Part II, Chapter 4 - His Mercy is Scary

God’s covenant makes us part of His divine family, which means we are family, united spiritually with our God – awesome! When I knowingly sin I automatically am out of grace with His covenant love. I like how Scott stated that God’s wrath is more of a “fatherly” love and discipline, so we can ask forgiveness, go forth, and try, try again.

We are all called to be God’s witnesses here on earth. In Greek the word “witness” means “martus” or martyr. This is something I need to reflect more on. Every choice I make is for God or for me (selfish and worldly). I have a long way to go! God must get tired of me “repenting”! I never thought about getting “hooked” on sin but always failing and trying again …and again to do God’s will. Yes, and what did Isaiah say of sinners: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil”. We can slowly see the demise of the people of our nation. God calls us to be part of His divine family, living here on earth, to be in the world but not of the world. Our attachment is to do God’s will here on earth. Does God need to give me/us a “wake up call” to come back to Him, with ALL our heart, mind and soul?! I must truly be a “witness” and do whatever it takes to be a martyr for God! In every Mass Scott says we stand before the judgment seat, asking for His mercy to bind ourselves to be part of God's covenant. JoAnn

Post when you can.... and a question

I know this is a busy time of the year. I have not even been able to sit down lately and just read which is something I really enjoy. So post when you can and may your Advent and Christmas season be blessed........... Oh..... We do not have a lot left of our current book. ....... Do you have any interest in a Lenten online study using Archbishop Chaput's book "Living the Catholic Faith: Rediscovering the Basics"? It has a study guide available. (We will have copies of both at the Martha & Mary Women's Conference. Or do you have any suggestions.

Ruth: Part 2 Ch. 3 Apocalypse Then!

I enjoyed this chapter treasuring every reference to the Eucharist………….. With all the talk these days about being “Left Behind” it was good on p. 93 to read about the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, and with it the end of the world of the Old Covenant as being the primary reference. This is wrapped up on page 94 when it shows that Parousia means “presence,” and Jesus’ presence is real and abiding in the Blessed Sacrament….to this day……..”For the Church is the kingdom already begun on earth, and it is the place of the Parousia in every Mass.” The Mass means so much to me that any new insight that shows its importance is appreciated. I want everyone (all of us at Mass) to appreciate it and reverence it more and more …what an awesome and humbling worship service that would yield. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.Angels – On p. 98 we read that we are never alone in our battles as Michael and the faithful angels fight on the side of the Church – and this, Revelation show us, is the side that wins..... I think about and seek the intercession of the saints in heaven but never ask my angels for help....a lesson never learned. There is so much to learn and I feel that my faith walk and knowledge are as a drop of rain compared to the sea. ….. The more I learn the more I know that there is so much more to learn. ….. Our glorious faith cannot be contained because it is the Lord Himself. ………...... Our country needs to take heed of the fate of Ephesus. “…Ephesus was warned that unless they charge their ways, they would suffer the same fate as their elder brother, Israel. I can witness, having been to Ephesus, that it is now a pile of rocks, a tourist attraction for Moslem’s and Christian, and a place that prohibits the expression of the Christian faith. …”it should cause us to tremble.” What is the fate of our country to be?” Yet, we are to “be not afraid.” …………….. The closing section states on p. 102 that “The Mass is where Christians joined forces with the angels and saints to worship God.” Lord, help us to be aware of the forces we are with each day at Mass, as we worship you, and so unworthily receive you. My Lord and My God!