Amid unrest in the world that directly impinges on Catholics, such as for example, the President of the United States being asked to speak at the commencement exercises of a Catholic University, Notre Dame, named after and under the protection of Our Lady, the Mother of God, it is important that we take that into the perspective of our lives.

There is no doubt about it that I am upset with Notre Dame's decision to invite this very pro-choice / anti-abortion man to be awarded recognition, but it would do no good to get terribly bent out of shape about it. First, as an individual I can, and have, signed petitions, but beyond that I have no other means to do something about it. Second, The person or persons responsible for this reprehensible invitation are the President and Board of that university, and if anyone can do something about this matter, it would be the Bishops and/or the Vatican. What we should do is pray. Pray that those who seek and promote the abortion of innocent human beings for the expediency of the mother, that she and/or he (men involved with pregnant ladies have a responsibility also) be forgiven. It is easy for us to condemn, but that is not ours to do; no, we must pray that there will be learning and healing, instead.

In this world, just looking at the TV programs every night - many of these programs promote sex and then we wonder why there are so many people being attacked or raped - because day after day, we hear about rape, and murder and all forms of human violence. I can look at these programs, if I so choose, hour after hour, and it would not bring me to rape a fellow human being. But a person who lacks maturity and responsibility for him or her, these programs can be very destructive.

For those of you, who were raised in a good home, where people prayed, still went to church, please do not waste that model. Keep praying, keep talking to God, keep the home fires burning. I am an active Catholic, that is to say, I go to Holy Mass every Sunday and Holiday of Obligation, and I do it with joy, not only because I have to. I pray daily, but I do not overdo it, that is to say that I recognize in myself the weakness of not talking to God enough. Sometimes, I think I am taking this too seriously, but I know that if I lag behind in prayer, I have a great deal more trouble writing reflections such as these, because inspirations then simply do not present themselves. In order to write, we need the help of the Holy Spirit, and when one stops praying,  or prays less, the Holy Spirit is still there, but we are less open to Him.

God is always there, and God desires us to tell Him how we love Him. But watch out - if you tell Him you love Him, and it isn't so in your actions, you are closing the door between yourself and God. Committing sin, ANY sin, is an action on the part of the human being, be it myself or other people, and when we do so, we close that avenue of communication between ourselves and God. This is also how it works when we are held accountable for our shortcoming (sins) at that point where it is too late to repent. That would be after we pass on and stand before the Lord to await His invitation to be with Him for all eternity. After all sorts of reading and prayer, I have come to the conclusion that when we are in that very spot in time, we will know our culpability (even now we know our faults, but most people refuse to think about that until it is too late), and it is US who close that door between God and ourselves. God does not mete out punishment. We accept the punishment we know we have earned. That's scary, isn't it?

Our Lord has given us free will. That was a great gift. It is! But if we misuse that gift, then we're in hot water and that's where most of us are, I think. Please, do something about it, while there is still time. No one knows when death will come. Last week at our parish, we prayed for the peaceful passing of a 29-year old lady who passed away in a car accident. No one expects to die so young. The other day, I heard of an 11-year old being in critical condition in a hospital  after being run over by a car. That life could have ended, but thank God, he is still alive. So you never know when God says "It is time!" It is my fervent prayer that this young fellow becomes healthy again to continue his young life.

I do not care which religion you follow but if you believe in God, and you are living with the misuse of drugs, or in some immoral way, if you are hurting other people, please turn your life around, face the Lord in a very personal way, and ask for His forgiveness. In the Catholic Church we have the sacrament of Reconciliation, which is a great Gift of Jesus Christ. But in those religions that do not have this instrument of confession, the means to change for the better, just reflect on this and tell God how much you love Him and how you are going to get better soon. Then go get help, from a friend, or a minister or priest, and if you are one of those who have problems with organized religion (very often that is a cop-out in itself, but you'll know if it is or not), then just talk to a friend. Or talk to me, even. I am not a licensed or studied counselor, but where help is asked I will give the time.

Please keep the fires burning! What I mean by this is do not give up! Our Lord is a beautiful God and He wants you to be happy. He wants all of us to be happy. Peace and Good! May He bless you and keep you!