Forget Religion, Do what you feel is right!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comments on Popular Facebook Post

Its not the first time I have seen this post appear on my facebook news feed but I would certainly like it to be the last. I am unsurprised that this quote is anonymous, as for me it carries no weight whatsoever except confirming a secular societies uninformed belief that religion is a negative thing.

First of all this is a complete contradiction through the intolerance it preaches. If whoever posts or re posts it had any empathy, they surely wouldn't post it in the first place. If we really break it down we can see that they (Whoever Posts) are just having a pop at what they believe is a group of people who believe they have a higher moral standing than everyone else in society. This is obviously a misunderstanding of the aspiration that Christians, in particular, have towards following the examples of Christ. The post can be translated as 'we can make our own moral code up' which is complete nonsense. Do these people really understand what would happen if we completely left it up to our own consciences to decide what is right and wrong. We can make ourselves believe that anything is right if we really want to. We reason and reason until the unreasonable becomes reasonable at least to us, and if there is no concrete guide we are doing no more than urinating into the wind (excuse me).

To a certain extent we are following the law of each individual land that governs us and creates our laws. We have to rely on law makers who may believe in the murder of innocent unborn children, so how can we trust that following these man made laws can lead us into a deeper sense of being. Do not get me wrong, we have to abide by the Law of the land so long as it abides with our conscience but even more important is the Law of God, the unchanging law's that were given in divine revelation and throughout salvation history. These laws permeate our societies and we can still see the good that remains through these laws even in our secular society. We do not use a little red book to determine right from wrong but do so from the laws/rules/guidance that God gave us and if we choose to ignore this we enter the realm of selfishness, picking what pleases us and what gives us instant unfulfilled gratification.

On a final note, to indirectly say that some of the great Catholic Saints have lacked empathy is ludicrous. These fine examples of humanity no what it takes to decide what is right and wrong and they do so under God's guidance and in a religious context.

In God's Love

 

 

 

 

 

SSG

The Courageous Bishop Egan and his not so Courageous Colleagues

 

Bishop Egan and Catholic Teaching

 

 

 

 

 

It's been a few days since I first heard of Bishop Egan's explanation about why MP's, who voted for the same-sex marriage bill, shouldn't receive communion. I have to say from the outset that I fully agree with his comments which also fully adhere to the teaching of the Catholic Church. I thought there was no more to be said on the subject but then heard that the Bishops Conference had publicly stated that this is not the case and that nobody will be introducing a ban. Many people I am sure will be in a state of mortal sin when receiving communion but for an MP to actively and publicly be in opposition to the Church's teaching demands action from the Bishop's Conference and indeed, their local parish priest under guidance from their Bishop. To allow the MP's to continue receiving communion in a state of mortal sin could really be a grave sin itself and so a great responsibility lies on the Bishops conference of England and Wales which I feel they have now shirked.

 

 

Bishop Egan initially said; “When people are not in communion with the Catholic Church … in terms of the teachings of the Church on marriage and family life – they are voting in favour of same-sex marriage – then they shouldn’t be receiving Holy Communion.” The comments were further clarified as being an act of charity when Bishop Egan stated; “We’re called by Christ and He’s chosen us, it’s a free choice. We live under the word of God. It’s not my truth, it’s God’s truth. One would hope that in that case it would encourage someone to come back to seek communion with the Lord with the truth and say I’m sorry I got lost.”

 

 

Church teaching is clear and it certainly seems clear that Bishop Egan knows this but does the Bishops Conference? I would encourage everyone that has my concern to write to the President of the Bishops conference to voice their concern.

 

 

 

In God's Love

 

SSG

 

 

 

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
Archbishop’s House
Ambrosden Ave.
London, UK
SW1P 1QJ

The Selective Hearing of The Young

First of all let me assert from/the outset that it is not my intention to be a patronising adult that says 'in my day.........' My day wasn't long ago but unfortunately has just about passed. The Young Catholic is approaching 30 this year and feels the age gap more than ever between teenagers and those like myself who went through it in recent history.

specifically it is my intention to make some observations about recent experiences with young people. Having been young very recently I understand that with this age comes a certain amount of a care free attitude. Some things become more important with experience. Its hard to communicate without being accused of being patronising but sometimes you really do just feel like slapping someone with an extremely wet fish to drive the message home. Worryingly I have this to come with my children, which should present a challenge which I can imagine is frustrating. The worrying thing that I have observed lately is that the young ears I have surrounding me do seem to be extremely deaf to any sort of wisdom. I am far from wise myself but knowing the all wise creator enables me to give advice which I know for sure is sound and most importantly, truth.

I am not in the habit of handing out copious amounts of advice but it sometimes leaves me speechless at how much young people do not care to ask themselves the more important questions in life. The culture of drink seems to have a strong hold over the young. As the weekend comes near its all about going out and getting intoxicated as I also did in my younger days. It seems in this way that people seem to make the same mistakes without listening to the advice of their elders. No doubt drinking too much is not a positive thing, but everyone does it so why would people want to stay in when there friends are out clubbing. This is one example but the deafness of the young is frightening. Not only do they fail to heed advice or ask themselves questions which may deepen their knowledge of their existence, but they are numb to any kind of conversation which challenges their minds.

I am concerned that my children are to grow up in this/pleasure seeking society where money is more important than building/nurturing virtue. We are weak human beings and so its no surprise, really, that people make the same mistakes, but as someone who has started to learn, its highly frustrating to see.

Let us pray for the young, that they may remain pure and learn the wisdom of God, hopefully before they make mistakes, but if not, quite soon after. May God guide them closely and wrap them more and more in the spiritual cotton wool needed today.

In Gods Love

SSG

Conclave Thoughts

Thoughts on the Conclave

For anyone wondering, yes I do still exist in the world of blogging.

Before I begin my thoughts on the conclave I would like to update you on my current situation. Having started the course at Maryvale in October, I really thought there was no time in my life for anything else. My wife and I had another child just to make things a little more challenging. The time to do essays is hard to find but I am just about managing to study philosophy during the five minutes when everyone else is sleeping.

Now to the conclave. My overwhelming feeling is one of excitement as the chimney is erected over the sistine chapel. The historical moment we are about to witness is immense and it's a privilidge to be able to watch it unfold and be a part of this Holy tradition. Seeing the cardinals gather together gives me hope, not for a failing Church, but for one that can grow under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the hands of the next Pope. Pope Benedict, was a wonderful Pope and such an excellent example to the younger generation of how to live a prayerful and faithful life. The former Pope certainly had his effect on me and enabled me to have the confidence to study theology when I thought I just was not the right person for it (I may still not be the right person, the Holy Spirit makes anything possible).

It really strikes me at this time how much the media know about the Church. They report on each Cardinal to see if, in their eyes, he will be good enough or if the people love him. The fact is that in the secular dominated media nobody will like the new Pope if he is a witness to the truth and if they did like him, I for one would be worried. Take Cardinal Oullet as an example. I have read so many negative articles where his witness to the truth is reported as his downfall and weekness. It also seems as if his Bishops have no support for him either as some among them look for ways in which to ride the tide of seculrism.

This is a time for truth, not just for the new Pope but for all Catholics. The truth is not easy when it speaks out against injustice and sin. Bishops, Priests and my fellow lay men, let us be strong and courageous in telling the truth that comes from God. When popular demands push us to agree with sinful ways let us tell satan to get behind us, for he has seeped into the fabric of society and has pitted our fellow brothers against us.

In God's Love with enormous Hope

SSG

Gods Revelation

I am currently working on my first essay for the Divinity degree and reading into how God reveals himself and Why.

God Reveals himself in the following ways:

• Natural Religion (In the Human person and Creation)
• Salvation History - Old testament, New Testament in the Divine revelation

The transmission of God's revelation falls to the Catholic Church. (ok maybe my essay has to be a little longer than that but I will pad a little!!)


Studying God's revelation is slowly opening my eyes to how absolutely perfect God's plan for us is.

I seem to have no time for anything but study and family, what better to spend my time. It's a huge challenge as I am not academically minded but for the glory of God I am willing to take it on. An essay is due every month now, 8 per year and I will be doing this (God willing) for 5 years. Even after 5 years I will still know just a snippet about our faith. I could study it for a long lifetime and I would still be left with answers.

God is a wonderful mystery. I was in a pit of darkness with my soul on the brink and Jesus is always there with his hands stretched out just waiting for me to open my eyes and hold on tight so he can pull me up to light of his truth.

All glory and honour and power and victory to you almighty Father, forever and ever!!!!


In God's Love

SSG

Maryvale course

Good News!!!!

I have been accepted by Maryvale to undertake the degree in divinity. I am very excited about this as well as nervous as it's by far the largest academic challenge I have ever taken on. I hope it will lead to a future that can be based on glorifying God. My idea at the moment is to move into Catholic teaching which is a long way off but hopefully I can get there. I hope also later in life to become a deacon in my local parish and will find this course invaluable in the ministry I hope to undertake. I start the course on Friday at Maryvale and will definitely be making the most of my visit there by spending some much needed quiet time in front of the blessed sacrament. I ask for prayers from everybody that I may be able to complete this degree in order to work for God.

On a side note, I have just been to spend a little time in front of the blessed sacrament on my lunch hour and learnt that we have a confessional at church which is used as a storage cupboard. A very sad sight to see and I really hope that it can be dusted down and used once again. Confession is available but only in the sacristy and how wonderful it would be to have this confessional back in use.

In God's Love

SSG

The Last Month

It may seem a little strange but before now I have lacked the spiritual energy needed to blog.

After comitting a sin that I have had issues with for a while now, I just needed to retreat. So I did, I retreated not from God but from the world and it has benfited me alot. In sin there should be no retreating from God as he is the only remedy but it always, as previously mentioned, produces a humility that makes me quiet and pulls me away from general affairs.

A couple of things have come to light over the last month in my life:

Work - I am a little fed up at work so I have taken the decision, after consulting the Lord and my family, to look into undertaking a degree in Divinity through Maryvale institute with the long term idea of being a Catholic RE teacher (again as previously mentioned) Work is not giving me anything I need (satisfaction) but more importantly I don't believe it's giving God anything that he needs from me anymore.

Prayer - I have got into a better routine with prayer and have been able to find quiet times throughout the day that I never knew existed (that devil of a TV tricking me) So I feel God is near to me at the moment.

Drinking - I have decided to take 3 months off a very bad habit of mine in order to offer this sacrifice for the soul of my friend who died a while ago 'Sean Aitkens'. May he be welcomed into your eternal Kingdom Lord.

These are a couple of very positive things that are happening and I feel a great sense of peace. I have to remember though that this is all for God and not for my own happiness (note to self : must have obedience and humility).

All Glory to God

In God's Love

SSG

A Testing Month

It has been just over a month since I last blogged.

My wife and I are expecting our second child and my wife has been very unwell and even had to stay in hospital for a few days with dehydration. The time that she was away and the last few weeks have really been a testing time for the family. I have had to have a small taste of what it's like to be a single parent and it was very difficult for me. This test sent by God is one that has brought fruit to our lives in a few ways. I appreciate now what my wife does and think she is the most amazing hero and mother in my eyes. Amy (my wife) is such a selfless person and so are all mothers who undertake this vocation with the sense of responsibility it deserves.

During this time I watched a film called courageous that has an emotional story line to it about being a good father and this film has had a big impact on me. To be a 'good father' is such a challenge in today's society and we need more good fathers who will teach their children about God, look after their wives and ...... well I could go on but I would just be repeating the film. Have a watch of it if you can.

I am so blessed to have a second child on the way and will give my two children and my wife, every ounce of strength that I have (sometimes with a few moans, unfortunately) in order to bring them closer to God and glorify his name through our family.

Lets hope that my wife improves but I continue to appreciate the things she does for this family when she is well.

In God's Love

SSG

My Friend The Athiest

I have a friend who is an atheist and it's a great pain to me that he continues to see this way of life as superior to that of following Jesus and glorifying God.

Although I don't see him as often as I like, when I do actually see him, religion is often the topic of conversation. I have always tried to find the best method of trying to convert him and put the good news into his heart but some people are just so stubborn. I would definitely go so far as to describe him as a militant atheist. Being a fairly new militant atheist, I find it simple to answer his verbal punches about my religion. There are, however, some answers that he will just not understand. Is there any point in going in to the supernatural when he won't even entertain the idea? God is all around us and when you recognise this fact, its really obvious that God is the orchestrator of everything.

Richard Dawkins is a really big guy in his life as well as the late Christopher Hitchins. Richard Hawkins, in particular has allot to answer for in my mind. I am not the supreme judge, thankfully, but he has led so many people down the wrong road and stirred up a hatred for Christianity and in particular, Catholicism. His flawed arguments are built on this hatred and sometimes it seems like he will say anything to win an argument. This has rubbed off on my friend who has this arrogant and extremely rude way of talking about religion. He is highly disrespectful to the truth that I know and lacks an enormous amount of trust in my judgement which really does hurt.

Recently my friend said to me 'Sam, you are one of the best people I know, why must you put this down to your God, why can't you just admit that it is all your own doing and that you are good because you make yourself good'. Now, the sneaky compliment didn't do allot to sooth the blow of my friend saying there is no God. I explained to him that without God I am nothing, without God I would be in a really bad place. God is constantly dragging me out of the depths of Hell and only with his mercy and intervention can I hope to stay out of this dark place.

My friend the Atheist is simply missing out and I will continue to be a good example whenever I have the opportunity. Whether he realises or not, the goodness that comes from Jesus shines through his heart on many occasions and he just needs to recognise this. My answer to him always is 'My friend, don't fret, Jesus loves you'.

Please pray for my friend and all atheist's conversions, wouldn't it be great if Dawkin's converted, what a witness to God he would be with truth and reason on his side.

In God's Love

SSG

How to profit from your faults

The latest book I have been reading is a really positive book regarding sin and God's mercy.

Jospeh Tissot goes into depth on the teachings of St Francis de Sales who is a truly inspiring character. Sin doesn't have to and indeed shouldn't weigh us down so much. The sinful man is the one being called by God to holiness and Tissot explains this using some great quotes which not only comfort but motivate me highly to be who God wants me to be even after offending him very much.

I have committed many faults in my short life and it's easy to feel that 'surley God can not forgive me for these'. This thought comes from the devil and really doesn't respect God's infinite mercy for us (which in turn offends God more) We must remember how merciful he is and how wide his arms are ready to embrace us after each fall. His arms open wider to us than before and he is ready to embrace us more tightly when we repent and run back to him.

The temptation to wallow in self pity is always there after committing sin. We can retreat into ourselves and hide in a corner away from our creator. This is wrong. If we commit a sin we are to confess sincerely and move on, God will not hold it against us if we repent and running back into his light, burns off the stain caused by this sin.

If there is one thing I have taken from this book it is not to be discouraged. Yes, sin halt's our call to holiness but we can still continue on the same path and glorify his name if we trust in him and remember his mercy which knows no bounds.

In God's Love

SSG

The Catholic Church's inquisition of American nuns (and rightly so)

These nuns, although doing allot of good by helping the poor and undertaking important ground level work (charity) are doing a great amount of harm by spreading false doctrine and question the 'Authorities'.

The ' Authorities' in the Catholic church have been given the power to 'bind and loose' which makes the successor of Peter correct and truthful in everything he says/proclaims on behalf of Jesus Christ. It's not a bunch of policies to control and grow the Catholic church as obviously, judging by the opposition against some church teaching, it doesn't work because its received as being outdated and old fashioned.

The truth is that the Catholic church is not here to 'keep up with the times' or to please everyone. They are here to guide morally and help us to do God's will which is (bound and loosed) there will, one and the same. The church is one and allowing the nun's to spread their own opinions doesn't help us to be one.

Let's just be clear that in today's society, being a Catholic is not easy. To be a good witness of Christ you need to be courageous and defiant against the popular misguided opinion. We need to avoid attractions of a sexulised world and just generally die to ourselves and not always do what we want just because we feel like it. It's not easy but it's truth and it will bring great rewards of unimaginable measures.

Just like any other institution, we have our problems and are under constant renewal. We all, as Catholics, acknowledge that there have been unspeakable cruleties against chilldren and poor mistakes made by church officials. I would just like to point out to every body who criticises us that in the Catholic church when we make a mistake we repent and suffer and then we move on to be better people and a better institution. With Christ we are better placed then any other institution to renew ourselves effectivley and become what Christ wants us to be.

To the laity and Priest's and Nun's who want to speak out and challenge church teaching please remember what church you are actually in and where the book stops (at the successor of Peter on behalf of the son of God) you have absolutley no right to challenge this as you are challenging Jesus. Let us be one in the face of every opposition and let us radiate God's light in this darkened world.

May the Lord convert all our hearts in the Catholic church to make us one in him.

In God's Love

SSG

Meditations on Death and Penance

I wanted to repost this as it is amazing in occasions of temptation, suffering and disouragement.

Text is from 'The Spiritual Combat'

---------------Thoughts on Death---------------
Every moment of our lives we stand on the brink of eternity

TWELVE ADVANTAGES TO BE DERIVED FROM THE CONTEMPLATION OF DEATH
1. Contemplation of death enables us to judge properly and prevents our being imposed upon in all affairs. With nothing we came into this world, and with nothing shall we leave it. Why then should we consume our very lives in the accumulation of riches? No one is to accompany us out of this world; why then are we so fond of creatures?
The stench and corruption of the grave in which the pampered body is the prey of the lowest vermin show us the folly of carnal pleasures.
In our narrow cell beneath the earth among the meanest things of creation, when our very blanket of soil may be trampled upon by the meanest beggar, then we shall be freed of the vanity of seeking distinction and preference over others.
2. It is our best instructor through life, laying down but one simple rule, which is the direction of all our acts to one last end. This consideration drives away all the petty troubles which punctuate this life with unfailing regularity: it steadies us on the course and sustains us on the journey.
3. It teaches us to know ourselves, one of the essential points of true wisdom.
4. It teaches us to despise all that this world can offer, and is the solace of all true servants of God.
5. It is like ice, and helps to chill and deaden the fire of concupiscence; it is a bridle which curbs our sensual appetites.
6. It is a continual source of humiliation, a specific remedy against pride and vanity.
7. It is an excellent preservative against sin. "In all thy works be mindful of thy last end, and thou shalt never sin."
[Eccl. 7: 40]
8. It brings exasperated minds back to peace and reconciliation. Whoever considers seriously that a certain and unavoidable death will one day bring him before the Judge Who shows no mercy but to those who show mercy to others, he will easily be induced to forgive.
9. It is an antidote against the pleasures and vanities of the world. Thus the prince who once placed a jester in a crazy chair over a large fire told him very justly, seeing the jester's uneasiness, that life should be considered like a defective chair, which at any hour, at any moment, might fall to pieces; and the fire beneath the prince represented as the fires of Hell which everyone should hold in dread.
10. It teaches us a provident economy with regard to our salvation, by setting before our eyes the transitory character of this life, and the necessity of laying up a treasure of good works while it is in our power to do so.
11. It induces us to embrace penances with a cheerful spirit.
12. It encourages us to persevere in the way of penance with unshakable firmness.

---------------Thoughts on Penance---------------

Penance is the only pathway to God, once we have been separated from Him in sin. By penance I mean either penance of heart or an active penance. The one is effective, the other affective, and both must be united as the several circumstances of our condition require.
An active or effective penitence is to be utilized when sickness or any voluntary affliction befalls us, or when through a penitential spirit, we discipline ourselves.
In afflictions we practice active penitence in the following situations:
1. As often as we receive crosses with the intention of receiving them as just punishments from a tender parent solicitous for our reform; or as the sentence of a merciful judge who inflicts a penalty in this life in order to spare us in the next.
2. As often as we confess our sins with true repentance, and receive the punishment with due submission.
That these two interior acts may make a deep impression on our hearts they may be accompanied by the following reflections:
a. If the crimes for which we are punished were to be weighed against our sufferings, how light would the atonement be in comparison with our guilt!
b. All that we endure has been decreed in the providence of God.
c. All our sufferings are to our ultimate advantage, as they satisfy for our offenses.
d. We suffer too that we may come to a realization of our own wickedness, for we seldom advert to this subject before we feel the hand of God.
e. If by the Sacrament of Penance we are already in the state of grace, affliction is sent as a means of satisfying the Divine justice for the temporal punishment due to our sins.
f. The punishment due to mortal sin is eternal damnation, and irrevocable banishment from the sight of God if one is not repentant.
g. Millions have perished who perhaps were guilty of but one mortal sin after Baptism, and many of them were surprised by death the moment it was committed.
In order to apply these truths to our own case when any affliction befalls us, we ought to retire into the depths of our hearts, and reason thus with ourselves:
"Is it not an article of faith that when I first sinned mortally after Baptism, I made myself unworthy of all but the reprobates in Hell? O my God, if such were actually my fate, how many years should I have already passed in that place of horror! If I consider my first mortal sin, what must I not have suffered in that fiery furnace to this time, and what might I not expect to suffer for all eternity!
"It is through Thy mercy alone, O my God, that I was not in Hell from that first moment I deserved it, that I am not there at this moment, that I may still hope never to go there; and it is through Thy mercy that Thou has not dealt with me as Thou hast with those miserable wretches who now burn there for all eternity.
"Instead of those horrible unending torments, from which You have graciously exempted me, Thou art pleased to send this affliction; and yet I murmur, am impatient and rebellious. What I now suffer cannot possibly last long; what I deserved is eternal!"
An active penitence is exercised by depriving ourselves of any satisfaction of body or mind, with the intention of making some atonement to the divine justice by bearing patiently any contempt or injury, and offering it to the Almighty in expiation of our offenses.
AFFECTIVE PENITENCE OF HEART
This is acquired by grace, and our cooperation-----"the grace of God with me." [1 Cor. 15: 10]

The means appointed by providence for obtaining grace is to ask for it-----" Ask and you shall receive." Let us pray and strive to obtain it.
HOW WE ARE TO ASK FOR IT
We should ask for affective penitence by forming acts repeatedly throughout the day, by words suitable to the affection God is pleased to instill within our hearts. Let us say: "My God, why did I ever offend Thee; and why, since I have been so miserable, do I not conceive a sorrow for it equal to that of the greatest penitents? How lamentable it is to forfeit my Baptismal grace, purchased with Thy Sacred Blood! What ingratitude on my part! What gracious mercy on Thine to pardon such a
wretch!
"I now discern, O my God and Father, the excess of Thy love by the incredible patience You have shown me. Thou didst spare me in existence when I brazenly rebelled against Thee."
The words of the devout penitents expressed in the Holy Scriptures will best suit the occasion.
"O God, be merciful to me a sinner."
"Father, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee. I am no longer worthy to be called Thy son."
"Against Thee alone have I sinned, and done evil in Thy sight."
"A contrite and humble heart Thou wilt not despise." [Ps. 50]
Similar quotations may be utilized.
HOW WE ARE TO LABOR TO ATTAIN IT
Let us consider attentively those motives which are most likely to affect our hearts.
The infinite goodness of God, as evidenced by our very existence.
The greatness of His Divine majesty, which has no need of us. The severity of His just vengeance, which might at once destroy us forever.
It would be wise to consult books on the above subject.
Let us sigh and lament in the presence of God for having offended Him, if these reflections move our hearts; but if we remain cold and indifferent, let us lament our insensibility.
Let us beg of the Divine goodness with the Samaritan woman, the water of life. "Lord, give me this water!" One penitential tear can disarm the anger of Heaven.
When you ask your celestial Father to give you your daily bread, remember to pray for the bread of tears; that ought to be the daily bread of sinners.
When moved to perform some good action, such as an alms, fasting, or some penitential work or personal deprivation, offer it to God, beseeching Him to bestow on you what you yourself are unable to obtain, i.e., a spirit of penance and sincere contrition for offenses.
Once a week read over these reflections-----for example on Saturday or Sunday.
Make it a rule, if you desire to succeed, every day to set apart half an hour to be spent in reading some pious book under these two regulations.
1. Choose such books as will most efficaciously stir up a penitential spirit in your heart.
2. Consider with great attention such passages as seem to affect you in particular, and lead you to an interior and affective spirit of penance.
Assist daily at the Sacrifice of the Mass [where and when one is available that is not sacrilegious], the principal object of devotion for the penitent heart, since Jesus Christ is there offered for our sins; and assist also to merit grace for the necessities of life. Join with the priest in offering the sublime sacrifice to God for this dual purpose.

In God's Love, wishing everybody spiritual enhancment and an eternity with God.

SSG

Family Unit

We are defending the family on so many levels at the moment and we have to be resilient against all the attacks. The Holy family is our inspiration and we should always be trying to create this strong unit for the glory of God.

From same sex marriage to an overall re-definition in society, the traditional family values seem to be disappearing, or are they??????

I am aware of many large Catholic families that lead the way and are a shining example in society. These families, just as my own, have a front line battle to take part in for God.

Bigger families seem to be heckled these day's with people laughing and joking about not being able to afford protection. The fact is that they are doing God's will perfectly and this is sometimes not easy but the rewards are very very great.

Let's always remember the following and grow, grow, grow in every sense ,as a family.

'Happy the man who fills his quiver with these arrows, they will have no reason to dispute with their foes in the gateways'

In God's Love

SSG

Concern at Vatican's Silencing of Irish Priest - Don't be Concerned

Have a look at this piece from the BBC website.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17665153

I wouldn't be concerned about this, as this priest's opinions are not in line with the Catholic church's teaching who speak as Jesus reps on earth through direction of the Holy Spirit. This priest has no right whatsoever to voice opinions that differ from this. I wonder why this priest became a Catholic in the first place and his understanding of Church doctrine is the part which seriously concerns me.

We are One Church, Holy and Apostolic. If the same rules are not adhered to then the Vatican has every right and indeed, duty to investigate and silence the critics from within.

I pray that Fr Flannery will take a responsibility for his own actions and try to promote our faith and the truth instead of pushing against it.

In God's Love

SSG

Meditation on the Crucifixion of Our Lord

 I am not claiming this passage as my own. This is a brilliant chapter from the book I am reading 'The Spiritual Combat'. I hope you can enjoy reading this as it is most helpful at this time.



GREAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES to be derived from meditating on the Cross, the first of which is, not only a detestation of past sins, but also the firm resolution to fight against our ever present disorderly appetites, which crucified our Savior. The second advantage is the forgiveness of sins, obtained from Jesus crucified, and a wholesome self-contempt which inspires us forever to forsake offending Him, and continually to love and serve Him with all our hearts in acknowledgement of what He suffered for our sakes. The third is the unceasing labor with which we root out all depraved habits, however trivial they may appear. The fourth consists in our ardent efforts to imitate our Divine Master, Who died, not only to expiate our sins, but to bequeath to us the sublime example of a life of sanctity and perfection.

The following method of meditation will be highly serviceable, assuming as I do, that you particularly wish to imitate the patience of your Savior in carrying your crosses. Consider well these several points:
1. What the soul of Christ suffered for God.
2. What God did for the soul of Jesus.
3. What the soul of Jesus did for itself and its body.
4. What Jesus did for us.
5. What we ought to do for Jesus.

1. Consider in the first place, that the soul of Jesus engulfed in the ocean of Divinity, contemplated that infinite and incomprehensible Being, before Whom even the most exalted of creatures is utterly insignificant; contemplated, I say, in a state so debased as to suffer the vilest indignities of ungrateful man, without the least diminution of its essential glory and splendour. And from the depths of its suffering, the soul of Christ adored its sovereign Majesty, giving it myriad thanks and accepting all for its sake.

2. Behold on the other hand what God bestowed on the soul of Jesus; consider that the Divine will decreed the scourgings, spittle, blasphemies, buffetings, crown of thorns for love of us, and the crucifixion, which were meted out to Jesus, the only and beloved Son of God. See with what delight God, knowing the admirable end to which it was all directed, beheld His Divine Son, loaded with infamy and overwhelmed with affliction.

3. Contemplate next the soul of Jesus, and observe with what alacrity it submitted itself to the will of God, either because of the immensity of its Divine perfection, or the infinity of divine favor bestowed upon it. Who can describe the ardent affection of this soul for crosses? This was a soul that sought even new ways of suffering, and failing in this, abandoned itself and the innocent body to the mercy of miscreants and the powers of Hell.

4. Turn, then, your eyes to Jesus, Who from the midst of His agony, addresses you in this affectionate manner: "See to what depths of misery I am reduced by thy ungovernable will, which refuses the least constraint in compliance with mine. Behold the horrible pains I endure, with no other purpose than to teach thee a lesson of patience. And let me persuade thee, by all these sufferings, to accept with resignation this cross I here present, and those which I shall send in the future. Surrender thy reputation to calumny, and thy body to the fury of the persecutors whom I shall choose for thy trial, however vile and inhuman they may be. Oh, that thou didst know what delight thy patience and resignation afford me! But then, how canst thou be ignorant of it, when thou beholdest these wounds received to purchase for thee those virtues with which I would adorn thy soul, more dear to me than life itself? If I have suffered this debasement for thee, canst thou not bear a light affliction, in order to lessen My agony to some degree? Canst thou refuse to heal those wounds I have received through thy impatience, wounds more cruel to me than physical anguish?"

5. Consider who it is that speaks thus to you; consider that it is Jesus Christ, the King of Glory, true God and true Man. Consider too the magnitude of His torments and humiliations, greater than that deserved by the most vicious of criminals. Be astonished to behold Him in the midst of these agonies, not only firm and resolute, but even replenished with joy, as if the day of His passion was a day of triumph. Just as a few drops of water sprinkled upon a flame only adds a fresh intensity to its glow, so did His torments, embraced in a charity which made the burden seem light, serve to augment his joy and desire of suffering still greater affliction.

Moreover, reflect that throughout His entire life, He was motivated, not by compulsion or self-interest, but rather by pure love alone, that you may learn from Him the manner of practicing patience. Endeavor, therefore, to attain a perfect knowledge of what He demands of you, and consider His delight at your practice of patience. Then form an ardent desire of carrying this cross and heavier ones, not only with patience, but with joy, that you may more exactly imitate Christ crucified and render yourself more acceptable to Him.

Picture to ourself all the torments and indignities of His passion, and amazed at His constancy, blush at your own weakness. Look upon your sufferings as merely imaginative when compared to His, and regard your patience as not even the faintest adumbration of His. Dread nothing so much as an unwillingness to suffer for your Savior, rejecting such unwillingness as a suggestion from Hell.

practice of the most heroic virtues. This is the book which may be truly called the "Book of Life" [Apocalypse, III, 5], which at once enlightens the mind by its doctrines and inflames the will by its examples. The world is full of books, but were it possible for man to read them all, he would never be so well instructed to hate vice and embrace virtue as by contemplating a crucified God. But remember that there are those who spend hours lamenting the passion of our Lord and admiring His patience, and yet on the first occasion betray as great an impatience in suffering as if they had never thought of the cross. Such men are like untried soldiers, who in their barracks breathe nothing but conquest, but on the first appearance of the enemy, beat a hasty and inglorious retreat. What is more despicable after considering, admiring and extolling the virtues of our Redeemer, than to forget them all in an instant when an opportunity of practicing them presents itself?


In God's Love

SSG

Approaching Holy Week

We are fast approaching holy week and, as mentioned before, I have been reading a book called ' The Spiritual Combat' which is crammed full of practical tips and advice to help deepen the spiritual life. Has it worked? I don't know and I am happy not to know. I don't want to fall into the trap of feeling that I have progressed well and I am on the way to becoming a Saint. I pray that I will be a Saint but there is always so much more we can do to improve ourselves in the eyes of God. This book will require many more perusals.

I have also halved my alcohol intake which has been a little bit of a challenge at times and I think I may have gone a tiny bit over on two occasions but on the whole I have had to say 'no' to my own wants, on many occasions. Over the past few days of fine weather this has been particularly difficult, especially with a few bottles of Kronenbourg staring at me every time I open the fridge.

I look forward now to holy week and a week of abstaining from alcohol and many other of life's pleasures in order to deepen my relationship with Jesus. At this time of year more than any other I am so grateful that I have my faith and the Catholic church to guide me. I pray at this time that other Catholics have strengthened their relationship with the Lord.

Without Jesus and his church I would be nothing, my life would be nothing.

In God's Love

SSG

Manuel Barcia's Catholic Bashing

I have recently written a short piece about a gentleman called Milo Yiannopoulos who has inspired me recently into being more outspoken. He tweeted back to me that he was grateful for my comments. He is very welcome.

I want to talk a little about the gentleman mentioned in my blog title, after reading his article 'Catholic Church Must Change Stance on Same-Sex Marriage'. If you, as myself, would like to have a chuckle and let your blood boil a bit then please have a read http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/manuel-barcia/catholic-church-same-sex-marriage_b_1369280.html

Manuel seems to use the same sex marriage debate as a platform to launch into an attack on the wrongdoings of the Catholic church over the course of history (I am glad he hasn't got an in depth report of my wrongdoing's or I would never be able to forget them).

I am so glad I am from an institution that brainwashes you into being forgiving. Manuel digs up as much dirt about the Catholic church's history as he can fit into his misguided column. He has quite a few pops at our most amazing outspoken gem of a Cardinal, Keith O'Brien. Cardinal O'Brien apparently likened same sex marriage to slavery which, if you actually read, you can see he is using the slave trade to make a good point about the repercussions of such a law change. He in no way likens the slave trade to same sex marriage but some how Manuel twists this to form a story in which he can then go on to drag up events in the Catholic church's history. He is after all an historian and this is what he does best.... pah!!!!

I would just like you Manuel, if you can, to see that the Catholic church has an obligation to speak out about such issues. The government are obliged to listen as there are many good people in society that come from this 'vile institution'.


In God's Love, praying for Manuel


SSG

Milo Yiannopoulos



I must just say how glad I am that there are people like Milo Yiannopoulos in this world.

I have only recently seen him debating the topic of same-sex marriage. His arguments are so well structured and from what I have seen, he clearly has a good understanding of the Catholic church and it's teachings and is well placed to formulate our response.

I saw him on 'Question Time' and 'The big Question' where I must admit that we, as Catholics, are represented in a poor way. Milo was a breath of fresh air and such a great witness in these difficult times. The issue of same-sex marriage is an issue that faces some really militant opposition from people who have a poor understanding of the subject. He answers anything that is thrown at him with confidant and concise answers.

Thank you Milo for your witness. To me you are a legend.

In God's Love

SSG

'Right to Die' Tony Nicklinson

It's very rare that I write about controversial subjects but here goes.

Being an extreme pro-lifer and a Catholic I am firm in my convictions that nobody has the right to die. I have just seen a news article about Tony Nicklinson who is going to try and get the law changed so he can have a doctor help him to die. Tony has 'locked-in' syndrome which I have an amazing amount of sympathy and compassion for. He is suffering greatly because of this syndrome and he wants out.

I really hope that the law is not changed as we need to defend life in all aspects with a most extreme passion. This man wants to die but if he was allowed to, this would set such a dangerous precedent for others and the scope for other such assisted suicides would broaden. There seems to be less and less value for Human life/dignity and allowing Tony to legally have someone kill him is not a solution to his condition whatsoever. I really hope that Tony can get some good counselling and find a way to get some enjoyment/reassurance from life.

Anybody who sympathises with Tony would surley not want to see him killed as this is not and can not be the answer.

I will be praying for Tony in the hope that he will turn to God and seek the magnificent consolation's that could come from dealing with his condition.

May God bless you Tony and give you a new mind to receive the graces from the Holy Spirit.

In God's Love

SSG

SPUC Youth Conference 2012

      
The SPUC Youth conference took place last weekend and I was privileged enough to be right in the thick of the action.

The speakers were absolutely amazing. Fr Andrew Pinsent gave a brilliant talk on Human dignity which captivated the 160 delegates that travelled to Rotherham from places as far as Spain, Faroe Islands and Malta. The Charismatic Australian character who is Fr John Fleming gave a 'flaming' good talk on marriage and its connection with being pro-life. We also had great talks from Fiorella Nash of SPUC and Dr Anne Carus of Life fertility care. The list goes on of prestigious speakers who inspired all those present.

The conference was an aboslute joy to be part of and the youth that attended inspired me and moved me. We had a little time, between the excellent business session's, to relax. SPUC's got talent took place on the saturday evening and many people took part by showcasing their various talents. A 12 strong Spanish contingency took to the stage to make us feel like we were in the centre of Barcelona.

John Smeaton, SPUC National Director, seemed very enthused by the conference plus the amount of attendees and it was really overwhelming to see his joy at such a wonderful occasion.

Hopefully the conference has inspired a young generation of pro-lifers to go out and take action to try and win this battle..............and win it we will!!!!!! I hope that next years conference can be another step forward as this event just gets bigger better each year.

In God's Love

SSG