No. 1 January 2012
FREE COPY
FORTUNE TELLING THE BIBLE AND DREAMS
Sermon at the Cemetery
TO GO OR NOT TO GO? PLUS: Forgotten Life - The ABC’s of Money - Who is Bent? How to Celebrate the Mass - Bible Time - New Heart
Why the Kristofori Foundation? In Europe, including Croatia, there are many well-organized groups of citizens who promote their own aims. Unfortunately, many of them promote values which are not in line with the Christian value system. The Church hierarchy alone cannot have a sufficient impact on the various segments of society, but expects lay believers to become involved in the promotion of Christian values which form the basis of our culture and our human existence. The well-being of the people of our country depends most on the quality of life of each individual citizen. Faith in God, honesty, hard work, responsibility, good will, sincerity and other values can only be achieved by up-bringing or training. The Foundation primarily runs its work on the basis of humanitarian and evangelical principles for the well-being of individuals and the entire community.
To that end, the Foundation organizes and supports: > clubs, > talks and seminars, > publication of magazines, books, and promotion materials in any other format > mission work If you would like to become a supporter of the Kristofori Foundation, please contact us by e-mail at: zaklada@kristofori.hr
If you would like to support our work financially, please pay your contribution to: Kristofori Foundation, Koprivnica, Franje Ga ija 2 Giro account no.: 2340009-1110413758 Foreign currency acc. no: IBAN HR80 2340 0091 1104 1375 8 PRIVREDNA BANKA ZAGREB D.D., Ra koga 6, Zagreb, Croatia SWIFT CODE: PBZGHR2X
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we have decided to offer interested publishers a free English and Spanish version of Book in a format prepared for printing
Introduction
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ou have before you the English version of the magazine for promoting Christian values, Book. Book is a monthly magazine published in Croatia. So far 22 issues have been published. The owner of Book is the Kristofori Foundation, and the publisher Kristofori Institute. We Kristofori are Catholics, but we are open for ecumenical dialogue.
What makes Book special? The special thing about Book is its evangelistic articles and graphic design, which are suited to nominal believers who for whatever reason do not go to church, and who are far from faith, as well as those who strive for spiritual values in building their character. The graphic design and texts proclaim the message that Christianity needs to be lived out throughout the week and not only on Sundays, that Owner: Kristofori Foundation Publisher: Institute for promotion of christian values Kristofori Chief editor: Josip Lončar Graphic design: Elvis Duspara, Momir Blažek Photo service: shutterstock.com Book
www.kristofori.hr
God meets us in our everyday situations in life and not only those presented in the usual religious magazines. Book is distributed through all newspaper kiosks in Croatia.
Why this English version? The owner of Book Kristofori Foundation was founded with the aim of promoting Christian values. Book has achieved great success in Croatian and proved to be an excellent tool in evangelism. Those who speak other languages, who are actively engaged in personal evangelism and responsible for the Charismatic movement and New Evangelism in the world coordination bodies, have praised the magazine and recognized its “suitability” for contemporary evangelism. Since we are aware of the fact that producing a magazine like this is very demanding and expensive, and as a result many are not in a position to publish anything like it, we have decided to offer interested publishers a free English (and Spanish) version in a format prepared for printing.
ber of pages empty which the editors can use themselves or they can send us texts which we will prepare graphically for them. In this way their Book will have its own local character.
The aim of Book Our aim is global evangelism, primarily of nominal Christians and then of non-Christians. We want to challenge the best Christian writers to write for the magazine, but also we want to publish testimonies of everything that is happening in the Church that is good.
How can you get involved? If you would like to publish Book in your own country, if you want to send in some articles, photographs or suggestions, contact us by e-mail: fides@kristofori.hr Josip Lon ar, Chief editor
The special features of the English version In every issue, in agreement with future publishers, Kristofori will leave a certain num3
Bookmark Contents 4 Bookmark 10 Communication and Formation 16 The Bible and Dreams 20 How toCelebrate the Mass 26 Effective Receiving
Father’s Love Letter
30 Forgotten Life 33 Bible Time 37 Sermon at the Cemetery 40 New Heart 45 The ABC’s of Money 50 Fortune Telling 56 To go or not to go 58 Because God so Loved the World... 60 Who is Bent? 64 You’ve got Mail! 66 A Prayer for a Husband 4
My Child You may not know me, but I know everything about you.Ps. 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up.Ps. 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways.Ps. 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.Mt. 10:29-31 For you were made in my image.Gn. 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being.Acts 17:28 For you are my offspring.Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived.Je. 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation. Eph. 1:11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Ps. 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.Acts 17:26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Ps. 139:14 I knit you together in your mother’s womb.Ps. 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born.Ps. 71:6 I have
been misrepresented by those who don’t know me.Jn. 8:41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.1 Jn. 4:16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.1 Jn. 3:1 Simply because you are my child and I am your father.1 Jn. 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.Mt. 7:11 For I am the perfect father.Mt. 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. Jas. 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.Mt. 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.Je. 29:11 Because I love you with an everlasting love.Je. 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.Ps. 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing.Zp. 3:17 I will never stop doing good to you. Je. 32:40 For you are my treasured possession.Ex. 19:5 I desire to establish you with all my heart and all Book
Our Father, the Almighty Creator, has told us everything in His Word. Let us see what His letter to us would look like through His same Word.
my soul. Je. 32:41 And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Je. 33:3 If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.Dt. 4:29 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.Psalm 37:4 For it is I who gave you those desires.Phil. 2:13 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.Eph. 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager.2 Thes. 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.2 Cor. 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.Ps. 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.Is. 40:11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Rev. 21:3-4 And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Rev. 21:3-4 I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.Jn. 17:23 For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.Jn. 17:26 He is the exact representation of my Book
being.Heb. 1:3 He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.Rom. 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Cor. 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.2 Cor. 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.1 Jn. 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.Rom. 8:31-32 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.1 Jn. 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.Rom. 8:38-39 Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Lk. 15:7
About Celibacy
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I have always been Father, and will always be Father.Eph. 3:14-15 My question is. Will you be my child?.Jn. 1:12-13 I am waiting for you. Lk. 15:11-32
t is true that some of those, who have chosen to live as virgins, do not live out their vocation. Does not the same thing apply to those who have chosen marriage? It would not be either fair or just to compare a failed celibacy with a successful marriage. Is it not risky and too bold to say YES to a vocation like this? Yes, it is risky, but is it riskier than saying a final YES to another person in marriage? If it is an earthly marriage, one cannot be completely sure in yourself or the other person. The one who chooses a life of virginity admittedly cannot be completely sure in themselves, but he or she can definitely be sure in God.
Love, Your Dad, Almighty God
(Wilfrid Stinissen) 5
T A Priest is Always Wrong Because If he begins his mass on time, his watch is advanced. If he begins a minute later, he keeps people waiting. If he preaches too long, he makes people get bored. If his homily is too short, he is unprepared. If he owns a car, he is luxurious; If he does not own one, he does not go with the times. If he goes out to visit families, he is always out. If he does not, he has no time for them. If he asks for donations, he is a moneymaker. If he does not do it, he is too proud and lazy. 6
If he takes time in the confessional, he is too slow. If he makes it too fast, he has no time for his penitents. If he renovates the church, he throws away money. If he does not do it, he allows everything to rot away. If he is with the youth, he forgets the old. If he is seen with women, he is a playboy. If he goes with men, he is not normal. If he is young, he has no experience. If he is old, he should retire. ...but, how many of you pray for your priest?
here once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer, and he started his journey. When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park, staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her a Twinkie. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a rootbeer. Once again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted. They sat there all after noon eating and smiling, yet they never said a word. As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave. Before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever. When the boy opened the door to his own home a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, “What did you do today that made you so happy? He replied, “I had lunch with Book
A Meal with God Too often we underestimate the power of touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, sincere praise or the smallest sign of our attention and all those who have the power to give us life. People come into our lives for a reason, for a season or for our whole lives. Receive them all equally! God.” But before his mother could respond, he added, “You know what? She’s got the most beautiful smile I’ver ever seen!” Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face, and he asked, “Mother, what did you do today that made you Book
so happy?” She replied, “I ate Twinkies in the park with God.” But before her son responded, she added, “You know, he’s much younger than I expected.” Show this story to people who have touched your life in a special way. Let them know they are important! Dine with God!
Do you Speak English? 1. The Japanese eat very little fat and have less heart attacks than Americans and the English. 2. Mexicans eat a lot of fat but have less heart attacks than Americans and the English. 3. Chinese drink little red wine but have less heart attacks than Americans and the English. 4. The French and Italians drink a lot of red wine but have less heart attacks than Americans and the English. 5. Germans drink a lot of beer and eat a lot of fatty sausages but have less heart attacks than Americans and the English. CONCLUSION: Eat and drink whatever you want, just do not speak English, it seems to kill!! 7
The wisdom of the old, to teach the young
The Centre of the Bible We ask readers to check to see if this verse is truly in the centre of the Bible Q: What is the shortest chapter in the Bible? A: Psalms 117 Q: What is the longest chapter in the Bible? A: Psalms 119 Q: Which chapter is in the center of the Bible? A: Psalms 118 Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118 Fact: There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118 Add these numbers up and you get 1188. Q: What is the center verse in the Bible? A: Psalms 118:8 Q: Does this verse say something significant about God’s perfect will for our lives? The next time someone says they would like to find God’s perfect will for their lives and that they want to be in the center of His will, just send them to the center of His Word! Psalms 118:8 “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” Now isn’t that odd how this worked out (or was God in the center of it)? 8
Friendship I don't know if you know this story, but my mother used to tell it to me often. I would like to share it with you. I don't know if I have remembered all the details, but the most important part is here. Author: Dražena Kolobarić
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n a large village there was a father living with his wife and son, on their farm. While the father was working the farm all day, every day, to be able to leave his son a significant inheritance, the son went about wasting time, day and night, having fun. He would often come home with some other young men and he would always introduce them to his father as, “My best friends”. One day the father asked his
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son, visibly concerned, “Son, have you got any friends?” “I have father, as many as you like. All those who come here, they are my best friends. Why do you ask?” the son replied. “You know son, I have something to tell you. This morning I killed a man, accidently. So I was wondering if you could ask one of your friends to help me hide the body, so the police won’t find me?” the father asked. The son, out of his mind, said, “I will father, immediately. But how did it happen? Where?
You know son, I have something to tell you. This morning I killed a man, accidently. So I was wondering if you could ask one of your friends to help me hide the body?
Book
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Just at the moment the son came back with his father’s acquaintance, two police cars turned up at the house full of policemen.
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“No one, father, no one wants to help us,” the young man replied, ashamed and desperate. “What shall we do?”
When?” the son almost yelled in his fear. “Don’t ask me anything, just go, do it before night fall,” the father replied. The poor son went from one friend to the other, telling them the secret and asking for their help. But… none of them dared to get involved and help the worried young man. When he came home, his father was waiting in the same place where he had left him, and he covered his face with his hands. Book
“Tell me son, who will help us?” he asked and his eyes filled with tears. “No one, father, no one wants to help us,” the young man replied, ashamed and desperate. “What shall we do?” “There, you see, my son, I have an acquaintance, so I want you to go to him now.” “I will father. I’m going.” And the young man ran off. Just at the moment the son came back with his father’s acquaintance, two police cars turned up at the house full of policemen. One of them went right up to the young man’s father and caught hold of him by the arm to put him in handcuffs. While the young man was asking the father’s acquaintance for help, his “best friends” had told the police about the crime. The poor old man simply looked at the policeman quietly and his amazed son, accompanied by his acquaintance, and said, “Calm down, calm down, I haven’t killed anyone. Come with me!” He took them to the barn. In the middle of the barn there was a body covered in sacks with splashes of blood all around, “Calm down, I haven’t killed anyone. I slaughtered a ram. I only wanted to see how many “best friends” B my son really has!”
Dignity and Grace Here is some poetry for the souls of those who know God. We definitely recommend meditating on this text for as long as possible so that it can reach the depths of your heart.
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y the first creation we are God’s creatures; by the second creation we are also God’s children. Therefore the new creation is nothing else but the rebirth from „above“, or by „the Holy Spirit“, which Jesus talks about in the Gospel (see John 3:3-5). According to Augustine, we are human by the first creation, and by the second we are Christians. Also, the gift of being created is grace, if our day is given for free; but it is a completely different grace which makes us Christians. In the first case, we did not have any merit to make us worthy of the gift, in the second case we had a great many faults that made us unworthy of him. Because of that we call creation “grace”, or we call it grace only in its general meaning, while we keep the expression “grace” to express redemption. (R.Cantalamessa: Hymn to the spirit „Spirit and water”) 9
Communi and Form
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The mass media, when professionally used, is a wonderful tool for evangelization and formation.
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ICCRS NEWSLETTER
ication T mation
ICCRS Newsletter
“And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, ‘Tell people, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.” (Mt 28:12-15)
Author: Dariusz Jeziorny
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he whole story described by St. Mathew in the last chapter of his Gospel shows how important it is to spread the Good News. The world nowadays is like a big market where one can chose whatever one wants. In the time of globalization the circumstances accentuate even stronger than in previous times, that individuals who have access to information win in every competition. The second side of this coin shows that one needs publicity if one intends to be noticed. Many people say that “if you Book
are not present on Facebook, you do not exist at all”. It is not my intention to state that the Christian faith is comparable with the instant coffee, cell phones or products which allow people to lose weight. But it is our task as Jesus’ pupils to attract people who run around and look for things which are of secondary importance. That was also the method of Jesus himself. He was walking from one place to another, proclaiming the Gospel, healing
he ICCRS Newsletter is an international publication released bimonthly in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Its purpose is to provide information about the growth and development of CCR throughout the world. Please contact the ICCRS Office for reprinting permission. The ICCRS Newsletter is free to receive by e–mail, and costs 10€ to receive by post. In addition, the Leadership Formation is available for a subscription of 15€ per year, by e-mail or post. We are working to build an online database of archived Newsletters, and articles will also be published here on our website. Until this operation is complete, please contact us for any information on past Newsletters. The ICCRS Leadership Formation is published alongside the ICCRS Newsletter for the formation of leaders in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Subscribers will receive a username and password to download the Leadership Formation from the archives.
>> Continued on the next page >>
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It is Harder for a Man to be Alone
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he fact that man gives names to animals also means that he is on a higher level than animals, and that he has a certain authority over them. In our time it is almost dangerous to claim that there are significant differences between man and animals based on the Bible. «But the man found no helper who was right for him.»(Gen 2:20). His relationship towards animals could not fulfil his need for fellowship. Man longed for unification in love which would be much deeper and more intimate than his relationship with animals. Man needs a woman. Instead of being surprised that woman is made from his rib, and in this way placed in complete dependence to him, we should point out the fact that, at this point, man’s dependenceon woman came to complete expression and fullness. Because of man’s insufficiency, God created woman. Man can’t manage alone. It is harder for a man to be alone than for a woman. Wilfrid Stinissen 12
and delivering men and women from evil powers (cf. Acts 10,38). He was just answering to the deepest needs and desires of those he was meeting and, because of this, they were following him, although they were initially looking for other things. Today, the possibilities and methods used to reach people are much wider than they were 2,000 years ago. And the producers of things which
are. Satan, as well, as the “priest” of antievangelization also uses modern methods. In the times of Jesus in Palestine the people were able to recognize the scheme that St. Mathew points out in his gospel quoted above. The mass media, when professionally used, is a wonderful tool for evangelization and formation. And, by knowing this, many charismatic circles around the world have used such a tool. Evangelization and formation through the media The ICCRS became their main charism; a Newsletter was very powerful way to promote the first way of and accentuate their Christ gicommunication ven mission. There are several examples of this but a speciwith the charific one comes to mind. In the smatic leaders worldwide. It has book “Jesus is the Messiah” by Fr. Emiliano Tardif & José been touching Prado Flores, they write about their questions the TV station that was recorand providing helpful formation ding the progamme with Fr. Emiliano and he was asked to for many years. pray for ill people. He started The articles have prayer and at some moment in been translated the programme he proclaimed and reprinthe word of knowledge about ted in many a man who was being healed. charismatic After the programme he reflecmagazines. ted that this person did not even hear this message. But it appeared that when I named (instant coffee, cell the programme was finally phones, etc.), as being “of broadcast on TV, after some secondary importance” know this very well too. The met- time, the man in hospital saw hods of advertising and pro- it and listened to the word moting things is so numerous of knowledge. Fr. Tardif said and so influential that it is so- the man was really healed from the disease while metimes difficult to resist them. They can even take the watching TV. deepest needs of ordinary peo- This shows that God really ple and bury them very deeply wants to use these means to the point that the person is of spreading information as oblivious to what those needs channels for reaching people.
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John Paul II said something which is very often quoted in charismatic prayer groups: “At least for many peoples, however, the present time is instead marked by a formidable challenge to undertake a ‘new evangelization’, a proclamation of the Gospel which is always new and always the bearer of new things, an evangelization which must be ‘new in its ardour, methods and expression’ ” (Veritatis Splendor, 106). Using the modern mass media is a wonderful example of exercising new methods mentioned by the blessed Pope. It is not easy, in fact, for many reasons. The most important problems are lack of money and lack of professionals who desire to evangelize people using their skills and
ICCRS NEWSLETTER
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The most important problems are lack of money and lack of professionals who desire to evangelize people using their skills and knowledge.
knowledge. Individuals who work for the mass media know this very well. Due to space restrictions, it is not possible to develop this point wider. But it is obvious that getting money may make it necessary to create compromises which can deprive the media of the evangelization character. ICCRS is trying to do its best to
Address: Telephone: Fax: Website: e-mail:
Palazzo San Calisto, 00120 Vatican City – Europe +39 06 69 88 71 26/27 +39 06 69 88 72 24 www.iccrs.org newsletter@iccrs.org
The ICCRS Newsletter is an international publication released bimonthly in English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese and German for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Its purpose is to provide information about the growth and development of CCR throughout the world, as well as the events organized by ICCRS. Please contact the ICCRS Office for reprint permission. The ICCRS Newsletter is free to receive by e-mail, and costs € 10 to receive by post. In addition, the ICCRS Leadership Formation is available for a subscription of € 15 per year, by e-mail or post.
Start or renew your subscription to the ICCRS Newsletter and Leadership Formation today! You will receive the most current news and topics of discussion in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.
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reach people through the media, particularly through the Internet, which is the cheapest and the most available means of spreading information. The ICCRS Newsletter was the first way of communication with the charismatic leaders worldwide. It has been touching their questions and providing helpful formation for many years. The articles have been translated and reprinted in many charismatic magazines. Now the webpage is a kind of a “flagship” of ICCRS. It is still not perfect but there is the idea to digitalize all the materials from ICCRS former conferences and meetings to make them available to the ones who want to read or watch them (texts of speeches, phoB tos and videos).
ICCRS Council Members Michelle Moran, England (President) Cyril John, India (Vice President) Denise Bergeron, Canada Robert Canton, USA María José C. de Ortiz, Chile Maria Eugenia F. de Góngora, Guatemala Dn. Christof Hemberger, Germany Dariusz Jeziorny, Poland Julienne Mesedem, Cameroon Jude Muscat, Malta Br. James Shin, South Korea Fr. Emmanuel Tusiime, Uganda Marcos Volcan, Brazil Oreste Pesare, Italy (Director) Claude Lopez, Australia (Advisor) Allan Panozza, Australia (Advisor)
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Stranica za Thisvaše can betekstove your magazine We have decided to offer interested publishers a completely FREE English and Spanish version of Book in a format prepared for printing
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Stranica za vaše tekstove
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When we find ourselves in delicate situations in life we try in every way we can to understand how to get out of them.
The Bible and Dreams Author: Josip Lončar
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lthough many people are in difficult situations in life, it will very rarely occur to anyone that God can bless them through dreams and in dreams. However, in the Bible we see many people who were blessed precisely through dreams and visions, including two in particular: Joseph the son of Jacob and Daniel the exile in Babylon. Both were slaves in a foreign country. Joseph was also 16
in prison, whilst Daniel was being educated for service in the king’s court. Egypt in Joseph’s day and Babylon in Daniel’s day were unri-
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valled world superpowers. The Pharaoh of Egypt and Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, had practically the greatest earthly power in the
How many people would not have died or suffered if they had been warned in advance what would happen to the plane, train or boat they were about to travel on? How many people would not have stood as guarantors for a loan or would not have gone into a business if they had been able to hear the warnings? How many of us have had dreams to warn us, but we have not taken them seriously? Book
From the book ”Power from On High” (dreams, visions and prophecy) The Bible is full of examples where God gives to his beloved what they need as they sleep. Unfortunately, modern theology has to a great extent denied the importance of dreams. If we ignore this way in which God communicates with people, then we really have to ask ourselves whether we are wiser than God himself? Do we know better how He should communicate with us? On the very birthday of the Church, the Holy Spirit came with a great noise and uproar, but many believers today want him to „communicate“ exclusively in peace and quiet. When Peter, the first pope and a man in whom Jesus had the greatest confidence, was explaining to those present what had happened, he stated clearly that this was the long-expected outpouring of the Holy Spirit which would from then on (as before) be manifest primarily in dreams, visions and prophecies. If you are one of those who expects the Holy Spirit in his power, in contrast to the way he appeared to the Apostles, to enter into your life unnoticed, and if you expect that He will relinquish the way of revealing himself in your life which he himself proclaimed – then you certainly do not need to read this book. We are free to reject the grace offered to us by God, even when it comes to us in dreams! world, each at his time. Today no single country has such supremacy over other countries. God even then wanted to show us by their example the importance which dreams have in our lives. Joseph and Daniel were Jews devoted to God, filled with the Spirit (cf. I Peter 1:11), and with the ability to interpret dreams. God himself gave Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar dreams which none of their ministers was able to interpret, and which worried both of them. Let us recall Joseph's example from Book
the book of Genesis 40:1-41 to 41:46. How many of today’s rulers would have avoided the problems of recession if they had had dreams and someone to interpret them? Many countries did not even imagine the crisis that came upon them. They only needed to follow Joseph’s instructions on putting some of the “harvest” to one side! How many businesses would have avoided huge losses if they had known in advance what was going to happen?
How many people would not have died or suffered if they had been warned in advance what would happen to the plane, train or boat they were about to travel on? How many people would not have stood as guarantors for a loan or would not have gone into a business if they had been able to hear the warnings? How many of us have had dreams to warn us, but we have not taken them seriously? In this biblical text we can >> Continued on the next page >>
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The Bible and Dreams easily notice certain facts. People have dreams, so a cook, a cupbearer and Pharaoh also had dreams. But the cook and the cupbearer were in a very specific situation, in prison, because they had angered Pharaoh and it depended entirely on his will whether they would be executed or not. So, they were in deadly danger. When we find ourselves in delicate situations in life we try in every way we can to understand how to get out of them. If we have disturbing dreams in these situations, which are also full of specific symbols, and if we remember them clearly when we wake up, of course we will be concerned. Joseph saw their bad mood and depression and asked them what the reason was. After they had told him that the reason for their bad mood and depression were the dreams they had had and their inability to interpret them, Joseph said something which must be deeply engraved in our hearts, and which we must never overlook: Do not interpretations belong to God? (Genesis 40:8) So God is so interested in dreams that he also gives interpretations. Joseph said the same thing to Pharaoh, but
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I assert that there is no occupation, or ministry, that is, no human being who would not benefit many times in life from God’s supernatural assistance through dreams. We often find ourselves in situations when we lack wisdom, knowledge, counsel, strength, the fear of the Lord, when we do not know how to pray or we simply need an enlightened mind to understand a situation rightly.
used different words: It is not I; God will give Pharaoh a favourable answer. (Genesis 41:16) We can see why Joseph knew how to interpret those dreams in one sentence from Pharaoh: Can we find anyone else like this—one in whom is the spirit of God? (Genesis 41:37) Joseph was gifted with God’s Spirit, that is, the Holy Spirit. I particularly like the word “gifted”. Do we not all receive the gift of the Holy Spirit through the sacrament of confirmation? The difference between us and Joseph is that he ascribed significance to the revelation of that same Spirit in dreams – and we have almost completely neglected this. I assert that there is no occupation, or ministry, that is,
Many major historical events have been prompted by dreams. How many new inventions have come about as the result of dreams? How many holy people have received their calling through dreams? Remember that the Franciscans can thank the existence of their Order to a dream dreamed by the Pope who recognized it.
no human being who would not benefit many times in life from God’s supernatural assistance through dreams. We often find ourselves in situations when we lack wisdom, knowledge, counsel, strength, the fear of the Lord, when we do not know how to pray or we simply need an enlightened mind to understand a situation rightly. Many people have found purpose in life through dreams they have had. Many major historical events have been prompted by dreams. How many new inventions have come about as the result of dreams? How many holy people have received their calling through dreams? Remember that the Franciscans can thank the existence of their Order to a dream dreamed by the Pope who recognized it. God found a way to turn the Pope’s heart to be favourable to Francis and his ideas. There are many biblical examples of people who were blessed through dreams. God protected the baby Jesus, giving a dream to his earthly B father Joseph. Book
DO YOU DREAM?
Josip Lončar
THE POWER FROM ON HIGH
(dreams, visions and prophecy) This is a book about dreams, visions, prophecies and the gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit to change our hearts, and together with us, the world around us. The power from on high (the power of the Holy Spirit) which we receive at the sacrament of confirmation, and which is so powerful that it can change the human heart, acts in completely unexpected ways: through dreams, visions and prophecies. There is almost no one who doesn’t dream, many people have visions, but also we often have the impression that God is speaking to us through other people. The Bible is full of dreams, visions and prophecies...
310 pages • paperback • size 13,6 x 20,4 cm From 1.1.2012 the English edition of this book will be available on www.figulus.hr
How to Celebrate the Mass? Why do we go to Mass? What is the Mass and what is it for? A good Catholic, of course, should know how to celebrate the Mass! We believe that after reading this article you will want to go to Mass more often
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The Mass is spiritual participation in the real sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Mass takes place outside of time and we participate in it in the presence of the entire glorified and also the living Church
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Book
Author: Josip Lončar
T
he Mass is the most perfect prayer. We can compare it with the most modern computer. It all depends on us how we will make use of that computer. Let us recall what St. Augustine said about the greatness of God, “God is as great as your faith allows him to be!” We can apply the same thought to the Mass. Too often we see Mass as something that takes place by itself, without our active spiritual participation. If we think that taking part in the Mass means merely being physically present and saying specific words, then it is like we are standing in front of a computer which we only know how to switch on and off. The Mass is spiritual participation in the real sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Mass takes place outside of time and we participate in it in the presence of the entire glorified and also the living Church (see the Encyclical on the Eucharist by John Paul II). The Mass is the most serious event of our lives. But we need to decide to “peak behind the curtain” and to participate in it truly, with our whole being, soul, spirit and body. This begins to happen the minute we decide to do so by our own free will. We begin with a little “peep” behind the curtain, until in the end we enter completely into that reality, invisible to the eye, in body, soul and spirit. The Mass is a prayer in which the Holy Spirit helps us to pray. Book
Without Him it is impossible to enter into the mystery of the Mass. The Mass is an event for which we need to prepare ourselves very seriously. The Mass is active participation in the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ is the sacrifice. One believer explained why the Mass is most important like this, “When I come to Mass, I see
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When I come to Mass, I see Jesus as the sacrifice. Then I have only two choices: to observe or to take part. When I come out of the church, Jesus looks at me and sees that I am a sacrifice in the world. He also has two choices: to observe or to take part
Jesus as the sacrifice. Then I have only two choices: to observe or to take part. When I come out of the church, Jesus looks at me and sees that I am a sacrifice in the world. He also has two choices: to observe or to take part”. To take part primarily means to come before the crucified and risen Christ with faith in my heart. When we stand in our spirit before the cross, where the redemption, salvation, forgiveness, healing, liberation of the world is taking place, we can merely observe that sacrifice, or we can
also participate in it. God has done everything for us, or in a way He has already given us everything (see Isaiah 53:4-6). But that “everything” will not truly be ours unless we take it by faith. By faith we enter into possession of the blessings with which we have already been blessed in Christ. So, to celebrate the Mass means to thank Christ for His suffering, by our free will, to pray for completely specific purposes, and to bring that same prayer in the name of that suffering before God as Father, so that it would be answered completely in the Holy Spirit. Most often the prayers at the Mass prayed by the priest are to save souls from purgatory, that is, Mass said for the dead. But other participants in the celebration of the Mass are invited to “bring their sacrifices”. At one point the priest invites us to pray that his and our sacrifices would be pleasing to God Almighty. A sacrifice is pleasing if it has a point. If we come before the crucified Christ, who is dying for sinner, the sick and all others who suffer, and we do not cry out to Him for some of them, and we do not include them in His mercy, then we show our selfishness and unbelief. If we only bring our own needs, then we show our egocentricity. God wants as many people as possible to be saved from Hell, suffering, bondage and all those other things He redeemed us from by His suffering. How many people >> Continued on the next page >>
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will be saved depends primarily on us, because He has already done His part. He, that is, has already saved us all. But we are the ones who need to take the salvation which belongs to us in Christ, by faith, and not only for ourselves, but we need to bring it, as much as we can, to other people too. We should begin every Mass with a clear thought, something like this: “No, Lord, You did not die in vain. Your suffering for me and my brothers and sisters was not in vain. So I bring you these prayers today in my heart (we need to express them as clearly as possible in our hearts) and I ask you to inspire me by your Holy Spirit so that I would join with those for whom no one is praying, but they need your mercy. I now include them in your victory on the cross and bring them, Father, into your mighty love!” If we have never celebrated the Mass like this before, it is best to start with one prayer. Let us imagine that we are celebrating the Mass for the repentance of a sinner we know, whom we will call “the sinner”. It is not enough simply to say in our heart or out loud that we are celebrating the Mass for this purpose before or in some part of the Mass. That would be far from what we should do. Each word we hear at the Mass and all we speak should be linked with our prayers for that purpose. The introduction brings us into the awareness that we are approaching a sacrifice in which the entire Church is 22
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It is not enough simply to say in our heart or out loud that we are celebrating the Mass for this purpose before or in some part of the Mass. That would be far from what we should do. Each word we hear at the Mass and all we speak should be linked with our prayers for that purpose.
taking part, the Church in heaven and on earth, where in fact all people, who have ever lived or who will ever lived, are present. We are entering into a spiritual reality which is not limited by space or time. We begin with the sign of the cross, whereby we “pronounce” that everything will take place in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Then we already become deeply aware that in our hearts we have brought to the Mass (the sacrifice) the sinner we are celebrating this Mass for. He, with us and by our free will, is before the cross and we become aware how the eyes of almighty God, all the angels and all the saints are directed towards him. The saints are in unity with God so that they also respect our free will, as God respects it. They bring our prayers to God, but only those that we entrust them to bring.
So, right at the beginning of the Mass, we entrust our sinner to all the angels and saints, and especially to Mary, who is above them all. There is no greater joy in heaven than the salvation of a sinner and we become aware that our prayer is certainly accepted and that the whole of heaven will join in to help us, so that we can receive the repentance of that sinner by faith. In the act of confession, we confess and repent of our sins and also the sins of our sinner for whom we are celebrating the Mass. We pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary, all angels and all the saints and brethren gathered in the church to pray to God the Almighty Father to Book
How to Celebrate the Mass?
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Then, according to the order of service, there comes one of the most perfect prayers which we can prayer for the sinner. This is the Glory to the Father.
have mercy and forgive our sins and the sins of the sinner. After the absolution given by the priest, for those who can receive it by faith, there is a prayer: “Lord have mercy!”, in which we call on God three times to have mercy on our sinner and grant him repentance. These prayers should truly come from our desire for his repentance. Then, according to the order of service, there comes one of the most perfect prayers which we can prayer for the Book
sinner. This is the Glory to the Father. We begin to worship, praise and bless God, bowing down to God, bowing again and confessing God as the Almighty Father and Jesus as the Only Begotten Son of the Father. We do all of this out of love, because He has already saved our sinner on the cross. It goes on with three prayers for mercy and for acceptance of our prayers, which we again pray for our sinner. It ends with a proclamation of God’s holiness. Here already, we
can see in our spirit how God wants him in his holiness. That is a prayer which can never leave us indifferent, if we really care about the repentance of sinners. In the ministry of the Word, we expect God to speak through the daily readings and the priest’s sermon. This sermon in no way depends on the abilities of the priest alone, but to a great extent on the desire of those present for God to really speak to them. If this desire exists, the Spirit will inspire the priest to say what we need to hear. The creed may follow after the sermon, in which we express our faith in God, who loves >> Continued on the next page >>
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man and who died for us. We express our firm belief that the Father, in the sacrifice of His Son, will complete the salvation of our sinner. In the general prayer, we include in our sacrifice the general prayers for which the Church prays, but we also add our other prayers. The Eucharist begins with the presentation of our gifts and we present our life and the life of the sinner we know. That is the moment when we become aware in a special way of the role of God in our life and we bring the life of our sinner to God for Him, to encompass him completely in His grace. This is the moment when we give our offering, when we ask ourselves honestly what the role of money is in our lives and whether it is a means of sanctification or it has become an idol for us or even our master. There follows a prayer in which we pray for the sacrifice to be to the praise and glory of God’s name (which is certainly for the repentance of sinners) and to be to our good and the good of the entire holy Church. Our repentant sinner is certainly to God’s praise and glory, and also, we pray that his repentance would be of great benefit to us and the Church. The Eucharist prayer begins with a confession of faith that the Lord is with us and that our hearts are with him. The prayer then calls us to give praise and glory to God. It ends with the words “And therefore, with the angels and archangels, with thrones and dominions, 24
and with all the heavenly hosts, we sing a hymn to your glory, saying without ceasing: Holy, Holy Holy…” Then we become aware of the fact that we are surrounded by angels in all their degrees of divine authority, with all the saints, that is, the entire heavenly host. When we give praise to God and when we proclaim Him to be holy, we enter into the very centre of God’s heavenly army (see Psalm 100). Our sinner enters in together with us. The fact that we are surrounded like this liberates us from any oppression by the devil and it is a moment of great liberation. This is especially important for those who are praying the Mass for someone’s deliverance. Worship and praising God in general will “draw” us in to be surrounded by His armies and is a powerful means of deliverance of all forms. Un-
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By sharing in the Eucharist, we enter into an intimate relationship with the risen Christ.
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This is followed by the transformation, which is the presentation of Jesus’ sacrifice to the Father. That is our prayer to the Father prayed at the foot of the cross.
fortunately in many parishes worship is more an attempt at making an artistic impression than the attitude of the heart of the believers present. This is followed by the transformation, which is the presentation of Jesus’ sacrifice to the Father. That is our prayer to the Father prayed at the foot of the cross. Here we present the body and blood, the soul and divinity of Jesus Christ to the Heavenly Father. We bring ourselves and our sinner to the cross, we look to the Father and we pray in our hearts something like, “Thank you Father, for accepting the sacrifice of your Son for my sins and for the sins of (state his name)! Draw him Father, Book
How to Celebrate the Mass?
mightily to your Son so that he would come to know and love him and be counted in the assembly of the saved!” We should be completely aware in those moments and bring other prayers as well, but we should leave enough time to give thanks for our sinner as well. We then join in the prayer the priest is praying on our behalf for general needs! At that moment we become aware of God’s victory, that is, the resurrection of Jesus Christ and we pray the Lord’s Prayer to our Heavenly Father, who has accepted our sacrifice. We will say more about the Lord’s Prayer another time. There follows a prayer for peace in which we ask for the Holy Spirit to fill us with peace which will be the result of our complete trust in God’s love and provision and the result of the forgiveness of sins. We ask Jesus to fill the heart of our sinner with peace, in his providence, in his time and his way, and we thank him for that. We offer our hand to our neighbour as a sign of our desire for them to be filled with God’s peace too, as a sign of Book
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Worship and praising God in general will “draw” us in to be surrounded by His armies and is a powerful means of deliverance of all forms.
acceptance of their sacrifice, and as a sign of our desire for everyone to live in peace! There follows the prayer to the Lamb who was slain and who rose again in which special attention is given to the One who died for us and who has given us food to eat. May He who takes our sins have mercy on us in all our needs. May He in particular have mercy on our sinner, so that after he repents he would continue to grow in holiness until he reaches eternity. By sharing in the Eucharist, we enter into an intimate relationship with the risen Christ. We bring our sinner into that relationship too. These are moments of spontaneous prayer, thanksgiving, worship… In our heart we should be connected
to God, who is in us. The priest thanks Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Sometimes it is simply enough to recognize that we are in Him and He in us, not praying anything at all. We should let him do whatever He wants with us. Our thoughts belong only to Him in those moments. An appropriate communion song may help us in this, but we can also enjoy this relationship in the quiet of our hearts. Those are the moments when in a wonderful way we can be liberated from the slavery of sin that has enslaved us, we can be freed from any form of oppression by the devil, we can be healed and blessed in many other ways. Let that connection in our spirit last as long as possible, and we can continue in this in the same way at home. The Mass ends with the final ceremony, which includes a blessing and a greeting. We should receive that blessing in faith as the result of taking part in the Mass, as a sign of the acceptance of everything we have prayed for. We receive the blessing of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in faith for the sinner too. The priest’s greeting, “Go in peace!” is a sign of our faith that our prayer has been accepted and that we can be completely at peace and have confidence that God will work things out for the best in His time and His way. The sinner (the one we are praying for) may also be a sick person, an addict, a poor perB son, a prisoner… 25
Effective Receiving I
know a priest who takes special care in giving sacraments; this also means the sacrament of anointing the sick. He knows his parishioners so you rarely have to call him if someone needs to receive the sacrament. He says himself that it's his duty to visit a sick man and offer him this sacrament. Very sick people are in danger of dying, and the priest knows he will have to give account for all the parishioners under him. Sickness is a special time in a man’s life when he meets with his God. Unfortunately, many people are not prepared for this meeting, and it doesn't happen the way it could if we would only love each other just a little more. When he comes to a sick man’s house, the priest emphasises that he has set aside enough time for him and that there is nothing more important in his parish than his salvation. He then explains to him what the sacrament is for and he tells him some special experiences of God’s grace through 26
From the moment that a sacrament is celebrated in accordance with the intention of the Church, the power of Christ and his Spirit acts in and through it, independently of the personal holiness of the minister. Nevertheless, the fruits of the sacraments also depend on the disposition of the one who receives them. CCC 1128 Only priests (bishops and presbyters) are ministers of the Anointing of the Sick. It is the duty of pastors to instruct the faithful on the benefits of this sacrament. The faithful should encourage the sick to call for a priest to receive this sacrament. The sick should prepare themselves to receive it with good dispositions, assisted by their pastor and the whole ecclesial community, which is invited to surround the sick in a special way through their prayers and fraternal attention. KKC 1516 this sacrament. In this way, he will tell him in great detail about some particular people who were healed from terrible sicknesses after receiving the sacrament. Others receive great power and mercy to bear their sickness in love until they die. Some receive the
consolation of the Holy Spirit which allows them to forgive everyone, to be at peace with everyone, to confess their sins and die in peace. In all these testimonies, it is Christ who is shown, the one who redeemed us and saved us by his love and who does what is best for Book
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Very sick people are in danger of dying, and the priest knows he will have to give account for all the parishioners under him
the sick man through these sacraments. After this, the priest explains in detail the order of the sacramental act, the power of the holy oil and the power of the words said in the sacrament. All the words and deeds characteristic for the sacrament are said and done in a way Book
that is clear to the sick man. He says that the words will fall into the heart of the patient like a seed which will grow God’s grace, and the oil will release the power of the Spirit which will heal the patient, or give him the strength to bear the sickness together with Christ. After the anointing, the priest does not wipe his hands, but rather advises the patient that he is going to put the oil left on his hands onto the part of the patient’s body affected by the illness, while being joyful because of the gracious way the Holy Spirit works through him.
Sacraments
All the words and deeds characteristic for the sacrament are said and done in a way that is clear to the sick man. He says that the words will fall into the heart of the patient like a seed which will grow God’s grace, and the oil will release the power of the Spirit which will heal the patient, or give him the strength to bear the sickness together with Christ.
After all of this, the priest promises the patient to pray until he gets better, or until Christ calls him home. He will often ask certain parishioners who have God’s love for their neighbours in their hearts to participate in the prayer. Certainly, it is sometimes hard or impossible – but many times it is very possible. If I'm ever in need of the sacrament for the sick, I will ask for him. When we're in a situation where we might expect to die, a priest represents the mercy and love of Christ through his Church. What if the sick man B doesn't recognize this? 27
This can be your page In every issue, in agreement with future publishers, Kristofori will leave a certain number of pages empty which the editors can use themselves
For We bring you a testimony of God’s remarkable consolidation. We little people, we know that God shows his love in remarkable ways sometimes. Dorotea is going to share her experiences with God in a few words. We hope that this will be a challenge to many to change their way of thinking about God and life.
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y name is Dorotea, I am madly in love with my husband and I am a mother of three children, two sons and a younger daughter. We are a family that really believes in God. We care a lot about sa-
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During the Lord’s prayer, I closed my eyes and I suddenly started experiencing something incredible - everything around me disappeared and I was in the middle of a beautiful vision
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cramental and liturgical life, and we truly practise prayer together as a family. Although my husband and I are highly educated people, and we are situated quite well financially, our trust is still based to God, and not our own possibilities. I would like to share with you a couple of personal testimonies/experiences we’ve been through as a family. In this issue I’ll be talking about our forgotten son. That Saturday it was my older son’s first communion. We were all in church together, deeply focused on what was happening. We prayed that our son would really receive the power of the Holy Spirit to guide him through his life. During the Lord’s
prayer, I closed my eyes and I suddenly started experiencing something incredible – everyBook
Testimony
rgotten gotten Life thing around me disappeared and I was in the middle of a beautiful vision. This is what was going on in my vision. It was a beautiful spring day, the weather was sunny, the sky without a single cloud. Infront of me there was a little hill with a beautiful field of incredibly green grass, on the left there was something like a white minimalistic style marble table, which I concluded was an altar. There were two men going down the hill: a man aged about 30 and a young man about 15-16 years old. They were holding hands and skipping joyfully. They were wearing long white robes. The grownup man had endlessly warm eyes, long hair, a bit curled, and the most beautiful smile in the world, he looked at me and laughed and I started laughing too. I didn't care what the people around me would think, I was aware of the fact that I was in church and that my husband, son and daughter were right
Book
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Two years ago I had had a miscarriage. I never prayed for that baby or paid for mass... I forgot about that unwanted event...
next to me. The young man who he was holding hands with was familiar to me, as if I had known him all his life. He was also laughing and looking at me with eyes filled with love. At one moment, the older man said: This is brother. He has come to bless him. What brother? Whose brother? To bless whom?These questions came to my head by themselves. I didn't understand a thing, I was completely confused. And then everything became clear to me! Two years ago I had had a miscarriage. I never prayed for that baby or paid for mass... I forgot about that unwanted event... And now suddenly I was facing him! Those were dad's eyes, granny's smile, my curly brown
hair, no mistake; I knew that it was him. I received grace that I didn't deserve.That's my son, my child who Jesus brought to bless his brother on the day of his confirmation. The Lord said everything with his gaze. I wanted to touch my child, hold him, pray for forgiveness because I forgot him so easily, he's so alive, so real... It's hard to describe the feelings going through me. Tears were flowing, I sobbed and I didn't care about the world around me. My son was looking at with eyes of unconditional love and it was as if he was saying: Mum, I love you! The priest’s voice brought me back to the real world. I could hardly wait for the >> Continued on the next page >>
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Testimony mass to finish so that I could answer my husband’s confused look. Later in the car - I always loved those situations in the car when there’s some kind of special unity, when were in such a tight space and we simply listened to each other more carefully - I slowly told them about what I had seen. My husband told me with tears in his eyes that he envied me for the grace given to me, and the children said nothing, they just listened carefully and wrote every word carefully in their hearts. This was the first time I had met my forgotten child. Now, when I think more intensely about this remarkable life which was unfortunately stopped by a miscarriage, I thank dear God, deep inside me, that I never even thought about having an abortion, and I feel compassion for all the mothers who did for reasons only known to them. Witnessing a meeting with
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I slowly told them about what I had seen. My husband told me with tears in his eyes that he envied me for the grace given to me, and the children said nothing, they just listened carefully and wrote every word carefully in their hearts.
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the child I had forgotten, but actually repressed somewhere deep inside of me, encouraged me to go to talk to women who had had this dreadful experience. This experience helped me face the truth of huge disappointment, sadness, sorrow which happens to us in moments when we lose our beloved child.Repressing these things only drags us deeper into the pit of sadness, fear and uneasiness. No child stops living when it dies. It continues its life with God. No matter if it died by our fault, or we just lost it in a miscarriage, our child goes on living. And it never gives up on its mother and father. We will surely meet it someday in eternity, if God doesn't give us grace that he gave me, to meet it here already during our earthly life. Those who are ready to face the truth will have a chance to enjoy eternity with the child that they have lost, while others, those who killed their child on purpose and don't want to face the truth of what they have done, will see their child only for a moment – so that they may face their sin, murder. I am sure that our lost child longs for its mother and its father. I saw the indescribable joy of my son who could meet his earthly mother. If you have already had an abortion, your child longs for your repentance so that God and he could rebuild a broken family community. Enter your own heart, imagine your child in different stages of growing up to this present
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It’s hard to describe the feelings going through me. Tears were flowing, I sobbed and I didn’t care about the world around me.
moment, give him a name and ask him to forgive you. Then come to Christ, in the sacrament of confession and prayer, confess your sins, repent and you will receive full forgiveness. You will receive your lost peace. Always be aware that your child is alive, but in a different dimension. Let this lost child be an encouragementto you to decide for God and to fight to live so that you may enter heaven one day! And don't forget that your child’sgreatest wish is to hug you one day, or simply to love you completely! This is what Jesus wants as well. He already paid the price for your sins and is patiently waiting for you to give them to him by honest confession! This testimony of mine has helped a lot of mothers to receive internal peace, and for some to return to God. Until now I have only retold it to people, but the Lord wanted me to write it down now so that more people may read it. If you want to ask me any questions or you need extra encouragement, feel free to send me an e-mail at the address of Book (book@kristofori.hr) B specifying: for Dorotea. Book
AT THE CEMETERY
Selected Sermons Let us imagine that a black priest from Africa has come to a parish to serve as a substitute. On his very first day he has to conduct the funeral of a person who died without the sacraments because they did not call the priest, and neither did any of their relatives so they could be reconciled to God through the sacrament of confession after they had not gone to church for many years. Here is the priest’s introductory sermon at the funeral . This took place somewhere in Western Europe
Author: Book
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ear brothers and sisters, we are gathered here to say our last goodbyes to our sister in Christ. As I do this, I am not able to remember all my parishioners, acquaintances and friends with whom I spent the last moments of their lives. I especially remember my pa-
rents and my friends. How blessed is the death of those who believe in eternity! I have to confess that the moments when I share the sacrament of anointing the sick with those who are about to meet with death, is one of the most sacred moments of my service as a priest. In those moments, when due to the inevitability of the situation, there is nothing >> Continued on the next page >>
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Sermon at the Cemetery else a person can do than rely completely on God’s mercy, God’s gracious love is felt strongly. I can say that the grace of God is never so powerfully present in a man’s life as in the moments when He gives him a last chance, or rather, a last invitation to hand over his sin, his doubts, his fears, his failures, his feelings of rejection and abandonment. Blessed is the death we die in peace, in faith in the wonderful eternity waiting for us after death. We all know how, unfortunately, some of us move away from God in our lives, and live for many years as though God did not exist. There are even those who do not deny God, but they deny the Church and priests. But we need to know that the Church is a community of imperfect and sinful people in need of God’s mercy. There is no believer, nor priest, who does not have moments of doubt, disappointment, feelings of rejection, not being accepted, who does not sometimes feel neglected by God. Moreover, unfortunately, we experience the same negativity from the Church itself, that is from our own brothers and sisters in faith, and also from priests and even from some bishops. But let us not forget that we are ourselves often precisely like that towards other people: we often do not notice the needs of the people we live with. Those close to us expect our support, recognition, understanding, our time, our compassion, and finally they expect our love. We know this, but we still do not give as we should. 38
We do not give because we are not perfect, perhaps because we have not received ourselves, so we cannot give. There is a time when we struggle within ourselves to accept God and the Church, and in that internal battle it may happen that we decide to live alone, without God or without the Church. But, dear brothers and sister, God never decides to live without us. In the same way, the Church should never decide to live without even one of its believers. And the Chur-
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The community gathered at every Mass prays for every member of its parish and each of those present, regardless whether you go to church or not, you live in the prayers of the Church and the Church will never deny you
ch never does. The community gathered at every Mass prays for every member of its parish and each of those present, regardless whether you go to church or not, you live in the prayers of the Church and the Church will never deny you. I remember many whom I have had the honour of serving at the time they were leaving this world and who had been separated from God, the Church and the sacrament of reconciliation and the Eucharist for many years. I repeat, those
who were separated from God and the Church, but neither God nor the Church at any time separated themselves from them. They placed their trust in themselves and the world, but we know that the time will always come when that trust no longer exists. Then the fear of death comes. Some try to overcome it by their human pride, and for some that fear becomes bitterness towards God and the Church. I, primarily as a believer and then as a priest, can do nothing else but to love the sinful and weak, I cannot approach them any differently than Christ himself would, who clearly said that he did not come to judge, but, on the contrary to save those who felt lost – primarily due to their lack of trust in God and their conscience, which has not received the peace that only Christ can give. Finally, I too will one day find myself in the same situation, and I would certainly want some other priest to be there beside me, through whom I am able to receive the peace that comes through the sacrament given before death. I have already said that in my service as a priest, I have experienced some of the most beautiful moments of God’s presence precisely in situations when I mediate God’s forgiveness, God’s peace, God’s hope to the dying, and especially to those who would be in a very difficult situation without it. We know that most people who die without being reconciled to God, die in great fear, in spiritual pain, in disappointment and anxiety, Book
Selected Sermons or in fear for the family members they are leaving behind. When someone is dying, they no longer have any confidence in themselves or anyone else, and in their thoughts, in their spirit, they inevitably meet with God, but also the Devil, because the Devil also fights for each soul right up until the last moment, wanting to pull it down to Hell. The Devil is the one who causes pride inside us, preventing us from calling a priest before we die. Unfortunately many are ashamed to call a priest due to their pride. Pride tells them that if they have lived without God and the Church so far, they do not need to humble themselves and call a priest now. But I repeat, God does not live without you, and the Church does not live without you. We, as you know, will pray to the angels of God to bring the soul of this deceased person before the face of the Lord. However, we have to remember that the same Lord said that if anyone is ashamed of him before the world, he will be ashamed of that person before the angels of God. So, who will bring the soul of this loved one before the face of God: God’s angels or someone else? Is the soul of this deceased person at peace, surrounded by God’s angels, or in fear, surrounded by the fallen angels of the Evil One? Did this person die in peace, without fear, reconciled to God, or did she die in trouble, pain and anxiety? We all know that after death comes judgement. We have to give account for all sin, exclusively due to our own Book
error, that was not forgiven during our life time. God says clearly that He does not remember our sins which are forgiven by confession. What keeps us from confession? Perhaps only our own, human pride, and our own human considerations. How would you, who are listening to me now, like to die? It is up to you to choose what your death will be like. In the same way, you, the family, friends and relations, it is up to you whether your loved ones will die with a blessing or not.
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Unfortunately many are ashamed to call a priest due to their pride. Pride tells them that if they have lived without God and the Church so far, they do not need to humble themselves and call a priest now. But I repeat, God does not live without you, and the Church does not live without you.
The worst thing we can do for our sister now is to pretend that everything is fine. Unfortunately it is not. On the part of God and the Church there was absolutely no hindrance to her being reconciled to God before she died. She made a big mistake, but you who lived with her also made a big mistake by not persuading her and by not
calling for a priest. I also have to say, which is the hardest thing of all to say, that your priest also made a serious mistake because he did not do all he could, first of all to pray and cry out to God and then not to give up trying to persuade her – until our sister finally agreed to be reconciled to God. So now we will really pray. We will not just speak out the words, but we will pray with all our hearts for God’s mercy to us and his forgiveness for our omissions, and that he would have mercy on our sister through our prayers. If we have forgiven others, then we can pray for God to forgive her. If we have shown others mercy, then we can pray for God’s mercy to our sister too. Let us see this funeral service as prayer from our hearts, and not just from our mouths. Pray as you would want others to pray for you one day, when you are in the same situation. May this not just be a cry for our dear departed sister, but also for each of us, so that we would learn to accept God’s mercy which is being offered to us, always and without end. Do not forget: human pride, human considerations, human arrogance, human fears must never be louder than God’s voice, as he sees man as his beloved child and offers him reconciliation and salvation right up to the last moment of life in this world. We all pray together to the Lord that this would be the last funeral in this parish for someone who was not reconciled to B God before their death! 39
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by the intercession
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After that, we came into the office where Dr. D.B. started explaining the results to me. He told me, “Yes, you are going to have to have an operation. You have a hole in your heart 2.5 centimetres in diameter“ Book
Testimony
HEART
n of Pope the Great We bring you an unbelievable testimony about healing by the intercession of Pope John Paul II. The miracle becomes even more interesting if we know that there is complete medical documentation on the matter, and multiple witnesses. It seems to us that the river of mercy we will receive through the intercession of Pope John Paul II has started to flow Author: Ante Ž.
I
am A. . I was born on the 10th of May 1993. I live in Retkovci, a small village near Vinkovci. Since my childhood, my parents have been teaching me about faith. This is where my testimony begins... I left primary school and started going to high school in Vinkovci. I gradually became involved with a group of people who had nothing to do with faith and God. Every new day I fell under the influence of my new bad company, who I can now call: the devil’s trap. I fell into various temptations, did various bad things, I sinned, and I sunk deeper and deeper and I was drowning more and more. I started cursing heavily, I had intensive fights with my parents and sisters, and I got
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I fell into various temptations, did various bad things, I sinned, and I sunk deeper and deeper and I was drowning more and more. I started cursing heavily, I had intensive fights with my parents and sisters, and I got into physical fights with my schoolmates. Other students and people in town started to be afraid of me, and I was just looking for a reason to get into fights and arguments
into physical fights with my schoolmates. Other students and people in town started to be afraid of me, and I was just looking for a reason to get into fights and arguments. At that time I started to feel very tired, light headed and pressure in my chest from time to time, but I thought that this was unimportant and I continued messing around with my friends. When I was with my fri-
ends, I felt somehow stronger, I thought that nobody could hurt me; I was always ready to do stupid things that hurt other people. All these things started to come back to me: I failed my school year, trouble with my parents began, I embarrassed my family. But all I thought was “well, ok never mind, easy come and easy go”. I didn’t care about it. >> Continued on the next page >>
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Testimony My health problems got worst, so I decided to tell my parents. I started measuring my blood pressure and concluded that, alongside all my other problems, I had very high blood pressure. This scared me. Dr. D. B. is a famous cardiologist in this region and in the world, and also my father’s doctor. Since he started treating my father, his health got much better, and he had high blood pressure less and less, and also didn’t feel dizzy any more. After talking to my parents, I also went for a check up to Dr. D. B. thinking that he would also give me pills to normalise my blood pressure, and that would be it, back to normal. When I came into his office, I started feeling very uneasy; I had a bad feeling about it. One of the doctors (Dr. M.K.) gave me an ultrasound check up of my heart, and I followed his unbelieving gaze towards the monitor. There was a long pause then, it lasted forever, or so it seemed to me. I knew that there was something wrong. After a few moments, the doctor asked me do I get tired a lot and if I played any sports, if I worked hard. This intrigued me and, of course, I said yes to all of them. I was still looking at the screen on which there was a picture of my heart with some holes, but I thought that this was normal, I didn’t understand anything. I thought that the doctor had finished and that the questions he asked me were routine. Today I could only wish it had been like that. As I was going through all this 42
in my head, I heard a question: “Where is your dad?“ This scared me more than anything. He then called for the other doctor, D.B., who came in with another doctor. They looked at the screen for a long time and just said, “That’s it“. After that, we came into the office where Dr. D.B. started explaining the results to me. He told me, “Yes, you are going to have to have an operation. You have a hole in your heart 2.5 centimetres in diameter“. Wow, what a shock, I couldn’t believe it, my whole life flashed before my eyes, every moment, and I just said to myself “Christ, it’s all in your hands“. After a repeated test, the first test was confirmed and it was explained to
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me that this operation is very simple today, and that I would be able to live normally later... they would put in some kind of an „umbrella“ and everything would be ok. I calmed down after that. The doctor referred me to another hospital, where his colleague worked who does this kind of surgery and specialises in „patching up“holes in your heart (Dr. .). After that, subconsciously I turned to God, but I was thinking, “God why me?“. My family started praying much more, my grandmother and eight other women prayed the novenas. My father prayed to Saint Rita and to Pope John Paul II. I had prayed to Saint Anthony and to the Pope even
This man passed through the crowd, gave me his hand(ha!) and said to me, “So you’re that Ante with a hole“. This surprised me because he didn’t know me, nor did he know what I looked like. I was simply shocked; I knew right away that my God had his hands in this, and this made me very happy. Book
before this situation. I always had a „super opinion“ of our departed pope. His gaze, when I watch him on TV, it was somehow calm; it gave me peace and strength to move on. The time came for me to go to the hospital. I entered the hospital hallway with my parents, asked for a doctor, and the woman at the reception answered that he was going to be a little late, and that I should wait for him. Of course, the hallway was filled with people. While we were waiting for the doctor, I saw a man who I would say was a poor man, a drug addict, or a bum. This man passed through the crowd, gave me his hand(ha!) and said to me, “So you’re that Ante with a hole“. This surprised me because he didn’t know me, nor did he know what I looked like. I was simply shocked; I knew right away that my God had his hands in this, and this made me very happy. I came into the doctor’s office; they recorded my heart beat through my throat. And that’s when everything began. When I entered the room I said, “Come on God, let’s take care of this together.“ During this time my parents were waiting in the hallway. I later found out that they got separated, and that both of them, without previous arrangement, were praying the same prayer, the prayer to the Holy Spirit. The recording continued and the doctor looked at the screen in disbelief and mumbled something into his chin. I couldn’t understand a thing, although I tried. When everything finished, the docBook
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“Ante, you don’t have a hole! That is, you can see that it was there, but it healed, and you can see the fresh piece in your heart; there is a thin membrane covering it”
tor took the papers, all the results that I had brought in and started reading them. I heard him say “2.5 cm hole!“, and he kept saying something, but I couldn’t hear anything. He came close to me and said, “Ante, you don’t have a hole! That is, you can see that it was there, but it healed, and you can see the fresh piece in your heart; there is a thin membrane covering it”. Suddenly I felt very peaceful; I knew straight away that God had cured me by the intercession of John Paul II. I went out of the office, towards my parents, and I had a feeling that they already knew that the hole didn’t exist anymore, that I was healed. When I told them this, they were looking at me calmly, and I was, of course, laughing. We all went to Dr. . who told us the same story – there is no hole. But just to be sure of the results, he sent us to the hospital in Zagreb, to get some kind of colour injected so that they could see exactly where the blood flows on the recording. Of course, these results also confirmed that my blood has a normal flow. I, of course, said at once, “Thank you God
for giving me new life“. On the way home, my father called Dr. D.B., who couldn’t believe what had happened, so he told me to come to him because he had ordered a state-of-the-art machine with which he would examine me again. He simply said that he couldn’t believe that the hole wasn’t there, and that it must be some kind of a mistake. My parents and I knew that God had already dealt with it, that there was no hole, and that I’m, thank God, healthy. Still we went to the examination. Dr. M. K. started the recording and he was very surprised and angry and he said that he never a mistake in his life and that the hole must be there. Suddenly he finished the recording, turned towards me and said, “God....Ante you don’t have to go to surgery, there is no hole“. Wow God, thank you we are all so happy From that day on, I turned my life over to my God and to my constant companion – Pope John Paul II, and I know that this healing was by his intercession. I realised how good God is and how much he means to me in life. Praise Christ! After a couple of days, I went to my family doctor, Dr. O.K. who still doesn’t believe that these experts had made a mistake. He even advised my parents to keep on taking me to checkups, because „they can’t be wrong“, especially with a device like the one that they have. Not long after that, a person named Ivana came to our house. She invited me to a prayer >> Continued on the next page >>
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Testimony meeting on the first Friday in SlavonskiBrod. In the Church of the Holy Family, the meeting was led by Josip Lon ar, and organised by the prayer community“New heart”! This gave me much joy. O God thank you, for being so great! The idea was that Ivana, her friend, my dad and I would go. However the devil, of course, doesn’t want us to praise God, and he made my father stay at home, saying that he had a headache. But after prayer and persistence he decided to go with us after all. When we got there, I crashed into someone at the church entrance whom I had never seen before. We looked into each other’s eyes for a second. Everything was ok. We found our seats in the church and Ivana asked me: “Ante, do you know who you crashed into?“ I had no idea. She told me it was Josip Lon ar who was going to lead prayer. “Oh God, why him?!“ I asked myself, but then I said, “Never mind, it’s all in God’s will.” The meeting started: prayer, everything went great, thank you, dear God, and near the end of the meeting testimonies. Josip was calling out for people who had been
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From that day on, I spend every moment with God, my whole life changed, life is beautiful, BUT WITH GOD! Thank you Christ for everything!
healed from heart diseases. Of course, I was one of the ones called out. The testimonies went one by one, and Josip repeated, “There is a boy amongst us who was healed by Jesus from a heart flaw, to be precise, a hole in his heart, so it would be nice of him to come and testify“. Oh, I got goosebumps straight away, not because I had to testify, but because I didn’t know what to say. “I’m going to pass on this.”, I thought and turned to Ivana thinking that she would say, “Ante sit down, he’s not talking about you“. But she said, “Ante he’s calling you.“ I fell into a panic, oh, dear God, what should I say?! Then I got up and started towards the altar. Everyone was looking at me with a smile. I had to get to the altar by some stairs at the back of the church, and there was nobody there, on these stairs I heard Josip say, “There he is, he’s coming“,although he couldn’t see me because I was sitting in the choir stalls in the dark. I knew straight away that God is with me, no worries, I’m going. I came to the altar and after that I don’t remember a word I said, I would love to share it with you, but I really don’t remember what I said. When I came back to the choir stalls, I just asked if I had I said that well, and everybody said, “Short, but enough“. “Great, thank God!“ I thought. At the end of the meeting, when I was going out, people were looking at me, laughing, hugging me, and crying. And I was all, “Wow, Ante you’re in the centre of attention!“,
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During the prayer, I felt some kind of gentle warmth and happiness, as if someone put it inside of me, and after a few moments I heard, “The boy in the choir stalls, the one whose heart Jesus fixed, is now receiving a completely new and pure heart from Jesus!
but not just me, God and me. Thank you God! We arranged to go to the same church again next First Friday, the prayer was led by the same man, Josip Lon ar. At the prayer meeting he was saying how Jesus helped people, what he healed people of. I was, of course, in the choir stalls again. During the prayer, I felt some kind of gentle warmth and happiness, as if someone put it inside of me, and after a few moments I heard, “The boy in the choir stalls, the one whose heart Jesus fixed, is now receiving a completely new and pure heart from Jesus!“ Wow, my God! I’m so happy! From that day on, I spend every moment with God, my whole life changed, life is beautiful, BUT WITH GOD! Thank you Christ for everything! You are great. Amen. And thank you blessed John Paul II, for your intercessiB on to Jesus. Book
Children:
The ABC’s of „ Money
Don’t hesitate to let the “law of natural consequences” run its course.
Author: Howard Dayton
It is up to you as parents to teach your children to be good stewards. Read this excellent article and what the Bible says about this.
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hildren need to be given opportunities to apply what they have heard and seen. There are learning experiences, which benefit the child in the area of money management (the art of wise spending) and money making (the value of work).
Learning Experiences in “Money Management” As soon as children are ready for school, they should begin to receive an income to manage. Parents need to decide whether the children must earn an income or if they wish to give an allowance in return
for the children doing chores. The amount of the income will vary according to such factors as the child’s age and ability to earn. However, the amount is not important as the responsibility of handling money. At first it is a new experience, and the child will make many mistakes. Don’t hesitate to let the “law of natural consequences” run its course. You’re going to be temped to help little Johnny when he spends all his income the first day on an unwise purchase. You won’t like the fact that he has to live the rest of the week without all the other things he wants and maybe needs. Don’t bail him out. His mistakes will be
>> Continued on the next page >> Book
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Book
Josip Lon ar
Charism of Faith God promised us that He would grant us whatever we ask for with faith. What sort of ‘faith’ are we talking about that ensures a fulfilment of prayer? What does the Bible have to say about this type of faith? Does that promise count for today’s generation too or was it intended only for Jesus’ contemporaries and certain priests? What do we have to do to gain that sort of faith?
From 1.1.2012 the English edition of this book will be available on www.figulus.hr 46
his best teacher. Parents should establish boundaries and offer advice on how to spend money, but your child must have freedom of choice. Excessive restrictions will only reduce his opportunities to learn by experience. The first few pennies and nickels will make a lasting impression. Every Saturday morning I used to bicycle to the store with my son Matthew to buy him a pack of him favorite gum. Despite my persistent advice, the entire pack would be consumed that first day. When Matthew started to receive income, we decided that he would have to buy his own gum. I will never forget the pained look on his face as he came out of the store with his first purchase. “Daddy, this gum cost me all my money,” he blurted. That pack was rationed with tender care and lasted more than week. Parents should slowly increase the income as the child grows in his ability and demonstrates wise spending patterns.
Budgeting When children begin to receive an income, teach them how to budget. Begin with a simple system consisting of three jars, each labeled by category-
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Warn the child about the powerful influence of advertising and the danger of impulse spending.
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Even a sixyear-old can understand this method. When the jar is empty, there is no money to spend.
give, save, and spend. The child distributes a portion of his income into each jar. Thus, a simple budget is established using visual control. When the jar is empty, there is no money to spend. Even a six-year-old can understand this method. By the time children are 12, they are old enough to be exposed to the family’s budget. They will understand that they growing up, because they can now share in making plans for spending the family income. As children mature, they should participate in every aspect of the family budget. It will help them to realize the extent and limitations of the family income as well as how to make the money stretch to meet the family’s needs. At first, children may think that the family has so much money that it is impossible to spend it all. To help children visualize the budget, have the family income converted to a stack of dollars. Place these on table and divide the “income” pile into the various “expense” piles representing the categories of spending. It is often difficult for children to grasp numbers because they are abstract. The dollars will provide a tangible way for a child to understand the family budget. During the budget training, Book
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Children
They will understand that they growing up, because they can now share in making plans for spending the family income.
teach your child to become a wise consumer. Teach shopping skills, the ability to distinguish needs from wants, and the fine art of waiting on the Lord to provide. Warn the child about the powerful influence of advertising and the danger of impulse spending. When your child becomes a teenager, discontinue the allowance unless he or she presents a budget that accounts for how the last week’s allowance was spent.
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The more involved children are with their parents in the proper handling of money, the better habits they will have as adults.
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Giving The best time to establish the personal habit of giving is when you are young. It is helpful for children to give a portion of their gifts to a tangible need they can visualize. For example, a child can understand the impact of his gift when his contribution is helping to construct the new church building or when it is buying food for a needy family he knows. Dr. Richard Halverson, former chaplain of the U.S. Senate, gave his son Chris this rich heritage as a child. Through a ministry that serves poor children, Chris and his brother gave money to support a Korean orphan named Kim who had lost his sight and an arm during the Korean War. Chris was thought to feel that Kim him adopted brother. One Christmas, Chris bought Kim
a harmonica. It was Kim’s first personal possession. He cherished this gift from Chris and learned to play it well. Today Kim is an evangelist, and in his presentation of the gospel he includes playing the harmonica. By being trained to give as people’s needs and seeing God change lives as result of faithful giving. When your child is a teenager, a family of church mission trip to developing country can be a powerful experience. Direct exposure to abject poverty can initiate a lifetime of giving to the poor. We also recommend a family time each week for dedicating that week’s gifts to the Lord. It is important for the children to participate in this time of dedication and worship. The more involved children are with their parents in the proper handling of money, the better habits they will have as adults.
Saving and Investing The habit of saving should be established as soon as the child receives an income. It is helpful to open a savings account for your child at this time. As the child matures, you also should expose him or her to >> Continued on the next page >>
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Josip Lon ar
The Rosary Prayer of my Spirit Do you really feel that your prayers are being granted through the rosary? Did you ever have an interior vision at the time of the rosary? Did you ever have a strong emotional or physical experience during the rosary? Do you feel as if you are outside time during rosary? The Rosary - prayer of my spirit will answer these and other questions you might have, as well as making you fall in love with this devotion.
From 1.1.2012 the English edition of this book will be available on www.figulus.hr 48
various types of investmentsstocks, bonds, real estate, etc. Teach your children the benefits of compounding. If they grasp this concept and become faithful savers, they will enjoy financial stability as adults. Parents should demonstrate saving by doing so for something that will directly affect and benefit the children. A good example is a family vacation. Use a graph the children can fill in so they can chart the progress of the family’s saving. Children should have both short-term and long-term saving programs. The younger the child, the more important are short-term achievable goals. To a four-year-old, a week
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It is also important to teach the cost of money and how difficult it is to get out of debt.
seems like a lifetime to save for a small purchase. He or she will not understand about saving for future education or retirement but will get excited about saving for a small toy. Long-term saving for education, the first car, etc. should be a requirement. Some parents find it motivating to their child if they match their child’s contribution to their long-term savings.
Learning Experiences in “Money Making”
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ecause work is an essential element in becoming a faithful steward, parents have the responsibility to train each child in the value of work and proper work habits. If a child responds and learns how to work with a proper attitude, then he or she will not only have taken a giant step to becoming content, but he or she will become a valuable commodity in the job market. Good employees are difficult to find. Clearly, children need to learn the dignity and the habit of work. There are four areas to consider in this training.
Establish routine responsibilities The best way for a child to become faithful in work is to establish the
habit of daily household chores. For example, my daughter carried out the garbage and washed the dishes, and my son cleaned the floors.
Expose your children to your work Not too many years ago most children were active participants in earning the family’s money. They readily learned responsibility and the value of money. However, that is seldom the case today. Many children do not know how their father or mother earns the family income. During a class several years ago, a participant said that he had asked his father what he did at work. “I make Book
Children Debt It is also important to teach the cost of money and how difficult it is to get out of debt. Dick Getty loaned his son and daughter the money to buy bicycles. Dick drew up a credit agreement with a schedule for repayment of the loan. He included the interest charged. After they successfully went through the long, difficult process of paying off the loan, the family celebrated with a “mortgage burning” ceremony. Dick said that his children have appreciated those bikes more than any of their other possessions, and they have vowed to avoid debt in the future. B
money,” the father had responded. “For a long time I would ask Dad, “How much did you draw this week?” I thought he was a great artist to be able to do all that detailed lettering and artwork.”
to the children about work? Examine your work attitudes and activities at home to ensure that you are properly influencing your children to be godly workers.
Earn extra money at home An important way to teach the value of work is to expose the child to the parents’ means of earning a living. If your children cannot visit you at work, at least take the time to explain your job to them. For those parents who manage their own businesses, children should be encouraged to actively participate. One word of advice: because most children no longer are with their parents at work, the parents’ work attitudes and habits around the home will be a major modeling influence. If a parent works hard at the office but complains about washing dishes at home, what’s being communicated Book
You should encourage your child to do extra work to earn money. A good rule of thumb is to pay the child a fair wage for the work you would have to hire someone to do. For example, if you car needs washing and your daughter needs some extra money and wants to wash it, let her. Be happy to pay her rather than the person at the car wash.
Encourage your child to work for others A babysitting job, janitorial work, lawn care, or waiting tables will serve as an education. A job gives a child an opportunity to enter into an em-
ployee-employer relationship and to earn extra money. As your child enters high school it is a good idea to discontinue allowances during summer vacation. This will motivate him to earn his own money by holding a summer job. Moreover, some students can handle part-time work during at school year. The objective of training your children in the value of work is to build and discipline their character. A working child with the proper attitude will be a more satisfied individual. He or she will grow up with more respect for the value of money and what is required to earn it.
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Sorcery is a prohibited entry into spiritual spheres and a prohibited copying of spiritual realities into the spirit of those who use the services of sorcerers or those who are exposed to their assault, and have no faith or knowledge to protect themselves with.
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ortune Telling No one shall be found among you who makes a son or daughter pass through fire or who practises divination, or is a soothsayer or an augur or a sorcerer, or one who casts spells, or who consults ghosts or spirits, or who seeks oracles from the dead. For whoever does these things is abhorrent to the Lord. (Dt 18:10) Author: Josip Lončar
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erhaps one of the most dangerous things that destroys people and brings them false realities is fortune-telling. The evil spirit shows the fortune-teller heavenly or spiritual realities and the person who is being
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told his fortune believes this. Then these heavenly realities are copied in the life of the person whose fortune is being told, so that by fortunetelling no destiny is revealed, it is determined. Sorcery is a prohibited entry into spiritual spheres and a prohibited copying of spiritual realities into the spirit of those who use the services of sorcerers or those who are exposed to their assault, and have no faith or knowledge to protect themselves with. We could say that sorcery copies realities from the second heaven, where the fallen angels dwell, while, through prayer, we enter the spaces of the third heaven where the true celestial realities are. I do not want to talk in detail about sorcery because of the possibility of misuse of
We could say that sorcery copies realities from the second heaven, where the fallen angels dwell, while, through prayer, we enter the spaces of the third heaven where the true celestial realities are.
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It is allowed to enter the spiritual spheres only in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, who determines what can and may be copied. Prayer is only then in accordance with God’s will.
such knowledge, although I am well acquainted with it. I did not attain this knowledge by studying sorcery, but by studying what the Bible says about sorcery. Many expect God to protect them, but He clearly said that we should protect ourselves with faith as our shield (see the Letter to the Ephesians 6). It is allowed to enter the spiritual spheres only in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, who determines what can and may be copied. Prayer is only then in accordance with God’s >> Continued on the next page >>
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How Much do Realy we Love?
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visited a home where there were all these aging parents... I saw that they had everything there, but – they were all looking towards the door ... I turned to one of the nurses and asked: „How come all these people, who have everything here, are all looking at the door, why aren’t they smiling ?“ I was so used to our people smiling, they smile even when they are dying. And she answered: „It’s like that almost every day... they are hoping that their son or daughter will come and visit. They feel hurt because they are forgotten.“ This is where love comes... perhaps we have someone in our own family who feels lonely, sick, worried.... Are we there for them? I was surprised when I saw so many young men and women abandoned to drugs and I tried to discover why.... „Because they have nobody in their family to be there for them.“ Mother and father are so busy and they don’t have any time... B. Kolodiejchuk, "Mother Teresa – Come, be my light " 52
will. When we pray without the cooperation of the Holy Spirit, very often, we ask for the “copying” of that which is not the fruit of the cross of Jesus Christ, but the fruit of the rebellion and fall of Lucifer. I know a widow living together with her children who have their own families. The woman has a very strong personality and tends to believe the families depend exclusively upon her prayers and directions. Even though her children are grown up and very much able to take care of themselves, nothing happens without her influence. If the children do not listen to her advice, because they think they can do differently and better, then the caring mother turns to prayer, afterwards by exhausting the common methods of manipulation by crying or pretending that she has been rejected. Although she prays with all
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Likewise, if a wife prays that her husband obey her, such a prayer cannot be granted, since it is not God’s order of obedience. If she wants to be blessed, she should pray God to give authority to her husband so that she could be obedient to him, and then the prayer would be blessed.
her heart, this prayer does not reach the third heaven, but stops instead at the second heaven and, instead of being a blessing, becomes a curse. Why? Because God says that a man will cling to his wife and they will become one body and one soul, and he will leave his father and mother (he will start taking care of his own family, and when his parents get old, of them too.) (see Gn 2. 24). If a mother does not allow her children the freedom to become independent, even though they are able to be so, she robs their marriage of blessing. In the same way, if we persist in asking God for something we have no guarantee for in His will, Satan easily recognizes the prayer and uses it for his own purposes. Likewise, if a wife prays that her husband obey her, such a prayer cannot be granted, sinBook
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Fortune Telling
It is written in the CCC that each one of the faithful who approaches the sacrament of Confirmation receives the same outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on Pentecost . This means that the sacrament completes our adoption as children of God giving us the authority, might and power imparted to such.
ce it is not God’s order of obedience. If she wants to be blessed, she should pray God to give authority to her husband so that she could be obedient to him, and then the prayer would be blessed. A prayer that does not agree with God’s commands, be-
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which is at the disposal of those who believe - is far greater. Jesus gave his disciples, and to all of us who are His disciples, authority over the hostile power of Satan. Thus, Jesus clearly said that the enemy has power but He gives authority over this power. It is written in
Sorcery is a reality that we cannot ignore at all. And the Bible does not ignore it but mentions it as something that is a reality and needs to be strictly avoided.
comes a manipulative prayer with which the petitioner, aided by evil forces, manipulates with the person for whom he prays. Sorcery is a reality that we cannot ignore at all. And the Bible does not ignore it but mentions it as something that is a reality and needs to be strictly avoided. Sorcery has power, but God’s power Book
the Catechism of the Catholic Church that each one of the faithful who approaches the sacrament of Confirmation receives the same outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on Pentecost (cf. CCC no. 1287). This means that the sacrament completes our adoption as children of God giving us the authority, might and power imparted to
such, as well as bestowing the gift of and vocation to the apostolate. As sons, we have the authority and power to crush any hostile force without fearing the cost. Therefore, not only exorcists should confront hostile powers but also each one of us who wishes to call himself a child of God must and should offer resistance to the assaults of the Evil One. The authority that exorcists have is further complemented by the authority of the Church which, as Christ’s Body, they represent, we could say -in an official capacity. Contact with evil spirits arouses a sense of fear among the faithful. Many do not want to have anything to do with them and do not want to accept the reality of their activities in their midst. I have noticed that all who have felt, in any form whatsoever, the power >> Continued on the next page >>
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Fortune telling of God in their life, mostly as a result of their own deliverance or cure, have no fear of evil forces. These people know that evil spirits pretend to be much stronger than they really are and that it is the evil spirits themselves who should be afraid. The cause of suffering in this world has only one name. And that is Satan. I have noticed that people do not condemn him at all for this, nor are they angry with him. How very odd! Only faith can assure the blessings that we hope for, or give the conviction of the realities that at present remain unseen. The Holy Spirit shows us the assurance in God’s word by uplifting our spirit so that we may see realities that exist in heaven where God dwells and by showing us the answer to our prayer which He has prepared as the conviction of a reality we do not see by the eyes of the body, but will receive by faith. Let us now take a look at the second sentence of the definition of faith: By faith we understand that the universe was formed by God’s command, so that the visible came forth from the invisible. Here again we have the con-
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viction of something said earlier, i.e., that the spiritual realities which are invisible to our bodily eyes, and which exist in the heavenly areas, are, through prayer in faith, brought over to our earthly and bodily realities. And so, here there is clearly talk about realities, and not about some ideas or imaginations. The guarantee and the proof are connected with God’s Word. We also have access to God’s Word by reading the Bible. Satan knows that and he does his part. For him, nothing is more dangerous than when a soul starts reading God’s Word and applying it in his life. He tries to prevent people from reading Sacred Scripture in all kinds of ways. Really, only a small number of Catholics read and study the Scriptures to a degree which could harm Satan. The most important goal of his is to destroy the credibility or truthfulness of the words written in the Scriptures. Today we have a deluge of theologians who are composing anew. They are doing just that. They want to suggest that the authors of Sacred Scripture were only human, who added many things by themselves, so that many things cannot be
Really, only a small number of Catholics read and study the Scriptures to a degree which could harm Satan. The most important goal of his is to destroy the credibility or truthfulness of the words written in the Scriptures. Today we have a deluge of theologians who are composing anew.
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The cause of suffering in this world has only one name. And that is Satan. I have noticed that people do not condemn him at all for this, nor are they angry with him. How very odd!
believed. Some theologians even try to “save” Jesus’ reputation by clearing the Bible from legends and nonsense. It should be said that the First Vatican Council, speaking about the obedience of faith, says that all that God has revealed must be accepted as true. But many follow the path set by the “protestant” Bultmann (who said that the Gospel should be demythologized, i.e., “cleansed” from miracles, because, according to him, it is stupid to use electric power and still believe in the existence of demons) or the “Catholic” Loisy, who considered the Gospels to be only allegorical fairy tales. Immediately after the division, the Reformers felt it necessary to proclaim some parts of the Bible invalid. In Croatia, we have a whole deluge of apparitions. Many people talk to Jesus, Mary or some of the saints, and the messages they get are published in order that people could be saved, because, by reading the teachings of their religion and the Bible, I guess they cannot find the real truth. Book
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Contact with evil spirits arouses a sense of fear among the faithful. Many do not want to have anything to do with them and do not want to accept the reality of their activities in their midst.
Although these messages are generally in tune with God’s revelation, most of them have an occult background, which always operates in the same way. At the beginning, the messages are positive and accurate, i.e., without heresy. Then they start to produce in readers a fear of something that is about to happen. When the reader gains trust in the messages, little by little, the messages which disapprove the official teachings of the Catholic Church or the Word written in the Bible starts being “serBook
ved”. Or, the messages become so numerous that, reading them, the believers have no more time to read the Bible. I have noticed that the largest number of messages which can with certainty be proclaimed as heretical deal with the Second Vatican Council and its resolutions. What is Satan’s logic in all this? The logic is this: If a message ruins only one truth of the Bible or of the teaching of your Church, and proclaims it false, Satan disables you forever. Why? Because if something is not “right”
in the Bible, how can you be sure that anything else is? When you start looking for an assurance you need in order to have faith, and you find it in the Bible or in the teachings of your Church, a silent voice will ask you if you are sure of that. Then you will remember that trifle for which you were told in the “messages” that it is not true. How can you know that it is not the case with what you have received as an assurance? And so, you will remain “a good believer”, but, not being able to receive faith, you will pose no threat whatsoever to Satan. I must admit that I do not like when somebody comes to me with the messages that are supposed to change my life. Some day when I finish studying all the messages that God wrote for me in the Bible - which will surely never happen - I will start studying other messages as well. What the Church acknowledges, I acknowledge too; what it examines, I set aside, but, what the Church does not even want to examine - I will have B nothing to do with either! 55
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When believers return from Mass filled with joy and when they share that joy, people will come to receive this same joy that God gives us
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TO GO NOT
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Celebrate the Mass in your Heart
OR T TO GO We don't go to mass because we must, but because we want to. At the Mass, the priest represents God. His re/presentation surely determines whether God will attract us or not. Author: Fr. Slavko Barbarić
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have personallylearned something very important. I have realised that I, as a priest, and this is what others do as well, have blamed those who don’t come, encouraged others to invite them. To bring them. I have especially emphasised this to parents, to invite their children. I don't know how many people stopped coming because of my disapproval. I prefer the conclusion that this kind of inviting didn't do any good. That’swhy this question is more important
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to me now: What should I do with the people who do come? How do I organize the Mass? I give myself a chance for personal preparation, and I also others a chance to prepare. This seems much more important to me than to attack those who don’t come. Because one thing is clear: there is no one who can give up longing for peace, love, justice, grace, forgiveness. When our meetings with Christ, the Mass, become joyful meetings, meetings filled with mutual love for Christ, where there is true gratitude towards one another and towards Christ,
Therefore, those who don’t come to Mass anymore have not given up on God, nor have they given up on what God promises and gives, but they have given up partially or completely on fellowship with those who pretend to worship, but don’t really
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Fr. Slavko Barbarić
that’s when the things we want to happen will happen. People will come to the celebration of theMass when they see that people coming from the celebration have changed. When believers return from Mass filled with joy and when they share that joy, people will come to receive this same joy that God gives us. When those returning from Mass are deeply touched by what happens at Mass, start asking for forgiveness from those they have insulted or who have insulted them, people will come to Mass. Therefore, those who don’t come to Mass anymore have not given up on God, nor have they given up on what God promises and gives, but they have given up partially or completely on fellowship with those who pretend to worship, but don’t really. Who pretend to forgive, but actually don’t. Who decide to dogood, and often go back to sinning straight away. Who pretend to seek for the kingdom of heaven, and stay in the kingdom of unrest and chaos, serving the works B of darkness. 57
Because, so Loved the World... Here is an interview with Fr. Gino Henriques president of the ACCSE, briefly describing their work. We hope we will soon be working permanently with the ACCSE BOOK: Please introduce
the ACCSE to us The ACCSE is the Association of Co-ordinators of Catholic Schools of Evangelization This group was formed on different continents to encourage and facilitate sharing and networking between schools of evangelization. These groups function differently according to the needs and mobility of the continents. When ACCSE members meet there is always joyful happy fellowship. They share their plans and strategies of evangelization with one another. Certain motivational and spiritual 58
talks are given. The members decide how they can collaborate, support and help others in training evangelizers or participate in the actual programs of evangelization. ACCSE members are encouraged to attend the annual meetings, not only to receive help but also to share and offer help to others. ACCSE was established by Evangelization 2000 around the year 1990. Evangelization 2000 was a global group with Continental
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Directors. Its main goal was to bring evangelization to the Catholic conscience. (Every Catholic must know that he/she is called to evangelize). The Directors would convene Accse meetings on the different continents with
ECCSE’s main goal was to bring evangelization to the Catholic conscience. Every Catholic must know that he/she is called to evangelize
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ACCSE
God „
One needs to remember that Christianity is experiential; it is about a Person one knows and loves, who is alive and his name is Jesus.
BOOK: What is the current
a view to strengthening and for a proliferation of schools of evangelization. ACCSE has proven to be a very useful group over the years. Many members have remained faithful to the objectives of the group. Others have grown very large and appear not to need further help and do not attend the meetings. Yet, the meetings continue to be life-giving and extremely motivational for those who attend. Book
situation regarding evangelism in the Catholic Church in the world, and especially in Europe? The challenges of evangelization vary from continent to continent, and from country to country. These challenges are linked to the history and the social situation of the people. In Europe, where two world wars ravaged the lives of peoples, where the atheistic philosophies of Rationalism and the Enlightenment have eroded the Christian faith of people, where modernity brings materialism and secularism, the challenge to any evangelizer is formidable
Fr. Gino Henriques president of the ACCSE
and great. Through the process of osmosis, secular influences have even become part of the ‘religious’ sections of the Christian Churches. Approaches to evangelization that I have found helpful are as follows: (i) One has to be willing to speak of one’s faith and beliefs if the opportunity presents itself. One does not have to apologise for one’s faith. (ii) One needs to remember that Christianity is experiential; it is about a Person one knows and loves, who is alive and his name is Jesus. One must expect people to experience Him and be willing to share one’s testimony. (iii)I request the evangelizers in Europe to first be witnesses of the gospel, before any proclamation is done. When one’s life of love and integrity is a witness it opens the door to dialogue and then proclamation. B 59
In this controversial article we have given an opportunity to an author, whose details are known to the editor, to present a completely different view of the problem of homosexuality. That is to say, it is easy to judge, but what if someone close to you had problems like that? Should we reject someone like that or show them the love of Christ? Author: Pater Ivan
“Bent�
is a word that describes something that is twisted and wrong, but it is also used in a derogatory sense for a male homosexual. Personally I feel that we have begun to understand this word wrongly, so I would like to write about what I believe. For various reasons, many people have an open aversion and sometimes even hatred towards people like this. But there are also some who openly
support homosexuals. Some believe homosexuality to be an illness, others an addiction, some a disgrace, some others a curse, whilst for some it is simply a problem. There are also those who
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I would like to avoid any form of judgement or mockery, because we know that judgement and mockery are in opposition to the character of Jesus Christ
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Who is 60
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Bent ? Book
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Who is Bent? see homosexuality as completely normal. Some believe it to be a serious sin, whilst others do not see why something that a person is born with should be called a sin. Some homosexuals believe that they were born that way, whilst others believe that, for various reasons, they have become what they are. I would, however, like all of us to stop for a minute and think. I would like to avoid any form of judgement or mockery, because we know that judgement and mockery are in opposition to the character of Jesus Christ. Let us not judge so that we would not be judged ourselves, and let us not mock, so that the same thing would not happen to our children or grandchildren. Recently I gave a talk on this and the reactions were so surprising that I decided to pass on some parts of it here. Let us imagine that in the same street in a town two boys were born at the same time. One of them was born into a very wealthy family, and so by his birth he was already rich. The other was born into an average family, but as he grew up he began to notice that instead of being attracted to girls, he was attracted to boys. It was not necessary for these two to be born that way, they could have become that way too. A rich person could have become rich after starting a successful business, and a homosexual could have become one after being raped by a person of 62
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I have heard from many homosexuals about the terrible things they suffered when they discovered their orientation. Some of them were on the edge of suicide many times, and some unfortunately did take their own lives.
the same sex (which is in fact quite common). Whatever the case, both decided that they had the right to behave according to their condition, the rich man, because he had gained his wealth in a just manner (by inheritance or work) and the homosexual because he had
been born that way, not by his own volition, or he had become what he is, not by his own volition. The question arises: Which of these two sinned more? Sin is an act against the love of God and man, and God watches Book
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Our people know that we should not mock even a knotty piece of wood because it may come back to us through our children or grandchildren. I have seen this happen many times.
Book the edge of suicide many times, and some unfortunately did take their own lives. Imagine if you were in that situation! How could you tell your parents, brothers and sister, your friends? What would you think about God who “wanted, allowed, did not prevent...”? Should we help families like that by loving them or should we judge and despise them, leaving them alone?
how we act towards those close to us. The homosexual had relations with one or more men, and that may appear to be terrible to us, to a greater or lesser degree, if we ourselves have not suffered failure in the sexual arena, especially marital or pre-marital purity. But by using his wealth, the rich man had the opportunity to help those who were born poor and who were in great need, and he could also have helped to spread the Gospel. But he believed he that the right to live in abundance only belonged to him and his children. He did not feel any responsibility to anyone else. What do you think? Which of these two was “bent”?
At the end of my talk I invited those who thought differently to go to that family and judge them, insult them, humiliate them, mock them, call them sick or cursed… or simply to start avoiding them as “unclean”. Our people know that we should not mock even a knotty piece of wood because it may come back to us through our children or grandchildren. I have seen this happen many times. If as you read this you are thinking it could not happen to you, please hold on to your opinion of homosexuals. That is the only way you will truly learn what your sons and grandsons will be like. And if it does happen, you are free to tell them that it was in part down to you!
I know a Catholic family who have a very serious problem. That is to say, the mother has noticed that her son has homosexual tendencies and it is causing him serious problems. I have heard from many homosexuals about the terrible things they suffered when they discovered their orientation. Some of them were on
Recently I prayed for a man who felt rejected his entire life by God, the Church and society, for being a homosexual. I have rarely seen God’s love in action so strongly. After the prayer he said that was the happiest day in his life – he had realized how much God loved him. Who then is actuB ally “bent”?
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From 1.1.2012 read Book in English on-line!
www.kristofori.hr 63
You’ve got mail!
A Prayer for a Priests Little Geniuses Why did your mother get married to your dad? 1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world, and my mother likes to eat a lot. 2. She got too old to do anything else with him. 3. My grandmother says my mother did not have her thinking cap on her head at the time. Who is the boss in your house? 1. Mum does not want to be the boss, but has to because dad is such a dummy. 2. Mum. You can figure that out from the room inspections. She sees the stuff under the bed. 3. I think it is mum,but only because she has to do a lot more things than dad. >> nastavak na sljede oj stranici >>
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Here's how we can pray for our priests Author: Odilon-Gbénoukpo Singbo
Here's how we can pray for our priests: SPIRIT OF CHRIST, MAKE HIM HOLY Remind him, Lord, that his priesthood is your priesthood. Make him not only loved, but so that he can love just like you do. Give him the gift of your peace. BODY OF CHRIST, SAVE HIM! Feed him with yourself as he feeds us. Don't let him go hungry in the middle of plenty. Save him, Lord, from us, his believers, as well BLOOD OF CHRIST, GIVE HIM DRINK! Renew his spark every day, make him available to everyone, make him thirsty for souls and that he drinks Your cup to the bottom, Lord, in happiness and in grief.
WATER FROM CHRIST’S SIDE, WASH HIM! Renew, Lord, the promise of his baptism, the mercy of confirmation and the promise of his ordination. Make every one of his masses holy. Draw him close, lord, to the cross, to you, so he doesn't fall. Hold him tightly next to you so that he can rise with you. Let him, Lord, to be worthy of trust and that he may have it himself. O GOOD JESUS, ANSWER HIM! Listen, Lord, when he asks you for help, when he doesn't know what to do. Answer him, Lord, when he cries from the depths of his heart to you. Be his friend, Lord. HIDE HIM IN YOUR WOUNDS! Protect him, Lord, from himself; he's only human just like others.
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Joshua Bell How many people and things we do not notice at all, instead of recognizing the beauty and value
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man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of collected $32. When he ďŹ nished playing and silence took over, no them on their way to work. Three minutes went by and a one noticed it. No one applauded, middle aged man noticed there nor was there any recognition. Prevent others from destroying his humanity and priesthood. He is yours, Lord.Hold him in the palm of your hand, Lord. Don't let any bitterness enter his heart. Let him always be united with the Eucharist, at the same time with You and Your Church.
was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.
DEFEND HIM FROM HIS EVIL ENEMY! Look after him and defend him from Satan and his evil spirits who would want to devour him and dispersethe flock that you have given him. Arm him, Lord, with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.
AT THE TIME OF DEATH, CALL ON HIM! Lord, you save others through him, but he cannot save himself unless you're with him to the end. He is often alone and afraid. Stand by him and make him strong. Jesus, bless our priest. (From the book The storm will pass)
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No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the top musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate A minute later, the violinist recei- pieces ever written,with a violin ved his ďŹ rst dollar tip: a woman worth 3.5 million dollars. threw the money in the till and Two days before his playing in without stopping continued to the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the sewalk. A few minutes later, someone ats average $100. This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station
was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate Finally the mother pushed hard hour: Do we perceive beauty? and the child continued to walk Do we stop to appreciate it? Do turning his head all the time. This we recognize the talent in an action was repeated by several unexpected context? other children. All the parents, One of the possible conclusions without exception, forced them from this experience could be: to move on. If we do not have a moment to The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist.
In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He
stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we B missing? 65
... Little Geniuses 2 What is the difference between mum and dad? 1. Mums work both at work and at home, but dads only work at work. 2. Mums know how to talk to teachers without scaring them. 3. Dads are tall and strong, but mums have the real strength because they are the ones you have to ask when you want to sleepover at a friend’s house. 4. Mums have magic; they make you feel better without medicine. What does your mum do in her free time? 1. Mums do not have free time. 2. When she hears that, she pays bills all day. If you could change one thing about your mum, what would that be? 1. She has a strange idea that I always have to clean my room. That is what I would change 2. I would make my mum smarter. That way she would know it was all my sister’s fault, not mine 3. I would like her to get rid of the invisible eyes she says she has on her back. 66
A Prayer for a Husband Some find it funny, but this prayer has been asked for, so I'm finally publishing it and warmly recommend it because I know many people who have seen it answered: Author: Fr. Miroslav Bustruc
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y God, you created me to be a woman. I accept the idea you have for me. And also, I recognise myself as a woman. I see that I have to be somebody’s help and mother. Until I become this, my heart is restless. But I recognise my weakness and I regret to confess every sin I've committed. That's why I come to you for consolidation. Release me from the temptation to search for a husband alone in the desert of my heart. Also save me from the aggressive wishes of other people who want to marry me in their own way. I only accept the one husband that you prepared for me when you created me as a woman. I don't know where he is. I don't know who he is. I may have seen him already, but I can’t recognise him without Your Spirit. That’s why I give my heart and my life to you. Make me the blessed wife of your servant, my blessed husband. In him come for me, and be the guardian of our marria-
ge and family. I want to live my marriage through your glory, and I devote my fertility to your glory. Let it be this way! Amen. When he comes to me, and you tell me from the inside that this is him, I will not fight your will, because I know You, my Love. I know that you are not a noise going through my ears, nor the passion in our limbs that rises like a lion, only to disappear like death with the bounty of life. You are not the blush in our confused cheeks, but you are eternal Love; an endless breeze of the heart that can bear anything and remains after everything. Your temple stands on pillars of truth, and the forecourt is filled with genuine goodness and the rivers of life rise from it. This temple is Man whom you have created; this temple is marriage. You wait for me in the sanctuary, oh knowable Mystery, so that you may show your face to me and make me your living altar. I give myself to you and devote myself to you forever. I trust in you, oh, may I never be ashamed. Book
When God is in first place, everything else is in the right place