Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam Salut! Comment ça va? We once again close out a year and prepare for a new one. 2024... what will you bring? The last few years have seen a very bizarre set of circumstances and events. Yet at the same time, some of the most amazing things have happened in amongst the craziness. By the grace of God 2024 will be my best year yet! Who knows what will happen? All I know is that I'm planning to take it one day at a time, focusing on diligent effort to improve my results over time - to become holier, to progress in various aspects of loving my neighbour, to be a better member of the Church and of my family. We shall see how things unfold. A bientôt!
+ In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. Pope Francis has declared 2024 to be dedicated as a 'Year of Prayer', in preparation for the Jubilee Year in 2025. I think it is a good idea to reflect on a number of prayers. I will be reflecting on these from the perspective of someone who is a convert to Catholicism from Protestantism. Of the 40,000+ denominations mentioned throughout the Christian world, there are about six mainline Christian groups (Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East, Lutheran and Anglican) that all have one prayer in common. This prayer is above and is called the Sign of the Cross (in Latin: Signum Crucis). The Sign of the Cross is one of the most important prayers in the history of the church. There are many miracles attributed to this prayer, yet sadly it is a prayer that is neglected by almost every Protestant denomination. "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. ...
A few years ago I was on a 65km, multi-day hike. I ended up in a lot of pain due to deconditioning and carrying more than my recommended weight for my body. The guys decided to help me out by lightening the load and taking some of my pack contents for me. This was an humbling experience. When pushing back, the advice I got from a Priest was, "Accept the help." It's okay to accept help when things are tough for you. And a related corollary is that it is okay to ask for help. You don't have to pretend all is fine all the time.