Great crowds were traveling with
Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, “…Whoever does not carry his own cross
and come after me cannot be my disciple.
Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and
calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion?” Otherwise, after laying the foundation and
finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and
say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’”
I don’t know about you, but I went to sleep around 9:30 last
night. A good night’s sleep was worth
more to me than finding out how coal miners and auto workers from Ohio voted. When I saw the results this morning, I wasn't surprised. Were you?
The best thing I did yesterday was not vote but visit an elderly woman
on her death bed. Mary is in her
eighties and is dying. The last time I
saw her she was physically strong and was very much concerned about who our
next president would be. As soon as I
arrived at the hospital, her daughter came up to me and told me that her mom was declining
rapidly and that she was now semiconscious.
You can imagine how surprised I was when Mary opened her eyes and
immediately recognized me. She said, “Father, we have to pray hard that that
monster doesn’t get elected!” I knew
who she was talking about. I was amazed
at how coherent she was! I Laughed and said to her, “Mary, just don’t sin after
I give you the last rite, okay?”
Who would believe it! This incredible
woman, who had voted, and was in the hospital now, was more concerned about the
elections than about eternity! What
patriotism!
Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and
calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion?” Ladies
and gentlemen: Let’s not fool
ourselves. It’s gonna take more than
just voting to rebuild our nation. Did
any of you really think that the people of our beloved nation would suddenly
wake up from their selfishness and think selflessly? That they would place morals above money?
The problem is simple: we have yet
to hit rock bottom. And every therapist
I’ve ever spoken to has explained to me that people who suffer from addictions
will not seek help until they hit rock bottom.
Get it? We won’t be helping our
nation until we have to. Our nation will continue to spend the way we spend (beyond our means); resolve problems the way we resolve problems (by avoiding them); and blame others like we blame others (never taking responsibility). We will continue to vote the way we live and worry
about the national debt the same way we worry about our children’s future: carpe diem!
If God created us in His image and likeness, then we’ve created our nation’s mess in our image and likeness.
If God created us in His image and likeness, then we’ve created our nation’s mess in our image and likeness.
The laws we create mirror the way we think. And most of us don’t think. When liberals come up to me (and any
Pro-Lifer) and tell me that women should have the right to do whatever they
want with their bodies, I agree with them! Why not? It's not what they do
with their bodies, it’s what they do to someone else’s body. That’s what we are talking about! Duh? No
one should have the right to deliberately take the life of an innocent human being. No one.
Every time Liberals try to embarrass Conservatives about denying women
access to abortions due to incest and rape, they so much remind me of high
school teenagers in the locker rooms embarrassing virgins for being virgins
rather than being you-know-what. How
twisted things have become. Being good has
become shameful and being bad has become respectable!
Are you still surprised by the way our nation voted last night? I’m not.
Why should any of us be?
If we want to make a difference, then we better start putting more
effort. It won’t take 50%. It won’t take 100%. It’s gonna take 110%!
Whoever does not carry his own
cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
Let’s not fool ourselves. It’s
gonna take hard work on our part to change our nation and bring it back. It’s gonna take time. Maybe even two thousand years (assuming our
nation still exists).
The Lord very rarely ever spoke to a Roman. He never spoke about the Romans. He never spoke about the living conditions of
his people. He spoke about sin and
redemption. And in less than three
hundred years, Constantine (Rome) converted to Christianity.
The Lord warned us: there will be no real changes unless there are
real conversions.
Let’s do what it takes. Let’s
get started…not one vote at a time but one soul at a time.
Father Alfonse,
ReplyDeleteI didn't vote either. I went to Mass and then to adoration. Thought that was more beautiful than voting. God and my soul are more important in my life than standing in lines to vote.
God Bless You
The Lord is so generous by consoling us in this dark moment for our nation. From today's first reading: "...be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,among whom you shine like lights in the world, as you hold on to the word of life... (Phil 2)"
ReplyDelete"This incredible woman, who had voted, and was in the hospital now, was more concerned about the elections than about eternity! What patriotism!"
ReplyDeleteSeriously Father??? I do not understand you sometimes! What secularism! why is she more concerned about something earthly than heavely or Godly? If I was in her shoes, I would give a damn about an election. Eternity is SO much more important. To me anyway.
*Not
DeleteMaybe Mary was concern about her daughter and her grandchildren future and what they will be facing the next 4 year . um...........
DeleteAfter spending the majority of the evening watching "Minute to Win It" and every now and then glancing at a news feed regarding the election, somethings became very clear to me; I can once again eat chocolate, (my sacrifice/prayer for the election) and that my candidate was not going to be voted into office. This morning, I was in a foul mood, somewhat tearful, and for the first time in my life felt abandoned by our Father. I had such hope that we would make the right choice this time around. Then I recalled that at the DNC, we turned our backs on God, so really, what outcome could I actually expect? Seriously! As this meditation reads today, the point made was right on the money! Why would we choose more wisely? You're exactly right when you say we've not hit rock bottom just yet.
ReplyDeleteI was fortunate to spend a great deal of time in adoration this morning just praying our Lord would calm me and give me the faith to trust in Him, and Him only. His Gospel tells us to hate (being an exaggerated word to stress His point) everyone, leave them behind, pick up our crosses and follow HIM! I was lead to John 10:9-which reads: "I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. 10:27 My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never parish." We are His. We belong to Him. We are not for this world, not even for the good old USA. First and foremost, we are warriors for Christ. Our eyes should remain focused on Jesus and the work he has asked of us here in our temporary home. We have to stand by the truth, our holy church and her teachings and endure the good fight! We are being put to the test and I truly believe great saints will be born out of these days and the days ahead!
Many blessings,
Suzie
Thank you Father for putting this in perspective. Last night was so painful. I was starting to think God is done with us.
DeleteVoting is a right many people do not have. Comment #1...it is beautiful you went to mass and adoration...I wish you would have honored the privilege of voting. So many people would die for that honor and here you are not embracing that right. Father...I love your meditation. I always tell my sons' to give 110% and in Star Wars wisdom I love to tell them "Do or DO NOT, trying is not an option". This election will not change much but it will lead us on the slippery slope if we are not careful. Up to those of us who know better, who live our lives as God intends, to make little changes daily. With our votes and with our souls! Bravo Father!
ReplyDeleteThank you father. We need to pray very hard for our nation
ReplyDeleteINCREDIBLE Mediation FATHER ;) ! you said exactly what I was feeling and more
ReplyDeleteFather Alfonse,
ReplyDeleteYour comment "Being good is being shameful and being bad has become respectful" is the same comment our daughter told us when she decided it was proper to have a child at age 17. Two years later she decided it was proper again and had the second child. One of her reasons was that to have a child would keep her off of drugs. She also told us that we were antiquated and had to get a life and that it was okay and not shameful the choice she made. She also informed us that everyone was making the choice to do what she did and we need to wake up because it's the new generation and it's okay. Her life now is living with a boyfriend who refuses to work and is still busy being a child with no responsibility. She has to work two jobs because he won't and pay all the bills. Both dropped out of school early ninth grade. At 21, she still feels no remorse for her irresponsibility. She has defied every rule we had and said our ideas weren't proper nor how things need to be.
I know a girl similar to your daughter. She was a 19 year old stupid and very immature girl. She decide it was proper to have 3 children by this one man that never took responsibility of his own 3 kids ( and still does not). Now I 'm 33 year old and I'm hurt for my kids that they do not have a father in there lives to look up to. I myself is shamed and embarrassed towards my kids that I could not give them more in life in what they deserve or close to it. I'm paying for his and my consequence. I pray to God every day for my children and there future " And hope I RAISE them correctly, LOL funny........I meant to say they turn out to be good and faithful adults and make wise choices in life. Not to turn out like me or their Father
DeleteGod Bless you @ Anonymous!
My mother use to tell me that my Generation his MESS-UP! It so true and sad!
( X and Y Generation they are the baby boomers children )
For anonymous 1
ReplyDeleteWhy it's important for Catholics to vote:
"Responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation." - Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
"Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one's country:
Pay to all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.45
[Christians] reside in their own nations, but as resident aliens. They participate in all things as citizens and endure all things as foreigners. . . . They obey the established laws and their way of life surpasses the laws. . . . So noble is the position to which God has assigned them that they are not allowed to desert it.46
The Apostle exhorts us to offer prayers and thanksgiving for kings and all who exercise authority, 'that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way.'"47 [2240]
From the U.S. Catholic Bishops:
"In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, "It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person. . . . As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life" (nos. 1913-1915)." [Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship 13]
"We encourage all citizens, particularly Catholics, to embrace their citizenship not merely as a duty and privilege, but as an opportunity meaningfully to participate in building the culture of life. Every voice matters in the public forum. Every vote counts. Every act of responsible citizenship is an exercise of significant individual power. We must exercise that power in ways that defend human life, especially those of God's children who are unborn, disabled or otherwise vulnerable. We get the public officials we deserve. Their virtue -- or lack thereof -- is a judgment not only on them, but on us. Because of this, we urge our fellow citizens to see beyond party politics, to analyze campaign rhetoric critically, and to choose their political leaders according to principle, not party affiliation or mere self-interest." [Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics 34]
Father Alfonse - Most excellent meditation! I agree with you 110%! (BTW, Congrats on reaching 200 blog followers...)
ReplyDeleteLike you, I'm not at all surprised by the election results. I couldn't sleep at all the night of the election so upset at the stupidity of the American people. Such a progressive, secular, selfish generation of voters has me gravely concerned about the future of our wonderful nation. I'm scared it will get to a point where more same-sex couples are so-called "legally" married than heterosexual couples. Worse yet, more and more states legalizing recreational marijuana and dictating they have a "right" to not only kill their baby in the womb but their cancer-ridden grandfather or down syndrome child. I don't know if all the prayer in the world can change things around. I don't know if even giving 110% will change much even though it doesn't hurt to make the effort.
Did anybody follow Facebook the night and day after of the election? I understand people were either cheering or jeering but the amount of hostility wasn't pleasant. Fortunately I stayed mum and just tried to accept the fact that our government has a heck of a struggle ahead regardless if President O was re-elected.... Not at all surprised the stock market plummeted to a year low. Maybe people should've thought about that before deciding to "bet" the incumbent will make a whole lot of progress fixing the economy within the next 4 years. All we can do is work together regardless of party-affiliation and change America around for better!
-Jennifer
What would I rather have on my tombstone: She was patriotic or She tried to Love?
ReplyDeleteI had a mental download the other day when my husband was complaining that we (republicans) have done everything right, ‘obeyed the rules’, paid our debts, etc but we will still have to live with the repercussions, which is very true. Justly and earthly this is the correct mentality. But I asked him to look at it from a Father’s perspective with his two sons: God is the Father, the prodigal son is the democrats spending all the money, but the other son is the republicans! Why was he even mentioned in that parable? Because he didn’t really love his father, he didn’t have a loving relationship with his father; he just ‘obeyed the rules’ – he didn’t sin. But if the son really loved his father, he would be praying for his brother to come back as does the father. He might even try to go to his brother and “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:13) out of love for the father! But that is not the “attitude” that this 2nd son had. Life is all about relationships! That is union! “God is the happiest of beings who made us to share in His own happiness” (St Augustine). But it shows what God is trying to tell us – obeying the commandments and not sinning is not enough – my motivation, my attitude must be to love. What a huge difference!! I don’t have to like the democratic platform, but I do have to love each person I come in contact with. If I am going to grow a backbone in evangelizing my faith, I must in the same measure grow my love in my heart for my Father’s other children. I know as a mom my desire is for my children to love each other. They will still disagree with each other because they see the world differently. It doesn’t change my desire.
Even though your comment was hilarious, it cannot possibly be true. I think the second after, even during Mary’s last rite she still had some contentious intent on her heart to another person. She can’t change her heart’s intent psychologically if she doesn’t want to, even if she makes the sign of the cross! Don’t we have an obligation as Catholics to work out our salvation with fear and trembling? Doesn’t God look at what’s in our heart or just checks the boxes where we sinned so that the sacramental ritual can take it away? Where my treasure is there will my heart also be....being right or being love.
Btw, I like the new normal.
to him who has ears, let him hear....
DeleteGiving 110% is a goal that each of us should strive for. It is not realistic to expect ourselves to obtain it 100% of the time. There will be times when we can not. I did not vote, I wanted to but I could not, I let myself down and my country. But I chose to be by my mothers hospital bed instead. Would my vote make a difference, no. Did my mother need me to hold her hand and comfort her, yes.
ReplyDeleteDeep inside I believe the world is in it's last days, and all this dysfunctional thinking and voting is the devil's victory for now, but not forever. It is time to start preparing our children and grandchildren for the last days. It could take many years, past our life time, but could happen in theirs. If we do not teach our children to Love the Lord, follow his commandments, repent for our sins, accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour, it is their souls that will be lost and not ours, but we will live forever in heaven without them. Our biggest job is to make sure they make it, that we bring them to Christ, we teach them family values through love, kindness, and discipline when needed. Why are so many parents afraid of their children being mad at them for saying NO. We were intrusted with them, by God, to do what is right by them. Being their best friend is not part of that. Being a good example of how to live your live through Christ is.
The devil is really ramping up to get our children. Liberal Hollywood has a huge grip on our children. It is hard to find anything to watch on TV that is not full of violence, sex, drugs, murder. Thousands of hours a year this filth enters our children's brains. Many more hours then going to church, reading the bible or christian material. Many more hours then family time together, talking as a family, participation 110% in each others lives.
It is our job to give 110% to our children/families first, our nation second.