Year of Faith (Vol. 2)

Ever come across those articles that leave you pondering for days?

This article from the Catholic News agency is one of them. In it, the journalist discusses the Year of Faith and renewing faith in the American Church. If you have been around for a while now you know that I have a deep devotion to praying for radical conversion and passionate faith in our country.

A line that caught me dead in my tracks ...

“The appropriate response to relativism is faith, where you no longer are the center of the universe, you are no longer the one who decides what’s true, but you commit yourself in faith to God’s truth”

The article focuses alot on the lack of faith among people who call themselves Catholic, or as I like to call them "Facebook only Catholics". Saying...

"it’s easier for the Church to convince people who are not Catholics of the truth of Catholicism than to convince Catholics who aren’t true believers that they ought to change”

Wow, makes you think about all that evangelism encompasses. Not only must we evangalize to those who do not know the Truth but also to those who are only living a half truth. For half Truth is no Truth at all.

This Year of Faith has only just begun and there is so much more to dive into.

"The call to conversion and witness that is part of the Year of Faith, offers an opportunity for the Church in America to be renewed and grow stronger"

Just gives you goosebumps.

So let us go out and preach the Gospel to those in the pews, those in line at the grocery store, those in our family, and when necesary, use words.

Live joy.

7 Quick Takes (Vol #4)

--- 1 ---

From now until Christmas break I only have two classes a week. I have no excuse not to get As on the rest of my exams. In theory, I could go home today and come back next week just for Tuesday OB exam and lecture but I know myself and know I won't get work done if I am at home.

--- 2 ---

This morning in the shower, where all the best thoughts happen, I was reflecting on how providential the timing of the Year of Faith is. We face an uncertain future in our country where it seems our religious freedom, the idea our country was founded on, is no longer a guarantee. As Catholics we must no longer be passive but cling to the Truth of our Faith with conviction. Although this year of faith is universal, as American Catholics we must in a very conscious way must increase our knowledge, deepen our devotion, and live our faith passionately in a way we never have before.

--- 3 ---

I finally entered the apple world. I picked up my iPhone 4S this week. I have to say so far I am loving it.

--- 4 ---

I will officially be back at Macy's again this holiday season. I have worked there two summers and this will be my third Christmas. I can't lie I love being part of an American icon during the holidays.

--- 5 ---

I apologize for the awkward "new Iphone during class presentations" look. One of my best friends got me this scarf last year for Christmas and don't think I could have picked a better scarf for myself even if I tried. You have heard me talk about it before here.

--- 6 ---

Tonight I am going to a thanksgiving party that requires a costume. I wish I had my derndel at school with me but I might have go as a spoon. Yeap I have you curious on how I will do that.

--- 7 ---

The rest of the weekend includes flea market plans Saturday morning and then lots and lots of studying until Tuesday. Nothing too exciting, just real life.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Year of Faith

So as most Sunday Church-goers who are listening know the Year of Faith has just begun. So I have to admit, I really didn't do anything to prepare for the year to start and haven't really done anything since. I pray this year will will be a one filled with renewal. If you have read my previous post you know that I believe strongly that we need to pray for radical conversion in our nation. I don't think this only applies to non-believers but also begging Our Lady to intercede for lukewarm wayward "Catholics" to be brought into the fullness of the Truth. Thus I realize how necessary it is for me to embrace the Year of Faith, open up my Catechism, and pray the Apostles Creed so that I may come to know, love and serve Christ and His Church more fully and in turn hopefully live a life joyfully that draws others to Christ. Join me as we continue to dive into a year of faith.

Live joy.