Comments for Life Around the Collar

Comment on Do Catholics read the Bible? by Tim

Tim — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 18:04:09 +0000

It’s good to hear that some do, but I think the point is that most don’t read the Bible. I know that based on my experiences the first several years of my life as a Catholic (though I am no longer), as well as from other friends / family members who also did not read it. I think one of the most telling evidence of this is that many Catholics don’t seem to believe that faith in Jesus Christ is the way (and the only way) to heaven. Instead they somehow, after years of being Catholics, seem to think that its about being good, whereas the Bible clearly and repeatedly states otherwise. It is faith in Jesus Christ alone that we can be saved from the wage of sin, which is eternal death and separation from God. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
My point here is not to condemn, as I believe members of the Catholic church can obtain salvation. However, its my prayer that those who don’t yet know the Lord and seek His word and guidance, will do so.

Comment on Imitation of Christ – Book 1, Chapter 20 by mom

mom — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:27:07 +0000

This is one of my favorite sections. “enter into thy chamber and shut out the tumults of the world, as it is written, Commune with your own heart in your own chamber and be still”
God says: “Be Still and Know that I am God” Psalm 46:10

Shut thy door upon thee, and call unto thyself Jesus thy beloved.
Jesus said: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:6

John Greenleaf Whittier said in his poem “The Meeting” (One of my favorite poems):

…And so I find it well to come
For deeper rest to this still room,
For here the habit of the soul
Feels less the outer world’s control;
The strength of mutual purpose pleads
More earnestly our common needs;
And from the silence multiplied
By these still forms on either side,
The world that time and sense have known
Falls off and leaves us God alone.

Peace in Christ…. alone.

Comment on Imitation of Christ – Book 1, Chapter 18 by Cary Boyll

Cary Boyll — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 16:33:18 +0000

This reminds me of I Timothy 6:7 and 8…
… godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

Kilian… thank you and the community @Klosterneburg for the most wonderful time! I have made it home safely. God bless you.

Comment on Where am I going. What I am doing. Part 1 by Nancy

Nancy — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:31:13 +0000

My friend Cary told me about Michael’s journey just as she was ready to visit him at Easter. I can’t wait to hear about her trip. Having lived in Europe, I actually was aware that there are no kangaroos in Austria. There ARE some beautiful mountains with great skiing. Good luck Michael.

Comment on Imitation of Christ – Book 1, Chapter 11 by Garon Kiesel

Garon Kiesel — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:21:55 +0000

Hey michael

I like your blog. Hope you are doing well.

Garon

Comment on What are you willing to give up for Christ? by Kilian

Kilian — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:02:14 +0000

I hope people reflect on this. Mexico has always been thought of as a Catholic country. But, their was a time when it lost its faith and murdered its priests.

Comment on What are you willing to give up for Christ? by Father Alcuin

Father Alcuin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:50:54 +0000

Thanks for this photo — it is a very good Lenten reflection. For priests: what is the Mass really worth to us? Christ himself was priest, altar, and sacrifice. For the laity: do we really know what a privilege it is to be able to attend Mass without inconvenience?

Comment on Imitation of Christ – Book 1, Chapter 4 by Mom

Mom — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:32:31 +0000

I love these little chapters.
Any pics from Egypt yet?

Comment on The Imitation of Christ by Mom

Mom — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:06:22 +0000

What a perfect Lenten discipline. Thank you for doing this!

Comment on Do Catholics read the Bible? by Cori

Cori — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:44:34 +0000

Good job, Michael! It’s true that there are amazing numbers of people who believe Catholics don’t read the Bible. There are also people (one being a person in my close extended family) who believe that Catholics don’t go to Church. Where do they get this misinformation? I already know…they get it from misinformed sources in which they have placed their trust. Thanks for making this one of your subjects. Blessings!