FOR GREATER GLORY (A Review of the Movie Or A Timely Examination of Faith)

FOR GREATER GLORY (A Review of the Movie Or A Timely Examination of Faith) There is no greater testament to one’s beliefs, works, faith, ethics, values, and worth in life than one that stands “For Greater Glory.” In the human realm, greater glory may be likened to the triumph of an Olympic medalist, the honor of a class valedictorian, the winning of a war of power, or the attainment of what equates to the American dream – a business, materials possessions or house that you can call your own. In the spiritual realm, greater glory is far beyond human comprehension. God’s miraculous creation of the world, of His Son, Jesus’ wondrous Resurrection and the Creator and Holder of Our Eternity is something not easily grasped by the human mind. “For Greater Glory”, the movie and true story, has the ability to cause a nonbeliever to raise one’s eyebrows in bold skepticism or pierce and move a spiritual heart that witnesses the blood of many, and most moving, that of a young child and his tortured limbs as he endures great physical pain and emotional anxiety “For The Greater Glory” of his faith. There is sufficient political dialogue to entertain the atheist and enough biblical subtext to heighten and prod at a believer’s lackluster faith. There is no shortage of ample close ups of driven Mexican rookie and trained soldiers to color the wide screen with compelling performances yet those weary, spirited and faith-filled eyes could easily make a non-practicing Catholic gulp hard. The critics have plenty of vivid and graphic human emotional despair and inhumane killings to keep viewers in their seats and for others a growing temptation to fall to their knees in prayer. Witnessing this inspiring story of how Mexican Catholics stood up courageously in the 1920’s for their faith against government oppression is a must and may pose an intimate question to many. For the cynic, “Why would people fight for a man they’ve never seen?” Or to the awakening, “Why did I not know how precious is my faith and how can I deepen my passion for The Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit that lives perhaps too latent in my soul?” Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of the Catholic Church believes that a large box office showing “will highlight the importance of religious freedom in our country.” Check out “For Greater Glory” and see what the hype is all about. Or plan to see “For Greater Glory”, offering your precious time as a gift to your faith so that you might be educated, inspired, and able to acknowledge, pray and give praise and honor to those who fought and continue to fight for religious freedom around the world. For some, it may be j-u-s-t a movie. For others, perhaps a chance to open our hearts to live “For Greater Glory” too.

THAT FUNNY FEELING INSIDE

THAT FUNNY FEELING INSIDE You may not know what will happen today or tomorrow but it is not God’s plan that you worry. Happen today what may, for there are things you cannot help. But in all that you do remain hopeful, confident, pressing forward with great faith. Know that God is in control and through your trials He is with you and has great blessings waiting at the finish. If you must lay awake, close your eyes, rest your body and count your blessings. Expect goodness rather than anticipate difficulties, imagine healing instead of enduring illness, look forward to success eliminating failure as an option, allow hope to drive your deliberations beyond a dead end, and immerse your thoughts in an aspiration instead of an impending disaster. Refuse to make plans to prepare the heart for trouble. Use your faith to wish the impossible, unite with hope to escape the temptation to doubt, and impart consistent love upon others so that there is no mistake about where your faith lays. Above all, trust in God’s love, for He is with you through the dark and light valleys, desolate and inhabited plains, and unexplored and charted mountains. God can make a rose grow where man can’t. He can provide a safe road where it is unpaved. God can soften hearts to work in your favor when human efforts prove fruitless. Why give clout to a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach, when you can be soothed and strengthened by the great elixir of life, Jesus, who came to show that good things come to those who believe! May all your dreams be sweet, your faith be rooted deep, and your heart excited over that funny feeling inside.

A Spiritual Note To The Graduate

A Spiritual Note To The Graduate Graduation is a time of joy, bittersweet tears, and a time you’ll treasure for many years! Through your life you will often reflect on your past. Knowing where you’ve been and mindful of how you continue to grow will shape your bright future. Celebrate today, at this wonderful crossroads of your life, where your past intersects your future and your potential beams and lights the way like a stellar galaxy yet to be discovered. As you walk forward, with your diploma of life thus far, draw on your knowledge, learn from failures and successes and celebrate today aiming higher into tomorrow with confidence as you discover your life’s calling and move toward your aspirations. Take many moments to honor your growth, character and faith, giving thanks when you recognize divine life lessons. Celebrate as you grow in patience, charitable works, and soberness. Rejoice in your ability to steer away from judgment of others and humbled in the way you carry out your ministry of life! You are now a graduate, of age, who will make many independent decisions. You will find that life is no longer a child’s institution where there is a teacher, parent, counselor or principal giving foundational directives. You’ll find that your parents’ or guardians’ role will continue to adapt to your maturity, watching with pride as you spread your independent wings. Continue to feed your heart and soul by surrounding yourself with positive and spiritual people so that your personal growth will abound and astound. We were all created with special gifts from God, each different in skill, tone and temperament. Each day finely tune, polish and continually search to improve and share the gifts you possess with others. Every step you take is an opportunity for another to follow. Whether it is a friend, family member, stranger or child you have influential power and God has given you the grace to go and to do what you cannot do on your own. Look to tomorrow with excitement as you make plans to contribute your best to the world. But today, cherish the gift of the present, protect God’s earth and honor His commandments. Find peace in the quiet, nurture and feed your relationships, and in your own personal garden of life plant and cultivate great seeds of faith. Congratulations!

Intervene Like An Angel

There may have been times you’ve seen someone yanked by the collar to grab another’s attention, witnessed a little girl pulled by the ponytail to get her to respond or stop in her tracks, or watched a shy someone shoved to the front of the line so that they can get their fair share of staples or giveaways. Perhaps our acts may not be so severe but our wrongdoings, offensive actions, ill-mannered or selfish conduct, harsh words, and sour and bent attitudes might sting just as much. As we know, it is very difficult to force someone to straighten up or open their eyes to truth, to give another hope when they see despair or courage when they only know fear. Most of us have ears and eyes that function, but many of us at times behave as though we are deaf and even blind to moral and righteous behavior, and are far from being a good role model. Although we all must go forward in our own time, often on our own terms, and grow from our denial or what we know, we can still be an exemplary example and nearby for others offering holy teachings, gentle support, unyielding faith and optimistic encouragement. If you feel you are perfect or have run out of options for self improvement and ways to offer help to others, your next step would be to fall to your knees, look up humbly, pray and ask, “What would You do Jesus?” While you search for answers far greater that your own epiphanies, begin by steadfast prayer for others and intervene like an angel when a need arises with compassionate persistence, kind prodding, tender words and loving teachings and deeds. The rest, you can leave to God. Of course, that is, until He gently and lovingly stirs the holy spirit in your heart again.

What Is Eternity Like?

What is eternity like? Gold lined streets, white billowy clouds, and all the people who have gone before us? The image of eternity is mystical and spiritual; very different from a literal earth-like place conjured up in our minds. Eternity, in contrast to a picture that can be painted, is a much more sacred and divine union with God than we could ever imagine. Jesus said, “And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” For now, while we are here on earth, we can welcome each day in thanksgiving, humble ourselves when we feel very strong and overly accomplished, and offer our talents, hearts, and capable hands for the service of others. In these ways as we strive to imitate Christ, by the grace of God we might have a peek into our future, our time without end.

You Can Conquer The World

Even though we may sometimes feel alone in our troubles, alienated from our families and friends, or withdrawn from human contact we still may have peace if we know Jesus. How intimately you know Him will reflect in your attitude toward disappointments, the world’s maliciousness and less than righteous ways. Living among mankind you may face many negatives people and circumstances that threaten to rob you of your earthly spirit but if your inner spirit is fed and well rooted you can conquer the world!

One Of The Most Beautiful Privileges Of My Life

One Of The Most Beautiful Privileges Of My Life I woke up today, Sunday morning, feeling easy and cheerful. I enjoyed a quiet morning before attending church wondering how my day would play out. I really didn’t have any high expectations of anything extra ordinary because I had not planned anything outside of catch up, errand running, reading and the like. Lesson #1 - Count only on God for extraordinary! I was now spiritually awake. Sunday Mass was concluding and Monsignor addressed the congregation one last time before the final blessing. However, his news was not about supporting a pancake breakfast or attending a retreat, it was about the grave illness of one of the church’s most senior members. It was then, at that moment, I knew what activities I would be foregoing today and what extraordinary event would take place. Just hours later, at 3pm, I found myself with a rosary in hand sitting at the bedside of a gravely ill priest waiting for his final moment of mercy, the hour at which he would meet his creator. Fr. Donald Ponthoff has lived 90 years on earth and has given 63 years of them to the Catholic Church as a priest. My history with Rev. Donald Potthoff, Pastor Emeritus (retired priest), has simply been a hand shake at the end of mass as I passed him sitting in a wheel chair in the back row of the pews. There was another occasion just this past year in the church rectory, where I sang to him the “happy birthday song.” Age and illness has slowed him down, however just days ago, he had trouble breathing and he was rushed to the emergency room and was diagnosed with cancer and placed in hospice. Ironically, just before walking into the St. Jude’s Hospital I read a letter addressed to Monsignor that he shared with the congregation today. The Most Reverend Jose H Gomez wrote in part, “As priests, we are called to walk with our people – from the time they are born until the time of their death. From their Baptism until their Annointing and final preparation for the journey to everlasting life. This is one of the beautiful privileges that we have as priests of Jesus Christ. Through our pastoral ministry we provide comfort to the dying and consolation to the loved ones they leave behind.” He closed his letter, “Please know that you and your ministry are in my prayers every day, and I would be grateful for your prayers for my ministry. I entrust you to the Blessed Virgin Mary. May she help us in all our pastoral efforts to prepare people for the hour of their death and their passing over to their heavenly homeland.” I walked into Fr. Potthoff’s hospice room and I saw a man who’s body was now tired, listless, ridden with cancer, and he struggled for his next breath. I was moved to tears as I thanked him for his ministry on behalf of all people whose lives he touched. For those who found comfort through his intercession as they sought forgiveness and reconciliation with the Lord. For those who celebrated baptism, confirmation, and marriage. And finally for those he consoled through prayer in times of illness, despair and death. As I prayed the Divine Mercy Prayer with him and for him, I saw a hint of extra ordinary life. His lower lip worked fervently to recite the familiar holy rosary and his hand gently clentched mine. I believed and felt that the Holy Spirit was there with us and I immediately felt comforted at that intense solemn and sacred moment. Lesson #2 - Holy and sacred moments show themselves in quiet prayer-filled times. Before I left I asked him if I could take a picture of our hands so that it could be another reminder that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, called to imitate Jesus with acts of love. As I prepared to leave, just like a veneration, there was another parishioner walking in and another in the parking lot who would follow. Also present was a caretaker who was stationed at his side so that he would not be alone. I realized that there are many who give of themselves in many ways, in many circumstances, whether it be in person, in thought and in prayer. Lesson #3 - people are actively caring and doing even when we don't see it. We all possess a holy spirit inside of us. Follow it when it touches your heart. Choose to be a doer with the gift of your time, a giver with money, a surrenderer in forgiveness, a donor in compassion, a provider of hope, and a bestower of love. Together, let us be inspired every day to do selfless things (our ministry), in Jesus’ name. (Lessons never cease) Today has been one of the most beautiful privileges of my life. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now at the hour of our death. Amen. My prayer and blessing today – Rev. Donald Potthoff, Pastor Emeritus – May God grant you great mercy now and at the hour of your death. Amen.