10 Tips for Living a Better Life by Pope John XXIII

Found this at I Catholic, one of the members posted and we should all try this to see how much better our lives can be.

So here are ten tips from Pope John XXIII about how to live a better life, dahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gify to day:

1. Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.

2. Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behavior; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself.

3. Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.

4. Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes.

5. Only for today, I will devote 10 minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.

6. Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it.

7. Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices.

8. Only for today, I will make a plan for myself: I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision.

9. Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that the good Providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world.

10. Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for 12 hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life.

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Book of Malachi 1:14b.2:1-2b.8-10.

Cursed is the deceiver, who has in his flock a male, but under his vow sacrifices to the LORD a gelding; For a great King am I, says the LORD of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.
And now, O priests, this commandment is for you: If you do not listen,
And if you do not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name, says the LORD of hosts, I will send a curse upon you and of your blessing I will make a curse. Yes, I have already cursed it, because you do not lay it to heart.
But you have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to falter by your instruction; You have made void the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts.
I, therefore, have made you contemptible and base before all the people, Since you do not keep my ways, but show partiality in your decisions.
Have we not all the one Father? Has not the one God created us? Why then do we break faith with each other, violating the covenant of our fathers?

Psalms 131(130):1.2.3.

A song of ascents. Of David. LORD, my heart is not proud; nor are my eyes haughty. I do not busy myself with great matters, with things too sublime for me.
Rather, I have stilled my soul, hushed it like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother's lap, so is my soul within me.
Israel, hope in the LORD, now and forever.

First Letter to the Thessalonians 2:7b-9.13.

Although we were able to impose our weight as apostles of Christ. Rather, we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children.
With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us.
You recall, brothers, our toil and drudgery. Working night and day in order not to burden any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that,in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which is now atwork in you who believe.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 23:1-12.

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples,
saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens (hard to carry) and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.'
As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.' You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called 'Master'; you have but one master, the Messiah.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Twice as Good?

So as mentioned I started RCIA this week and now it seems I will be going to two parishes! Confusing yes problem no! It kind of dawned on me that this might just be the best of both worlds and help my journey even more.
Now I am sure it will not accelerate it but actually in fact bring me back to the very roots of my faith that I need to establish. I guess my roots are like those of the mustard seed on the rocks!
The people who run the RCIA are very wonderful and really appear to want to go out of their way to help and to make one welcome. I received a nice package and best of all a bible, my very first and now a very cherished possession. Remarkable the contents and why is it that it is easier to read in book form then in online form?
So hang on as this should be a good ride but one with great benefits. Mass is easy I can go to the English parish Saturday evening or Sunday first thing and then on for the 11am at our old parish. I have discussed at my old parish that I might not be there every week but will try as the 11:00am mass is a bit late and wipes out the day but for the most part we can live with it. Hectic yes strange yes but from what I have seen at our Hungarian parish that there are a few people who attend two parishes as well.
So all in all took a small big step forward and now time to absorb the teachings and the words to be a better person and to become strong in my faith!

Floating

As mentioned I have been contemplating switching parishes. Going from my ethnic Hungarian background and parish to a local parish.
I have been weighing the pros and cons of the situation and right now the local parish is winning out. First I love the mass time of 8:00am. Really has worked out great the last few weeks and even today as I have the whole day still ahead of me to work around my house, be with my family, be a couch potato and unwind. The 11:00am mass at the other parish plus the travel time and the helping out had us home around 1:00pm and we were either in a rush or just gave up and fell behind in our chores and cooking and never had time for each other and the family. I really liked it when we had the 9:00am mass but this has been canceled and so has the 10:00am mass which was still good.
As mentioned we had a 15-20 minute drive to the Hungarian parish. New parish 5 minutes can even walk on a nice day (or when my hip decides to heal up).
The largest influence having me lean to the new parish is that I have already enrolled in the RCIA class after talking with Father A. I have been lost many times at mass even though I did pick up Hungarian and learned to read Hungarian I still knew that I did not have the comprehension of the mass and the faith. Sadly though there was not much they could offer me. I wanted to learn what I had never learned about the faith and how it works and what my role there is etc. I did go through Cursillo but that is not a base but maybe a branch or at the very least a different type of foundation. As I mentioned to the office secretary at the new parish when enrolling even though I am a Catholic I know nothing.
My heart is still heavy about this and it might be a few weeks before I make a final decision and it is hard but is it selfish to ant to know and expand your knowledge in your faith so ultimately one can become closer to the Lord? I don't think so but I could be wrong.
Looking forward to RCIA class on Tuesday evening and going forward from there. Until later God Bless and take care!

The Sunday Readings

First Reading - Ex 22:20-26


20 He that sacrificeth to gods, shall be put to death, save only to the Lord. 21 Thou shalt not molest a stranger, nor afflict him: for yourselves also were strangers in the land of Egypt. 22 You shall not hurt a widow or an orphan. 23 If you hurt them they will cry out to me, and I will hear their cry: 24 And my rage shall be enkindled, and I will strike you with the sword, and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. 25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor, that dwelleth with thee, thou shalt not be hard upon them as an extortioner, nor oppress them with usuries. 26 If thou take of thy neighbour a garment in pledge, thou shalt give it him again before sunset.

Psalm - Ps 18:2-4,47,51


2 I will love thee, O Lord, my strength: 3 The Lord is my firmament, my refuge, and my deliverer. My God is my helper, and in him will I put my trust. My protector and the horn of my salvation, and my support. 4 Praising I will call upon the Lord: and I shall be saved from my enemies. 47 The Lord liveth, and blessed be my God, and let the God of my salvation be exalted. 51 Giving great deliverance to his king, and shewing mercy to David his anointed: and to his seed for ever.

Second Reading - 1 Thess 1:5c-10


5c As you know what manner of men we have been among you for your sakes. 6 And you became followers of us, and of the Lord; receiving the word in much tribulation, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 7 So that you were made a pattern to all that believe in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For from you was spread abroad the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia, and in Achaia, but also in every place, your faith which is towards God, is gone forth, so that we need not to speak any thing. 9 For they themselves relate of us, what manner of entering in we had unto you; and how you turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God. 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven (whom he raised up from the dead,) Jesus, who hath delivered us from the wrath to come.

Gospel - Mt 22:34-40


34 But the Pharisees hearing that he had silenced the Sadducees, came together: 35 And one of them, a doctor of the law, asking him, tempting him: 36 Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said to him: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind. 38 This is the greatest and the first commandment. 39 And the second is like to this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments dependeth the whole law and the prophets.

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Is 45:1, 4-6

Thus says the LORD to his anointed, Cyrus,
whose right hand I grasp,
subduing nations before him,
and making kings run in his service,
opening doors before him
and leaving the gates unbarred:
For the sake of Jacob, my servant,
of Israel, my chosen one,
I have called you by your name,
giving you a title, though you knew me not.
I am the LORD and there is no other,
there is no God besides me.
It is I who arm you, though you know me not,
so that toward the rising and the setting of the sun
people may know that there is none besides me.
I am the LORD, there is no other.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10

R. (7b) Give the Lord glory and honor.
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
R. Give the Lord glory and honor.
For great is the LORD and highly to be praised;
awesome is he, beyond all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are things of nought,
but the LORD made the heavens.
R. Give the Lord glory and honor.
Give to the LORD, you families of nations,
give to the LORD glory and praise;
give to the LORD the glory due his name!
Bring gifts, and enter his courts.
R. Give the Lord glory and honor.
Worship the LORD, in holy attire;
tremble before him, all the earth;
say among the nations: The LORD is king,
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. Give the Lord glory and honor.

Reading 2 1 Thes 1:1-5b

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians
in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
grace to you and peace.
We give thanks to God always for all of you,
remembering you in our prayers,
unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love
and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ,
before our God and Father,
knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God,
how you were chosen.
For our gospel did not come to you in word alone,
but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.

Gospel Mt 22:15-21

The Pharisees went off
and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech.
They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying,
"Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man
and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion,
for you do not regard a person's status.
Tell us, then, what is your opinion:
Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?"
Knowing their malice, Jesus said,
"Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?
Show me the coin that pays the census tax."
Then they handed him the Roman coin.
He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?"
They replied, "Caesar's."
At that he said to them,
"Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar
and to God what belongs to God."

Great Reminder!

I saw this at CNA and thought what a great reminder for us. Please read through and apply to your daily life!

Pope reminds Christians to thank God for good things 

Vatican City, October 12 (CNA/EWTN News) .- Pope Benedict XVI reminded Christians today to thank God for the good things in life, instead of only bringing problems to him.

"Dear brothers and sisters, in our prayers we should look at how often, in the events of our lives, the Lord has protected us, guided us, helped us," the Pope said at the Oct. 12 general audience in St. Peter's Square.

He encouraged Christians to "be more attentive to the good things that the Lord gives us. We are always attentive to the problems, difficulties and almost do not want to see that there are good things come from the Lord."

In his latest discourse on prayer, Pope Benedict was dwelt on Psalm 126. It charts the joy of the Jewish people returning from their exile in Babylon in the 6th century B.C. Even today, the psalm is sung in an upbeat, joyous manner at Jewish religious occasions.

"When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed," reads the psalm's first line as it depicts a people whose "mouths were filled with laughter" and "tongues with songs of joy."

The psalm "celebrates the great things which the Lord has done for His people, and which He continues to do for all believers," said Pope Benedict.

The importance of this gratitude to God, he added, is that it creates hearts "full of joy" and memories "of the good that also helps us in the dark hours."

Such good memories are required by the Jewish people in the psalm, the Pope observed, as they returned to find to a promised land now "impoverished, devastated." "Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy," is how the psalmist expresses his hope.

"This imagery of the seed which silently grows to maturity reminds us that God's salvation is at once a gift already received and the object of our hope, a promise whose fulfilment remains in the future," the Pope.

And he noted how Jesus later uses the same imagery to "express the passage from death to life, from darkness to light, which must take place in the lives of all who put their faith in him and share in his paschal mystery."

"This psalm teaches us that, in our prayer, we must always remain hopeful and firm in our faith in God," even when our life is "marked often by suffering, uncertainty, moments of crisis," said the Pope, echoing a theme of his teachings from the last several weeks.

This hope and faith is fulfilled in Jesus, with whom "our exile ends, and every tear is dried." It is in the "great discovery of Jesus Christ" that "we learn that even in dark nights, not to forget that the light exists, that God is already in the midst of our life and that we can sow with great confidence."

Pope Benedict finished his discourse by saying: "As we pray this Psalm, may we echo the song of the Virgin Mary by rejoicing in the great things which the Almighty has done for us, and by awaiting in hope the fulfilment of God's promises."

He then led pilgrims in the singing of the Our Father in Latin before imparting his apostolic blessing.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, I believe that you are present here as I turn to you in prayer. I trust and have confidence in your desire to give me every grace I need to receive today. Thank you for your love, thank you for your immense generosity toward me. I give you my life and my love in return.

The Struggles Continue

Yes my struggle is still on going and I have zeroed in on some problems and the cause of the struggles.   
 First is whether or not to stay at my parish. I do love the fact of it being a 'ethnic church' this gives us a uniqueness and also helps with my roots being developed back to Hungary.
 I do like the way mass is done a more traditional style but there are some shortcomings since Father L took over and one of them is he always seems to be in a hurry when going through mass. Personally I do not like this as I go to pray and absorb what mass has to offer me and be with God. I do not like the "Beat the Clock" Mass.
 Of course the get together's and different dinners through the year are excellent. Again helping my roots develop more.
 I do not like the 11:00 am mass as it is too late in the morning for me especially with the travel. Last week as I help clean up after mass, turn off lights etc. we got home around 1 in the afternoon. Not that this should matter but I would like to be at home and enjoy my time with my wife and family.
 Lastly the affiliations Father L is starting to me will lead the parish on a path that might leads to its own end based on the track record of the people he is aligning himself with despite objections and warnings from others.
 The lack of spiritual development is huge and other than the Cursillo get together there really is nothing. We also can't make the evening midweek mass and rosary which we went to once and I really enjoyed. With my wife working and my inability to drive it is extremely hard to get there for this.
 The parish down the road I could be at 8:00am mass which I did mention the other week that I loved and they always have some form of spiritually development renewal every week going on. The parish is Polish and English so the mix is nice.
 So here I sit in my struggles of where to go. On top of that I am still struggling with the fact where am I in all of this and where do I want to be. It continues and sometimes I get reved up do some reading of blogs the bible do a rosary all online and think this is great but then the realization of well would this and should this not take place in church gets to me because for some reason in my mind it would mean more? Not sure. I will continue to work it out and hopefully settle but I hate this restlessness and want to grow in my faith. What to do? Take care and God Bless!

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Book of Isaiah 25:6-10a.

On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples A feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.

On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, The web that is woven over all nations;

he will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces; The reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken.

On that day it will be said: "Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the LORD for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!"

For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain, but Moab will be trodden down as a straw is trodden down in the mire.

Psalms 23(22):1-3a.3b-4.5.6.

A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me;

you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.

you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.

Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.

You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.

Letter to the Philippians 4:12-14.19-20.

I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need.

I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.

Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress.

My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 22:1-14.

Jesus again in reply spoke to them in parables, saying,

The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.

He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come.

A second time he sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those invited: "Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast."'

Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business.

The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.

The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.

Then he said to his servants, 'The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come.

Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.'

The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests.

But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment.

He said to him, 'My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?' But he was reduced to silence.

Then the king said to his attendants, 'Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'

Many are invited, but few are chosen."

Recharge

Had a wonderful day yesterday. I was able to attend morning mass and then we had our monthly Cursillo meeting. I just love going as it rejuvenates me and lifts a lot off of my shoulders. The prayers the discussions and just being together with people in the presence of our Lord is wonderful. Sometimes I truly wish I never had to leave.
Every month someone has to make a presentation. It was supposed to be me but I missed the September get together so it was passed on to another lady and as usual we had to fight back tears listening to her story. It is truly remarkable at times what kind of suffering people have had and what draws them closer to God.
It was truly a wonderful day!
God Bless and have a great week!

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Book of Isaiah 5:1-7.

Let me now sing of my friend, my friend's song concerning his vineyard. My friend had a vineyard on a fertile hillside;

He spaded it, cleared it of stones, and planted the choicest vines; Within it he built a watchtower, and hewed out a wine press. Then he looked for the crop of grapes, but what it yielded was wild grapes.

Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard:

What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done? Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes?

Now, I will let you know what I mean to do to my vineyard: Take away its hedge, give it to grazing, break through its wall, let it be trampled!

Yes, I will make it a ruin: it shall not be pruned or hoed, but overgrown with thorns and briers; I will command the clouds not to send rain upon it.

The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his cherished plant; He looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed! for justice, but hark, the outcry!

Psalms 80(79):9.12.13-14.15-16.19-20.

You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove away the nations and planted it.

It sent out boughs as far as the sea, shoots as far as the river.

Why have you broken down the walls, so that all who pass by pluck its fruit?

The boar from the forest strips the vine; the beast of the field feeds upon it.

Turn again, LORD of hosts; look down from heaven and see; Attend to this vine,

the shoot your right hand has planted.

Then we will not withdraw from you; revive us, and we will call on your name.

LORD of hosts, restore us; let your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.

Letter to the Philippians 4:6-9.

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 21:33-43.

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: «Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey.

When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce.

But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned.

Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way.

Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, 'They will respect my son.'

But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.'

They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.

What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?"

They answered him, "He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times."

Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the scriptures: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes'?

Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.