"Deliver us from evil"

I think a sin, which is currently present in our society that we must be delivered from, is selfishness. Today, many people cheat, steal, or lie and do not have a guilty conscience about their mistakes. Some even turn to drugs, alcohol, or violence and do not think about how their actions affect others around them. In the news everyday, you hear stories of innocent people hurt by the carelessness of others. Many people often think of themselves before others, and lose sight of what is important. It is easy in today's society to become self-absorbed or materialistic and forget to be thankful for one's blessings. The world could be a much more united, peaceful place if more people would channel their energy and talents into helping those who are less fortunate such as, the poor, sick, and homeless instead of focusing on their own needs.

Jesus' temptations in the desert

While Jesus was in the desert praying and preparing for his mission, the devil presented him with three temptations. Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread, throw himself off of the high point of the Temple and prove his relationship with God by having God catch him, and bow down and worship the devil to receive “all the kingdoms of the world.” Young people in society could experience similar temptations today. Jesus was tempted to take bread, which was something that he knew he shouldn’t have. Teenagers today might be tempted by peer pressure to take drugs or alcohol. Jesus was tempted to test God and show that he was above others, as well. Today, people might attempt to make themselves look better by gossiping to make others look worse or starting rumors or lies. Lastly, Jesus was tempted to worship someone other than God. Young people in society today might do this by forgetting their priorities. They may put other things, such as materials and their own needs before what is really important, which is God.

St. Maria Goretti

When listening to the saint projects, one of the saints that I found very inspirational was St. Maria Goretti. She was so faithful and truly devoted to God starting at a very young age. The bravery and courage that she displayed by trusting in God and standing up for her beliefs while being attacked was extremely moving. It was also especially admirable the way that she forgave her attacker before she died as a martyr. I would like to strive to be as faithful, strong, and forgiving as St. Maria Goretti even during the most difficult circumstances as she did.

Kony2012

It was so shocking, scary, and sad to watch the Kony 2012 video today. It is so terrible to think that the kids in Africa live in fear and say that they would rather be dead then risk being abducted, then sold into sex slavery, forced to be in Kony's army, or even killed. It was really surprising to learn that this has been happening for nearly twenty years and I, along with many others, have only heard about it recently through Facebook or Twitter. I think that this video, the use of the media, and the Cover the Night campaign is a great way to spread awareness of Kony worldwide and impel others to support the cause against him to save the hopeless, helpless children in Africa. My heart goes out to those suffering children, and I fully support the Kony 2012 movement for his arrest and to make others more aware of the situation and give the kids in Africa a better life and childhood.

Mother Teresa

Question 1

The phrase "ministering to our Lord in his distressing disguise" means caring for those around us. Every person on Earth is a child of God and is created in God's image and likeness. They are meant to love and to be loved. God in his most distressing disguise refers to people in various forms of poverty- the poorest of the poor. Mother Teresa devoted herself to caring for people rejected by society, completely forgotten, or left completely alone.

Quote

My favorite quote from Mother Teresa is, "In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love." I agree with Mother Teresa that sometimes small things can make the biggest impact to someone. Smiling or saying hello to someone who is having a bad day or who is usually ignored can make a huge difference to that person. It can even inspire them to reach out to someone else. Then, a chain reaction of small good works can begin and change the world.

pray as you go

I like the 'pray as go' readings and prayers that we listen to each morning. I would not read the daily gospel reading everyday if we did not listen to it together in class. Listening to the reading and the reflection questions, then discussing it afterwards in class helps me to better understand the gospel's meanings.

Blog 1

blog1