave when the Romans invaded Israel. Through the story, he struggles against his childhood friend Massala, an ambitious Roman tribune. The story of Jesus is woven into the main plot in a reverent and inspirational manner. The three-and-a-half-hour film features the legendary chariot race between Heston and his adversary.

Pope John Paul II (1984)

The film provides a front row seat to modern history as it follows Karol Wojtyla from his childhood in Poland through his sojourn as the two hundred and sixty-fifth Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Filmed on location in Poland and Rome with close collaboration of Vatican officials, it relates how this Pope helped reshape the world and the Church. Masterful performances by Cary Elwes as the young Wojtyla, and Jon Voight as the adult cleric, make this movie one that will be long remembered.

Despite the difficulty of finding film entertainment suitable for Catholic family viewing, there are many quality movies available. As a beginning, check the listings on this website:

http://www.ncregister.com/info/top_100_pro_catholic_ movies/

Popcorn anyone? Happy viewing!

Is it cruel to tell someone that unless they follow Jesus, they will go to hell?

It is cruel and unwise to tell anyone that he or she is going to hell. That is a judgement only God can make. Even the ultimate destination of Judas Iscariot is uncertain. Who knows what transpired between God and him in the last few moments of his life?

In order to answer the above question knowledgeably, one must reflect on the nature of God.

God is perfect. He is the sum and total of every virtue. Among other things, God is all-good, all-knowing, all-powerful and all-just. Through His chosen people, the Jews, He sent His only Son to teach us about Himself and save sinners from hell.

Christians are fortunate people. Most of us have known Jesus from earliest childhood.

Consider for a moment, those people who never had an opportunity to hear about Jesus, who never saw a Bible or who were never reached by missionaries. I am referring to indigenous peoples of every land, and to other early and remote societies in Africa as well as other non-Christian societies.

Would an all-just God send these souls to hell because they did not follow Jesus, about whom they had never heard? Of course not. If He were to do so, He could no longer be thought of as being all-just.

However, every society instinctively realizes that there must be a Transcendent Being, Someone who created the earth and the stars and who is involved in the affairs of humans. Native North Americans worshipped the Great Spirit, Muslims adore Allah, the Jewish people called God Yahweh, Buddhists venerate Buddha.

Jesus Himself did not make faithfulness to him, in his human form, a criteria for attaining heaven. He designated love as the ultimate virtue.

When a scribe asked Him which commandment was the greatest of all, He answered,

" Hear O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." Christians believe in the Blessed Trinity. There is three Divine Persons in one God. God the Father is God, God the Holy Spirit is God, and God the Son (Jesus) is God. Therefore, anyone who worships God, and tries to obey His commands is, in reality, worshipping and obeying Jesus, as part of the Trinity.

Jesus was referring to this truth at the Last Supper:

Philip said to him, " Lord, show us the Father and we will be satisfied." Jesus said to him, " Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." John 14: 8-9

Because of the doctrine of the Trinity, we believe that whoever worships God, by whatever name they know Him, and does their best to follow His will, is worshipping Jesus as one of the Persons of God. These may be called "Anonymous Christians". If they remain faithful to their conscience, which is the Holy Spirit speaking within, they will probably get to heaven.

They may, in fact, fare better than those who learn about Jesus, are baptized, read the Bible, and later reject Him and His teachings of their own free will. As mentioned above, God, Who is all-loving is also all-merciful.

Should we study Jesus from an historical perspective?

The Jesus of history and the Jesus of faith must be confirmed to be the same person, or Christianity may be viewed by some as a grand delusion. If the fact that Jesus actually existed becomes doubtful, in the eyes of some people He may fall into the same category as Santa Claus or the tooth fairy. For this reason, the study of the historical Jesus must never be cast aside.

The writers of the Gospels were perhaps aware of the necessity to locate Jesus within a definite historical framework. They included many references to political figures and conditions existing during Jesus' lifetime: "In the time of King Herod..." (Mat 2:1), "In those days, a decree went out from Emperor Augustus..." (Luke 2:1) , and "In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanius ruler of Abilene, during high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas..." (Luke 3:1-2).

There are continual archaeological digs in the Middle East and Europe as people search for more knowledge about ancient civilizations. The date of the construction of the pyramids in Egypt, and Stonehenge in Britain, are both estimated to be circa 2,000 B.C., well before the time of Jesus.

If it is considered to be so important to study these ancient historical sites, should it not be more vital to find out everything possible about Jesus of Nazareth, whom many believe to be God Incarnate? Since the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity willingly left the perfection of heaven to live among His creatures on earth, why would we not want to know every detail about His sojourn among us?

Unfortunately, because of Jesus' lifestyle and social position, there are few relics or artifacts which can be definitely linked to Him. Many of His contemporaries viewed Him as only an itinerant Jewish preacher. It was only after His death and resurrection that His followers, the first Christians, became a recognizable group

However, if any of relics of Jesus could be found and authenticated, they would be priceless. Consider the passionate devotion and intense study centered on the Shroud of Turin, or the centuries-old search for the legendary Holy Grail. The quest for evidence of the historical Jesus will continue, even if only for potential wealth and fame guaranteed to the successful seeker.

The Didache is a manual for new Christians containing the teaching ofthe twelve Apostles. It is dated about 50 A.D. or shortly after, and was possibly the result of the First Apostolic Council (50 A.D.) in Jerusalem.

The majority of New Testament scholars date Mark's gospel shortly before or shortly after A.D. 70, Matthew and Luke roughly 80-90, and John close to the end of the first century. All of these documents are evidence not only that Jesus existed, but that He left a deep and lasting impression on those who knew Him. The martyrdom of early Christians who went willingly to their deaths in the Roman coliseum rather than deny their faith, are testimonies written in blood.

The first independent account of Jesus is that of the historian Flavius Josephus (37-100 A.D.) who wrote in his account "Jewish Antiquities", Book 18, Chapter 3, paragraphs 1-5, :

"Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named for him, are not extinct at this day."

The study of Jesus from an historical perspective must and will continue. We can never learn enough about the God-Man who loved humanity enough to enter history and secure our salvation through His suffering and crucifixion. Compared to this quest, all other studies of ancient sites and peoples fade into insignificance.

References:

1. The Holy Bible, NRSV.

2. New Advent

Website: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0714.htm

The Didache

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/didache.html

Tips for Sunday School teachers

Anyone who undertakes to teach a Sunday School class should first be aware of the awesome privilege and the solemn responsibility of the task. Jesus himself directed his followers:

Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it
is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Matt. 18:20

You have been entrusted with this vital mission; you are to lead this particular group of children to Jesus. This is a ministry which requires dedication and effort. Here are a few suggestions you may find helpful.

* Pray to the Good Shepherd, asking for his help in leading these lambs to his side.

*Example is the best teacher. Let the children see that you have a close relationship with Jesus, and often talk about how you much you love, trust and depend on him.

* Be well-prepared for each lesson. Try to deliver it without reading from the Manual. You'll be more convincing if you maintain eye contact with the children.

* Remember that the children's first experiences with God and the Church community should be pleasant. Try to include a fun activity or game in every lesson.

* The greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbor. Firmly discourage any acts of unkindness, arguments, or name-calling, as soon as you notice them. Promote self-respect, acceptance and respect for others.

* Keep a written record of any health problems or allergies the children may have. Arrange treats for special occasions, keeping these in mind. For children, sharing food with friends is equivalent to a party. Fruit for harvest time, candy for Hallowe'en, pumpkin cookies for Thanksgiving: all have potential to engender enjoyable seasonal celebrations.

* Try to develop a good rapport with the parents. They'll give you hints about what which lessons were most successful and carried over to the home scene. They'll also make you aware of any problems an individual child may be having. You could then follow up with a prayer or a group discussion, if you think either would be helpful.

*Look for ways the children could be made to feel that they are a part of the larger Church community. Perhaps they could act as greeters or ushers one Sunday. They could pass plates of cookies around at a tea or a concert. They could pass out bulletins as the congregation leaves the church. These little jobs give them a chance to meet the adult members, to develop a sense of responsibility, and help the Sunday School group feel that they truly belong to the larger community.

*Try to give generously of your time when you are involved in a Sunday School activity. Arrive early and be prepared to stay a little longer than might be expected. There could be an unexpected emergency, a parent with a question or one who wishes to ask your advice. The priest or minister may wish to speak to you. Someone may wish to see more than the flap of your coattails as you rush to get home. Remember, God will not be outdone in generosity.

*It is helpful if the children have something to take home to spark a discussion of the lesson with their parents. It could be a Bible picture to color, a photo of themselves with a friend, a picture on the current theme, cut from a magazine and glued on a lacy paper doily. The possibilities are limited only by your resources and your imagination.

You should now be ready and indeed anxious to proceed with your Sunday School ministry, encouraged and empowered by the Spirit of him who was himself often called "Teacher", and who continues to inspire all teachers with these words:

Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest
In the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such
child in my name welcomes me. Matt. 18:4-5

Should parents make moral judgements for their children, based on their own beliefs?

Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray." Proverbs 22:6

Conscientious parents have little choice but to make moral judgements for their children based on their own beliefs. Unless they are going to allow the child to run wild and learn everything through experience, there must be rules of conduct laid down, by which all members of the family abide.

For Christians, and Western society in general, the basic codes of behaviour are derived from the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes.

Children whose parents are religious will be introduced at an early age to God, their Father in heaven. Through Bible stories and hymns, they will learn that he is the Creator and that he cares and watches over everything he made, including them.

They will be taken to God's house on earth to honour him on his special day, Sunday. They will be taught their first prayers, because they know their heavenly Father likes to hear from them often.

Younger children, as were the early Israelites, are usually first introduced to the prohibitions contained in the Commandments. They are admonished not to swear or use bad language, to respect their parents, not to steal, lie, kill or injure another person.

As they begin to interact with siblings and other children, they must be taught to share, to respect the belongings of others and to overcome inclinations to jealousy.

Parents who fail to instil these basic rules of conduct in their child will endure a household full of chaos themselves, and produce a child who is not welcome in the homes of others, who has no friends and who will have trouble in school from the moment he sets foot in the door.

Sometime during the primary grades, usually around the age of seven, children reach the "age of reason". Now they can weigh right and wrong and they are beginning to make judgements for themselves, but they still need their parents' guidance. They are capable of logical reasoning and can usually be convinced that a particular behaviour or course of action is good or bad based on reason and previous instruction.

Around this time a child is ready for the more positive admonitions contained in the Beatitudes. Wise parents will use events from the everyday life to help him realize that the world is a better place when people are generous, unassuming, compassionate, merciful, pure of heart, and workers for peace.

Children need to learn that they can make a difference. Their decisions are important; they affect the family, the school community, the local society, the country and ultimately the world. It's important that every decision, every project, every enterprise they undertake be done to the best of their ability. In this way, they develop confidence, initiative, and a good self-image.

These few years, when parents can pass on their own moral code to their children are vitally important. Once the young person is legally an adult, he'll be exposed to contemporary values and standards which are often directly opposed to those of his parents.

After age eighteen, he'll begin to learn from experience. He'll make mistakes; nobody's perfect. To the parents, it may seem as if he's forgotten every precept and moral value he was ever taught, but he hasn't. He's testing, he's learning, he's growing, he's acquiring wisdom. As he matures, he'll probably conclude that mom and dad knew best, after all.

From the earliest times, parents have been making moral judgments for their children based on their own beliefs. In doing so, they also pass on their faith, and their code of ethics and values to the next generation. This is one of the primary functions of the family unit. Children are not nurtured by food alone.

As long as there are traditional families, the majority of children will be set on the proper path to promote the continued progress of a just, honorable and compassionate society. For this fact, we should all be grateful.

Can Catholics have tattoos and body piercings?

Good grief, what next? If someone starts a rumour that we can't wear make-up, colour our hair or wear jewellery, we're really in trouble!

Catholics can have body piercings or tattoos just the same as everybody else. Of course, they should take care to go to a reputable establishment to have the procedure done, to avoid infection and nasty diseases which can be spread through infected needles, but that advice applies to everyone.

In some European countries, where the populations are predominantly Catholic, parents have baby girls' ears pierced shortly after birth. At one time, I thought it was strange to see my Italian friend's beautiful baby daughter already sporting tiny diamond earrings. Then the mother explained that it was part of their culture and it spared the child the discomfort of having it done when she was older.

The misinformation about piercing and tattoos may arise from the fact that Catholics believe that the fifth Commandment, "Thou shalt not kill" has extended implications. Of course it is wrong to kill another person. It is also wrong to kill ourselves. We need to respect our bodies and take care of them. We should eat properly, get sufficient exercise and a reasonable amount of sleep. If we become ill, we should go to the doctor.

It might be argued that smoking, drug addiction, alcoholism are wrong because they do permanent damage to the body. Alcoholism damages the liver, and too much alcohol destroys brain tissue.

I haven't smoked in twenty-five years, yet when I went for a lung-capacity test several months ago the technician was able to spot damage that was caused by the years of smoking in earlier times. That damage is permanent.

I regret smoking now but when I started in the 1950s, we didn't know how harmful it was, and it became an addiction very quickly. I suspect alcohol does also, especially for people who have a gene which predisposes them to that addiction.

Perhaps people who suffer from addictions shouldn't be judged as harshly as those are aware of the risks and participate in the questionable behaviour anyway. Addictions are very difficult to overcome. I've been struggling with an overeating problem all my life, and I expect to have it until my take my last breath.

Although I have my ears pierced, I am presently a grandmother, and am no longer tempted to get additional piercing or tattoos. I admit that I don't like to see beautiful young people with things that look like nails in their faces, but I understand the holes heal over when the nails are removed, so no permanent damage is done.

Tattoos are more permanent, but they can be removed with a laser, I think. It's probably very painful, but it would be embarrassing trying to explain some youthful motto such as " I'm a screamin' demon!" when you're my age. I'm glad I never indulged in that particular activity.

Catholics are just like everybody else, imperfect people trying to do their best to please their Creator in the midst of an imperfect society, in an imperfect world . When you think about it, there are a lot worse things we could be doing than getting tattoos and piercings.

Now, it you'll excuse me, I'll put on some make-up, change my earrings (these don't match my outfit) and go to the store to get some hair colouring. I don't want all this grey showing when I go to Mass on Sunday.

Should every Christian preach the Gospel?

There are many ways to preach the Gospel. It is not necessary, and maybe not even advisable, to knock on doors in the middle of a busy day, or to harangue passing crowds from a street corner. These approaches probably alienate more people than they attract.

Rather, Christians should preach the gospel primarily through their lives and lifestyles. The most effective lessons are delivered through example.

When neighbors watch a Christian family faithfully arise every Sunday morning to attend services at their Church, unbelievers will wonder what causes them to forgo the attraction of a relaxing in pyjamas with a late breakfast and a second cup of coffee.

When faced with serious issues, such as an unexpected teenage pregnancy, Christian parents will support their daughter and do their best to see that she gives birth to a healthy baby. This will lead to questions from friends and acquaintances as to why the family did not opt for a safe and face-saving abortion. What an opportunity to share Christian values on the sacredness of human life, from birth to natural death!

It is from the defining moments of life that the best opportunities for sharing faith often emerge. Confronting a serious illness with courage, asking for prayers, yet showing the ability to accept the will of God, whatever it may be, is an eloquent example of the strength that the Christian faith bestows on believers.

After the birth of a baby, family and friends, Christian and non-Christian, who attend the Baptism or Christening, and the reception following the ceremony, will note the Christian joy that the new addition has become a member of God's family. The atmosphere of happiness and celebration will not be lost on unbelievers, and they may ask why it was felt that such a ritual was necessary. Opportunity knocks again.

It is at the death of a loved one that the opportunities to share the Christian faith are most abundant. Non-Christians cannot help but envy the atmosphere of peace and acceptance that envelops the Christian family at such a time. It is an ideal time to share the faith with other mourners and visitors.

The Christian family, comforted by the prayers of their priest or minister, have surrendered their loved one into the welcoming arms of a Loving Father, secure in the knowledge that Jesus Christ has paid the debt due to sin, by His sufferings death on the cross. If the deceased was repentant, he or she is already safe in care of Almighty God.

Every day, Christians witness to their faith simply by living the life Jesus advocated. They volunteer in their community, they give a fair day's work for a a fair day's pay, they do not curse, swear or take the Lord's name in vain, they care for their families, and contribute to charity. They do their best to love God and their neighbors.

Are Christians perfect? Of course not, but they do their best to follow the teachings of Jesus. In these days especially, when so many in society have strayed far from their Christian roots, Christian lifestyles are very noticeable.

In the grand scheme of things, living good Christian lives probably gains more converts than knocking on doors or preaching on street corners will ever do, and it annoys no one, except maybe the devil himself.
.

Should we try to make "designer babies"?

Ultrasound has made it possible to peer into the sanctuary of a mother's womb and see the developing foetus moving about in the amniotic fluid. Amniocentesis, whereby a needle is inserted into the womb, and some of the fluid surrounding the baby is withdrawn, is another prenatal test sometimes performed. The fluid can be checked for genetic birth defects in the child. Occasionally one or both of these tests will reveal a foetal abnormality. What happens then?

The answer usually depends on the spiritual faith of the parents. If they believe in the sanctity of human life, from conception to natural death, they will continue with the pregnancy, ensuring that the mother has the best possible physical, emotional and spiritual care, and preparing as well as possible for the birth of their child. If, on the other hand, they believe that the foetus is just a blob of tissue, the likely result will be abortion.

In actual fact, by the fourth week after the egg is fertilized, often before the mother even realizes she is pregnant, traces of all the body organs are present in the embryo. It is only 1/4 inch long, but its face is beginning to take shape. Bulges that will become ears and nose appear.

By the seventh to eighth week of pregnancy, the head can be identified. It contains a developing brain. Amazingly, the tiny heart has already begun to beat. Fingers and toes appear.

By the end of the third month, nails form on the fingers and toes. The bones begin to calcify. The foetus begins to make breathing movements. Skeletal muscles and muscles in the intestines begin to contract and relax, already preparing for life in the outside world. Because the developing child is recognizable as a human baby, abortionists will keep the ultrasound monitor turned away from the mother, as they perform the procedure. If she saw her baby, recognizable as it tries move away from the lethal instruments, she might well change her mind.

In the near future, science may progress to the stage where parents can produce designer offspring. They may be able to choose the sex, hair and eye color, intelligence, athletic ability, and every other feature that will form their child's physical appearance, character and levels of natural abilities. Will this be a beneficial progression? I submit that it will not.

We humans have no right to play God. Choosing a new car is one thing. Wanting to possess a designer child is quite another. The all-wise Creator knows exactly what child will be best fit into each family situation, and He will not give any family a burden with which it cannot cope. The disabled person is no less valuable than the able-bodied. A quick study of the life and contribution of Stephen Hawking will bear out this fact.

Modern technology, such as ultrasound, should inspire in us emotions of wonder and awe. We are now privileged to witness the creative action of God in the very process of creating a new human being. It should definitely not be used to aid in the destruction of His unfinished handwork.

There is great value, beauty, and fascination for all of us in the diversity of people inhabiting our planet. God has been doing a great job designing humans thus far. We should not usurp His undertaking. If we try until eternity, we'll never be able to even approach His talent.

Is euthanasia ethical?

The dictionary defines euthanasia as "the painless killing of a patient suffering from a terminal illness". The operative word here is killing. Euthanasia is most definitely unethical.

The Bible says, "Thou shalt not murder". Deut.5:17.

Even if this command were not written down in Scripture, it has been written by God on the human heart. It is part of the natural law. People of all races and creeds recognize instinctively that it is wrong to deliberately take a human life. In North America, this truth is enshrined in law.

People of faith recognize the Creator is the author of life. The Psalmist phrases it this way: "For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made". Ps. 139: 13-14.

God gave us life and He has a definite plan for each of us. He knows exactly how long our bodies will last. For any human to presume to step in and alter God's divine plan is wrong. The time and circumstances of each person's death should rest entirely in the hands of the Almighty.

That is not to say that we must use extraordinary means to prolong life when there is no reasonable hope that the patient will recover. Relatives of a patient are not obliged to continue the use of a heart-lung machine, a respirator, or other extraordinary means to prolong life. When a doctor determines that the person would die without the machines maintaining vital functions, and there is no reasonable hope of recovery, the machines may be unplugged. As my pastor once termed it, "Get out of God's way!".

Nor must relatives and friends sit helplessly by and watch the patient suffer severe and intractable pain. A sufficient amount of medication should be given to keep the patient comfortable and able to spend his final days with loved ones, mending relationships, winding up his affairs and saying his final goodbyes.

It sometimes happens, that as the illness progresses, the amount or the strength of the medication needs to be increased, to keep the patient from suffering. If the side effect of the increased dosage is that the heart stops or the respiratory system ceases to function, the resulting death is not euthanasia.

The all-important difference is in intention. In the case of euthanasia, a substance is administered with the express purpose of killing the patient. In the second example, the express purpose of the medication is to relieve pain. As long as there is any hope of recovery, the attending physician would, of course, be obligated to maintain the strength and amount of medication within a safe range.

There are many reasons to sustain life as long as possible. Medical science is coming up with new treatments and cures every day. If the patient survives until tomorrow, he may be able to try out a new medication which will result in improvement in his health and extension of his life.

If euthanasia ever becomes generally acceptable to society, we embark on a slippery slope. When human life is no longer considered sacred, many groups of people who are considered "less than perfect", will be endangered. What about babies born with deformities? What about people diagnosed with inoperable tumours? How about our elderly, those over 65, who no longer make a significant contribution to society? How about those with chronic diseases who put a strain on the health care system? How about whole families on welfare who drain our social assistance resources?

Euthanasia is not only unethical, it threatens to destroy the very fabric of our existence as a righteous and civilized society. The practice must be opposed by people of good will wherever and whenever it becomes necessary.

"Euthanasia is a long, smooth-sounding word, and it conceals its danger as long, smooth words do, but the danger is there, nevertheless." Pearl S. Buck

Tips on achieving contentment

The dictionary defines contentment as being "peaceful, happy and satisfied". Through many years of living, I have found that contentment comes from within oneself. Depending on others to provide your contentment is useless. Others have their own lives to lead. Their concerns will and should claim their primary attention. Here are a few suggestions for attaining containment that I have found helpful:

1. Develop your religious faith. Attend services. Do some spiritual reading. Recall all the "close calls" you've had in life thus far, when you avoided misfortune by the skin of your teeth. Meditate on the fact that you are the precious child of a loving Father, who is the King of the universe and in charge of all the circumstances of your life. Turn everything you can't handle over over to Him, and trust Him to take care of it.

2. When you find yourself becoming worried or upset, count your blessings. They always outweigh the problems of the moment. If you have clean water to drink, a roof over your head and you know where your next meal is coming from, you're already more fortunate than many people in the world.

3. Remember the people in your life whom you love, or who love you. Each one is a treasure to be cherished. Plan to do something to enrich the life of each one within the next few days. Bake cookies to share, write a cheery letter, make a thoughtful phone call, invite someone to lunch. Show each one you appreciate their presence in your life.

4. Take up a hobby, one that is creative and gives you a sense of accomplishment: knitting, crocheting, sketching, wood-working, writing, even paint-by-number sets will produce items in which you can take pride, display in your home, or use as gifts.

5. Volunteer in the community. Each of us of has special gifts which were meant to be shared with others. Working in a soup kitchen, with an "Out of the Cold" program, visiting the sick or shut-ins, reading or writing letters for the blind, all of these and similar activities will reward the volunteer with well-deserved feelings of satisfaction and contentment.

6. Work on making your immediate environment a haven of comfort, attractiveness and tranquility. Even if you only have one room, it should boast comfortable furniture, a pleasant blending of your favourite colours, pictures of your loved ones, and a collection of books, puzzles and your current project or hobby. Your private area, though small, will ward off depression and that old " there's no one to care and nothing to do" mood.

7. Be aware of local and world events, via television, radio and/or newspapers. Even if your life is uneventful at present, matters of great import are probably occurring elsewhere. If you are lucky enough to have access to a computer you can "put in your two cents worth" at network news sites, where your views will be read by thousands of people, and maybe more.

All of us have periods of discontent. Spouses are thoughtless, children ignore you or treat you as an unpaid servant, friends come and go, and the pup you thought was house-trained has regressed, but you can possess contentment nevertheless. Use some or all of the above suggestions and work towards being perfectly comfortable in your own skin and within your own little universe. Then you'll be ready to reach out and share your peace and tranquility with others when they are sorely in need of it.

Fortify yourself with contentment, for this is an impregnable fortress. Epictetus.

How to make a difficult decision

We all have moments in life when we must make difficult decisions. Which job offer should I choose? Should I marry this person? Should we have another child? Shall I buy or sell my home? Shall I divorce or try to save this marriage? Is it time to move a parent to an assisted-living facility?

These can be times of indecision and acute stress. You honestly don't know what to do. How can you solve the dilemma? Are there steps to take to ensure that you will make the best decision possible? Many people have found the following procedure to be invaluable.

1. Pray

You may not know the best answer, but God does. He is all-wise. Being outside of time. He sees the past and the future at once. He is aware of the outcome of each of your possible choices. Acknowledge your confusion and ask for His help. The Bible says, "Ask and it will be given you." Luke 11:9. Take God at His word, He can be trusted.

It's fine to request a sign showing the right way; God is a loving parent, anxious to help.

2. Consult

Speak to knowledgeable people, the best experts you can find in the area that's troubling you. It may a doctor, a social worker, a psychologist, a clergy person, an accountant, a lawyer or several of these. Read up on the subject. Consult the Internet. Gather all the relevant information your can find.

3. Discuss

Speak with two or three trustworthy friends, preferably those who know all the people involved in your dilemma. State the problem clearly in an unbiased manner. Ask for their opinions. Listen carefully. Often God speaks through other people.

4. Paper and pencil

Divide a piece of paper into two sections, or more if necessary. At the top of one column write: "Option 1- Advantages". At the top of the second column: "Option 2-Advantages". If you have more choices, add more columns. List every advantage you can think of under each possible option. One column will probably have more items than the others.

5. Consider

By now, you probably know which course of action is best. Take a few minutes to plan the next steps you need to take, to implement your decision. It's a good idea to write them down while you have the time and are thinking clearly. Don't forget to thank God for His help.

6. Act decisively and without hesitation.

 Be assured that you have done everything possible to make the right decision. Trust God and trust yourself. Together, you make an unbeatable team.