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THE MONSTER WEED
BY GREG SCHLUETER
ONE OF MY DEAREST FRIENDS IS IN HIS 90’S. Over the last 9 years of our friendship, we’ve duked it out over a cribbage board. Fabulous occasion to talk just about everything. A year ago he shared this amazing story (and gave me permission to share it).
AT HIS ASSISTED LIVING PLACE, Jim goes for a daily Rosary walk with his trusty pooch, Eddie. He decided to take a path less traveled and came upon an army of encamped weeds. He resolved to return the next day and reclaim territory. Impressive enough, right?
THE NEXT DAY CAME AND, bag in hand, Jim liberated area after area. Until he came upon The Monster Weed. Deep. Stubborn. Unyielding. As hard as he pulled, it would not budge. The next day, with new resolve, Jim tried again. No luck. On the third day, he’d had enough. He returned with indefatigable determination and spoke harshly: "I'm going to get you... you little bastard!" (I've always marveled how certain people can utter profanity with such timing and flourish that it almost seems virtuous!)
LEANING DOWN, both hands wrapped around the neck of this thing (just above ground), Jim put all his energy into it. That wasn’t enough. He needed to leverage the totality of his weight. So he did. The Thing snapped. Propelling Jim forcefully backward. His head and 90+-year-old body on a violent collision course with hard cement.
IN THE SPLIT SECOND Jim recalls thinking, “I’m really going to be injured.” But something remarkable happened. Something beyond human explanation. Moving full force to the cement, Jim teared up a bit as he shared: “I felt the arms of God holding my shoulders… completely restraining my fall… just resting me down gently on the cement with no injury.”
Yeah. Wow. A day later Jim went at it with a screwdriver and manhandled as much as he could out of the ground. He vows to continue the battle against the weed.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO ME? God was asking: “What army of ‘weeds’ have you allowed to take up residence in your soul? What's that doing for you? What are you going to do about it? Come and let me set you free! Be healed. Restored. Revived. Come to Confession. Apologize. Forgive. From the Heart. Declare My Lordship over you, over the Territory made for My indwelling Spirit! Don't rely upon just your energy; trust me with the totality of your being! I will not let you fall! You will not be harmed! I've got you!"
LORD JESUS CHRIST,
may we more fully recognize and live Whose we are.
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We're very excited about Supreme Makeover: Home Edition beginning in September, leading into Sanctus: Eucharistic Family Revival. We need your help. Your prayers, your engagement, feedback, and yes... your financial partnership. Help us build. Spread the word. Pray. Become a monthly partner or share a one-time gift. Please, call us at any time to discuss any of this!
Greg & Stephanie Schlueter
Image Trinity | Mass Impact
Greg@MassImpact.us | (814) 449-8808
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| | | | LIVE IT THIS WEEK: "THE KINGDOM" | July 17-23, 2023
A simple guide to help your family grow in holiness. (full version)
FUN QUESTION:
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GOSPEL | Matthew 13:24-43
Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying:
"The kingdom of heaven may be likened
to a man who sowed good seed in his field.
While everyone was asleep his enemy came
and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off.
When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well.
The slaves of the householder came to him and said,
'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field?
Where have the weeds come from?'
He answered, 'An enemy has done this.'
His slaves said to him,
'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'
He replied, 'No, if you pull up the weeds
you might uproot the wheat along with them.
Let them grow together until harvest;
then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters,
"First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning;
but gather the wheat into my barn."'" (full here)
QUESTION:
What struck you in this reading? Challenged you? Inspired you? What questions did it raise?
YOU IMAGE THE TRINITY: LIVE IT
Going around, affirm how you have been blessed and/or inspired by each person this past week. Encourage him/her.
DAILY QUESTIONS:.
Everyone go around and share...
1) Something you’re grateful for?
2) A recent victory?
3) A current challenge?
4) An affirmation of someone?
5) Something meaningful happening?
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EPISODE 385: ARTFUL DEVOTION: The Creative World Of A Catholic Family | Guests Mark & Faith Hough
With their eight children, Mark & Faith Hough have forged a home culture that reverberates with God's Presence, Who made us in His image for participation in His Divine Life. They are authors of books and creators of fine art. Faith has a blog integrating faith with great literature. Mark is a masterful creator of violins, violas, and cellos. Journey with us now in this enchanting story of their roots and reach. LISTEN NOW! SHARE!
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| | | PREACHING IT:
"GOOD & BAD IN THE CHURCH" (video)
with JOHN MICHAEL TALBOT
This Sunday, we hear an elaboration on last week's Sunday gospel, where Jesus speaks about allowing the wheat and the tares to grow together.
If any of you have ever done gardening, you know that when you throw out a little seed, it begins to sprout and gradually grows bigger. However, weeds also tend to grow around it. Jesus advises us not to pull out the weeds right away because in doing so, we might inadvertently uproot the sprouting seed we planted. Instead, we must let them grow together until the plant becomes large enough. Then, we can reach in and pull out the weeds, effectively tending to our garden.
The same principle applies to the church. Often, we become overly judgmental about others and have the inclination to remove certain individuals, deeming them unworthy. Therefore, we must exercise caution and allow both good and bad elements to coexist within the church. However, you'll find more good than bad. Even within religious orders, the dynamic is slightly different as there is a rigorous screening process to identify those who are truly called. Nevertheless, you will find a mix of good and bad, with varying degrees of excellence.
This is why Francis of Assisi, at one point, became despondent, fearing that the Antichrist might arise from his community. An angel presented him with an apple containing a worm and asked him what he would do with the worm. Francis replied that he would remove the worm. The angel responded, saying that the worm was neither entirely good nor entirely bad.
There is more good than bad, just as it is in the church, communities, and ministries. Therefore, do not become discouraged or disheartened if you encounter a blend of good and bad in your parish, ministry, or religious community.
Keep moving forward because, ultimately, goodness triumphs. The fruit of the gospel and the fruit of the Spirit prevail. Remember, all things are possible with God. I love you all. |
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"The future of humanity passes by way of the family."
~ Pope St. John Paul II
WE ARE FAMILIES UNITED IN BUILDING THE KINGDOM.
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