Certainly the largest group we've had. We were posed with the problem (how wonderful!) of deciding whether or not to divide into two smaller groups. We went with the regular format of one group and it seemed to work well.
Welcome to Tom - our newest member. Recruited by Norm, our new member from the last meeting. Way to go Norm!!!
As usual, our discussion took on a theme we did not really expect to focus on. The Holy Spirit always guides us like this. I look forward to it. We spent a great deal of time talking about fasting.
Jim enlightened us all with his views, knowlege and experience about fasting. Jim - we are always grateful for your input and are so happy that you are willing to share your experiences.
Next - a quote from 1 Corinthians, Chapter 10 that seemed to capture our attention:
"Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall." We all had the understanding from this that we can not rest on our spiritual good deeds. We must keep moving. Towards God. When we stand still, when we THINK we are standing secure - trouble inevitably awaits.
The Gospel discussion from Luke 13 and the parable from Jesus about the fig tree was an interesting discussion. God is patient with those of us who do not produce fruit that serves his purpose. Although God is patient, this parable reminds us that at some point we DO have to repent. If not, we put ourselves in peril and risk being cut down like the fig tree mentioned in this passage.
Mass following was quite well attended. Father Jack told us all about how beautiful Rembrandt's Prodigal Son paining is, which is why I put up a copy here. It really is something to behold - Thanks Father Jack!
Some links that I would like share with you are:
http://yimcatholic.blogspot.com/ and http://www.sainthoodandsurrender.com/
Have a wonderful week!
If we don't repent, we lose ourselves to the world and we become slaves to it. We must stay the course of righteousness...
ReplyDeleteDavid
To keep the thought of Fasting fresh here is a prayer found in the Sunday Liturgy of Hours:
ReplyDelete"God of all compassion, Father of all goodness, to heal the wounds our sins and selfishness bring upon us. You bid us turn to fasting, prayer, and sharing with out brothers and sisters. We acknowledge our sinfulness, our guilt is ever before us: when our weakness causes discouragement, let your compassion fill us with hope and lead us through a Lent of repentance tothe beauty of Easter joy. Grant this through Christ our Lord."
Just a reminder, we have Adoration at St. Al's on Tuesday's after mass until 7pm and then on Sundays 3pm to 9pm in the chapel.