Minister John
Spiritual Director
Rites of St. Norbert & St. Benedict
Happy and Safe New Year of 2025!
“Do not confuse dreams with reality. Life has one journey but many paths, pick one and work hard most importantly steady the course with no retreat nor regret; only forward progression to the next path. Should, you get lost along the way turn hope into faith, turn pain into mercy and turn hate into compassion. God gave us the power of choice and freedom, choose wisely. Remember we are in the image and likeness of Him.” - Minister John
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
The flames of mercy burn up our sins and bring him great consolation. Jesus transforms everything to good drawing good out of evil, drawing greater good out of greater evil consuming even our faults and failures to include our sins.
You do not live in the world and go to church. You live in the church and go to the world. Humiliation as our compass, and laughter as our north star. God is compassionate, loving and kind.
Judas asked will you visit me in hell? I asked Judas, will you visit me in heaven? Judas replied, may I? The door is always open, Judas. You just have to walk through it. The choices is yours, as it always has been. Make a better one this time.
MERCY IS JUSTICE
Jesus Christ's teachings emphasize the importance of mercy and forgiveness. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blesses those who are merciful, saying, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7, NIV). This teaching suggests that acts of mercy not only reflect God's character but also lead to reciprocal mercy from God.
Jesus's own actions throughout his ministry exemplify mercy as a form of justice. He regularly reached out to those who were marginalized, oppressed, or deemed unworthy by society, showing them compassion and forgiveness. His ultimate act of mercy was his sacrificial death on the cross, which Christians believe atoned for the sins of humanity and offered the possibility of redemption to all who believe in him.
Faith, Service, and, Community
AAM focuses on providing community support and guidance is valuable and can be varied. This approach respects individuals' autonomy and allows them to explore and develop their faith personally, which can lead to a more meaningful relationship with God or their spiritual beliefs. By offering assistance during challenging times and engaging in acts of kindness and community involvement, you embody the principles of love and compassion, often at the core of many religious teachings. This approach can create a welcoming and inclusive environment that reaches out to people from different backgrounds and beliefs, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among all community members. Ultimately, promoting love, compassion, and support within a community can positively impact individuals' lives and contribute to a more harmonious and caring society.