Catholic Fire

"Sweet Lord, you are meek and merciful." Who would not give himself wholeheartedly to your service, if he began to taste even a little of your fatherly rule? What command, Lord, do you give your servants? "Take my yoke upon you," you say. And what is this yoke of yours like? "My yoke," you say, "is easy and my burden light." Who would not be glad to bear a yoke that does no press hard but caresses? Who would not be glad for a burden that does not weigh heavy but refreshes? And so you were right to add: "And you will find rest for your souls." And what is this yoke of yours that does not weary, but gives rest? It is, of course, that first and greatest commandment: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart." What is easier, sweeter, more pleasant, than to love goodness, beauty, and love, the fullness of which you are, O Lord, my God?" ~ Saint Robert Bellarmine, from The Ascent of the Mind to God

This week's Catholic Carnival is being hosted by Sarah at Another Day of Catholic Pondering . Sarah begins the Carnival by relating a lesson in humility in her fresh and frank style -- it's something we can all relate to -- and a virtue to grow in this Lent. There are posts on a wide variety of topics this week that I think you will find fascinating, so be sure and stop by for a visit. I can assure you -- you won't be disappointed. Here's a sampling: Adam's Ale brings us " Pessimistically Optimistic " - From the desk of a cautious optimist comes a listing of signs of hope in the modern Church. It really is a very uplifting post! Aggie Catholics (aka Mary's Aggies) brings us " Lent 2008 " - One-stop shop for all your Lent questions -- a very comprehensive and informative post which addresses all your Lenten questions and needs. Kate Wicker brings us " Bath Time " - The love God has for each of us, found amid the bath bubbles and co...

"Bless those who persecute you: never curse them, bless them. Rejoice with those who rejoice and be sad with those in sorrow. Treat everyone with equal kindness; never be condescending but make real friends with the poor." Romans 12:14 - 16 "If we really want to love we must learn how to forgive." “People ask me what advice I have for a married couple struggling in their relationship. I always answer: pray and forgive. And to young people from violent homes, I say pray and forgive. And again even to the single mother with no family support: pray and forgive.” "You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It never was between you and them anyway." "People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people may accuse you of selfish motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you may win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway....

As Christians, all of us are weary of the deception of the culture of death in our world today - the lies and the horrible consequences of those lies - immodest dress and behavior, sexual relationships outside of marriage, sexual promiscuity, adultery, contraception, abortion, same sex relationships, embryonic stem cell research, and cloning. But what can we do about it? What has been most successful in changing our culture? St. John of Kanty, a professor of Scripture at the University of Krakow said, "Fight all false opinions, but let your weapons be patience, sweetness, and love. Roughness is bad for your own soul and spoils the best cause." St. John of Kanty, a university professor turned priest, lived a life of poverty and humility and gave the money he saved to the poor. He genuinely loved people and they could not help but love him. He effectively utilized the virtues of love, sweetness, and patience to conquer deception. This is needed so much in our world today, espec...

"If souls would put themselves completely in my care, I myself would undertake the task of sanctifying them, and I would lavish even greater graces on them. There are souls who thwart My efforts, but I have not given up on them; as often as they turn to Me, I hurry to their aid, sheilding them with My mercy, and I give them the first place in My compassionate Heart. ~ God speaking to St. M. Faustina Kowalska, The Divine Mercy in My Soul Diary , 1682 (59) May 1, 1938.