Catholic Online Forum

Dear Brothers and Sisters,



May we continue to gaze upon His Face with Mary, as St. Joseph did. May this year be for each one of us a deeper, truer living of Christ's Life. May we grow as Mary and Joseph did on this earth in faith, hope and above all charity.

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MariaChristi

Maria, regarding, "And after Christmas?"...

Whether it's before, during, or after Christmas, in the Focolare
we strive to always do our best to re-live Mary by loving Jesus in 'every neighbor'.

It's essential that each of us lives our own will of God in every present moment.



Mary

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"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

It is not "after Christmas" yet! We have another 15 days!

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Jeff Stevens

Amen, Jeff!

Post partum, Virgo, inviolata permansisti... Dei Genitrix, intercede pro nobis!

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Jules Xx


What will become of sinners?

Dear All,

Thanks for your replies. My husband and I just returned from a short trip to the beach for some "quiet time". Winter on the beach is beautiful, and quieter than in summer. The small kitchen window on our camper looked on the sunrise over the water each morning, and it was spectacular. It reminded me of the scripture : "As a Bridegroom coming forth from His Chamber..."

Just a few words of response to some replies: Yes, I realize the season of Christmas extends beyond Dec. 25, yet how many observe it? Like the Advent season, it is almost forgotten by many. Nevertheless, the Feast of the Nativity need never leave our memories. Truly, everyday can be a "Christmas" in so far as Christ is born anew by Grace into each heart longing to receive Him.

It is good for us to celebrate the liturgical year thoughtfully and with attentive hearts that we may re-live with the Universal Church the Birth, Life, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus. If any of you have seen the movie "For the Greater Glory", you will remember the repeating of the phrase, "Vive Christo Rey" ( I may not have the Spanish correct but the English translation is: "Live, Christ the King") If you have not seen the movie, you may want to rent it or buy it for the inspiring, true story of Catholic martyrs in Mexico.

Today is the Feast of St. Thomas a Becket - courageous martyr Bishop of England. May our lives be spent in gazing heavenward, even as we strive to do always His Will on earth.

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MariaChristi

Greetings Maria, what a lovely treat for both of you! Is this beach anywhere near your home?


Mary

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"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Dear Mary,

Yes, it is near to our home; maybe 20 minutes to a half-hour drive. It is a lovely beach and as I watched the sunrise I thought of the scripture: "As a Bridegroom coming forth from His chamber..." (can't remember the scriptural reference just now for those words), but the brightness of the sun as it emerged from the horizon was like the coming of Christ -- truly magnificent! The wonder of creation is such a gift! Yet nothing can compare with Himself! He is beyond our finite sight and understanding and we can only look on Him in faith now, until the Day He Comes in Glory.

Happy Feast of the Holy Family today!

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MariaChristi