INDIA.…SPIRITUALITY

Linda Mary Liotino

To write an in depth Blog about the Spirituality of the people of  India  would require more study and observation than my current almost three months here could afford me.  However, as I learn you will learn as we journey the complexities of India.

In case one is not aware of it I am Catholic and from this perspective I make these observations.  In most Catholic Churches at least in the  US there are rows upon rows of pews with usually padded kneelers.  There has been in some churches a more liberal way of entering the church with less reverence and quietness we once knew especially from my youth.  Partly to blame without getting into church politics the moving of the Blessed Sacrament from the center alter to the side of the church or even in a separate room.   This current disrespect trickles down to the actions of our children who imitate the conduct of the adults…OK I AM OFF MY SOAP BOX!

The Catholic Churches in India that I have seen thus far the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle is at the center of the altar.  The first sign of respect shown by many Indians is that they take there sandals off before entering the church.  Secondly, there is a deep reverence given to Our Lord with them bowing from the waist down.  There is no noise coming from chit chatting but one can hear as one walks down the aisle the whispering of prayers and or singing to Our Lord in the native tongue of Tamil.  The children are absolutely quiet and imitate their family members.  The awareness of the austerity of the presences of God even the priest celebrates mass without shoes on.   The kneelers are not padded just plain hard wood in most churches I am told.  The church I attend regularly St. Anthony’s has rows and rows of pews but there is an area before the main alter left open to those who rather sit on the floor then in a pew.  This place is usually occupied by women of all ages.  The music and singing is angelic, very spiritual and even though the mass is in Tamil I cannot help but experience the presence of God.  There is a special mass on Tuesday’s at 11 a.m.  It begins with a rosary led by a lay person in accordance with the choir and music.  Mass begins promptly at eleven and immediately the beauty of the music, singing of the choir and the smell of incenses fills the air, penetrating the heart in the preparation of entering into the presence of the Lord.  The beautiful prayers bring one to a sweet contemplation and meditation of His Holy Presence.  After Mass has ended there begins the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament a time of praise, worship and adoration of Our Blessed Lord.  The Blessed Sacrament is carried throughout the church by the priest with two candle bearers before him.  The next to follow is the blessing of the people with holy water ending with the priest touching each person with his stole to their forehead as he prays silently.

At the Shine of Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni there is a change in the seating at the shrine.  There are only four wooden pews in the back of the church on either side of the aisle for the elderly or perhaps disable who other wise cannot sit/kneel easily on the floor.  The church accommodates two thousand people.  The sitting/kneeling on the floor is a sign of deep respect and reverence to Our Blessed Lord.  It is well to note that the statue of Our Lady of Health is situated high above the altar honoring her visitation to Vailankanni and the miracles thereof.  She is honored by Christians, Muslims and Hindus alike.  

India has many religious denominations: Hindu, Muslims, Christians, Sikes, Jain, Buddhist, Jewish, and Bhais.  The neighborhood I live in is mostly Hindu with some Muslims and Christians and everyone coexists in peace and harmony.  I am the only Caucasian/American in the neighborhood.  Reality is I am not located near the US Embassy as most Americans are.  Although protected by the US Embassy my living out of the “compound” or “designated” area if you will I am considered out of their reach in case of any problems in essence there are no guarantees.   However, with this being said I am very safe and feel very safe nothing thus far has even come anywhere remotely close to indicate I would be in harms way.  The neighbor across the way from my home saw me sitting in the foyer one morning while I was praying and came over and bought me some sweets.  Although she spoke Tamil and I English the jesters of welcoming and smiles translated the beautiful moment between us.

To touch a little on Advent/Christmas Celebration in India first Advent is a time of prayer there is no 30 some odd days of Christmas Shopping for most Indians in preparation of Christmas.  Decorating is done about a week before Christmas.  There is no great importance put on the Christmas tree, presents under the tree and this also holds true for most Indians.  Christmas is one day celebrated in prayer, church service and if one is Catholic Midnight Mass.  The day may include visit to or from family and friends perhaps lunch together, which includes sweets that may have been bought to the home from the ones visiting.  The bottom line in most homes there are no bunch of gifts to be opened.   The center of Christmas is the celebration of the Birth of Christ.

It is well to note in India that any religious festival no matter the denomination begins with a time of prayer and preparation before the day of the actual festival.       

May the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Bless…YOU!

Copyright 2009 Linda Mary Liotino…

GOD SMILES ON ME

Entrusting My Words to the Holy Spirit

Linda Mary Liotino

Lent is my favorite time of the year I need this time to take a good look at myself and see how God and I are doing.  Since Lent falls just after Christmas with a gap of several weeks it is in that gap I am off kilter I am never sure why but it happens every year. Therefore, Lent is my God sent. Prior to Ash Wednesday at least a week or so I begin to look at what I will be doing extra for Lent and I am usually at least since my conversion follow through with the disciplines I set out to do.
This Lent started out that way but I found my focus on the discipline waned early and I was not even praying as I do throughout the year.  It was like I was on a prayer vacation and with God’s blessings.  I did not feel guilty that I was not doing what I promised.  Our Lord had other plans…

I found that although I speak to Our Lord daily since my conversation, the time together began to broaden through no effort of my own it was just happening.  I was pouring my heart out to Him and I knew I had His attention.  There was an air of love felt and understanding that is beyond anything that in our relationship thus far was felt by me although I am sure it was there.  I stop trying to get back on track with Him in my prayers I guess you can say I went with the flow whether I understood that or not my heart and soul certainly did. 

I am disable and have lived a cloistered life for the last ten years because I exiled my life from the world.  My decisions have not served me well and the best way to guard myself from myself is restrict myself.  I could not forgive myself for the shambles of my life and while forgiving everyone else I forgot to forgive myself.  It dawned on me I needed to forgive myself
and it came after these words from a friend when I told him my disability is reversible “Linda, how long are you going to punish yourself.”  It was in hearing these words that I realized
what I was doing imposing a sentence on myself because I felt I needed to punish myself and had not forgiven myself.
I talk to Our Lord and forgave Linda however, Our Lord was not done with me…

I dependent on a walker for ten years, living homebound, sleeping at a 45 degree angle on my back in a
hospital bed, moving from chair to chair without any exercise, weaken my back and coddled the knees to a stiffness that made mobility practically impossible.  I saw myself wheelchair
bound sooner rather than later.  I had long ceased ever seeing more than that possibility before me, however, Our Lord was going to grant me possibilities.  I
began to have a yearning to do more with my life and it tugged at my heart with fierceness.  It was On ..March 16, 2009.. I made a decision to do something about my situation
and started to do stretches and swing my legs to end the stiffness in my knees, rotate my arms and neck and yes even sit ups all are very low pack versions of
the real thing.  My knees snap and cracked, and my back screamed quit but I could not stop because I was seeing
results in a short time.  I stop using the walker and went to my cane and now while in my apartment not depending on the cane either.  I walk at first in a stiff shuffle and then in a matter of days wow I am walking bending my legs and
in just 13 days I am making amazing progress.  The last two days I have begun sleeping flat and today managed to sleep
on my right side for a short time.  WOW I AM IN A MIRACLE ME LINDA MARY LIOTINO…GOD IS SMILING ON ME!

The scope of my possibilities is endless and my life is coming back to me.  I have many things I want to do…Dreams yet fulfilled and injustices yet to be fought.  Doors are opening and I am going through them.  Our Lord has charge over my life a surrendering I make every morning before my feet hit the floor therefore, I move forth knowing that Our Lord can stop
anything that is not in His will for me.  I was told this morning that is how Mother Teresa saw her journey and all she did.  WOW…Me and the Blessed Mother Teresa thinking the same way…what possibilities can that open up to me…

May The Hearts of Jesus and
Mary bless…you!!!!

Dedicated to…Jesus Christ who granted me a blessed miracle and smiles on me…your the best!

PS…Thank you my Blessed Friend for all your prayers…      

Copyright 2009 Linda MaryLiotino

 

St. Teresa of Avila

Entrusting My Words to the Holy Spirit

Linda Mary Liotino

 

Today is the Memorial of the Beloved Saint of the Carmelites, Teresa of Avila, Virgin and doctor.

 

Saint Teresa was born at Avila in Spain in 1515.She joined the Carmelite Order, made great progress in the way of perfection and enjoyed mystical revelations.When she reformed the order, she met with much resistance, but she succeeded with undaunted courage.She also wrote books filled sublime doctrine, the fruit of her own spiritual life.She died at Avila in 1582.[Liturgy of The Hours]

 

The Blessed Saint and I have had a casual relationship until recently but I will cover this little later.I read her life story as a young girl and saw a documentary on her life several times on EWTN [Catholic Network].I have pick up her book Interior Castle but my comprehension being what it is I am usually lost by the third castle.However, over the years different homilies have given me the insight wanted I could not obtain on my own. The only Doctor of the Church I can read and understand is the Little Flower.

 

It is in a homily about the Beloved Saint several years ago that I heard these words attributed to her…

I had the greatest sorrow for the many souls that condemned themselves to Hell […] I saw souls falling into hell like snowflakes.They fall because not enough pray or suffer for them…St. Teresa of Avila

The latter part of her words had a profound affect on me.As long as I can remember, I have prayed for the lost souls here on earth.I refer to them as the souls at the very gates of hell.At first, it was periodic times of prayer but since my conversion, it is a daily rosary.Prayers of someone for me bought me out of darkness/times at the gates of hell. I remember that time vividly and I owe those in the place I once was help.What can I/we offer for these souls in grave danger our prayers and sacrifices.Can we do anything less for these troubled souls than Jesus did for us?Are we not call to pick up our cross and follow Him?If we cannot look back to where we once were and remember the struggles in the mire and clay at those who yet struggle and help in some way we lost the gift of our conversion.The gift of conversion from God is not to be hoarded it is to be given away it is then and only then we have reach the apex of what conversion is all about.We extend the same tender mercy God gives to us in the same measure we received from Him to those who yet are lost.

 

Often times we forget the pain of our struggles and grow inpatient with those yet to be free.Conversion is humbling with a deep sorrow for those yet lost.It is deep loves of desire for all of God’s children turned from him, once again turn to Him.We must be able to discern in humility when to minister to a lost soul with words or in the silence of our hearts travail for this soul before Our Blessed Lord.The simplest prayer is to entrust these souls to our Lord everyday rendering them to His charge with our trust.

 

My friend is entering the Benedictan Monastery in January 2009 and he having to give away all his personal belongings gave me some of his treasured possessions one being a Reliquian Rosary of the Beloved Saint of Avila.Therefore, the saint and I are now in daily communication.How bless am I for both my friends.

 

May the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Bless You.

 

DEDICATED:To the Blessed Saint of Carmel…I love you dear Teresa.

Copyright Linda Mary Liotino

The Five Non Negotiable When Voting Part III Entrusting My Words to the Holy Spirit Linda Mary Liotino   In this Blog in the series of the five non-negotiable when voting, I opted to combine 3 Embryonic Stem Cell Research and 4 Human Cloning.  Human life is sacred.  The dignity of human beings is the essence of life and should be safeguarded.  Along with abortion the other direct attacks on the sanctity of human life is human cloning and the murdering of human embryos for research.  The dignity of life must be honored in every decision made.  It is not honored when life is reduced to human cloning and or genetic engineering to create “perfect” human beings as if that were possible.  Every human life has the right to human decency.    DOCUMENT OF THE HOLY SEE ON HUMAN CLONING  1) The Holy See is convinced of the need to support and promote scientific research for the benefit of humanity. Thus, the Holy See earnestly encourages investigations that are being carried out in the fields of medicine and biology, with the goal of curing diseases and of improving the quality of life of all, provided that they are respectful of the dignity of the human being. This respect demands that any research that is inconsistent with the dignity of the human being is morally excluded. 2) There are two potential sources of stem cells for human research, firstly “adult” stem cells, which are derived from the umbilical cord blood, the bone marrow and other tissues and secondly “embryonic” stem cells, which are obtained by the desegregation of human embryos. The Holy See opposes the cloning of human embryos for the purpose of destroying them in order to harvest their stem cells, even for a noble purpose, because it is inconsistent with the ground and motive of human biomedical research, that is, respect for the dignity of human beings. However, the Holy See applauds and encourages research using adult stem cells, because it is completely compatible with respect for the dignity of human beings. The unexpected plasticity of adult stem cells has made it possible to use this type of undifferentiated, self-renewing cell successfully for the healing of various human tissues and organs, (1) particularly in hearts damaged after myocardial infarction. (2) The multiple therapeutic achievements that have been demonstrated using adult stem cells, and the promise they hold for other diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders or diabetes, make efforts to support this fruitful avenue of investigation an urgent matter (3). Above all, it is universally agreed that the use of adult stem cells does not entail any ethical problems. 3) By contrast, research using human embryonic stem cells has been hampered by important technical difficulties (4). Embryonic stem cell experiments have not yet produced a single unqualified therapeutic success, not even in animal models (5). Moreover, embryonic stem cells have caused tumor in animal models (6) and might seed cancer if administered to human patients (7). Unless these grave hazards are removed, embryonic stem cell experiments would not have any clinical application (8). Technical problems aside, the need to extract these cells from living human embryos raises ethical questions of the highest order. 4) The so-called “therapeutic cloning”, which would be better called “research cloning” because we are still far from therapeutic applications, has been proposed in order to avert the potential immune rejection of embryonic stem cells derived from a donor other than the host. However, the use of cloned embryonic stem cells entails a high risk of introducing cells from abnormal embryos into patients. It has been well established that most of the non-human embryos produced through nuclear transfer cloning are abnormal, with a deficiency in several of the genes (imprinted and non imprinted) necessary to the development of the early embryo. (9) Embryonic stem cells harvested from abnormal and unfit embryos will carry their “epigenetic defects” and transmit at least part of them to their daughter cells. The transfer of such cloned embryonic stem cells into a patient would be therefore extremely hazardous: these cells might provoke genetic disorders, or initiate leukemia or other cancers. Moreover, a non-human primate model of cloning, which would be necessary in order to conduct experiments to establish safety before attempting therapeutic experiments in human beings, has yet to be developed (10). 6) Scientists, philosophers, politicians, and humanists agree on the need for an international ban on reproductive cloning. From a biological standpoint, bringing cloned human embryos to birth would be dangerous for the human species. This asexual form of reproduction would bypass the usual “shuffling” of genes that makes every individual unique in his/her genome and would arbitrarily fix the genotype in one particular configuration, (12) with predictable negative genetic consequences for the human gene pool. It would also be prohibitively dangerous for the individual clone. (13) From an anthropological standpoint, most people recognize that cloning is offensive to human dignity. Cloning would, indeed, bring a person to life, but through a laboratory manipulation in the order of pure zoo technology. This person would enter the world as a “copy” (even if only a biological copy) of another being. While ontologically unique and worthy of respect, the manner in which a cloned human being has been brought into the world would mark that person more as an artifact rather than a fellow human being, a replacement rather than an unique individual, an instrument of someone else’s will rather than an end in himself or herself, a replaceable consumer commodity rather than an unrepeatable event in human history. Thus, disrespect for the dignity of the human person is inherent in cloning. The whole document can be found: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/secretariat_state/2004/documents/rc_seg-st_20040927_cloning_en.html   We have become a society that wants to “live forever” or at the very lease prolong life as long as one is able.  When society thinks its wisdom trumps God’s wisdom it is, there that pride that tells us we can do anything.  We do not see the cost of such thinking or the end result.  Pride makes us believe we are far superior than the One who created us and gave us life.  As society advances we forgot from Who we came from and our direction.  Why is this because as our “wisdom” forgets humility and our hearts have left God.     I leave you with this passage from 1Cor 3:18-23 to meditate on:    18 Let no one deceive himself. If any one among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool so as to become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God, for it is written: “He catches the wise in their own ruses,” 20 and again: “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.” 21 10 So let no one boast about human beings, for everything belongs to you, 22 Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or the present or the future: all belong to you, 23 and you to Christ, and Christ to God. May The Hearts of Jesus and Mary Bless You. DEDICATE:  To Human Dignity.

The Five Non-Negotiable When Voting Part II

                             

The second non-negotiable one cannot vote for is the one running for political office who is for Euthanasia.  One would be surprised that euthanasia is widely practice in the health care industry and for many reasons far from compassion. 

 

I am a retired nurse the steps leading to euthanasia is not the suffering of the patient.  It usually begins with the fact a patient may not have a very good medical health plan.  The ordering of tests are based on one’s health plan coverage and if it is willing to sustain the cost of the test.  The life and death of a patient is determined first on the money aspect, which includes weather long-term nursing care is warranted for the less medically covered.  If you are indigent and no family to advocate your care, you are at the mercy of those who see money first and life as a burden to society.  These judgments are made by one who have no stake in the life in their care but for the fact, everything comes down to money.  How is euthanasia carried out to keep within the color of the law simple it is called a slow code.  What is a slow code it is when a code blue is called for one in distress and all who are to answer the code take their time in getting to the patient and administering CPR.          

 

This is the teaching of the Catholic Church on Euthanasia for its Catechism:

2276 Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible.

2277 Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.

Thus, an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator. The error of judgment into which one can fall in good faith does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and excluded.

2278 Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is the refusal of “over-zealous” treatment. Here one does not will to cause death; one’s inability to impede it is merely accepted. The decisions should be made by the patient if he is competent and able or, if not, by those legally entitled to act for the patient, whose reasonable will and legitimate interests must always be respected.

2279 Even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted. The use of painkillers to alleviate the sufferings of the dying, even at the risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with human dignity if death is not willed as either an end or a means, but only foreseen and tolerated as inevitable Palliative care is a special form of disinterested charity. As such, it should be encouraged.

Although euthanasia is not the law of the land, this is the standing of the states on this issue:   

ASSISTED SUICIDE LAWS STATE BY STATE

Currently, 35 STATES have statutes explicitly criminalizing assisted suicide :

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin

NINE states criminalize assisted suicide through common law:

Alabama, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, South Carolina, Vermont, West Virginia

THREE states have abolished the common law of crimes and do not have statutes criminalizing assisted suicide :

North Carolina, Utah, Wyoming

In Ohio, that state’s Supreme Court ruled in October 1996 that assisted suicide is not a crime.

In Virginia, there is no real clear case law on assisted suicide , nor is there is a statute criminalizing the act, although there is a statute which imposes civil sanctions on persons assisting in a suicide.

Only Oregon permits physician- assisted suicide.

Source: Associated Press. Provided by Infonet List is a daily compilation of pro-life news and educational information.

Any state touting any form of Assistant Suicide Law or Dying with Dignity is espousing an intrinsic evil that goes against the moral life.  To vote for someone that espouses the taking of life under the guise of misplaced compassion that is non-negotiable and is a grave sin.  Less we forget the plight of Terry Schiavo the murdering of this precious soul. 

I would like to touch on one more thing be careful when filling out a Living Will.  One cannot be sure what will happen during medical crises…with medicine advancing in leaps and bounds the Living Will, will override your receiving a life saving treatment or medication because of the dictates of the Living Will.  Keep your wants broad.  As Christians, we cannot specify no food or water this is starvation and consider suicide. 

One is entitled to be protected under the law and all the rights of having dignity of life.

May the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Bless You. 

DEDICATED: Terry Schiavo. 

Copyright 2008 Linda Mary Liotino   

 

 

 

The Five Non-Negotiable When Voting

Part I

If no one has figured it out yet I am a Catholic Christian and I write from the faith I know and love.  Therefore, this Blog is to my brother and sisters of the Catholic Faith but what I am to say can be the belief of many other Christian Faiths.  Since I am not well verse on other faiths, I cannot be sure but if this will help, anyone making the awesome decision on whom to vote for this might help.

 

As Catholic’s we have five non-negotiable when making the decision where we will be casting our vote.  Four pertain to human dignity and they are:

ABORTION

EUTHANASIA

EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH

HUMAN CLONING

The fifth one is on marriage it is:

MARRIAGE IS BETWEEN ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN

 

This list came from Catholic Answers and since there is allot of information on all five I will Blog this in five parts starting with the teachings ..ion.   According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, I submit this teaching on abortion:

2270 Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person - among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life. ⁷²

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you. ⁷³

My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth. ⁷⁴

2271 Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law:

You shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish. ⁷⁵

God, the Lord of life, has entrusted to men the noble mission of safeguarding life, and men must carry it out in a manner worthy of themselves. Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes. ⁷⁶

2272 Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life. “A person who procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication latae sententiae,“ ⁷⁷ “by the very commission of the offense,” ⁷⁸ and subject to the conditions provided by Canon Law. ⁷⁹ The Church does not thereby intend to restrict the scope of mercy. Rather, she makes clear the gravity of the crime committed, the irreparable harm done to the innocent who is put to death, as well as to the parents and the whole of society.

2273 The inalienable right to life of every innocent human individual is a constitutive element of a civil society and its legislation:

“The inalienable rights of the person must be recognized and respected by civil society and the political authority. These human rights depend neither on single individuals nor on parents; nor do they represent a concession made by society and the state; they belong to human nature and are inherent in the person by virtue of the creative act from which the person took his origin. Among such fundamental rights one should mention in this regard every human being’s right to life and physical integrity from the moment of conception until death.” ⁸⁰

“The moment a positive law deprives a category of human beings of the protection which civil legislation ought to accord them, the state is denying the equality of all before the law. When the state does not place its power at the service of the rights of each citizen, and in particular of the more vulnerable, the very foundations of a state based on law are undermined…. As a consequence of the respect and protection which must be ensured for the unborn child from the moment of conception, the law must provide appropriate penal sanctions for every deliberate violation of the child’s rights.” ⁸¹

2274 Since it must be treated from conception as a person, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being.

Prenatal diagnosis is morally licit, “if it respects the life and integrity of the embryo and the human fetus and is directed toward its safe guarding or healing as an individual…. It is gravely opposed to the moral law when this is done with the thought of possibly inducing an abortion, depending upon the results: a diagnosis must not be the equivalent of a death sentence.” ⁸²

The Unborn are to be afforded all the rights and dignity of any human being from the moment of conception.  The law of the land profoundly wrong is no excuse for anyone to use this as a justification of the murdering of the Unborn or excuse oneself because it is the law of the land.  The law of the land should be lined up with the moral law but in this case sorrowfully so it is not. All Christians are obligated to follow the moral law first.  Nothing comes before the dignity of life NOTHING.  This includes war, economy, healthcare, environment and the list goes on.  We cannot put anything before the life of another and must be willing to suffer the consequences until such time the Unborn is afford the same rights and privileges that all human beings have under the law.  We must stand toe and heel with the Unborn anything less is not acceptable.  We must be willing to do without until these Precious Ones are afforded their rights under the law.  We can no longer let this atrocity go on for another thirty-five years.  We cannot let it go on for another month.  We must hold those elected officials already in office feet to the fire and accountable for the dignity of the Unborn.  We must from this election .. voting for anti life politicians.  We must in all we do be unselfish and seek to uphold the dignity of the Unborn.  We must clear out the Congress of all whom do not uphold the rights of the Unborn.  Our vote is our power and we must begin to be more prudent on how we cast it and well informed on who is saying what.  We cannot sit on our hands, silence our words, or make excuses for doing nothing.  This is not the time to be silent for to be silent and do nothing makes us complicit to the intrinsic evil of abortion. 

 

May the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Bless You.                                         

 

DEDICATED:  To the ones who fight for the Dignity of Life.

Copyright 2008 Linda Mary Liotino

I LOVE YOU BROTHER JOHN

TRIBUTE TO ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

Entrusting My Words to the Holy Spirit

Linda Mary Liotino

 

Today is the Memorial of the Beheading of John the Baptist.  I love many saints but I not only love the Blessed Saint John but he is my mentor.  His life was one of simplicity and detachment of worldly possessions.  He lived in the desert alone for some thirty years being taught by God.  His life was God centered and it had to be in order for him to be prepared to execute the calling on his life by God.  It is in this time in the desert he was given the courage to live out this calling in thought, word and deed.

 

When I meditate on the life of the Blessed Saint John, I think about him alone in the desert as a man if he ever felt lonely or thought what is God thinking to ask this of me.  I wonder if he looked at the big picture and thought nah this is not going to work with me at the helm of this calling.  However, whatever the struggles the Blessed Saint went through in the end he gave his all for his calling. 

 

I think of the calling God places on my life for the plight of the Unborn and I have had my days of nah I will not make any difference or impact hearts to change about the Unborn.  I am far from the best writer, I flounder when writing about the Unborn and ill equip in many issues about the Unborn and yet here I am.  Therefore, I look at the life of the Blessed Saint John and find the courage I need to plow forth. 

 

I learn from the mentoring of this Beloved Saint to rely solely on the Spirit of God for everything. To know whom I am in Christ and live my beliefs.  To distance myself from the worldly entrapments that can bog me down and divert my heart from the calling.  To not make what feeds my ego or desires to take root.  I somehow feel the Blessed Saint had the same struggles. 

 

The most important thing the Beloved Saint tells me in the life he mentors from to me is that what I am called to I must give my all.  I must believe in the calling given to me and advocate from this position.  I must stand firm and unwavering in my beliefs.  I can never compromise the calling.  I am not here to increase but to decrease and all that I do points to my Beloved Savior.  Lastly, that I must like my mentor be willing not only to live the life of my beliefs but also to be willing to die for those beliefs.  It is only the one who is willing to die for their beliefs is one that is living those beliefs.

 

I love you Blessed Saint John and I pray that I too rely on the same Spirit in all I am called to do in the same convictions as my dear Mentor. 

 

May the hearts of Jesus and Mary Bless You.

DEDICATED:  To one who gave his life in witness to truth and justice. 

Copyright 2008 Linda Mary Liotino

Read Saint Paul’s Writings

1.

□ Romans 1

2.

□ Romans 2:1-3:8

3.

□ Romans 3:9-31

4.

□ Romans 4

5.

□ Romans 5

6.

□ Romans 6

7.

□ Romans 7

8.

□ Romans 8:1-17

9.

□ Romans 8:18-39

10.

□ Romans 9:1-29

11.

□ Romans 9:30-10:13

12.

□ Romans 10:14-21

13.

□ Romans 11:1-16

14.

□ Romans 11:17-36

15.

□ Romans 12

16.

□ Romans 13

17.

□ Romans 14

18.

□ Romans 15:1-13

19.

□ Romans 15:14-33

20.

□ Romans 16

21.

□ 1 Corinthians 1

22.

□ 1 Corinthians 2

23.

□ 1 Corinthians 3

24.

□ 1 Corinthians 4

25.

□ 1 Corinthians 5

26.

□ 1 Corinthians 6

27.

□ 1 Corinthians 7:1-24

28.

□ 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

29.

□ 1 Corinthians 8

30.

□ 1 Corinthians 9

31.

□ 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

32.

□ 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1

33.

□ 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

34.

□ 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

35.

□ 1 Corinthians 12

36.

□ 1 Corinthians 13

37.

□ 1 Corinthians 14:1-25

38.

□ 1 Corinthians 14:26-40

39.

□ 1 Corinthians 15:1-34

40.

□ 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

41.

□ 1 Corinthians 16

42.

□ 2 Corinthians 1:1-22

43.

□ 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:17

44.

□ 2 Corinthians 3

45.

□ 2 Corinthians 4:1-15

46.

□ 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:17

47.

□ 2 Corinthians 5:18-7:1

48.

□ 2 Corinthians 7:2-16

49.

□ 2 Corinthians 8

50.

□ 2 Corinthians 9

51.

□ 2 Corinthians 10

52.

□ 2 Corinthians 11:1-21

53.

□ 2 Corinthians 11:22-33

54.

□ 2 Corinthians 12

55.

□ 2 Corinthians 13

56.

□ Galatians 1

57.

□ Galatians 2

58.

□ Galatians 3:1-4:7

59.

□ Galatians 4:8-31

60.

□ Galatians 5

61.

□ Galatians 6

62.

□ Ephesians 1

63.

□ Ephesians 2

64.

□ Ephesians 3

65.

□ Ephesians 4:1-16

66.

□ Ephesians 4:17-5:21

67.

□ Ephesians 5:22-6:9

68.

□ Ephesians 6:10-24

69.

□ Philippians 1

70.

□ Philippians 2

71.

□ Philippians 3:1-4:1

72.

□ Philippians 4:2-23

73.

□ Colossians 1

74.

□ Colossians 2

75.

□ Colossians 3

76.

□ Colossians 4

77.

□ 1 Thessalonians 1

78.

□ 1 Thessalonians 2

79.

□ 1 Thessalonians 3

80.

□ 1 Thessalonians 4

81.

□ 1 Thessalonians 5

82.

□ 2 Thessalonians 1

83.

□ 2 Thessalonians 2

84.

□ 2 Thessalonians 3

85.

□ 1 Timothy 1

86.

□ 1 Timothy 2

87.

□ 1 Timothy 3

88.

□ 1 Timothy 4

89.

□ 1 Timothy 5

90.

□ 1 Timothy 6

91.

□ 2 Timothy 1

92.

□ 2 Timothy 2

93.

□ 2 Timothy 3

94.

□ 2 Timothy 4

95.

□ Titus 1

96.

□ Titus 2

97.

□ Titus 3

98.

□ Philemon

BONUS

St.

Paul in Acts of the Apostles

99.

□ Acts 6

100.

□ Acts 7:1-22

101.

□ Acts 7:23-43

102.

□ Acts 7:44-8:2

103.

□ Acts 8:3-25

104.

□ Acts 8:26-40

105.

□ Acts 9:1-20

106.

□ Acts 9:21-43

107.

□ Acts 10:1-24

108.

□ Acts 11

109.

□ Acts 12

110.

□ Acts 13:1-25

111.

□ Acts 13:26-52

112.

□ Acts 14:1-15:5

113.

□ Acts 15:6-21

114.

□ Acts 15:22-41

115.

□ Acts 16:1-21

116.

□ Acts 16:22-40

117.

□ Acts 17:1-15

118.

□ Acts 17:16-34

119.

□ Acts 18

120.

□ Acts 19:1-20

121.

□ Acts 19:21-40

122.

□ Acts 20:1-16

123.

□ Acts 20:17-38

124.

□ Acts 21:1-14

125.

□ Acts 21:15-36

126.

□ Acts 21:37-22:29

127.

□ Acts 22:30-23:10

128.

□ Acts 23:11-35

129.

□ Acts 24

130.

□ Acts 25

131.

□ Acts 26

132.

□ Acts 27:1-26

133.

□ Acts 27:27-44

134.

□ Acts 28

LIVING IN THE PRESENT MOMENT WITH GOD

Entrusting my words to the Holy Spirit

Linda Mary Liotino

I woke up this morning with two ideas for a Blog and because my life is entrusted to God every morning this subject was NOT one of the two. It is in a conversation I had with a friend this A.M. that prompted this Blog.

Life is simple and direction of one’s life is simple when we live in the Present Moment of God. The complication/confusion comes NOT from God but from our in ability to let go let God. We are given free will from God and we “think” we can make right choices but reality dictates we are a mess and the “blasted” free will of ours is no help. We quote the free will in everything to justify our actions. Actually, the mess the free will decisions caused us should be less heralded for all to know.

I personally starting on 9/11/03 stop relying on my will and I abandon my will solely to God every morning before my feet hit the floor. Like everything else, it was a prayer of words something I was not sure it was going to work and leaving my controlling nature was not easy. I thought I needed to be in control of everything and perish any thought of mine that I would conceive God could do a better job. In my opinion, He moved way to slow. God also did not understand my game plan so my ole will have to take up His slack. Thus, color me arrogant, stupid and slow.

The revelation in 2003 came to me at the age of 57 years old and it could not have come at a better time. My life was stress, I was a shrew, and I was having angina along with high blood pressure. Therefore, my will was not being the least bit kind to me nor was I accomplishing anything but being on a fast track to seeing God face to face.

As I said, I was not sure the entrusting my life to God was going to work but I had used up all my other options. The simplistic journey of Living in the Present Moment with God is freeing. My will abandon to His will in His present moment has work well for me. I have my goals but learn to live each day with Him as if it is my last. I skip through my days making decisions knowing God has “my back” and will adjust the decisions to His will. This leaving the final decisions to God, has cured me of angina, blood pressure is better than most and the shrew is a kinder and gentler me. Lastly, I smile much of my day in the new freedom that was always mine. Life is sweet.

This piece is dedicated to my friend Kevin whose frank honest look at his life inspired this Blog.

May the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Bless You!

Copyright 2008 Linda Mary Liotino

 

INCEST/RAPE

Entrusting my words to the Holy Spirit

Dedicated: To the Innocent/Voiceless praying, their cries are my words.

 

The argument for abortion when all else fails to capture the attention of the pro-life supporter is what about the pregnancy of the victim of incest and rape. The victim of incest/rape is violated in the most degrading and brutal way one can perpetrate against another human being. The evil act causes a horrendous violation that leaves the victim scarred for the remainder of her life. The pain and suffering following the aftermath is a long process to a healing that God Himself can only bring. The endurance of the suffering solely relies on the spirituality of the victim in the totality of it all.

The victims are the Mother and Fetus but sadly, the Fetus is not understood to be a victim. It is widely accepted that the Fetus is the one to pay the ultimate price for the horrifying act of incest/rape. We condemn and execute the innocent the Fetus. What makes this different from the violation against the mother? What makes this thinking any less horrendous the killing of the innocent Fetus? How can we lay our heads down, praise our God, and call ourselves Christians and be in this mindset? What are we thinking and I need to know why this is OK?

It is a misplace sympathy for the mother to condone the killing of the innocent Fetus. HER ACT IS A REACTION TO THE HORRENDOUS ACT BUT IN NO WAY IS RIGHT. For us to rally around this decision makes us complicit in the act of murder. In essence we become apart of the act by our complicity in how we think and our turning a blind eye to murder.

Why is it we do not kill the woman after all she has been violated “damage goods?” This is a cold heartless view but is that not what we are saying when we condone the killing of the Fetus.

The one who perpetrates this violent crime of incest or rape is not sentence to death in the punishment stage of a trial unless a murder of the victim follows the act. However, we are accepting the murder of the innocent Fetus as the sympathy we are to show towards the victim of the crime as right thinking. What are we insane? The hearts of those that think this is acceptable are cold and hard.

The fifth commandment is Thou shall not kill period. There is no “but” after the commandment, which lists from God acceptable situations allowing us to murder. Thou shall not cover it in a plain and understandable choice of words. The interpretation is clear and we need not have to have learned, holy persons, or Doctors of the Church to make this any clearer then it is.

This given to me to support this writing I submit:

The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles

The Didache

(1st Century AD)

The Lord’s Teaching to the Heathen by the Twelve Apostles:

1 There are two ways, one of life and one of death; and between the two ways there is a great difference.

2 Now, this is the way of life:…

The second commandment of the Teaching: “Do not murder; do not commit adultery”; do not corrupt boys; do not fornicate; “do not steal”; do not practice magic; do not go in for sorcery; do not murder a child by abortion or kill a newborn infant. “Do not covet your neighbor’s property; do not commit perjury; do not bear false witness”; do not slander; do not bear grudges. Do not be double-minded or double-tongued, for a double tongue is “a deadly snare.” Your words shall not be dishonest or hollow, but substantiated by action. Do not be greedy or extortionate or hypocritical or malicious or arrogant. Do not plot against your neighbor. Do not hate anybody; but reprove some, pray for others, and still others love more than your own life.

[I highlighted the words to drive the point of this Blog and my stance.]

I end this Blog with this statement: I Linda Mary Liotino “was” a victim of rape…the child is my heart, who gave me the youngest love of my life a grandchild who is the very beat of my heart. How blessed am I.

May the hearts of Jesus and Mary Bless all whom read this.

Deo gra’tias

Copyright 2008 Linda Mary Liotino