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My husband has been a part of a Catholic fraternal organization called the Knights of Columbus for several years now. While the added responsibilities can seem, at times, more like added stresses, being a Knight has connected our family more strongly to our parish, and our Lord.
One weekend each year, the Tennessee state council comes to Franklin for an annual convention. Knights from all over the state attend to share their experiences and fellowship together. The Bishop of Nashville, the wonderful shepherd Bishop Choby, comes to celebrate the mass. Our choir has had the privilege to sing at the convention mass, and this year was no different.
I love this mass! For starters, I love to sing, especially for church functions. It's humbling to be able to use the talent and breathe God has given me to sing His praises. As our choir director likes to say, "Singing is praying twice!" Secondly, I adore Bishop Choby. He is an enlightened teacher, knowing and expressing God's Word for all who hear. His homily - or sermon, for my non-Catholic friends - was amazing as ever!
The gospel reading was John 15:1-8, where Christ tells us that he is the Vines and we are His branches. Bishop Choby spoke about the ways that God prunes us and prepares us for heaven. Something that he said struck me so strongly, like the "Holy Spirit 2x4" I've spoken of before:
One weekend each year, the Tennessee state council comes to Franklin for an annual convention. Knights from all over the state attend to share their experiences and fellowship together. The Bishop of Nashville, the wonderful shepherd Bishop Choby, comes to celebrate the mass. Our choir has had the privilege to sing at the convention mass, and this year was no different.
I love this mass! For starters, I love to sing, especially for church functions. It's humbling to be able to use the talent and breathe God has given me to sing His praises. As our choir director likes to say, "Singing is praying twice!" Secondly, I adore Bishop Choby. He is an enlightened teacher, knowing and expressing God's Word for all who hear. His homily - or sermon, for my non-Catholic friends - was amazing as ever!
The gospel reading was John 15:1-8, where Christ tells us that he is the Vines and we are His branches. Bishop Choby spoke about the ways that God prunes us and prepares us for heaven. Something that he said struck me so strongly, like the "Holy Spirit 2x4" I've spoken of before:
"Pruning may not be comfortable, but it is comforting. God prunes away dead pieces of ourselves - behaviors and attitudes - in order for us to grow closer to Him." - Bishop Choby
Wow! Just think about a situation in which you felt uncomfortable, insulted or slighted, even pained. Did you enjoy that feeling? No! But did you grow or gain insight from it? You bet! God uses those hard times to prune us!
Bishop Choby went on to discuss the first reading, Acts 9:26-3, about Saul's transformation on the road to Damascus. Saul was a bad dude, persecuting members of the early Christian Church at every opportunity. Then God caught up with him, blinded him on his way, and confronted him on his persecution.
It's the "Holy Spirit 2x4" again!
The Lord spoke to Saul, saying, "Saul, why do you persecute Me?" Notice, He doesn't say "them", or "My followers". God said "Me". Saul's persecuting Christians deeply pained God.
So often, we don't realize how we hurt Our Lord when we hurt each other. We don't always remember Matthew 25:40, which reads, "Whatever you do to the least of My people, that you do unto Me."
But Saul's transformation into St. Paul is an inspiration! God took this wretched sinner and used him to convert so many to Christianity. His letters are beautiful testimonies to the Truth that continue to move millions today.
If the Lord can use that, imagine what He can do with you!
Bishop Choby went on to discuss the first reading, Acts 9:26-3, about Saul's transformation on the road to Damascus. Saul was a bad dude, persecuting members of the early Christian Church at every opportunity. Then God caught up with him, blinded him on his way, and confronted him on his persecution.
It's the "Holy Spirit 2x4" again!
The Lord spoke to Saul, saying, "Saul, why do you persecute Me?" Notice, He doesn't say "them", or "My followers". God said "Me". Saul's persecuting Christians deeply pained God.
So often, we don't realize how we hurt Our Lord when we hurt each other. We don't always remember Matthew 25:40, which reads, "Whatever you do to the least of My people, that you do unto Me."
But Saul's transformation into St. Paul is an inspiration! God took this wretched sinner and used him to convert so many to Christianity. His letters are beautiful testimonies to the Truth that continue to move millions today.
If the Lord can use that, imagine what He can do with you!