St. Francis de Sales

Saint Francis de Sales says, “Love is the chief amongst the passions of the soul. It is King of all the heart’s impulses; it draws all things to itself, and makes us like to what we love.” In today’s society, we are taught to act on impulse when one is attracted to another. However, Francis de Sales preaches something much different. He states that frivolous friendships can be damaging to our salvation if acted upon without sincere discernment.

When one enters a relationship with immoral intentions Saint Francis defines these as foolish friendships. Francis de Sales states that the when two people enter into a friendship without the intention of marriage it is called flirtations. These friendships are founded on lust, vanity and selfishness. People who enter into such friendship are only interested in indulging their own senses. This type of attraction has no foundation of Christ’s teaching and therefore is not pure love but rather lust.

Impure flirtations can be damaging to one's soul because these attractions foster sin. One’s soul becomes weak and more vulnerable to sin. Having careless relations with another will lead one to sin as well as lead others to sin. Dangerous attractions divert the soul away from things that are pure and holy. These attractions lead the heart away from God whom we should love above all else. Saint Francis writes, “God demands all our entire love in gratitude of our creation, preservation, and redemption…” It is easy to be blinded by foolish love and forget that we must first surrender our love to God. In order to have a relationship that is wholesome and moral God must be the main focus.

It is easy to fall into these types of relations. However, in order to avoid evil friendships, as Saint Francis writes, one must remember that their heart is “dedicated to God, and your love sacrificed to Him…Call upon God, He will succor you, and His Love will protect yours.” Our hearts first belong to the Lord. If we find ourselves struggling with tempting relations we must “Hasten into the presence of God, acknowledge before Him your weakness and vanity, and then abandon all these follies…” God's love for us is greater than any love we can receive on earth. He will not forsake us.

In conclusion, to translate Saint Francis' words, when one enters into an unblessed friendship without pure intentions one is flirting with the devil and his evil deeds. As a result, these flippant relations have sinful consequences. However, God's love for us is greater than any love we can receive on Earth and we must not forget that.

The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes are very significant to the Christian way of life. In fact Pope Benedict XVI, states that the Beatitudes are more than just guidelines that Jesus taught but the Beatitudes are gifts from the Lord. These gifts, if followed attentively, will lead an individual into the secure Kingdom of God; which is the most rewarding gift of all.

Pope Benedict XVI critically analyzes the Beatitudes that Jesus told from the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew chapter five. First, Benedict confirms that the Beatitudes are not superior to the Ten Commandments. The Beatitudes are teachings that enrich the understanding of the Ten Commandments. Pope Benedict goes on to define the Beatitudes as “transformation of values.” He explains that the Beatitudes purpose is to serve as a reminder that we as humans are sinner and that the Beatitude provides us with hope of salvation.

Benedict explains that the Beatitudes are more than practical teachings but the Beatitudes are also theological attributes for the disciples of Christ (p. 71). Benedict describes disciples of Christ as poor, hungry, weeping men; who are persecuted because for their love for Jesus Christ (p. 71). Therefore, following the Beatitudes are Christians’ crosses to bear. As disciples of Christ we should be willing to live by the Beatitudes because Christ himself lived by them.

Our Holy Father also states that the Beatitudes are also vital in keeping the church thriving. In order to do so however, as members of this holy family it is our obligation to keep the Beatitudes alive by living as Christ’s lived them. We must humble ourselves and always be ready to serve like Christ (p. 77).

In Conclusion, Pope Benedict XVI says that “When man begins to see and live from God’s perspective…Jesus brings joy into the midst of affliction.” Living lvy Christ example is not an easy task. However, in the end it is the only way that will give Christians endless happiness.

Why Jesus Called Mary "Woman"

At the Wedding in Cana, Jesus refers to his mother, Mary, as "woman". This is a significant point in the Bible that can be misinterpreted if not closely analyzed. It is important to understand the story of the Wedding in Cana before one can comprehend the intentions behind Jesus's comment toward his Mother.

In John 2:1-11, we read that Jesus is invited to a wedding in Cana. During the wedding the wine runs out and Mary is in a panic. She tells her son “They have no wine.” Jesus responds to his Mother, “O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” Upon reading this, my first reaction was that Jesus was disrespecting his Mother or perhaps testing her faith. However, I know that this cannot be so because Jesus would never act towards Mary in a condescending manner. I also know that Mary was conceived without sin and the Catholic Church teaches that by a special grace of God she committed no sin throughout her life. Therefore Jesus, the Son of God, would never have tested her faith in such a way.

There are facts within this story that my Priest, the Very Reverend Stephen Sallis, once explained in one of his homilies, that are pivotal in understanding why Jesus referred to his mother in this way. First, Jesus' turning the water into wine would mark his first miracle in the Bible. Now that he has performed his first miracle he is introducing himself as the Messiah. Up to this point, Jesus had not yet revealed that he was the true Messiah. By calling her "woman" he is also introducing Mary as the new “Mother of the Living” or the new Eve. He is proclaiming that a new universal church is now established and Mary is now the universal mother of his new universal covenant. If he had indeed called Mary, mother, then he would, therefore, be referring to her personally and not universally.

In conclusion, Jesus calling his mother "woman" was not a negative thing but a major moment in the Bible. Jesus consciously called his Mother woman for our salvation. By Jesus performing his first miracle, God is not only giving us his Son but he is
also giving us a Mother. A Mother who like her son, will never forsake us.

My Bepo

On November 28, 1995 my little brother, Joey, made his grand entrance into my life. I was seven years old when he was born and on that day I made a personal commitment to be the best big sister this world has ever witnessed. However, the person who has made more of an impression on this world is Joey. This guy is not only my baby brother; he is my best friend, my inspiration, and my hero.

I was seven when Joey was born. I can still remember that day when I stepped into the hospital room and the nurse asked me if I would like to be the first one to hold the new addition of our family. I was beside myself. I had been the baby of the family until then and I was eager to give away the title. However, I did not know the impact this life bundled in my arms would have on me until years later.

It is hard for people to comprehend that Joe and I have such a close relationship with an eight year age difference between us. Joey may only be eleven years old, however, I have never met anyone who is more humorous, loving, and generous as him. Joey can find joy in the simplest things in life. He inspires me to be the person I one day hope to become. His laugh is contagious and his smile can make the worst days better.

I can remember one particular moment when Joey inspired me. It was a Wednesday and Joey had just returned from school. I noticed on this particular day, something was troubling my little brother. His usual talkative self was now reserved and distraught. I asked him what was the matter. He said nothing and went into my Dad’s office and closed the door. When he emerged minutes later, I could tell he had been crying. I asked my Dad what was up and he said that Joey had just asked him to take him to Saturday confession. I was amazed. Personally, reconciliation has always been the one sacrament I have refused to accept. One could say that pride has always stood between me and the confessional. However, the fact that my baby brother humbled himself and could ask the Lord to forgive his sins truly touched me. It was something that I never had to courage to do myself.

Joey is just a kid, however, I have yet to meet an adult who has more humility, faith, and love in their lives. Joey is always the first to apologize for any wrongdoing even when he is not at fault. He is always the first one to give me hugs and kisses when I return home. Joey never takes life for granted. He finds happiness in things most people overlook. Joey never places himself first but sacrifices himself to make sure others are fulfilled. Through his actions he lives out Christ’s teachings. I cannot imagine my life without Joey.

Seattle

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest there is a city called Seattle, my hometown. Where rain falls frequently, traffic is always guaranteed, and coffee is the elixir of life. Seattle has played a significant role is shaping the person I am today. Not only has it been my haven for nineteen wonderful years but also it is also a place that I will always be proud to call home.

Seattle has many beautiful aspects. It is truly a place graced with God's beauty. Over the city horizon one can see the magnificent Mount Rainer, the Cascade Mountain Range, and the Puget Sound. In every direction one can find a something to do because Seattle never fails to cure boredom. However, as I contemplate these characteristics of Seattle I come to realize just how much I have underappreciated my city. Seattle has given me countless memories that I could probably spend a lifetime sharing. As a child, I can remember taking the short drive to Snoqualmie Falls after church with my family where we would hike the mountain trails and picnic in the forest. On rainy days we would venture to the Pier and explore undersea animals at the Seattle aquarium. When the summer season would finally arrive, my friends and I would run barefoot down the streets of Wallingford, our neighborhood, to Greenlake. There we would swim and paddle boat until exhaustion would overtake us.

Seattle is not only visually beautiful but the inhabitants of Seattle are quite unique. I find that the people in Seattle seem to have much more relaxed personalities. Living in the big city there is always that feeling of rushing, however, people in Seattle seem to take their time and enjoy their surroundings. Seattle never fails to show its hometown pride at sports events and music events. One thing Seattle can truly call its own is its passion for music. Seattle is very musically inclined. At every street corner you can find a coffee shop or record store blasting one of the many talented artists Seattle has to offer.

There are many values that I have learned by growing up in Seattle. I have learned to appreciate God's creation. Seattle's beauty is a constant reminder that God truly does exist. Seattle has also taught me to value the simpler things in life. I have always complained about the rain or the cold winter season but now that I have experienced other places I miss the Seattle seasons. For example, Fall, when trees shed their leaves that burn with brilliant orange and red hues or winter, when Greenlake freezes over and hot chocolate is a daily necessity. I miss jumping in piles of crispy leaves and using umbrellas two hundred days out of the year. These are things only a true Seattleite can treasure and understand.

I will always consider Seattle my home wherever I may end up in the future. The lessons and experiences Seattle has blessed me with will always apply to my life. I am forever grateful for the life I have had in Seattle.

Burn Out Bright

There are certain elements a favorite song must poses in order to be deemed a "favorite song". These elements are different for each individual, however. Personally, there are three characteristics that make up my favorite song. They are honesty, inspiration, and defiance. The song that holds these three qualities for me is "Burn out Bright" by the band Switchfoot. This song is more than just music notes and lyrics but it is a virtue which I believe everyone should live their life by.

Before I can fully discuss why "Burn Out Bright" is my favorite song it is necessary to know a little history behind the band to fully understand the interpretation of the song. Switchfoot is comprised of five members who are all deeply rooted in the Christian faith. As commited Christians, Switchfoot has dedicated their music to the Lord. They use their gifts God as blessed them with in music as a tool in guiding and inspiring others.

Jon Foreman is the writer of " Burn Out Bright". This song is ethical but at the same time challenges the listener to sit back and reflect his or her own character. He writes "If we only got one try. If we've only got one life. If time was never on our side. Before I die I want to burn out bright". This line is the heart of the song. It states that as human beings we have a social and moral obligation to live our life as Christ taught us. We can not sit by and watch the world run its course. We must take action against evil, make sacrifices, and never fizzle out. He states that giving up should never be an option no matter how difficult life gets.

He then goes on to write "So a spark ignites in time and space to make it through this human race. You fight and crawl your way back home but you're running the wrong way. The future is a question mark with kerosene electric sparks. There's still fire in you yet Yeah there's still fire in you." By this he is saying that as humans we will get caught up in this fast paced world. Temptation will bully us at our most vulnerable moments and make us follow wrongful paths. However, Lord made every human capable of succeeding and if we are truly sincere with ourselves and with Christ we will always prosper in the end.

Burn out Bright is a song that will always serve as a reminder of how I want to live my life. When I die I do not want to fade from this world but leave a personal mark behind. I do not want to live it ignoring the issues that corrupt this world but live to fight it. I don't want life to be easy. I want to be challenged. Last but not least, I want Christ by side as I live it.