Faith Reflection: Mercy—The Beauty of Our Young
In his homily for Epiphany Pope Francis said we need a “lofty goal.” In talking about how the Magi are led to the Christ Child by looking up and following a star—His star, as Matthew will say in his Gospel—the Pope says we need to keep looking up. The Pope also went on to say how “Jesus’ star does not dazzle or overwhelm, but gently invites.”
It’s a new year, full of hope and promise. We can keep the Pope’s words in mind. While we don’t have to make it a new year’s resolution per se, we can take his advice and keep looking up and be guided by the light of Jesus. We can have a lofty goal of holding fast to our faith and growing stronger in it as we are gently guided by our all-loving Saviour.
Our 7th Grader today tells us about some lofty goals and how to keep the Christ star in focus through simple things that aren’t dazzling but will gently guide us to a stronger faith.
Unity of Life
by Madelyn
Catholic Christians should not live a kind of double life; on the one hand, a life of union with God, and on the other a separate and distinct professional, social, and family life. For example, a man who attends daily Mass, but then goes to work and uses bad language frequently; a woman who is devoted to praying the rosary, but then spends her time gossiping at her social gatherings; or a child who behaves well in school, but differently around friends. All these examples demonstrate people living double lives.
It is important for parents to live a good example and teach their children there is just one life made of flesh and spirit. It is this life which has to become, in both soul and body, holy and filled with God. A man, woman, or child’s actions should reflect Christ Jesus’ teachings in any circumstance they are in. If people lived this way the world would be a better place and help to improve our faith.
Feeling a bit cranky? Want to be left alone so you can get things done? Come watch these themes play out in the next Cinema for the Soul movie, This Beautiful Fantastic. Two people fitting the descriptions above are brought together bringing happiness and new friendships in unexpected places, giving both a new ways to appreciate the beauty around them. Join Thursday, January 25, 2018 in the youth room of the Olive parish hall. You can keep up with the latest Cinema for the Soul happenings at the parish website site: https://theholynameofjesus.org/cinema.
Did you know you can also keep up with some of the happenings with our parish’s young people via social media? Yes, our Youth Ministry can be followed on Instagram: HolyNameYM, or check out currents events online at holynameym.org.
Thank you. Mrs. Alhadef