The path we are on

"True humility will walk happily along the road by which the Lord leads it" (St. Teresa of Avila).

The Word was Made Flesh to heal the Flesh

"For the Word is visible to the heart alone, while flesh is visible to bodily eyes as well. We already possessed the means to see the flesh, but we had no means of seeing the Word. The Word was made flesh so that we could see it, to heal the part of us by which we could see the Word" (St. Augustine).

Slaves, obey your human masters

"Slaves, obey your human masters in everything, not only when being watched, as currying favor, but in simplicity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance; be slaves of the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will receive recompense for the wrong he committed, and there is no partiality" (Col. 3:22-25)

Pope Benedict XVI

God is always faithful to his promises, but he often surprises us in the way he fulfils them. The child that was born in Bethlehem did indeed bring liberation, but not only for the people of that time and place - he was to be the Saviour of all people throughout the world and throughout history. And it was not a political liberation that he brought, achieved through military means: rather, Christ destroyed death for ever and restored life by means of his shameful death on the Cross. And while he was born in poverty and obscurity, far from the centres of earthly power, he was none other than the Son of God. Out of love for us he took upon himself our human condition, our fragility, our vulnerability, and he opened up for us the path that leads to the fullness of life, to a share in the life of God himself. As we ponder this great mystery in our hearts this Christmas, let us give thanks to God for his goodness to us, and let us joyfully proclaim to those around us the good news that God offers us freedom from whatever weighs us down: he gives us hope, he brings us life.

St. John of Kanty

"Fight all error, but do it with good humor, patience, kindness, and love. Harshness will damage your own soul and spoil the best cause."

From Psalm 142

Velóciter exáudi me, Dómine;*
defécit spíritus meus.
Non abscóndas fáciem tuam a me,*
ne símilis fiam descendéntibus in lacum.
Audítam fac mihi mane misericórdiam tuam,*
quia in te sperávi.
Notam fac mihi viam, in qua ámbulem,*
quia ad te levávi ánimam meam.
Eripe me de inimícis meis,*
Dómine, ad te confúgi.
Doce me fácere voluntátem tuam,*
quia Deus meus es tu.

Lord, make haste and answer;
for my spirit fails within me.
Do not hide your face
lest I become like those in the grave.

In the morning let me know your love
for I put my trust in you.
Make me know the way I should walk:
to you I lift up my soul.

Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies;
I have fled to you for refuge.
Teach me to do your will
for you, O Lord, are my God.
Let your good spirit guide me
in ways that are level and smooth.

The Log Goof

"Easy as falling off a log!"cried the earl, falling off a log with a loud thump.

~From Thaddeus