LETTERS (BLOG POSTS?) ARE NOT A WASTE OF TIME - HERE'S WHY

God of Everlasting Life, Bless us !! Thank You Lord, for all the
areas of Your Presence !!
How many times in our lives have we done things, such as
participate in social activities, and thought to ourselves, "this
is just to pass time" ?
How many times have we written simple letters and cards to
others, thinking that the writing was only momentary and would be quickly forgotten?
Many years ago, in Lorraine France, a child was born,
Nicolas Herman. As Nicolas matured he joined the Carmelite
Order changing his name to Br. Lawrence of the Resurrection.
Br. Lawrence's position at the monastery was in the kitchen.
Day after day, Lawrence prepared food, washed dishes, and
kept the kitchen clean. The tasks, although menial, were
always done with enthusiasm.
Br. Lawrence always lifted the tasks up as an offering of worship to our Creator.  The kitchen always seemed to be filled with the Presence of God. The supplies seemed to always be sufficient and the work was always done.
Br. Lawrence  would write letters to others during his free time.  A few of these letters were read by some members of the Church hierarchy. These officials were amazed at the depth, insight, and eloquence of the content in the letters.
As time progressed the interest in the letters grew. The letters were gathered together and published into a book entitled *The Practice of the Presence of God* has been, and still is, read by Catholic and Protestant students alike.
The message throughout the ages remains the same. This being that when the simple tasks of living are dedicated to God, with thanksgiving, they become an inspiration to others. A simple friendly greeting may have the Power to change someone`s Life. An action done with Love has the ability to change a community.
In reflecting upon this let us not underestimate the significance of the simple moments of Life.

                                            Br. Phil Bara  10-28-13
To explore more about the life and the letters of Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, ODC, click here.

CHRIST'S SOLDIER - MILES CHRISTI

Ephesians 6:12—We are not fighting against beings made of flesh and blood, but against beings without physical forms. Rulers of an unseen world, princes of darkness, roaming throughout the metaphysical realms. 
  Many of us have served in the military during times of war.  An area of importance that we encountered during our service time was the learning about and the identification of the enemy.  One of the ways to learn about the opposition was to know what the opposition was not.   Spending hours studying, practicing, and  drilling in the many ways of warfare gave us the ability to use correct tactics.  Comparing the tactics that we used against those used by the enemy gave us the ability to perceive very quickly the difference between friend and foe.  This principle is also useful in our Catholic Journey.  As we grow and proceed forward on the Path that our Faith leads.  We as soldiers in the Lord`s service learn about the challenger of our Faith by studying Scriptures. We also practice applying the Truth of Scripture in our lives which gives us the discernment of knowing the one that steals, kills, and destroys the Blessings our King Jesus gives us.  The more we participate in the many activities of our Catholic Tradition the stronger and more confident we become as members of His militia.
 Communication with Headquarters is an important area in every battle ground maneuver. Soldiers in the field need to know what the orders are on a daily basis.  We as combat warriors surrounded by the many Faith destroying minions also need to communicate with our Heavenly Commander and Chief, Jesus Christ.
Prayer is our method of contact. We request our directions, get confirmed orders by the agreement found through our leaders, and we initiate the commands by our actions.  The more we willingly persevere in our Scripture studies, our participation in the Sacraments, and our adapting ourselves to the time tested Traditions, the more areas we conquer for the Kingdom of our King Jesus Christ !!
                                                                                  October 2013.    Br.Phil. Bara