Justin's Blog

As we approach lent, we must think of three things: prayer, almsgiving, and fasting.  Prayer - According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), prayer is "the raising of one's mind and heart to God" or "the petition of good things from God in accord with His will," With Ms. Anselma in an RCIA class we spoke of how prayer could feel like we are trying to go around God's will and make our own happen. This definition from the Catechism clarifies it "the petition of good things from God in accord with His will," This lent I will continue to pray the rosary daily, but I will pray one in the morning (6:00 a.m.) and one in the evening (3:00 p.m.). Almsgiving The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) defines almsgiving as giving to the poor or performing acts of charity. I always struggle with this. I had to google ideas for almsgiving. I feel like donating clothes but people my size aren't as common...or possibly needy. Spending time teaching...

I did not receive the Eucharist.  For some time I was struggling with sin. I still am, but I would try to punish myself by not receiving the Eucharist. I would not go to Mass many times because I felt it was pointless not to partake of the sacrament. One Sunday as I sat at the back of the church and saw the priest raise the Host I began crying because I could not receive Him because I knew our relationship was bad and I had not been to confession. I eventually went to confession and have been many times since.  I recently began trying to go to daily Mass and pray the Rosary daily. It has been strengthening and deepening my love for God. A few days ago, I went to evening Mass at Divine Mercy. I had begun going to Mass in Benque before I left for work, but that day I was so tired I decided to push it down to when I was already in Belize City. After communion I was praying and remembered that I had promised God many years back that I would give my life in service to Him. Tears fi...