God Alone is Enough, John Michael Talbot Helps Get Us Thinking

John Michael Talbot has been identified as a prophetic voice in our generation. He is Catholic music's number one recording artist with sales of around four million records worldwide. John Michael has the House of Prayer in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It's a community called, the Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage, an "integrated monastic community," with celibate brothers and sisters, singles, and families.
Hope you enjoy this tune by John Michael Talbot:

Following Jesus' Footsteps, Not an Easy Task

Jesus had one ministry focused around the reign of God consisting of six aspects. They were healing, exorcism, teaching, reconciling, being a peacemaker, and his liberating ministry. In today’s world I would consider these six separate ministries with considerable overlapping. It would be a challenge for anyone to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and do as an effective job in these areas as he so profoundly illustrated for the world to witness.

As a disciple of Jesus I do not think he would expect me to attempt any of the above without having the gifts to support them. I can participate with my gifts along with the entire community in our role as Disciples of Christ in the reign of God.

As a young man, who was raised a Catholic, attended a Catholic school, studied under the Baltimore Catechism and fell away from the church during a dark period of my life, I was a great candidate for conversion back to my faith about seven years ago. God slowly began working on me about the time my wife joined the Catholic Church and had myself as her sponsor. This forced me to stop back sliding and take my faith more seriously. The RCIA process was a spiritual awakening for me.

When my mother passed away a few years later, our Lord put the petal to the metal and healed my blindness, raised me from the dead, and led me to a book to read called the “Good Enough Catholic” “A Guide for the Perplexed”, by: Paul Wilkes. I picked this book up at the Church the day of my mom’s funeral and finished it within two days. It helped me realize the hunger in my soul, the spirituality that my mother instilled into me as a child, and my obligation to live my renewed baptismal vows that I took when my wife was baptized. My library has grown from Paul Wilkes book to over 200 books that have helped me develop my faith journey over the past few years with fire in my heart. I am sure my mother is working with Saint Peter to keep that fire burning.

The gifts that God gave me in life consist of being a good servant. It was mostly in the secular arena however I have always focused attention toward charity, volunteering and public service. With ongoing conversion in this faith journey I believe Jesus is forming my discipleship and building a loving relationship with me, through discernment that will continue to grow as I become more and more aware of my calling in service.


Jesus’ ministry described in the above basic ministries present a challenge to any lay person or minister of his gospel if they try to be all things to all people. I am always going to be a rookie when it comes to ministry because there is so much to learn and of course I have my secular job, and family that have been my calling. At 60 years old, I can look back with the mistakes I made in life, add the grace mixed into the gifts God gave me, and say today that I have met the challenge. If I follow the plan that God has provided me, utilize the talent in the Catholic community, and continue to discern his expectations, this venture will continue to be no challenge. Instead it will be a joyful experience to share for the balance of my time here on this planet and yours also, if you let God into your life. What do you think?

The Meaning of Lent

Aquinas is a network that gives Catholics easy access to Catholic products as well as locations to meet with other Catholics and those interested in the Catholic Faith.They have this article below which explains Lent. Hope you enjoy.

Lent is the 40 day season prior to Easter. It is a penitential time of prayer and fasting. The season begins Ash Wednesday and concludes at the end of Holy Saturday, with the Easter Vigil. In the Roman Catholic Church, the 40 days of this season do not include the six Sundays of Lent. Sundays throughout the year are considered "mini-Easters" - they always celebrate the joy of the Resurrection of Christ.

The word "Lent" itself comes from lencten, simply referring to the Spring season. However, since the Anglo-Saxon period (9th century) it has been a popular term for this penitential season. The Latin name for the season, quadragesima, is more significant, as it means “forty days” or “fortieth day.”


Read more about Lent and its early history here.

Assisi's Charm Lies in its Beauty & My Friend St. Francis

All my life I have been attracted to St. Francis, for his simple, yet articulate way of preaching the Gospel. He was strange in many ways referring to himself as brother ass, preaching to birds, praising God, for sister death of our bodies. Yet, he really had a grip on how nature and man have been created by God to be in harmony. Back in 2003, Sharon and I had our first opportunity to visit Italy, which took in Rome, Tuscany, Florence and Assisi.

I have to admit, that even though we witnessed some of the most beautiful Cathedrals in Italy, Assisi was more exciting, spiritual, and like being with my friendly saint, all the time I was there. I must return again to spend much more time investigating the life of my friend.

St. Francis has had hundreds of books written about his life and times in the walled community of Assisi that dates back to pre-Roman times, inhabited by the Umbri and then the Romans. He is the patron Saint of Animals and Ecology because of his fondness for the animals, nature, and creation in general. His famous simple statue sits in our Flower garden to remind us that the world is blessed to have such beauty.

Perhaps Saint Francis is not given enough credit and attention on his literary works and his preaching that was so profound in many ways. His writings go right to the heart and bring out the best in those of us who participate in his spiritual works. His fans are not just Catholics, his famous prayer is shared by all. I like one of his quotes that seems to keep me on the straight and narrow. He says: "I have done what is mine to do; may Christ teach you what is yours to do"

When I start feeling a little cocky about getting all my duties and goals reached, rather than rest in my laurels, I look at another famous quote by Francis that says: ""Let us begin to do good, for as yet we have done little".

I hope you have some time in the near future to investigate this wonderful saint, you'll be moved by his spirituality, his holiness, and the example he has set for all Christians to live by. His other famous quote is: "Preach the Gospel often, sometimes use words" In other words, do the footwork. May peace be with you and your family, Mike

Grace, Karl Rahner Had It! We Can Also!

One of my favorite theologians is Karl Rahner who was very instrumental at Vatican II for his committee work and input on many of the changes we have experienced over the past 40 years. His reflection on Grace has always helped me to understand God's self-communication to us although we may not feel, hear or see it. I think that's where faith comes in. Rahner claims we live and exist in a universe of grace described as universal. You maybe asking as I often have, if we live in a universe of grace, where was it when the earthquake which devastated Sichuan, China or tens of thousands affected By cyclone in Myanmar .

The grace has been distributed throughout the world based on those who have demanded social justice to help those in need and by the people who have received aid from strangers they never met before. I think the grace comes from a self giving God who makes us self giving by getting out of our own head and helping others. Karl Rahner believes that we are called often to this grace, however some of us don't always respond to it.

One does not have to be Catholic or Christian to accept this grace he is referring to. Many non-believers have been called to grace by loving their neighbor and doing what their conscious has called them to do. Maybe this is God's way of addressing our deepest level of existence and bringing about that spiritual awakening that our world needs so badly to help the less fortunate.
The Catholic Relief Services can use help today to aid those in need. Please give generously, even if it's a small amount, God's grace will flow to many people including you.

Have a Grace filled weekend and Memorial Day, Mike

Photo compliments of Flickr, Feusl's Photostream

An Act of Kindness, Delta Township, Hits Lansing

Members of Trinity Methodist Church, Delta Township were focusing on solutions yesterday as an example of Jesus Christ. Maybe this will catch on in Delta Township, Lansing, and around the state. The State Journal even contributed to the good works by writing an excellent article. Yesterday was Divine Mercy Sunday, with the Gospel focusing on the story of Thomas hearing Jesus say, "do not be faithless, but believe" and Thomas responding "My Lord and my God"
Wouldn't it be exciting if the other denominations and faiths joined in on this community example, made a effort to work side by side as Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Jewish, Muslims, Hindu and even the none believers to help others in some small act of kindness. I know many churches, organizations and individuals who are already providing great community service throughout the greater Lansing area, and should be thanked for their efforts. However, the impact of the masses, sometimes, shakes up the conscience of Christians and other faiths to become more ecumenical in our lives. What do you think?
Photo Credit

Alleluia, He's Alive

Happy Easter to all of you on this beautiful snow day in Michigan. I had an opportunity today to attend the 9:00 a.m. Liturgy where I had fresh Easter Lillie's right in front of me to smell, a group of about 12 people participating in the Mass using sign language, which was moving to watch them sing in sign language, and Fr. Jerry giving another brilliant homily that helped me understand how we Catholics should be Easter people everyday, all year.

We are just coming off a week of mourning for Jesus, fast, penance, and reflecting on our own death and resurrection. We have experienced the baptism of new members, confirmations, anointing, stations of the cross, holy water sprinkled on us, feet washings, and numerous other symbolic opportunities to connect with our faith.
Sacramental celebrations will always be a fundamental source for theological reflection. We are symbolic Christians who have experienced Jesus' victory over sin and death for our new life in Christ. Alleluia, now we just need to live it the next 364 days.

Disciples of Christ In The Reign of God, Not An Easy Job!

Jesus had one ministry focused around the reign of God consisting of six aspects. They were healing, exorcism, teaching, reconciling, being a peacemaker, and his liberating ministry. In today’s world I would consider these six separate ministries with considerable overlapping. It would be a challenge for anyone to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and do as an effective job in these areas as he so profoundly illustrated for the world to witness.

As a disciple of Jesus I do not think he would expect me to attempt any of the above without having the gifts to support them. I can participate with my gifts along with the entire community in our role as Disciples of Christ in the reign of God.

As a young man, who was raised a Catholic, attended a Catholic school, studied under the Baltimore Catechism and fell away from the church during a dark period of my life, I was a great candidate for conversion back to my faith about seven years ago. God slowly began working on me about the time my wife joined the Catholic Church and had myself as her sponsor. This forced me to stop back sliding and take my faith more seriously. The RCIA process was a spiritual awakening for me.

When my mother passed away a few years later, our Lord put the petal to the metal and healed my blindness, raised me from the dead, and led me to a book to read called the “Good Enough Catholic” “A Guide for the Perplexed”, by: Paul Wilkes. I picked this book up at the Church the day of my mom’s funeral and finished it within two days. It helped me realize the hunger in my soul, the spirituality that my mother instilled into me as a child, and my obligation to live my renewed baptismal vows that I took when my wife was baptized. My library has grown from Paul Wilkes book to over 200 books that have helped me develop my faith journey over the past few years with fire in my heart. I am sure my mother is working with Saint Peter to keep that fire burning.

The gifts that God gave me in life consist of being a good servant. It was mostly in the secular arena however I have always focused attention toward charity, volunteering and public service. With ongoing conversion in this faith journey I believe Jesus is forming my discipleship and building a loving relationship with me, through discernment that will continue to grow as I become more and more aware of my calling in service.


Jesus’ ministry described in the above basic ministries present a challenge to any lay person or minister of his gospel if they try to be all things to all people. I am always going to be a rookie when it comes to ministry because there is so much to learn and of course I have my secular job, and family that have been my calling. At 60 years old, I can look back with the mistakes I made in life, add the grace mixed into the gifts God gave me, and say today that I have met the challenge. If I follow the plan that God has provided me, utilize the talent in the Catholic community, and continue to discern his expectations, this venture will continue to be no challenge. Instead it will be a joyful experience to share for the balance of my time here on this planet and yours also, if you let God into your life. What do you think?
"Expect the Best" Mike

Our Purpose: Love Your Neighbor, Help the Marginalized

“The Judgment of Nations” in Matthew 25:31, is more eschatological (end times) than a parable as sometimes described by theologians and those in ministry. It appears to be describing a real future event that contains the Christology of Jesus’ last judgment of all people. With titles like son of man, shepherd, king, Lord, and terms like sitting on the throne, servant, power and glory, this passage has been interpreted as Christology of Jesus. Using the form criticism and historical method most theologians will agree that this piece of scripture makes for interesting discussion that leads us to loving your neighbor, taking action out of love and understanding our purpose as Christians.

I would like to focus on a few verses and terms of this chapter to illustrate how this affects my daily life and all God’s people in these contemporary times. The sheep and the goat’s metaphor illustrate the good and the evil. The right hand is favored over the left side. And “the least of these” represents people in general. Scholars are somewhat divided on the “all the nations” referred to in this reading. I have taken the side that all nations mean all people.

I have had an opportunity to involve myself in various ministry functions over the past seven years consisting of Charity work, RCIA team, hospital visits, visiting youth shelters, serving at homeless shelters and various other projects. Over this seven year period I have become called to learn more about the areas that Jesus refers to in this gospel, food, drink, welcome, clothing, nursing care and visitation. These six works of mercy are really only illustrative examples of what the passage refers to. The bottom line to me means “love your neighbor”. Whether it’s helping someone change a flat tire or providing basic care for a sick person. The kinds of mercy that Jesus rewards here are within reach of every person.

Reflecting on this gospel has made me aware of the seriousness of the sins of omission. How I have extended love and care for the weakest and most helpless among us is how I have treated Christ. The poor not only include the economically deprived, it also includes all those who suffer oppression and powerlessness. Although, I have a long way to go, I have become an advocate of stewardship as a result of my studies. Parts of my efforts have included small donations to (CRS) Catholic Relief Services. I have also begun writing letters or emails to senators and representatives of Congress on the poor, needy, starving people around the world. Each day I am becoming more motivated and called to take action.

Now as I revisit this passage of the “judgment of nations” I become very uncomfortable about my efforts that I have made thus far. I can do more. I realize that a preferential option of the poor is not an option, it is a mandate. As a disciple of Jesus I need to take action out of love for my neighbors versus worrying about judgment described in this reading. The catch twenty two that most people, including myself get into is how my little contribution can make a difference. I have decided that I can make a difference. Twenty Dollars donated would provide a day’s supply of emergency food for 80-100 malnourished children in Sudan. $500.00 will supply a well for clean drinking water. A visit to a nursing home to offer a reading, the Eucharist or just a friendly smile can help add life to these sometimes forgotten neighbors. Whether I support CRS or my local food bank, visit a hospital or write to my congress Representative, I am standing up for justice and doing something.

I can strengthen the community as a whole by assisting those who are most vulnerable. I need to make it a habit of looking at the world from the perspective of the marginalized. This will require not only continuing to do my little part to share my time, talent, and treasure, (stewardship) with others but to also evangelize my daily contacts with the same enthusiasm and determination that Jesus is promoting in his teaching. Evangelizing and stewardship are the two most misunderstood ministries in the Catholic faith. Maybe my enthusiasm toward these areas will help bring them to the forefront in this blog.

In the developing world 1.2 billion people are living below the international poverty line of earning less than $1.00 per day. It is a sin that 24,000 (plus or minus) people die each day of hunger and hunger related causes. That is one person every 3.6 seconds who was made in the image of God and destroyed by the sin of omission. I must continue to ask, why are people starving around the world? Why is the USA, the richest nation in the world, allowing its people to live in poverty, and to be homeless in this land of opportunity?

Part of the message in Matthew's reading is not just to do each of these acts of mercy, but to preach this gospel message to others until all have heard it. I can never stop questioning an oppressive system that forces billions of our brothers and sisters in our country and around the world to live in poverty. I can never again sit back and accept the fact that literally thousands of defenseless unborn babies are being slaughtered by abortion. Nor can I sit back any longer and live with the fact that over 25 million people have now died of AIDS, which is senseless. Life and dignity of the human person needs to be the moral vision of our society.

My spiritual journey over the past seven years has lead me in various directions and given me a clearer understanding of my obligations and gifts as a disciple of Christ. Regardless of where I land in this journey I will have fire in my heart for those who need to be loved. I pray that through this blog and the efforts of Christians everywhere we can make a difference to stop this insanity. Peace in Christ! Mike