Nazareth

Some thoughts I take with me from Nazareth...
First, we learn from its silence. If only we could once again appreciate its great value. We need this wonderful state of mind, beset as we are by the cacophony of strident protests and conflicting claims so characteristic of these turbulent times. The silence of Nazareth should teach us how to meditate in peace and quiet, to reflect on the deeply spiritual, and to be open to the voice of God's inner wisdom and the counsel of his true teachers. Nazareth can teach us the value of study and preparation, of meditation, of a well-ordered personal spiritual life, and of silent prayer that is known only to God.
Second, we learn about family life. May Nazareth serve as model of what the family should be. May it show us the family's holy and enduring character and exemplify its basic function in society: a community of life and sharing, beautiful for the problems it poses and the rewards it brings, in sum, the perfect setting for rearing children - and for this there is no substitute.
Finally, in Nazareth, the home of a crafstman's son, we learn about work and the discipline it entails. I would especially like to recognize its value - demanding yet redeeming - and to give it proper respect. I would remind everyone that work has its own dignity. On the other hand, it is not an end in itself. its value and free character, however, derive not only from its place in the economic system, as they say, but rather from the purpose it serves.

(Pope Paul VI)

The oratorian heart

For Don Bosco, the oratorian heart is fervour, zeal, making all possible resources available, seeking new paths, a capacity to resist under trial, the  will to start again after defeats, an optimism that is nurtured and cultivated and spread abroad; it is that concern, full of faith and charity, which finds in Mary a shining example of self-giving. (Salesian Family Charter, art. 29)

Friendship

"What is friendship? It draws its name from love and is faithful nowhere but in Christ, in whom alone it can be happy and eternal." (St. Augustine)

Broken

God wants us

Wings

Siblings

Broken

Happy life

God is in love with you

The art of small steps

’Lord, I’m not praying for miracles and visions, I’m only asking for strength for my days. Teach me the art of small steps.

Make me clever and resourceful, so that I can find important discoveries and experiences among the diversity of days.

Help me use my time better. Present me with the sense to be able to judge whether something is important or not.

I pray for the power of discipline and moderation, not only to run throughout my life, but also to live my days reasonably, and observe unexpected pleasures and heights.

Save me from the naive belief that everything in life has to go smoothly. Give me the sober recognition that difficulties, failures, fiascos, and setbacks are given to us by life itself to make us grow and mature.

Send me the right person at the right moment, who will have enough courage and love to utter the truth!

I know that many problems solve themselves, so please teach me patience.

You know how much we need friendship. Make me worthy of this nicest, hardest, riskiest and most fragile gift of life.

Give me enough imagination to be able to share with someone a little bit of warmth, in the right place, at the right time, with words or with silence.

Spare me the fear of missing out on life.

Do not give me the things I desire, but the things I need.

Teach me the art of small steps!’

by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (from "Bright Side")

The most wonderful place

Daily Examen

Do not bury your talents

Forgiveness

Be gentle

Beautiful hearts

Habits of happy people

Practice the Pause

Life

Best friend

Life

A good life

Life is good

Let Jesus in

We have all been rejected at one time or another. We have all been let down by someone, perhaps someone very important to us. The wounds that these times of rejection leave can stay with us for a long time. But if we stay close to Jesus, we’ll find him bringing good out of them.

The first step to healing these wounds is forgiveness. Rather than trying to do this on your own, fix your eyes on Jesus. Think about how he forgave the people who crucified him, and ask him to help you forgive the people who have hurt you. Ask for the grace to see them through his eyes so that you can slowly let go of your resentment. Try to give your pain to the Lord, and ask him to make your heart lighter.

Don’t stop at forgiveness. Ask Jesus to fill the wounded places in your heart with his love. Imagine him sitting next to you, his arm around your shoulder, speaking words of encouragement to you. Rest in his presence, and let him minister to you. Keep this up over time, and you’ll find that whatever has hurt you is bringing you closer to the Lord. He surely can work all things for your good (Romans 8:28)!

From Word Among Us, May 30, 2016

Trust God

We may never understand why God seems to delay answering us. The best we can say is that there will be situations in which our Father will ask us to trust that he will ultimately work out all things for our good (Romans 8:28). There will be times that call for faith and patience.

This is the heart of the issue. No matter what happens, we can trust God, even when we don’t understand him. We can trust that as his children, we can go before him boldly and confidently and ask for whatever we need, and he will answer us according to his wisdom and his timing. So take Jesus at his word today and pray to him with every ounce of faith you can muster. He will answer you at just the right time and in just the right way. And your heart will rejoice.

From "Word Among Us" (May 27, 2016)

Fix it

Maturity

Free will

The Naked Truth

Teaching

Choosing your battles

Education

Woman

Woman

Live simply

Believe in yourself

Ministry

What the Filipinos Taught Me

God is enough

Accomplishment

On God's side

Culture

Music

Virtue

Charity

For life

Trust God

Prayer

My story

Look up