"The Glory of God is Man Fully Alive"

        "The Glory of God is Man Fully Alive". I have been asked to interpret what this means brothers and sisters. I would like to first start out with asking why do artist's create art, why do dancers dance, why do architects build? Well the purpose for which someone creates anything in particular is to have his or her creation glorify themselves. So then the artist creates his art, dancer's dance routine, and architects buildings for the purpose of glorifying themselves and the places/people that they have grown up in. Well so too are humans called to glorify God.

        Well the question now is how do we "Glorify" God. The answer, brothers and sisters, lies in the first question on "The Glory of God is Man Fully Alive"- obviously Man Fully Alive. Well then what is "Man Fully Alive"? Man fully alive is when man reaches their full potential and glorifies God in every way possible, may it be through simply writing this blog, eating, or studying. The definition of potential is having or showing the capacity to develop something in the future.

        God has given all of us the potential to do great things. Wether we reach that full potential has a variety of factors involved in it. However the key factors to reaching our full potential is through proper use of our talents, opportunities, and the graces that we recieve through God. Using these three, you will definitely reach your full potential.We are all born with passions and  talents, however it is when we find what we our vocations that we can live up to our full potential and glorify God in all things. When we do live up to our full potential, then we are men and women "fully alive".
       

The Lay People

Everyone of the Catholic Church who has been baptized is called to the Lay if not Holy Orders. God calls us to show holiness in everyday activities and through our actions we will receive blessings beyond our imagination. God wants us to succeed and so do the angels and saints up in Heaven. It can be described like a great coliseum where we are the gladiators of life, and through the intercession of the saints and angels and of course the help of almighty God, we will win. Purgatory is like the Hospital for us when we finally exit the battlefield but need medical attention. After that we will join in the stands and help those in the battlefield as well.The lay people are amazing!

Evil>:l

God is the cause of all things good right. Well we all know that the devil is the cause of all things bad. Sometimes I blame God for the bad things that happen to me instead of the devil. Of course people blame God though because he has the power to stop evil. God doesn't do that because, just like the angels in the beginning of time, wanted us to choose him or to reject him. When the angels rejected him, he threw them down from heaven(satan and demons) however when the angels accepted him(current angels and archangels) they were given the graces of God and were shown true happiness. Well same situation with us, however Satan wants to call us to what he did. God however will give us the tools and the strength to reject Satan's evil will and not give into the temptation and evil.

family and friends

Lately I have actually been feeling somewhat lonely. It was as if I walked around the day and no one really noticed me or had anything to say(this was about two weeks ago) and I found myself praying more because in addition to the lonely feeling, I think I was sinning more. I felt God work through my family and friends to help me rise from this feeling. God gives you what you need to succeed. Never underestimate the power of family and friends. They are there when many aren't.

Patience and Perseverance

Early on when I was younger, my teachers and family friends tried to teach me great life lessons. Of course one of their most important teachings was Patience and Perseverance. Now when I first learned this, I really didn't take it to heart because I simply did not have the troubles that I have today. The other day I heard it during mass and I really took it to heart even though every week my parents and family friends actually still say that to me. Patience truly is a theological virtue but we need perseverance if we want to get anywhere. So brothers and sisters, the lesson is simply Patience and Perseverance can take you almost anywhere!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day everyone! Let's all not forget to greet our mothers and thank them for the great job they have done with us. I was thinking about all the pain and aggravation that I have put my mother through and it took a lot of courage and strength of character to rise above my childish behavior many times and lay the rules down. I am very proud to have my mother with me and I was glad to celebrate with her a day of honor - fortunate for her that her birthday was on May 6th, so she gets double the fun in a short amount of time period. Anyways Happy Mother's Day!

Communion

This morning I was able to watch as young Catholics took part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is arguably the most important sacrament because we literally consume the body and blood of Jesus Christ our Savior. Not only are we allowed to touch and see Him but literally have the ability to have Him become part of us. I feel like we don't remember how important it is and subconsciously in the back of our mind think of the Eucharist as a piece of bread. It is mind blowing when I realized the impact this can have on the way we celebrate our masses and go about our daily lives. Brothers and Sisters please don't forget this important piece of our faith.

Peace,
Bladomeister

The Needy

In the following video link, a needy person tells his daily struggles in life and the things he goes through to simply survive. My thoughts on this are that we as the middle class of society(most probable) have it very lucky. Not only are we gifted with education, opportunities, friends, and family but we have the gift of a home, running water, and food. This video helped me realize that there is so much more to life than I and many of my current colleagues know. God bless this man and I hope that when I am on my own and successful, I may make contributions to people like this and help the community.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AusCA28efa0&feature=youtu.be

Justin Martyr letter to Roman Emperor

It is to my understanding in the letter to the Roman Emperor, that the purpose was to clarify the practices and teachings of Christianity and how we go about practicing. In a sense, he educated him on Christianity without disrespecting the Romans. He clearly explained the process in which God permits us to "eat of His flesh and blood" along with the ones who are worthy to take part in this feast. Because of the term eating of flesh and drinking of blood, the Romans mistook the information as cannibalism, therefore persecuting and insulting them. Despite Justin's efforts in convincing the emperor to do otherwise, he continued to persecute Christians.

Story

In this story, the man talks about many morals in his life. The most important one that stuck out to me the most is the one when a professor tells his students no. The students become frustrated with the professor and tell him that he refuses to simply listen to their ideas. He then boldly claims that because he simply rejects their ideas, doesn't mean he doesn't listen, love, and support them.

I thought this was a wonderful lesson because we as Christians forget that God always hears our prayers, however the answer to our prayers isn't always what we expect or desire. The ultimate goal in our minds should be simply to love God and respect his decision, whatever it may be.
The story can be found herehttp://blog.archny.org/index.php/all-are-welcome/comment-page-1/#comment-132281

Depression

In school for the past few days we have had a depression forum, information, and cookout meetings. I really am glad that we had this because it seemed that about a year ago I was actually depressed and have minute symptoms till this very day. When I heard from professionals on depression and physcology about depression I wasn't to surprised. What really helped me during the time that I was depressed was prayer and faith. I had "faith", somewhat, and hope that I would make it out of that miserable time period. Thank God because I really had a rough time. I came out of it and am glad to be. I think that in my future occupation, I would like to help depressed kids during their time of need and help them, even if there not Catholic or Christian, to have "faith". Hopefully they can make that connection with God even despite their lack of faith.

Peace,
Bladomeister

Vocation of Service

Like Holy Orders, Marriage/Matrimony is a service to God. Husbands and wives support each other continually in matters of faith or just everyday problems. Each helping each other to grow in the oneness of God's Church.  This is why marriage preparation is also important because it helps them discern their call to marriage and the Sacrament.

                                              .

Prayer

Recently I have been terrible at praying. I know and feel that prayer is the answer to many problems. The other day I remembered Medugorje and looked at the recent message of the believed Blessed Mother of God. She thanked me for responding to her call! She stated not to forget to pray, much like many of her other messages, and told me to repent and become close to God and Jesus her son. Amazing! So now I am continually trying to open my heart "like a flower open to the sunlight".

Matrimony

Since the beginning, we as humans are meant to "create" with the help of Christ/God in order to help expand the Church and create more disciples of God. In the Catholic Church, if a Catholic attempts to marry a non- Catholic Christian or a non-Christian, they must get approval from the local Bishop in order to get married. From the information I have heard, they - especially the non-Catholic/Christian - must go through some educational classes giving information on the faith and assuring that the kids they raise will be raised as Catholic.

Patience

Yesterday I was talking with one of my oldest teachers and he pointed out how caught up we are with instant results and lack patience. Many people say "patience is a virtue", but they really don't know that it is a theological virtue. To be even more specific it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Truly my brothers we lack this in society, which means we lack the Holy Spirit in society. He challenged me to try to not use technology for a day or two - or at least make a sacrifice- in order to understand and achieve a certain degree of patience and so I challenge you as well.

Peace,
Bladomeister

Syblings

The other day I saw a picture of my only brother. It's been so long since I really talked to him that I didn't even recognize who he was for a brief moment. I literally asked myself, "Who is that guy, he looks extremely familiar". Sometimes I regret not doing that so lately I have been trying to communicate with him more. It's sad how we don't bond with our siblings. How much more with God?

Confession

The other day I went to confession and I enjoyed doing so. However the very next day, I committed the biggest sin that I confessed again. At the current I really need to get my act together. It's not as if God hasn't been helping me, I choose on purpose not to follow him. I have realized this has been a huge error in judgement and I am trying to change. Brothers and sisters, please try your very best to fight against temptation.

Peace,
Bladomeister

What is my main obstacle to living a Christian life, and how can I overcome it?

I think the hardest part for me is going through a real and heartfelt prayer. In school, home, and wherever, usually I pray without really trying to communicate with God. Truly I feel silence is the best way to do so. My priest pointed out the other Sunday that usually whenever we are angered or saddened to the point of crying, silence usually calms us. How mysterious...

The Church and the Life of the Faithful

We are all called to holiness. There are many people who become  a lay person, however these people are people who are very dedicated. In the ordinary life of a Catholic, people go through the liturgical year and the seven sacraments as requriements. Often times people lie about how they love God. People who are truly looking to establish a good or better relationship with God typically partake in missionary work.

3 Wishes!

There is a rumor that when you visit a new Catholic Church you can make three "wishes" or requests and they come true. I have done that a couple of times in my lifetime and they actually came true. I told that to my theology teacher and he simply said God isn't a Genie. Well, they DID come true so I believe in it. Pretty awesome.

Cagsawa Ruins Legaspi, Phillippines

Last Summer I went to the Cagsawa Ruins in the Phillippines. It's amazing how they made it into a sort of business  Of course there is no admission fee of any kind but there are many little shops where you can buy souvenirs and many other things. Right next to this place is the Mayon Volcano. Supposedly it is the most "perfectly shaped" cone for a volcano in the world. Pretty neat stuff.

Which of the Four Marks of the Church is the greatest in my opinion?

Well they are all very important however if I had to choose one, I think that Holy mark is the most important mark of the Church because there is a lot of speculation on whether the Church is good or not. That mark really tells the world that just because they have met Judas, doesn't mean they have met the others. The ideal of a perfect Catholic or Christian is impossible because we all are sinners. That’s what people don’t realize sometimes. God is the cause of Holy, not us.

Apostolic Mark of the Church

What do they mean by apostolic? Well the Church was founded by Christ using the 12 Apostles. They founded it in a "threefold" sense. These included apostolic Foundation, Faith, and Succession.

Different Rites

First off, what is a "rite" of the Church. Well it is one of the ways people go about worshiping God. Since the Catholic Church is Universal - hence Catholic - there are many rites. These may include the Alexandrian, Antiochene, Armenian, Byzantine, and Chaldean(East Syrian).

Christian Music

On my previous post I spoke about how I was a little dissapointed that it was my last time performing with one of the choirs that I was in. But when I got in the car Christian music truly helped remind me about how blessed I am that I had the oppurtunity. Thank God for Christian music and the wonders that it can do for people. God Bless!

Bladomeister

Choir

I have been fortunate enough to have partaken in many different choirs and today I sang for the last time in one of those choirs. It was a somewhat heartbreaking experience but I learned that God gives us these opportunities to grow not just in our faith but in relationship guided by God with other people.
Enjoy your day everyone.

Peace,
Bladomeister

Holy Communion

I have nearly forgotten the importance of Holy Communion and the Eucharist(Not factually but spiritually speaking). The other day during mass I was witness to Catholics during their first communion. It was amazing how happy and well dressed they were for the occasion and it made me realize, me in shorts and a really nice polo, that I disrespect the Eucharist with my appearance and take for granted the gift God has given us. Remember brothers and sisters that God IS With Us!
                                       

Service

            During my service experience one of the most significant things that I learned is patience. I did a lot of work for nursing homes and food ministries. Dealing with other people, especially older people, requires an immense amount of patience. In addition I also heard many stories about other people’s experiences as in their every day life from which a variety of life lessons came from.

            I think that the lessons, such as patience and enthusiasm, are the key ways to look at our faith. This is the way I “tackled” the tasks that they had given me. In terms of growth in the motto “Man for Others”, it is simply doing and living in the time when I performed tasks for the people who need it the most. These lessons that I have learned through my experiences with service may be easily applied to my work and long term goals as a businessman. I hope to grow more throughout my service hours for Strake Jesuit.

            The impact that the service had on my values and morals could be described as a small but significant change. It helped me realize how blessed I am to truly have a healthy body and a loving family with countless opportunities in life. Of course the service alone did not bring this revelation to me, but I have additionally acknowledged that giving back to the community or to the people who are less blessed is very important. Knowing this, I am sure that God will bless me and is aware that I have fulfilled my duties as a Christian.

            In the matter of understanding and building a stronger connection with my faith, all I really learned was patience. Perhaps I was not fully open spiritually during my active service but the way that I approach tasks and people alike has changed. I have discovered a little more about my family during this experience and vice versa. However overall, we are generally very close so it wasn’t anything significant in my eyes. I hope to grow more in my faith and experiences throughout my Jesuit journey of service.

Ecumenism: Catholic Pope and Protestant Pastors

The Protestants, the catholic church has many leaders instead of just one supreme pontiff(the pope). Their roles may be different but they all try to do the same and teach the word of God to their church goers. Of course the Pope has a much bigger job but at least they all try to help spread the news of God.

Conceive, Believe, and Achieve

We all need to set goals. When conceived we must make a game plan to achieve and fully believe in that. Then we finally achieve through patience and consistency. Just a word of advice

Peace,
Bladomeister

It's a beautiful day

Truly it is a beautiful day. Sometimes I forget how amazing God is with creation. The past few days have been really dark but today is just gorgeous. Reminds me to love God for everything he does for us.

North Korea?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/05/north-korea-threats-chinese-nervous

Looks like North Korea wants war. It's starting to make China a little nervous too. This information has been out for a whil so for the people it will involve, I've been praying that this won't take pla

Easter Video

Stay faithful my friends. Just a little video. The other day I got my braces and I was suffering. It just happened to be on Good Friday and I thought to myself that God went through so much more suffering. It really helped me get more connected with god again.

Peace,
Bladomeister

Easter

                                         
On Easter let's  not forget the real reason why we are celebrating. It seems to me that in modern society, some of the most important Chrisian/Catholic celebrations are made as holidays and are replaced by some minuscule reason to celebrate like the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus. Perhaps I interpret this wrong but I don't like that they distract from the real reason.

Just trying to focus on the good stuff.

Anyways Peace,
Bladomeister

Medjugorje?

                                        

        I ran across this amazing place where Mary has been said to have apparitions there. The name is called Medjugorje. You should really read up on it because it has so many recordings of conversations with Mary and advice. This could prove to really enlighten your Catholic, or Christian, flame if you do. I know several friends who were heavily influenced by these conversations:)

Peace,

Bladomeister

NEW Pope!

The Pope's role in the Roman Catholic Church is essentially to lead everyone in matters of faith and morals. In addition the greatest mission is obviously to evangelize. Pope Francis, being the only Jesuit Cardinal, is a unique choice.

It's through the Church that people have salvation. So it is vital that it has a leader reinstated.

Peace,
Bladomeister

 

                              

        Life can be rough and challenging. Christ wants us to be successful but in order to do that, we must push through the boundaries that life has for us. It's here that I would like to discuss American culture, events, and everyday life situations of a typical cradle Catholic. I have a lot to learn but if I can relate to anyone who's out there let it be done according to God's will.

Peace,

Bladomeister

P.S. 

Here's a video of advice:)

I found this when things got rough. It was like God personally spoke to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk3CNeua1Eg