Fr. Jim's Gems
for
January 14, 2001

Jim's Gems ...

    Pope John Paul II; The Great Power of Perpetual Adoration

    "The best, the surest and the most effective way of establishing everlasting PEACE on the  face of the earth is the great power of Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament."

    In 1981, Pope John Paul II called us to join in the mission of establishing Perpetual Adoration Chapels in the parishes throughout the world.
    In existing chapels, parishioners join together to provide around - the - close adoration and prayer before the Blessed sacrament, which is constantly exposed.  Individual parishioners usually spend one quiet hour a week with the Lord.
    The purposes of Perpetual Adoration are many, Individually, parishioners have access to an easy and practical way of rendering Him adoration, giving thanks for redemption, making reparation for sins of the individual and society and to petition for constant help.
    Collectively, parishes find the dedication to keeping Holy Hours strengthens parish spiritual life.   Mass attendance usually increases, as does the return of fallen - away Catholics and conversions.  Crime in parish neighborhoods has declined after Perpetual Adoration begins.
     Yet the most compelling reason to create Perpetual Adoration Chapels in every community is because the Holy spirit asks for it.  during his Eucharistic discourse, Jesus make this unmistakably clear;  "Indeed this is the will of My Heavenly Father, that everyone who looks upon the son and believes in Him, shall have eternal life.  Him I will raise up on the last day" (Jn 6:40)
Excerpt taken from The Arpostolate for Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration

Did You Know ...

    Peter was the leading member of the Twelve and a miracle worker like Jesus.  He was generally accepted as the spokesman for the Christian community.  paul eventually joined the community and enjoyed his greatest success in conversion of the Gentiles.  He, like Peter, was a miracle worker and the object of divine guidance.
    But, did you know paul was infamous in his persecution of the men and women of the Way.  He traveled extensively "breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord" (Acts 9:1).  He was commissioned by the synagogues of Jerusalem to bring followers of the Way back in chains to be handed over and imprisoned.
    One day, on a mission to Damascus, a heavenly light confronted him, As he fell to the ground, he heard a voice say, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" (Acts 0:4)  paul, terribly frightened, asked, "who are you sir". (Acts 9:5)  His traveling companions were speechless because they also heard the voice.  When Paul arose, he opened his eyes but could not see.  In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias, whom the Lord came o in a vision.  The Lord instructs Ananias to seek out Paul and Lays his hands on him so that he might see again.  The Lord tells him Paul is his chosen instrument to carry his name to the Gentiles.  And thus begins the conversion of Paul and his many travels showing all 'the Way' of the true Word.
 
Ron Iwaszkiewiz

Try this "Recipe for a Happy New Year":

Take twelve whole months.  clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy.  Make them as fresh and clean as possible.
    Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty or thirty-one different parts, but don't make up the whole batch at once.  Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.
    Mix well into each day and one part of faith, one part of patience, one part of courage, and one part of work.
    Add to each day one part of hope, faithfulness generosity, and kindness.  Blend with one part prayer, one part mediation, and one good deed.
    season, the whole with a dash of good spirits, a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play, and a cupful of good humor.  Pour all of this into a vessel of love.  Cook thoroughly over radiant joy, garnish with a smile, and serve with quietness,  unselfishness, and cheerfulness.
    You're bound to have a happy new years!    Author Unknown)

*********************

    If you want to become a better informed about the drug scene in our country, especially as it pertains to our kids (some 63 million of our young people have actually been targeted by drug lords,) go see Traffic.  don't expect to be uplifted by the film as much as enlightened ... and maybe motivated.
    for sheer inspiration and joy see Castaway with Tom Hanks and Finding Forrester with Sean Connery.  also give yourself a moral and morale boost with Family Man, starring Helen Hunt and Nicholas Cage.
    Don't take the kids to see Traffic; but the rest are certainly family fare.
Love in Him
Fr. Jim
Fr. Jim
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