Sunday, July 23, 2017

New Beginnings



Part 1. (July 22, 2017)
Wow, over 2 years since my last post on this blog. I hadn't realized it had been that long. Theology of the Body is still a big part of my Catholic focus,  but I've wanted to envision a greater picture of body and soul together. This involves a new look at mindfulness and spirituality through the Catholic lens. The idea here as I expand and find new ways to live out my faith, I'll pass them along to you. Sometimes we can even do this through our secular culture. As Christopher West says, "finding the wheat among the weeds." I'll continue to retool this blog and add new favorite links to websites and blogs as some of the old blog had outdated stuff. Stay Tuned.

 Part 2. (July 23, 2017)
I started writing this last night (Saturday) and 2 concepts came out that resurfaced today and hadn't realized it until now.  The new title of my new blog is New Beginnings which is the title of session 1 for the new "Welcome" program (formally CHRP, Christ Renews His Parish).  The Welcome program is now under the Dynamic Catholic Family and I couldn't be happier!  I am part of the new giving team at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Northglenn Colorado.  Go Team 4!

Image result for weeds with flowers and thorns thistle
Today's Gospel reading from Matthew (13:24-43) deals with wheat (good) and weeds (evil) which I eluded to last night.  Sometimes even the weeds are beautiful to look at (purple flowers) but under closer inspection it can certainly hurt if tried to pull by your bare hands.  Usually pain is a warning sign to our bodies. Personally, I can see these pretty purple thistle weeks as lust (pornography). When you look at porn it will certainly hurt your soul and everyone around you.  

From Bishop Robert Barron's Gospel reflections today he says, "When we discover evil, it is always very tempting to go after it with both fists, to take it out. But the warning of the Master here is extremely important. Sometimes, our zeal can lead to far greater problems, precisely because of the way evil is related to the good."