tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100862372880209397.post842006068357532458..comments2024-03-28T20:33:30.788-07:00Comments on TIME FOR REFLECTIONS: Flagellation, Hairshirts and Repayments of Debts.Victor S E Moubarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04280638667651857296noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100862372880209397.post-77762821658067586722015-02-18T14:46:01.980-08:002015-02-18T14:46:01.980-08:00I think my imaginary priest, Father Ignatius, woul...I think my imaginary priest, Father Ignatius, would say:<br /><br />This is the time when people try to give up something for Lent - which is good. But let's remember first of all that there is nothing we can do which would repay the great sacrifice Christ made for us on the Cross. Not a million prayers, a million candles, or a million flowers ... God does not need any of these "gifts" or sacrifices as repayment for His love for us. He is in no way diminished, lacking in any way, if we stop doing these things.<br /><br />But we do them all the same. We do them as a sign of reverence, love, and respect. And I repeat - this is good.<br /><br />Here's a short list of things we could do during Lent.<br /><br />1 Give up something (chocolates) and give the proceeds to charity.<br /><br />2 Do someone a good turn or a kindness.<br /><br />3 Pray for someone without them knowing it. Just anyone, not only your loved ones. If you see an old person struggling as they shuffle along in the street, or you hear of someone with a problem or difficulty; just pray for them without their knowledge. Prayer is the greatest gift we can give and receive.<br /><br />4 Give up TV (or music or other entertainment) for ten minutes (or more) and spend the time reading the Bible.<br /><br />5 Finally a DON'T. Many people decide to give up their Christian Blog or website during Lent. I urge you not to. Whatever we write to spread the Good News on our Blogs is often the only opportunity for someone to read about God. Don't stop God's message during Lent or ever. Victor S E Moubarakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04280638667651857296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100862372880209397.post-51128191350991659472015-02-18T14:41:15.277-08:002015-02-18T14:41:15.277-08:00I think it does make sense Ceil. Our priest today ...I think it does make sense Ceil. Our priest today at the Ashes Mass said we should give up a bad habit we rely on like a walking stick throughout our lives. For example unnecessary worrying, or focusing on ourselves instead of others. Christ would want us to make sacrifices, even if they hurt but not in the physical sense, if as a result that sacrifice would benefit someone else. For example: we give up a favorite food or wine for Lent and give the money saved to charity. Giving something up is not enough. We need to give the money to charity as well as (not instead of) the fasting/abstinence.<br /><br />God bless you Ceil. Thank you for visiting and commenting. Victor S E Moubarakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04280638667651857296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100862372880209397.post-59153647654458376712015-02-18T12:58:01.208-08:002015-02-18T12:58:01.208-08:00((( It's really made me rethink my Lenten prom...((( It's really made me rethink my Lenten promises. The Pope said in his list of 10 things to do for Lent, that whatever I do 'should hurt'.)))<br /><br />Thank you Ceil and I must say that what our Papa said is very good advice and at this moment, there's only one thing that I know would really hurt little old me and I'm not sure if my brain cell flesh will succeed although my spirit is willing to try "IT"...lol<br /><br /><br />Thanks Victor #1 for again putting UP with this often silly sinner... I was wondering if during Lent you might have your imaginary priest create a post as to explain what we might want to hold on to for Lent as far as the reading below:<br /><br />2 Cor. 5:20-21.6:1-2. <br />Brothers and sisters: We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. <br />For our sake He made Him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. <br />Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. <br />For He says: "In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you." Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. <br /><br />Happy Blessed LentVictorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03500112959496831193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100862372880209397.post-37829333499188004572015-02-18T12:02:17.824-08:002015-02-18T12:02:17.824-08:00Hi Victor! I read something really interesting tod...Hi Victor! I read something really interesting today about Lenten mortification. We are supposed to get rid of something that blocks us from God, not do something that points to 'me'. That clarifies it all a bit.<br /><br />If I decide to hurt myself, as Christ was hurt, that is my decision to make myself look more like him. But what does it do except point to myself? I think it's much better to remove a block, like a habit or routine that takes me away from spending time with the Lord. Creating that time and space to pray, to talk to God and leave behind something of 'the world' is the point. <br /><br />It's really made me rethink my Lenten promises. The Pope said in his list of 10 things to do for Lent, that whatever I do 'should hurt'. But I don't think he means physically. I think he means in letting go of something I think I can't do without. Like worry, doubt, procrastination...<br />I hope this makes sense?<br />Blessings,<br />CeilCeilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06293917798735764739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100862372880209397.post-62629043702263233262015-02-18T02:28:31.946-08:002015-02-18T02:28:31.946-08:00Praying still ...
God bless.Praying still ...<br /><br />God bless.Victor S E Moubarakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04280638667651857296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100862372880209397.post-60056075316093416292015-02-18T02:27:54.785-08:002015-02-18T02:27:54.785-08:00Well said Hand-Maid. A Blessed Lent to you and you...Well said Hand-Maid. A Blessed Lent to you and your family too. God bless.Victor S E Moubarakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04280638667651857296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100862372880209397.post-64032101734462719822015-02-18T02:25:41.768-08:002015-02-18T02:25:41.768-08:00Aimee, I agree with you 100%. Christ never asked f...Aimee, I agree with you 100%. Christ never asked for us to undergo physical pain such as flagellation. We fast, and make sacrifices because we love Him and, as you say, to remind us of others less fortunate than ourselves.<br /><br />Candles, flowers and incense are a visible sign of our prayers. I like the way you put this.<br /><br />Thank you Aimee and God bless you and your family always.Victor S E Moubarakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04280638667651857296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100862372880209397.post-9806281701504708142015-02-17T22:30:18.690-08:002015-02-17T22:30:18.690-08:00It really is overwhelming when we think of what Ch...It really is overwhelming when we think of what Christ did for us. Our sacrifices are so small, in comparison.<br /><br />A very blessed Lent to you and yours.Hand-Maid With Lovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12391771730841208965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100862372880209397.post-5547115209404554772015-02-17T22:17:31.395-08:002015-02-17T22:17:31.395-08:00Argh. Aimee pressed the wrong button and her comme...Argh. Aimee pressed the wrong button and her comment vanished into cyberspace. Let me try again. <br />I don't think God asks us to practice anything that would hurt our bodies for two reasons. First, because our bodies, as believers, are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we are to treat them as such at all times (even though Aimee loves chocolate way too much). Secondly, I don't see that this was a practice of Jesus or the Disciples (am I missing it?). <br />That being said, I do believe that, if health permits, fasting (denial of good and other wordly things) can be valuable in times of intercession for others and drawing closer to God. Sometimes it seems like we have to remove ourselves from the things of this world that may hold our "love" a bit too much. Also, by denial of our passions, it may help us in feeling more empathy for our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ. I know, they surely need our prayers right now :( I don't believe fasting "buys" answers to prayer, but I do believe that it may help us see more clearly God's will and it is helpful in other ways too. I know that God promises to hear our fervent prayers (intentions) and will answer them according to His perfect love, knowledge and will. <br />As for candle lighting. I am a Protestant who has attended Mass more than just a few times and I always saw it as a visible sign of my prayer ascending heavenward to God just as the incense/smoke of Old Testament times. It held deep meaning for me.<br />May I thank you again for your thoughtful posts Victor.<br />God bless, <br />Aimee<br />PS: Hope this makes sense, I am watching a special on C. S Lewis and science :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100862372880209397.post-70938716015615250782015-02-17T17:14:52.439-08:002015-02-17T17:14:52.439-08:00So true.
Amen!
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g...So true.<br /><br />Amen!<br /><br />https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=18142394&postID=4412824652672036347<br /><br />Thanks for your continued prayersVictorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03500112959496831193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100862372880209397.post-71350846361675368302015-02-17T15:19:52.871-08:002015-02-17T15:19:52.871-08:00We follow Him each according to our ability.
God ...We follow Him each according to our ability.<br /><br />God bless.Victor S E Moubarakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04280638667651857296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2100862372880209397.post-84985099115258390072015-02-17T13:08:29.757-08:002015-02-17T13:08:29.757-08:00Very good post Victor #1
So true that Jesus only ...Very good post Victor #1<br /><br />So true that Jesus only told us (usual sinners) to carry our cross but then again there are some who would say that somewhere Jesus also said to sell all we have and give it to the poor then follow Him.<br /><br />Go Figure Christians nowadays<br /><br />From ashes to ashes, from dust to dust, the good Lord does want us so what's the rush?<br /><br />God BlessVictorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03500112959496831193noreply@blogger.com