Pray on Monday with C-FAM

Dear Friend of C-FAM,

This is a global call to join C-FAM and all of our supporters around the world in prayer on Monday morning, March 19, at 10 a.m. (Eastern). We know that our fight is a spiritual one!

We are praying on Monday because it is the Feast of St. Joseph who is the Patron and Protector of the Family. We chose 10 a.m. because it coincides with the time Pope Benedict begins his afternoon walk through the Vatican Gardens to pray his Rosary. So, we are uniting our prayers with him. 

Here is the prayer we are saying to St. Joseph. You may use this or any prayer you find suitable (many of our readers and supporters are not Catholic and do not share our belief in praying to Saints. We do not want to miss your prayers, so please join us in another prayer but one that asks Our Lord to protect the family at the UN). 

Here is the prayer:

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Prayer to St. Joseph for Life

"St. Joseph, You are the chaste and loving spouse of the Virgin Mary, the foster father of Jesus, the protector and provider of the Holy Family and of all families. We have complete confidence in your loving care for new life and your fidelity to the family. We commend our efforts to your prayers and protection. Help us always to defend the gift of human life that it may grow to the abundance of eternal life promised and bestowed on us by your son, our brother, Jesus Christ. Amen."

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PLEASE JOIN C-FAM AND OUR GLOBAL FAMILY IN STORMING THE HEAVENS FOR PROTECTION OF THE FAMILY.

Many thanks!

Spread the word.

Yours sincerely,

Austin Ruse

President

C-FAM

How to know God's will

ARE YOU LIVING GOD'S WILL? CAN YOU EVEN KNOW?    Whether it is missing your calling or needing to make a decision but finding yourself paralyzed by the choices before you, the very good news is that you can know God's will in all things. In Finding God's Will for You, St. Francis de Sales explains in clear terms how to know what God's will is for you and how He reveals it during seemingly random events ... even when your life seems to be lost in chaos. In the same warm yet direct manner de Sales is so noted for, Finding God's Will for You will lead you to the profound peace and consolation that is only possible when you know you are on the right path. No matter your age or your situation, we all have anxieties and questions about where we've been, where we are, and where we are headed in life's journey. De Sales, a master of spiritual direction and spiritual formation, explains in practical and immediately useful ways how to find the answers. Just some of what St. Francis de Sales will show you in Finding God's Will for You: * Four signs that a heart conforms to God's will. Does yours? * How to accept God's will even when it seems terrifying and painful. * Sacred inspirations are not just for the prophets:Learn the many ways God may be knocking on your door. * Changing your life's direction: how to spot and avoid all-too-common dangers. * Three ways you can recognize a thought or sentiment that comes from God. * Plus much more!  This week only save 15% at checkout enter code: HLFGW15  (*For a limited time, shipping not included, not eligible for any other discounts.) Finding God's Will for You   by St. Francis de Sales 160 pgs pbk $14.95 ____________   Fine Catholic Books  from SOPHIA INSTITUTE PRESS    1-800-888-9344 We always welcome contributions to our non-profit apostolate. If you would prefer not to use the PayPal button below, you can add a contribution  directly to your shopping cart at our on-line store.    Sophia Institute Press is the publishing division of

Do Catholics and Muslims Worship the Same God?

March 9th, 2012
Robert Spencer

It certainly seems as if we worship the same God. After all, we call God by the same name. Arabic-speaking Christians, including Eastern Catholics such as Maronites and Melkites, use the word “Allah” for the God of the Bible.
But are they the same God?
The question is not answered by simple linguistic identity, as evidenced by St. Paul’s complaint to the Corinthians: “For if some one comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you submit to it readily enough” (2 Corinthians 11:4). The “other Jesus” that was being preached among the Corinthians was not a different person of the same name, but a view of Jesus of Nazareth that was so radically different from Paul’s that he termed it “another Jesus” altogether.
In the same way, it is possible that the Qur’an and Islamic tradition present a picture of God so radically different from that of the Bible and Catholic tradition that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to maintain the proposition that they are the same Being in both traditions, apart from some minor creedal differences.
But wait a minute. Don’t Catholics have to believe that Christians and Muslims worship the same God, because the Second Vatican Council says so? The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church tells us that the “plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator. In the first place amongst these there are the Mohammedans, who, professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful God, who on the last day will judge mankind.” (Lumen Gentium 16)
It is almost more important to clarify what this text does not say than what it does. The first statement, that “the plan of salvation also includes” Muslims, has led some – mostly critics of the Church – to assert that the Council Fathers are saying that Muslims are saved, and thus need not be preached the Gospel, as they’ve already got just as much of a claim on Heaven as do Christians.
This is obviously false. This statement on Muslims comes as part of a larger passage that begins by speaking of “those who have not yet received the Gospel” and concludes by reaffirming “the command of the Lord, ‘Preach the Gospel to every creature.’” It speaks of the possibility of salvation for those who “through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, yet sincerely seek God and moved by grace strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience.”

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Today's Gospel - March 11, 2012 with Reflection

1^st READING - Exodus 20:1-17

P S A L M - Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R: Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.

2^ND READING - 1 Corinthians 1:22-25

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.

John 2:13-25

13 Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there. 15 He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, 16 and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” 17 His disciples recalled the words of scripture, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18 At this the Jews answered and said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” 19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the scripture and the word Jesus had spoken. 23 While he was in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, many began to believe in his name when they saw the signs he was doing. 24 But Jesus would not trust himself to them because he knew them all, 25 and did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.

SABBATH

Is Anger a Sin? Many people accuse themselves of having a hot temper when they go to confession. In some religions and cultures, it is just impossible to express anger. One has to control his temper. In my 15 years in Japan, I have often admired Japanese people who still smiled and bowed politely even when they were boiling inside. Is being angry a sin? Are Japanese, Buddhists and disciples of Confucius more saintly than most of the disciples of Jesus?  St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “If you are angry, let it be without sin” (4:26). So, there must be anger that is not sinful. And that brings us to Jesus in today’s Gospel. He was obviously very angry when He made a whip, drove sheep and cattle out of the Temple, and knocked over the tables of the money changers. If that was not anger, I don’t know what anger is. Now I ask you: Did Jesus sin? Of course not, you answer, because from your catechism you know that Jesus was sinless. So, He must have done what St. Paul advises — being angry without sinning. But how? First of all, Jesus did not hurt anybody. He used His whip only to drive the animals out of God’s House without harming a fellow human being. Then, His anger arose not because of selfish reasons but because of the sacrilege that was done to the Temple of God. Let’s face it — anger is a fact of life. Anger is a common human emotion. We all feel it. And we feel it more often than we like to admit. Our world is filled with violence, hatred, war and aggression — and we easily react with anger. That is not sin. But we also feel hurt or irritated when someone or something obstructs our needs and we easily get angry when we don’t get what we want or when somebody insults us. Anger tells you that you are hurt and you don’t want to be hurt. Anger refers to the desire to “get even” with the cause of the hurt. And that would be sinful. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you easily get angry? What could be at the root of your anger? Lord, thank You for making me aware that there are two kinds of anger. Help me to follow always Your example and be only angry at what is evil in the world.    St. John Ogilvie, pray for us. Do you want to receive this in your email?  To get Bo Sanchez to send it to you personally, log-on to http://kerygmafamily.com. Lots of surprises await.

Since God Owns Everything, Does He Own Our Financial Debts?

By Michel A. Bell

The Bible is replete with confirmation of God's ownership of everything. It starts in Genesis 1:1. It flows through The Old Testament, in verses such as Psalm 24:1-2, and continues in The New Testament, with verses like Colossians 1:16. God's ownership of everything means we manage for His purposes, everything we use.

We see clearly a key part of the believer's stewardship role, in the prayer Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 6:9-13: Seek God's will continually. This must be the primary purpose of the believer's prayers.

Jesus Tells Us He Will Supply Our Needs

The essence of Jesus' messages to His followers is embodied in these four scripture passages:

1. Come into a personal relationship with Jesus (John 3:1-21).
2. Come; be Jesus' disciple and be prepared to give up all for Him: surrender parents, children, money, everything (Luke 14:25-35).
3. Come to Jesus with all your burdens (Matthew 11:28).
4. Go and make disciples, teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:18-20).

As believers go to make disciples, we must remember that Jesus will be with us always (Matthew 28:20). And we should recall that He has assured us not to worry because He will supply our needs (Matthew 6:24-33). But, our prayers should be according to Jesus' will (John 16:24).

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6498083

Two amazing books for Lent

Here are two books with the power to change the very way you think about Christ's Passion: The classic What Jesus Saw from the Cross andAwakening a wonderfully inventive novel for teens and adults alike. Your Private Retreat to Calvary Written early in this century by Rev. A. G. Sertillanges, a priest who lived in Jerusalem, this acclaimed devotional classic gives you vivid and dramatic details that transport you like no other of account Jesus' final days. As The Passion of the Christ did cinematically, What Jesus Saw from the Cross, will intensify your love of Jesus by burning the events of His Passion into your memory and imagination. You'll be jostled by crowds as you enter Jerusalem, share the Last Supper with the disciples, stare into the face of Jesus' accusers, and be there as He dies on the Cross looking at the faces in the crowd below, finding there the malice of enemies, the dismay of friends, and the indifference of so many others. Read it slowly and prayerfully. Let the gripping narrative take over. You will be brought on a personal retreat and an interior pilgrimage that will change you forever. "This book is like a visit to the Holy Land . . . 2,000 years ago!" Rev. Benedict Groeschel "Beautiful, devotional, and insightful." John Cardinal O'Connor  "I am happy to recommend  What Jesus Saw from the Cross. In it, we enter into the Heart of Jesus during His Passion and discover how precious we are to Him." Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta What Jesus Saw from the Cross  by Fr. A.G. Sertillanges 252 pgs pbk $18.95    Suppose Dorothy were a modern Catholic teen.   Kept home Easter weekend from a skiing trip with non-Catholic friends, fourteen year old Ronnie argues with her mom, then falls sick. Feverish, she wakes some hours later. Not in America. Not in Oz. But in Jerusalem, the day before Jesus will celebrate the Last Supper.   And it's Jesus Himself whose touch has just awakened her. So begins Awakening, a riveting tale that takes the Easter story teens think they know and drops them into the reality of His final three days. Fast paced and unlike any other Lenten reading you or your children have read before, Ronnie's physical awakening to the events of Easter leads her to a spiritual awakening as well, one that confronts the religious doubts and secular assumptions so many have, even those who believe.  "A fast-paced novel packed with truth, tension, and a touch of romance." Denver Catholic Register Awakening  by Claudia Cangilla McAdam 160 pgs pbk $14.95 ____________   Fine Catholic Books  from SOPHIA INSTITUTE PRESS    1-800-888-9344 We always welcome contributions to our non-profit apostolate. If you would prefer not to use the PayPal button below, you can add a contribution  directly to your shopping cart at our on-line store.    Sophia Institute Press is the publishing division of

Today's Gospel - March 4, 2012 with Reflection

1^st READING - Genesis 22:1-2, 9, 10-13, 15-18

P S A L M - Psalm 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19

R: I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

2ND READING - Romans 8:31-34

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

From the shining cloud the Father’s voice is heard: This is my beloved Son, listen to him.

Mark 9:2-10

2 Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. 4 Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. 5 Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. 7 Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” 8Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. 9 As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.

SABBATH

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO FOLLOW JESUS? I consider two events in my life as Jesus’ Transfigurations before me: my ordination and my being saved from drowning. Those experiences told me quite clearly that life is important. The life that God gave me has a purpose  — and it’s for His purpose. Those events drove me to follow Him and continuously trust Him. They drove me to be ready to offer my life for Him. In a way, that was what the Apostles James, Peter, and John felt after seeing Jesus transfigured before their eyes. St. Mark described it as, “His clothes were dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.” That was as far as the evangelist can say of the physical manifestation of Jesus’ divinity. It was a foretaste of the glory of God. But it was enough for them to temporarily forget their family, land, livelihood — everything! They were willing to pitch tent there with Jesus. They were so inebriated with His divinity that nothing and no one else mattered. But it was not yet time for them to be with Jesus. Neither was it for Jesus. Jesus and the Apostles still have a mission. Jesus knew about His impending death. He also knew that the Apostles would be greatly devastated once He went under the attacks of His enemies. The transfiguration was meant to inspire and give them the courage and confidence to go through the coming challenges. It was meant to give them something to hang on to until after the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit when everything will be revealed. So, what more do you need to follow Jesus? With all the miracles and words of Jesus, these should be enough. It would be good to go back to those experiences with Him. We certainly have enough in life to thank God for and make a decision to follow Him. The ball is in our hands. It is now the time to act. There is no need to shop or look for another God. Who we have right now is more than enough.  Fr. Benny Tuazon REFLECTION QUESTION: Look at your life and make an inventory of what Jesus has done for you. That should be enough reason for you to follow Him. Lord Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross for me. Thank You for all that You’ve done, are doing and will do in my life. Grant me a faithful heart to follow You each day of my life. St. Casimir, pray for us. Do you want to receive this in your email?  To get Bo Sanchez to send it to you personally, log-on to http://kerygmafamily.com. Lots of surprises await.