tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-439331035718369167.post6815071920610795925..comments2024-02-09T02:48:13.776-06:00Comments on Daily Meditations with Fr. Alfonse: Jn 6:30-35 What Sign Can You Give?Fr. Alfonsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02557206560119402976noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-439331035718369167.post-65231323807818770892012-04-25T11:04:44.143-05:002012-04-25T11:04:44.143-05:00Dear Anonymous: Excellent comment. I love comment...Dear Anonymous: Excellent comment. I love comments that make me (and others) think and hopefully make this blog useful and better!!!Fr. Alfonsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02557206560119402976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-439331035718369167.post-72875049945927576602012-04-25T07:33:26.053-05:002012-04-25T07:33:26.053-05:00great reflection! It's amazing how much the co...great reflection! It's amazing how much the content of our media has changed over time.<br /><br />"It used to be that the most popular biographies were the lives of good men for the sake of imitation, rather than scandals for the sake of making ourselves believe we are more virtuous." ~Archbishop Fulton SheenMerlynnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-439331035718369167.post-76461189778991524232012-04-24T22:22:56.592-05:002012-04-24T22:22:56.592-05:00Father,
I am not saying 'hands off'. I&#...Father,<br /><br />I am not saying 'hands off'. I'm regret that I came across like that to you. <br /><br />I absolutely believe that we have an obligation to lead others to truth even if it may hurt them, myself or my relationship. I believe Ezekiel 33:7-9 tells us we will be accountable if we see others sinning and do not warn them.<br /><br />You, son of man—I have appointed you as a sentinel for the house of Israel; when you hear a word from my mouth, you must warn them for me. When I say to the wicked, “You wicked, you must die,” and you do not speak up to warn the wicked about their ways, they shall die in their sins, but I will hold you responsible for their blood. If, however, you warn the wicked to turn from their ways, but they do not, then they shall die in their sins, but you shall save your life.<br /><br />I have struggled with this passage many times. Even in the most loving way, it may not be accepted and I may suffer the loss of a relationship or a serious strain on a relationship. But knowing that I am sacrificing myself for the good of the other person and ultimately, myself as well, makes it easier. And I have to say, the truth always comes out eventually and sometimes they thank you for your love. But I never hold my breath on that one!<br /><br />So I’m glad you elaborated. We can love others just the way they are, but help them become even better. I guess that’s kind of what God does:)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11163879664929603251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-439331035718369167.post-19242261423300260842012-04-24T20:02:55.365-05:002012-04-24T20:02:55.365-05:00My Dear Anonymous. We should love everyone. C.S....My Dear Anonymous. We should love everyone. C.S. Lewis wrote an interesting essay on the difference between kindness and love. Kindness almost implies making someone feel better. It doesn't imply making someone better. Love implies that. That's probably why Jesus said "love one another" and not "Be kind to one another." When you say "we should accept someone for who they are" are you saying hands off? That's what it sounds like to me. But love doesn't mean that. Love means getting your hands dirty, caring about the other more than you care about yourself; that you are willing to risk losing a friendship because you need to tell someone that they are going down the wrong path. It means running a risk and calling a spade a spade, a sin a sin. It doesn't mean accepting someone for who they are. That's not love. Love means helping someone be even better. And that person will make you even better.Fr. Alfonsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02557206560119402976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-439331035718369167.post-89021927804451173392012-04-24T17:12:56.781-05:002012-04-24T17:12:56.781-05:00"chances are the reverse will happen; that is..."chances are the reverse will happen; that is, the “urine drinkers” and “gasoline sippers” that are “brave” and “courageous” for having come out of the closet will one day be accepted by all for who they are."<br /><br />I thought we were supposed to accept people for who they are. We shouldn't praise their wrong behavior, applaud their 'courage' and start having parades in honor of their perverted behavior, but shouldn't we accept them? I thought that was the Christian thing to do.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11163879664929603251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-439331035718369167.post-49677689630317736452012-04-24T16:55:20.088-05:002012-04-24T16:55:20.088-05:00The picture of Caesar Flickerman from "The Hu...The picture of Caesar Flickerman from "The Hunger Games" with that jazzy blue hair & eyebrows immediately grabbed my attention!! I read the book and watched the movie. I'm now almost finished reading the 2nd book "Catching Fire." I can see where people would not agree with your original post because "God" isn't discussed. There's no religious vibe whatsoever. However, I liked your comparison of Katniss to Mary Magdalene. They were both strong women living in two different worlds: Katniss in a futuristic society with little faith and hope but only despair and misery. Mary Magdalene living in society of devout Jewish faith yet completely converted to Christ's teachings. Darkness (Panem) versus lightness (Christianity). Suffering, death, starvation (Panem) versus faith, hope, charity (Christianity). "The Hunger Games" has received much criticism for its age appropriateness and is listed on the ALA list of banned books. The disturbing tale interpreted from a Christian's point of view makes the book very compelling. I see one Christian principle that runs throughout and that's love! Even amongst all of the tragedy there's that little ounce of love and compassion in actions of some of the characters. <br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br />-Jennifer<br /><br />P.S. I was wondering if you were going to post twice today since you skipped Monday. :)Jennifer B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/15338737502809429613noreply@blogger.com