tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-439331035718369167.post4819018399687429791..comments2024-02-09T02:48:13.776-06:00Comments on Daily Meditations with Fr. Alfonse: John 15:18-21 Love and HateFr. Alfonsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02557206560119402976noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-439331035718369167.post-57431765040108345612012-05-13T17:22:22.906-05:002012-05-13T17:22:22.906-05:00Very good thoughts, Father. My apologies upfront i...Very good thoughts, Father. My apologies upfront if what I'm about to say is way off the point and too random. Sometimes I just think differently which isn't always taken well. :(<br /><br />After reading this mediation, a verse from Psalm 118 (Morning Prayer from Liturgy of the Hours Sunday Week II) really struck me as relational: "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in men; it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes." I think of "men" as being the atheists and secularists of the world. Then "princes" equate to Hollywood, the Media, and politicians. Why do we put so much trust in secularism, the media promotions, and our politicians? Why do we put up with all of the complaining - mumbling and grumbling- our secular society throws at us? Why does "hate" seem to be a nice word and "love" a vulgarity? Complaining is much easier than creating. Complaining takes no real intellect. Creating takes mental power as well as genuine faith and love in Jesus Christ. If we all learn to create a loving, Christian environment with prayer as a backbone we could control the harmful effects of secularism today. We could weaken secularism hold on us and stagnate its growth. It will take baby steps, pro-activism, and fervent prayer for Christianity to be viewed in a more loving way.<br /><br />I love reading about the boom in vocations including the Anglican conversions and many religious orders returning to full communion with the Catholic Chuch. Now this is something positive in our ongoing war against hate in our non-Christian secular society. Next month the Diocese of Dallas will ordain 4 new priess. Alleluia! I see the increase in vocations to the religious life as a sign that Christ is bringing in a band of soldiers to fight against secularism and the corruptions in society. Our young people (and old) are getting tired of the mainstream immorality. They are tired of the negativity and hate it brings. They want society to become more positive and fruitful. God will not let secularism win; however, each one of us has a responsibility to be good Christian witnesses. We cannot let the negavity and hate of our deteriating society make us depressed and lifeless. We need to shower the hate with immense love. It will not be an easy fight.<br /><br />Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers and grandmothers reading this blog! :)<br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br />-JenniferJennifer B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/15338737502809429613noreply@blogger.com