Lord,
You invite all who are burdened to come to You.
Allow Your healing hand to heal me.
Touch my soul with Your compassion for others.
Touch my heart with Your courage and infinite love for all.
Touch my mind with Your wisdom, that my mouth may always proclaim Your praise.
Teach me to reach out to You in my need, and help me to lead others to You by my example.
Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve You with all my strength.
Touch gently this life which You have created, now and forever.
Amen.
Love and GOD forever,
Anthony Paul
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
This Little Light of Mine
"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set, his disciples came unto him, and he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see GOD. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of GOD. Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt have lost his savior, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
--Matthew 5: 1-16
Be your true self. That is what Jesus is saying in this speech to the multitudes. But know, that by being your TRUE self, you are an extension of God and all of His wonderful creations. God is pure, and so we were created pure, but by the Fall, and ensuing presence of Original Sin, we are destined to become impure, time after time, until our sins are washed away in purgatory, and we are admitted to God's kingdom in heaven.
However, just because we are inevitably destined to sin against God, does not mean that we should EVER take ANY pleasure in doing so. It is next to impossible for any of us to be perfect, and I say "next to impossible" because with God ALL things are possible--hence, the Immaculate Conception of Mary--just don't count on it in your case.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." The definition of "meek" is: 1. characterized by patience and long-suffering; 2. deficient in spirit and courage.
This sounds like a gift and a punishment, if you ask me. The gift is for the members of the first definition--patient and long-suffering, who are worthy of obtaining God's most awesome creation. The punishment is for the members of the second definition--deficient in spirit and courage, who are unworthy (at present, not forever) of obtaining the ultimate goal, heaven. He blesses both. One in applause, the other in hope for change. Try putting your head around that...it's hard, I know.
All of the things Jesus talks about are virtues. And the definition of "virtue" is thus: 1. conformity to a standard of right; 2. a particular moral excellence; 3. manly strength or courage.
Therefore, a virtue is hand-in-hand with God, because He is ALWAYS right, and He can do NO wrong. On the contrary, we are prone to do wrong, because of the Fall, and when we do "right" we finally find ourselves in the company of GOD.
The most virtuous thing we can do is be loyal to GOD. And by being loyal to GOD we imitate Him as closely as humanly possible. Therefore, when evil and wicked spirits take over the hearts of men and women, we must stand strong and profess the Goodness of GOD, no matter the earthly consequences. We must be a "light", a "house on a hill" for all of those we encounter throughout life. And if we do so, we will be greatly rewarded by He, in His house--the only place we should ever truly wish to go.
Time after time we find ourselves asking God, "What do you want? Just tell me." The funny thing is, He does, and has, since the creation of man. We just don't listen. He wants us to imitate Him as well as we can...to be a light that sheds love on everything that passes us. Our lives, our existence, means NOTHING unless we do.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
--Matthew 5: 1-16
Be your true self. That is what Jesus is saying in this speech to the multitudes. But know, that by being your TRUE self, you are an extension of God and all of His wonderful creations. God is pure, and so we were created pure, but by the Fall, and ensuing presence of Original Sin, we are destined to become impure, time after time, until our sins are washed away in purgatory, and we are admitted to God's kingdom in heaven.
However, just because we are inevitably destined to sin against God, does not mean that we should EVER take ANY pleasure in doing so. It is next to impossible for any of us to be perfect, and I say "next to impossible" because with God ALL things are possible--hence, the Immaculate Conception of Mary--just don't count on it in your case.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." The definition of "meek" is: 1. characterized by patience and long-suffering; 2. deficient in spirit and courage.
This sounds like a gift and a punishment, if you ask me. The gift is for the members of the first definition--patient and long-suffering, who are worthy of obtaining God's most awesome creation. The punishment is for the members of the second definition--deficient in spirit and courage, who are unworthy (at present, not forever) of obtaining the ultimate goal, heaven. He blesses both. One in applause, the other in hope for change. Try putting your head around that...it's hard, I know.
All of the things Jesus talks about are virtues. And the definition of "virtue" is thus: 1. conformity to a standard of right; 2. a particular moral excellence; 3. manly strength or courage.
Therefore, a virtue is hand-in-hand with God, because He is ALWAYS right, and He can do NO wrong. On the contrary, we are prone to do wrong, because of the Fall, and when we do "right" we finally find ourselves in the company of GOD.
The most virtuous thing we can do is be loyal to GOD. And by being loyal to GOD we imitate Him as closely as humanly possible. Therefore, when evil and wicked spirits take over the hearts of men and women, we must stand strong and profess the Goodness of GOD, no matter the earthly consequences. We must be a "light", a "house on a hill" for all of those we encounter throughout life. And if we do so, we will be greatly rewarded by He, in His house--the only place we should ever truly wish to go.
Time after time we find ourselves asking God, "What do you want? Just tell me." The funny thing is, He does, and has, since the creation of man. We just don't listen. He wants us to imitate Him as well as we can...to be a light that sheds love on everything that passes us. Our lives, our existence, means NOTHING unless we do.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
Thursday, October 29, 2009
He is Our Only Protection
"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust. Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day; Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways."
--PSALM 91: 1-11
First and foremost, I would just like to say that I really like everything this guy Psalm has to say. He and his brother Proverb were truly enlightened individuals...light years ahead of their time. With that said, I would like to dive into the meaning of this passage.
It is so easy to be overwhelmed by life, as a whole, because life is a giant collaboration of obstacles and pitfalls. Too often we look at the big picture, and feel helpless, because it is too much for us to handle at one time. And it is. Even with all of the technological advances in the very recent past, man is STILL man, and a man or woman is only capable of accomplishing one goal at a time.
Whether you are a fan of sports or not, you can appreciate the old saying, "We're taking it one game at a time...one play at a time." It is such an over-used and overheard soundbite in postgame news conferences, but it is the only successful way to go about winning ballgames, and, in turn, championships. Life is very much the same. For one to accomplish the equivalent of a "life championship" he or she must first focus on the goals of day-to-day life. Do not overlook the importance of any given task, no matter how minute it may appear to you.
Have no fear, too, because the LORD will never abandon you. The Holy Spirit is Ever-Present, insatiably waiting for our call of distress. Our guardian angels, as well, wait, just to be acknowledged by us, and even when they are not, they perform their role of protection with fervor and passion. I have been in many dangerous situations, and I have survived all of them, because of my guardian angel, who is an extension (an outstretched wing) of the LORD.
God wants us to succeed, as long as the main purpose and end result is to serve and please HIM and His agenda. And He will protect us, through anything, as long as that is our main goal. He will never leave us unprotected, period. He built this beautiful world, with all of its splendor and wonder, so that we may dwell in it and give thanks to Him!
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
--PSALM 91: 1-11
First and foremost, I would just like to say that I really like everything this guy Psalm has to say. He and his brother Proverb were truly enlightened individuals...light years ahead of their time. With that said, I would like to dive into the meaning of this passage.
It is so easy to be overwhelmed by life, as a whole, because life is a giant collaboration of obstacles and pitfalls. Too often we look at the big picture, and feel helpless, because it is too much for us to handle at one time. And it is. Even with all of the technological advances in the very recent past, man is STILL man, and a man or woman is only capable of accomplishing one goal at a time.
Whether you are a fan of sports or not, you can appreciate the old saying, "We're taking it one game at a time...one play at a time." It is such an over-used and overheard soundbite in postgame news conferences, but it is the only successful way to go about winning ballgames, and, in turn, championships. Life is very much the same. For one to accomplish the equivalent of a "life championship" he or she must first focus on the goals of day-to-day life. Do not overlook the importance of any given task, no matter how minute it may appear to you.
Have no fear, too, because the LORD will never abandon you. The Holy Spirit is Ever-Present, insatiably waiting for our call of distress. Our guardian angels, as well, wait, just to be acknowledged by us, and even when they are not, they perform their role of protection with fervor and passion. I have been in many dangerous situations, and I have survived all of them, because of my guardian angel, who is an extension (an outstretched wing) of the LORD.
God wants us to succeed, as long as the main purpose and end result is to serve and please HIM and His agenda. And He will protect us, through anything, as long as that is our main goal. He will never leave us unprotected, period. He built this beautiful world, with all of its splendor and wonder, so that we may dwell in it and give thanks to Him!
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Be Careful What You Wish, I Mean, Pray For
"So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, "Be removed and be cast into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. "And whenever you stand praying if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. "But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."
--Mark 11: 22-26
I really struggled with this passage today, because, after reading it, I said a few prayers, and then I walked over to the corner store to purchases a lottery ticket. I scratched away all of the numbers, and I didn't win crap. So I said a few more prayers, scratched away again, and nothing! I was close to giving up all-together.
Obviously, I'm joking. But the funny thing is how often we pray for such concrete but meaningless material items--sometimes without even knowing. I am actually guilty of saying short prayers before playing $2 scratch off lottery tickets in the past. I know it sounds lame, because it is...110% LAME. I'm not even sure if they can be called "prayers" when the outcome is winning a couple hundred dollars you don't deserve in the slightest.
Similarly, I remember when I was a kid, playing baseball, and I had a ritual of performing the Sign of the Cross while in the batter's box or on the pitcher's mound. I did it for two reasons: 1. That I would be successful at getting a base hit; 2. I would be successful striking out the opposing batter. When I look back now, I am sure that God did not care whether I was successful as a pitcher or a hitter. But he must have been interested in my well-being, because I was never hurt while in the batter's box or on the pitcher's mound.
A common misconception is that it is "only human" to be selfish. It is actually entirely inhuman to do so, because we are created in the likeness of God, and He is anything but selfish. That is most evident by Him sending down His only Son to atone for our sins! The Will of God WILL ALWAYS prevail! Therefore, when we pray it must be for something that is truly in His name and for His cause. When that is the case, we CAN throw mountains into the sea.
God wants us to be happy. He is happiest when we are happy. But it is impossible to be truly happy unless we are at peace with Him. He is Love, and his only commandment is for us to love one another. And we cannot truly love each other unless we forgive each other for the inhuman things we do to one another. Since we are all connected, when we sin, we not only sin against God, but everything that is God. Therefore, we must not only ask God for forgiveness, but our brothers and sisters, as well, to be truly absolved from the sin. It is then that we can live happily together, many branches, connected by One Vine.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
--Mark 11: 22-26
I really struggled with this passage today, because, after reading it, I said a few prayers, and then I walked over to the corner store to purchases a lottery ticket. I scratched away all of the numbers, and I didn't win crap. So I said a few more prayers, scratched away again, and nothing! I was close to giving up all-together.
Obviously, I'm joking. But the funny thing is how often we pray for such concrete but meaningless material items--sometimes without even knowing. I am actually guilty of saying short prayers before playing $2 scratch off lottery tickets in the past. I know it sounds lame, because it is...110% LAME. I'm not even sure if they can be called "prayers" when the outcome is winning a couple hundred dollars you don't deserve in the slightest.
Similarly, I remember when I was a kid, playing baseball, and I had a ritual of performing the Sign of the Cross while in the batter's box or on the pitcher's mound. I did it for two reasons: 1. That I would be successful at getting a base hit; 2. I would be successful striking out the opposing batter. When I look back now, I am sure that God did not care whether I was successful as a pitcher or a hitter. But he must have been interested in my well-being, because I was never hurt while in the batter's box or on the pitcher's mound.
A common misconception is that it is "only human" to be selfish. It is actually entirely inhuman to do so, because we are created in the likeness of God, and He is anything but selfish. That is most evident by Him sending down His only Son to atone for our sins! The Will of God WILL ALWAYS prevail! Therefore, when we pray it must be for something that is truly in His name and for His cause. When that is the case, we CAN throw mountains into the sea.
God wants us to be happy. He is happiest when we are happy. But it is impossible to be truly happy unless we are at peace with Him. He is Love, and his only commandment is for us to love one another. And we cannot truly love each other unless we forgive each other for the inhuman things we do to one another. Since we are all connected, when we sin, we not only sin against God, but everything that is God. Therefore, we must not only ask God for forgiveness, but our brothers and sisters, as well, to be truly absolved from the sin. It is then that we can live happily together, many branches, connected by One Vine.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
Apples and Oranges are Actually the Same
"I am the vine, you ARE the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in Him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."
--John 15: 5-7
What I find to be so important in this passage, is the notion that we are all connected. We wake up, shower, brush our teeth, dress, make ourselves breakfast, start the car, drive to work, and go on with our daily tasks feeling mostly independent, though we are so unknowingly dependent each step of the way.
First, we can only wake up at the proper time if by chance, or if our alarm clock works effectively. The alarm clock that wakes us was indeed designed and made by the hands of another human being, who we will most certainly never meet, or sadly, even acknowledge.
Then, we can only shower because of the resources of water (the men and women at the city or county water department), soap (the men and women at the soap factory), shampoo and conditioner (the men and women at the shampoo company), and the washcloth (the men and women at the fabric company).
When we brush our teeth, how often do we think of the men and women who created the toothpaste and toothbrush we use?
When we get dressed, do we ever consciously give thanks to the men and women who labored to sew and hem the garments we wear?
Even if we bow our heads to give thanks to God for the food at our breakfast table, do we take into mind those wonderful beings who grew the food, packaged the food, transported the food?
As we utilize our mode of transportation, do we focus more on what the car is not (a fancier, more sleek and powerful vehicle) or do we appreciate what it is, and the men and women who devote most of their lives to design and construct the vehicle that is doing what we ask of it?
When we drive to work, or elsewhere, do we become unnecessarily angry by the stoplights which impede our path, or are we mindful enough to appreciate that someone invented a device that keeps us from crashing into other vehicles?
The list could go on forever, and that is the point. We become so wrapped up in ourselves, as the only piece of fruit, that we forget to acknowledge that we are a part of God's vine. Without the vine, there is no fruit. Without God, there is no "us". One small bunch of grapes does not yield a full bottle of wine. Rather, many bunches, growing and sharing the vine together makes the bottle of wine. And that can be said about anything, literally.
No single grape will ever grow or even exist without the vine first. No single apple will ever grow or even exist without the tree first. Neither can we, nor do we.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
--John 15: 5-7
What I find to be so important in this passage, is the notion that we are all connected. We wake up, shower, brush our teeth, dress, make ourselves breakfast, start the car, drive to work, and go on with our daily tasks feeling mostly independent, though we are so unknowingly dependent each step of the way.
First, we can only wake up at the proper time if by chance, or if our alarm clock works effectively. The alarm clock that wakes us was indeed designed and made by the hands of another human being, who we will most certainly never meet, or sadly, even acknowledge.
Then, we can only shower because of the resources of water (the men and women at the city or county water department), soap (the men and women at the soap factory), shampoo and conditioner (the men and women at the shampoo company), and the washcloth (the men and women at the fabric company).
When we brush our teeth, how often do we think of the men and women who created the toothpaste and toothbrush we use?
When we get dressed, do we ever consciously give thanks to the men and women who labored to sew and hem the garments we wear?
Even if we bow our heads to give thanks to God for the food at our breakfast table, do we take into mind those wonderful beings who grew the food, packaged the food, transported the food?
As we utilize our mode of transportation, do we focus more on what the car is not (a fancier, more sleek and powerful vehicle) or do we appreciate what it is, and the men and women who devote most of their lives to design and construct the vehicle that is doing what we ask of it?
When we drive to work, or elsewhere, do we become unnecessarily angry by the stoplights which impede our path, or are we mindful enough to appreciate that someone invented a device that keeps us from crashing into other vehicles?
The list could go on forever, and that is the point. We become so wrapped up in ourselves, as the only piece of fruit, that we forget to acknowledge that we are a part of God's vine. Without the vine, there is no fruit. Without God, there is no "us". One small bunch of grapes does not yield a full bottle of wine. Rather, many bunches, growing and sharing the vine together makes the bottle of wine. And that can be said about anything, literally.
No single grape will ever grow or even exist without the vine first. No single apple will ever grow or even exist without the tree first. Neither can we, nor do we.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
Monday, October 26, 2009
Believe in Forgiveness, Seek Forgiveness
"And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unriteousness."
--1 John 1: 4-9
Brothers and Sisters:
We are so easily comforted by the distortions of our own mind. We simply forget our wrongdoings while taking so much pleasure in our so-called accomplishments. All along we forget Him. He is in everything! He is in the wrong we do, because, by ignoring His commandments, we do wrong. He is in the good we do, because He is in everything good. Either way, we shall acknowledge Him in everything we do--good or bad. By doing something good, we shall give praise and glory to His name, not ours. By doing something bad, we shall ask His forgiveness, and accept our humble existence.
We shall not fool ourselves or anyone around us into thinking the dark path yields any good fruit. When a path arouses your senses stand guard, and ask yourself if you are aroused by the Goodness of God or by the inquiry of evil.
But most of all, accept your subservience to Him, and be not afraid to ask forgiveness.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
--1 John 1: 4-9
Brothers and Sisters:
We are so easily comforted by the distortions of our own mind. We simply forget our wrongdoings while taking so much pleasure in our so-called accomplishments. All along we forget Him. He is in everything! He is in the wrong we do, because, by ignoring His commandments, we do wrong. He is in the good we do, because He is in everything good. Either way, we shall acknowledge Him in everything we do--good or bad. By doing something good, we shall give praise and glory to His name, not ours. By doing something bad, we shall ask His forgiveness, and accept our humble existence.
We shall not fool ourselves or anyone around us into thinking the dark path yields any good fruit. When a path arouses your senses stand guard, and ask yourself if you are aroused by the Goodness of God or by the inquiry of evil.
But most of all, accept your subservience to Him, and be not afraid to ask forgiveness.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
Saturday, October 24, 2009
God Gave Us Eyes to SEE
"As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizeable crowd, Bartinaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside, begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, son of David, have pity on me." And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you." He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied, "Master, I want to see." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way."
Mark 10: 46-52
Today's Gospel was very special to me. Of course, much of that had to do with my confession before Mass. We pray to God, but we do not always open our eyes to what he is showing us. We ask for things we want, rather than what He wants. And then, we get discouraged when we don't get what we want, and, in turn, lose faith.
I am somewhat reminded of the joke from the movie "Pursuit of Happyness" when the little boy talks about a man who makes a deal with God. He asks God to save him if ever he is in danger--God agrees. So, as fate has it, the man finds himself at sea, trying not to drown. One boat comes by and offers to save him, and the man says, "No, the good Lord has agreed to save me." So the boat leaves, and another boat shows up. Again, they offer to save him, but again he says, "No, the good Lord has agreed to save me." So the boat leaves, and the man drowns. When he gets to Heaven he asks God, "Where were you when I was drowning in the ocean? Didn't we have a deal?" In response, God simply says, "I sent two boats to save you...dummy! Why didn't you get in one?"
God works in so many mysterious ways. Ways that we cannot conceive with our inadequate human minds. But if we BELIEVE in HIM, and that He is always at our side, we will be able to SEE HIM wherever we may go.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
Mark 10: 46-52
Today's Gospel was very special to me. Of course, much of that had to do with my confession before Mass. We pray to God, but we do not always open our eyes to what he is showing us. We ask for things we want, rather than what He wants. And then, we get discouraged when we don't get what we want, and, in turn, lose faith.
I am somewhat reminded of the joke from the movie "Pursuit of Happyness" when the little boy talks about a man who makes a deal with God. He asks God to save him if ever he is in danger--God agrees. So, as fate has it, the man finds himself at sea, trying not to drown. One boat comes by and offers to save him, and the man says, "No, the good Lord has agreed to save me." So the boat leaves, and another boat shows up. Again, they offer to save him, but again he says, "No, the good Lord has agreed to save me." So the boat leaves, and the man drowns. When he gets to Heaven he asks God, "Where were you when I was drowning in the ocean? Didn't we have a deal?" In response, God simply says, "I sent two boats to save you...dummy! Why didn't you get in one?"
God works in so many mysterious ways. Ways that we cannot conceive with our inadequate human minds. But if we BELIEVE in HIM, and that He is always at our side, we will be able to SEE HIM wherever we may go.
Love and God Forever,
Anthony Paul
A Call To Action
I have found my Faith again, and I wish to share it with anyone and everyone who wishes to join.
"BLESSED is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. The Lord bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel."
--PSALM 128
I am a fortunate soul. I have been blessed with so many gifts and treasures, and for too long I have taken them for granted. I am a firm believer in God's plan, I just tried doing things my own way for too long now. I feel at peace to be back on the straight path, letting God guide me. I know I will not be perfect in the present or the future, but I will try. And when I fail, I will look to God again for the guidance I need. His Love is everlasting and ever-enduring, through any tragedy, downfall, trial or tribulation. I am just so blessed to be back in His good company.
Tomorrow I will be attending the Blessed Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time in four years. It is more than daunting and scary, it will be life-changing! I strongly urge all followers of the Cross to do GOD a favor and REPENT! I will not be without sin for long after, but I will try.
I look forward to bringing the Word of God into as many lives and souls as God allows me, for the rest of my days.
Love, Forgiveness, GOD FOREVER! Amen,
Anthony Paul Vasko
"BLESSED is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. The Lord bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel."
--PSALM 128
I am a fortunate soul. I have been blessed with so many gifts and treasures, and for too long I have taken them for granted. I am a firm believer in God's plan, I just tried doing things my own way for too long now. I feel at peace to be back on the straight path, letting God guide me. I know I will not be perfect in the present or the future, but I will try. And when I fail, I will look to God again for the guidance I need. His Love is everlasting and ever-enduring, through any tragedy, downfall, trial or tribulation. I am just so blessed to be back in His good company.
Tomorrow I will be attending the Blessed Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time in four years. It is more than daunting and scary, it will be life-changing! I strongly urge all followers of the Cross to do GOD a favor and REPENT! I will not be without sin for long after, but I will try.
I look forward to bringing the Word of God into as many lives and souls as God allows me, for the rest of my days.
Love, Forgiveness, GOD FOREVER! Amen,
Anthony Paul Vasko
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Prayers that Help the Artist
I thought I would share with you my nightly prayers. They have helped me get through the past several years, and many obstacles that I have ultimately overcome, or did not overcome but was reassured (through my prayers) that sometimes we must fail--whatever the reason. Ask HIM, not me. I have very few answers :)
PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH
Oh Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
Oh Saint Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from the Divine LORD all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ our Lord so that having engaged here below your heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers.
Oh Saint Joseph I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press HIM in my name, kiss His fine head for me, and ask HIM to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.
Oh Saint Joseph, patron of departing, please pray for me to the Lord our GOD.
PRAYER TO THE HOLY TRINITY
ALL GLORY BE TO THE FATHER, WHO BY HIS ALMIGHTY POWER AND LOVE CREATED ME, MAKING ME IN THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS OF GOD.
ALL GLORY BE TO THE SON, WHO BY HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD DELIVERED ME FROM HELL, AND OPENED FOR ME THE GATES OF HEAVEN.
ALL GLORY BE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO HAS SANCTIFIED ME BY SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM, AND CONTINUES TO SANCTIFY BY THE GRACES I RECEIVE DAILY FROM HIS BOUNTY.
ALL GLORY BE TO THE THREE ADORABLE PERSONS OF THE HOLY TRINITY, NOW AND FOREVER…AMEN!
PRAYER TO JESUS
“I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and THE LIFE! No one comes to the father but through me.” Live in us, Oh Jesus with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit so that we may love YOU with our whole my mind strength and heart; Love our neighbors for LOVE of YOU. Increase charity in us, so that one day, called from the sepulcher to the glorious life, we may be united with YOU in the ETERNAL HAPPINESS OF HEAVEN.
JESUS, MASTER, WAY TRUTH AND LIFE, have mercy on us.
PRAYER FOR SANCTITY
Wisdom
Knowledge
Counsel
Fortitude
Understanding
Piety
Fear of the LORD
I am going to reveal to you the secret of sanctity and happiness. Every day for five minutes, control your imagination, close your eyes to the things of sense and your ears to all the noises in the world in order to enter into HIM. Then, in sanctity of your baptized soul, speak to that DIVINE SPIRIT, saying to HIM,
“Oh HOLY SPIRIT, beloved of my soul, I adore YOU. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me, tell me what I should do. Give me your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that you desire of me and accept all that you permit to happen to me. Let me only know YOUR WILL.
If you do this your life will flow along happily, serenely, and full of consolation. Even in the midst of trials GRACE will be proportioned to you, and you will arrive at the GATE OF HEAVEN laden with merit. This is the secret of Sanctity.
Our Father, Who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace.
Our Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
ALL GLORY BE TO THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. NOW AND FOREVER, AMEN.
PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH
Oh Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
Oh Saint Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from the Divine LORD all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ our Lord so that having engaged here below your heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers.
Oh Saint Joseph I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press HIM in my name, kiss His fine head for me, and ask HIM to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.
Oh Saint Joseph, patron of departing, please pray for me to the Lord our GOD.
PRAYER TO THE HOLY TRINITY
ALL GLORY BE TO THE FATHER, WHO BY HIS ALMIGHTY POWER AND LOVE CREATED ME, MAKING ME IN THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS OF GOD.
ALL GLORY BE TO THE SON, WHO BY HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD DELIVERED ME FROM HELL, AND OPENED FOR ME THE GATES OF HEAVEN.
ALL GLORY BE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO HAS SANCTIFIED ME BY SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM, AND CONTINUES TO SANCTIFY BY THE GRACES I RECEIVE DAILY FROM HIS BOUNTY.
ALL GLORY BE TO THE THREE ADORABLE PERSONS OF THE HOLY TRINITY, NOW AND FOREVER…AMEN!
PRAYER TO JESUS
“I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and THE LIFE! No one comes to the father but through me.” Live in us, Oh Jesus with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit so that we may love YOU with our whole my mind strength and heart; Love our neighbors for LOVE of YOU. Increase charity in us, so that one day, called from the sepulcher to the glorious life, we may be united with YOU in the ETERNAL HAPPINESS OF HEAVEN.
JESUS, MASTER, WAY TRUTH AND LIFE, have mercy on us.
PRAYER FOR SANCTITY
Wisdom
Knowledge
Counsel
Fortitude
Understanding
Piety
Fear of the LORD
I am going to reveal to you the secret of sanctity and happiness. Every day for five minutes, control your imagination, close your eyes to the things of sense and your ears to all the noises in the world in order to enter into HIM. Then, in sanctity of your baptized soul, speak to that DIVINE SPIRIT, saying to HIM,
“Oh HOLY SPIRIT, beloved of my soul, I adore YOU. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me, tell me what I should do. Give me your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that you desire of me and accept all that you permit to happen to me. Let me only know YOUR WILL.
If you do this your life will flow along happily, serenely, and full of consolation. Even in the midst of trials GRACE will be proportioned to you, and you will arrive at the GATE OF HEAVEN laden with merit. This is the secret of Sanctity.
Our Father, Who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace.
Our Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
ALL GLORY BE TO THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. NOW AND FOREVER, AMEN.
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