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My priest recently said, “The world tells you to do whatever makes you feel good. This is wrong. Instead, we are to be good.”
For those of us that have tried to follow the world’s advice of “feel good at all costs” know that this causes a certain heaviness.
The things that are always encouraged in the “feel good” doctrine are vices. It’s always vices. Sure, it is often cloaked as self-love and self-care and liberation, but that’s just how vices have to be packaged in order to make them seem acceptable.
We should absolutely love ourselves and care for ourselves, but the best way to do that is by being good.
Now, if you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know I can’t stand it when people simply say, “Hey, I’m a good person.”
What does that even mean? You haven’t killed anyone? You don’t steal? You are nice to babies and puppies? It’s too easy to passively call ourselves a good person and not really reflect on what that means.
To really be a good person, we must do what Christ says, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:29-30
When we live a life of goodness as modeled by Christ, we are not weighed down by the burden of sin and selfishness, Catholic Pilgrims.
Striving to be good—striving to be a saint—will ultimately feel good because we will be living as God intended for us. Striving to simply feel good will not lead us to being good. It has to be the other way around.
Have a blessed Thursday.
*Fatima
Day Five of US landmarks and Catholic connections in our lead up to America's 250th Birthday. Today's landmark: CENTRAL PARK Why does my picture from 2005 look ancient? In 2005 my family visited NY after attending a graduation for my husband's cousin in Connecticut. This is me with my oldest (now 24 years old) at the famous Bethesda Terrace with the Angel of the Waters Fountain. The Pool of Bethesda, if you'll recall from the Bible, was a famous healing site in Jerusalem. The Jews believed that an angel stirred up the water and when it was stirred up, whoever got in first would be healed. So, we have a Biblical connection here. Another one is that Pope John Paul II said Mass on the Great Lawn on October 7th, 1995 for a crowd of over 125,000. Also, one of our most visited Catholic Churches sits just south of Central Park and that is, you guessed it, St. Patrick's Cathedral. Archbishop John Hughes (1797–1864), was one of the most famous Catholics in NY history. He was around when Central Park was being created. He was the first archbishop of NY, when it became elevated to an archdiocese. So, there's your Monday morning Catholic history lesson! Live the Faith boldly and travel well, Catholic Pilgrims.
Continue ReadingMost days when my son and I go to daily Mass, we are the first ones there. After genuflecting to Jesus in the tabernacle, my son immediately does his little "chores." He lights the candles, checks that all the holy water fonts are filled, and waters any plants around the altar in the main church that need it. I noticed the other day after coming into the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, that I let out a sigh and immediately close my eyes during the few moments of silence before others come in. The sigh isn't one of irritation or boredom. In thinking about it, it's one of relief. Being in the presence of Jesus is such a relief. It feels so good to just be there in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Anything that I was carrying, I can let it go and find some peace from all the noise of the world. Then, after receiving Jesus in the Eucharist--His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity--I'm even more revived as I'm filled with Sanctifying Grace. Who are we that Our Lord comes to us in the Holy Eucharist, Catholic Pilgrims? We can't even fathom how blessed we are that we are nourished on the Body and Blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. It gives us Life, just as Jesus said It would. May you have a blessed Feast of Corpus Christi. *Picture is from Our Lady of Peace in Santa Clara, CA
Continue ReadingDay Four of US landmarks and Catholic connections in our lead up to America's 250th Birthday. HOTEL DEL CORONADO on Coronado Island In the movie, "Some Like it Hot" staring Marilyn Monroe, this hotel is the main location for the story. What's interesting is that in the movie, it's depicted as being in Florida, not California. My sister and I loved the movie and knew we needed to see it in person. We got our chance in 2012. We got all dressed up fancy and both our families went there for dinner. The inside is like stepping back in time with thick, rich wood everywhere, yellow lighting, and furniture that looks like it came from a fancy antique store. This hotel was built in the 1880s and there was no Catholic Church on the island. Father Antonio Ubach used to row across San Diego Bay from Old Town to come say Mass for the staff and visitors. They didn't have a permanent structure, so they did have Mass in the Hotel Del at times. The other location was in a building near the ferry landing. But, they needed a church building. So, the hotel Catholic housekeepers and staff were active in helping to raise funds for a church to be built. That's how the island got Sacred Heart Church. Different church buildings have come and gone, as more room was needed. It ain't cheap to stay at the Hotel Del, but it is worth a visit. You can grab lunch or dinner there or just go inside to see this lovely building. Coronado Island is one of my favorite places in California and this hotel is a great piece of history. Live the Faith boldly and travel well, Catholic Pilgrims!
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