LET THERE BE LIGHT -- AND THE LIGHT CAME

Genesis 1:3
 God said “Let there be Light'”. Light was. This Light has been and is placed into every Creature that He has created. Yet mankind throughout the many previous ages, and even now, chosen not to perceive the Light but Darkness instead. This choice of darkness has caused pain, suffering, agony, and destruction of not only mankind but the entire natural order of Creation. The Father Creator with His Wisdom, Knowledge, and infinite Discernment chose to offer a solution to this quagmire of the Cosmos. He became man, shining forth the *Light* so that many would perceive the Light that leads to Freedom. This manifestation of Himself
known as Yeshua, Jesus, is the Light into flesh, The Light of the World. All who trust in Him shall not fall into darkness, but shall have the Light of Life.  The Light with, in, and through our Innermost selves will reveal to us the Darkness, and guide us into the very brightness of His Presence. The many times we are aware of our frailties, imperfections, and areas that need growth, are the many times this Light shines with, in, and through us.
Through our meditations, prayers, obedience in following direction, and our Love of others and nature, causes this Light to Shine more with, in, and through us. We grow in Light also by the meditation, and reading, of the Word of God. Allowing the guidance of the Word to lead us to encourage each other on the road of our Destiny. Yeshua, invites us to enter into the Light as He is the Light. The Omni-Power that dwells with, in, and through us is the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that created the Light at the *Beginning*.  Our encouraging each other to live alive, in, and with, the Light as our Guide, causes the Darkness to dissipate, and the
Light of Christ, to Shine more and more till the Perfect Day of His Presence.

***this message was encouraged by my *Loving Friend* Ms. Deanna.
   hammered out by me......Br. Phil

LOVE OF CHRIST URGES US ON

“Caritas Christi urget nos.”

Caritas Christi Urget Nos mean 'The Love of Christ Urges us On. The Apostle Paul states that he was held like a vise by the grip of the Love of Jesus Christ.The Omnipotent grip of Love of the Hand of God. The love of Jesus Christ holds us wherever we are. The Presence of God

is the Hand of our Loving Father Creator, the Palm of the Hand of the Source of Life.

We like babies are held tenderly with Merciful care. Yes !! We are the children of God, in reality, for the many times of His Protection proves this. His protection is a signed agreement. An agreement that has been purchased by, and signed with the Precious Blood of His Son Jesus Christ. Our responsibility is that we align ourselves

to His written Word, causing this Word to become “Rhema” or the Living Word.

Every *Blessing* that our King Jesus Christ purchased for us is available!!! Yes!! Available!!

Today, at this moment we can receive, cause to be reality, the Protecting Provisions of our Eternal Loving Father,His Son Jesus, and The Holy Ghost-The Provider of Comfort.

Stress about our interests, self-pity, worry, and fears, cause us to misalign our position.

The misalignment many times causes the *Blessings* to be misplaced, misused, and even missed.

Thanksgiving by prayer is a great aligning instrument. His Grace, and Steadfast Love, is fresh every morning, this is also an infinite supply of Mercy. There are many

scriptures that prove this Truth. 2 Corinthians 9:8, and Ephesians 3:20, are just two that will “open our eyes” and give us encouragement in having an *Attitude of Gratitude*

also known as *Thanksgiving* !!!

                                                                                       Br.Phil Bara

GOD CARES

This story is similar to a parable about a farmer who walked across a field. A short distance away, Mouse was heard squeaking, Gazing in the direction of the sounds the farmer saw that a drama was occurring. A large serpent had a Mouse entranced in a hypnotic state. All that the ‘little guy’ could do was to squeak helplessly.

The snake with years of knowledge and cunning expertise deliberately slithered closer to enchanted Mouse, The serpent was more than ever eager to partake of this delicacy. 

      Suddenly!!!

The farmer, filled with compassion for the rodent, reached into his pocket, pulled out a handkerchief, and with precision, and care he placed this cloth over the paralyzed Mouse. This mantle of cloth caused the breaking of the hypnosis upon the creature.  Liberation was the immediate result.  Mouse then scampered away filled with the Joy of knowing that he would live another day.

Let’s be thankful for the many times our Heavenly Father has rescued us with the covering of His Love, Compassion, and always attentive Mastery over our Being. Pray that we find comfort under the Mantle of His Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient, Being !!!

                                                    Brother Phil Bara

SAY "THANK YOU" -- IT IS BALM FOR THE SOUL

The two most wonderful words in any language. "Thank 

You !!" 

In Psalms 26:7 we find David mentioning the 'Voice

of Thanksgiving.'   In the sound of this soothing sentiment, he as well as we can realize
the many wonderful areas of Life.  It is this sound wave that we feel the many Blessings, Wonders, and the Ever Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ that we forget about during the days, weeks, and years that have gone by.  
St. Paul in Colossians 4:2 states that we should "continue in prayers, and watch with
Thanksgiving."
So lets just take a few seconds and focus on the many Blessings that we have at this
moment.  

Now that we, in these few short seconds were

 reminded of our many blessings,  lets say "Thank You" to our 

Father God.  Let us raise a chorus of Thanksgiving for the many times, situations and hurts 

that have been diminished by His Love.    

Spices add flavor to foods when used in proper amounts. Likewise 

appreciations and thanksgivings are similar to the 

spices, when used with sincerity and in the proper 

amount.  "Thank you" adds flavor to the communication 

among most living creatures.   An honest 'Thank You' 

will open the 'Heart of Many' for the person saying the
appreciation. One of the yearnings of many is to be
appreciated by others. The two words 'Thank You' can
change lives, heal divisions, and may even transform
the very foundation of future events. Families and many
friendships have been ignited with Love because of a
passionate 'Thank You' said at the right time.
So next time, or even now, go ahead and say two words
"Thank You " and watch what happens.
                                               Br. Phil Bara 

Divorced and wanting Communion

This is a question both my Mother and I have had since we began attending St. Mel’s Church in November 2010.  We are so excited to be back in the Church and I can honestly say that on Christmas Eve I felt so loved and welcomed.  It was a wonderful service as they all are.

Question:  My mother was excommunicated from the Catholic Faith when she divorced my father some 41 years ago.  She has since been remarried for 37 years to a great man.  I’m not sure if the circumstance of her divorce is relevant.  She has not received the sacrament of the Eucharist since her excommunication.  Is there something she can do to change that decision?  She would like to be able to receive the Eucharist as it would allow her to feel a bigger part of the Parish Community.

As for myself, I too recently suffered through a divorce and I believe that until I confess/repent, I am not allowed to receive the Eucharist.

Please forgive me if my facts are incorrect.  I’ve tried to keep this simple and to the point.  Thank you for reading this e-mail!

Anonymous

ParishWorld is tremendous

The work Parish World does to spread the Word is tremendous. I wish you success and continuity in 2011. Ad Multos.
- Father Ambrose, St. Aloysius Cath. Church, Buckley, WA

Edcellent Catechesis - Weekly!

I just want to commend you on your introduction to all the articles on Parish World. It is really exellent--every week. I found that I had to read every article, and they were all excellent. I wish that every Catholic--and Protestant--subscribed to Parish World. We need this kind of catechesis. May the Lord bless you and your ministry.

Lenora Grimaud

You're our virtual parish experts

This is the second year that our parish is using Parish World and we love it! It's so easy to use! If you know how to send an email, you will know how to update and manage your website. Their technical support team goes out of their way to check on how I'm doing on the site and to answer my questions. They're like our virtual parish experts - for no additional charge! Thanks, Parish World!

Gino Galley,
Webmaster for Blessed John XXIII Catholic Church
Fontana and Rialto, California.

Love the website

I am a grandmother living in Manhattan Beach, CA and my youngest daughter and family (3 children) live in Northridge, CA. I saw your site and am going to try once more to interest this lapsed Catholic daughter in returning to the Church in which she was raised, for herself and for her children.

I love your website and wonder if you would offer a prayer that I might be successful in this mission. My little granddaughter has asked many times to go to Church and so her mother has agreed to meet me for Mass if I would pick the Church and so it is to Our Lady of Lourdes we will go! I don't know Northridge very well and hope it is near her.

My second goal, God willing, is to get these children enrolled in Catholic school! Please pray for me that God and our Blessed Lady of Lourdes hears this prayer.

Teresa Dixon

Glad to switch to ParishWorld

"I have been getting good comments about our parish website from ParishWorld.net. I am very glad we made the switch."
- Fr. Dennis Diehl, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Fulton, MD

Prolific and powerful

Keep up the great work, Wally. You are not only prolific in your writing, but powerful.

- Wes Schaeffer

Thank you and may God bless.

My parish is St Dorothy in Glendora CA and I have sent the link of ParishWorld to family and friends, and I really think they have enjoyed the site too. I really do enjoy the weekly e-mail from Parishworld. Thank you and may God bless.

JoAnn Chavez

Proud of our parish website

Many thanks for your many efforts on our behalf and for your support of Ernie in all of his incredible efforts. I am confident that our new website will be something we can take much pride in.

Gratefully,

Fr. Ray Benoit
Saint Margaret Parish
Lowell, MA

Thank you for ParishWorld.net.

One Happy Family
By Corazon B.

Just wanted you to know how happy my family is since I started receiving Catholic Living Today email every week from ParishWorld. It became easier for me and my husband to talk about the Mass readings and gospel on Sundays to our children, which we normally discuss during dinner after we hear Mass. We require our kids, especially our teenage daughter to listen carefully to the homily for purposes of discussion at dinnertime. This encourages our kids to be attentive and really pray during the mass. If they didn't clearly understand the priest, we are able to explain further to them because of the emails that I receive every Friday. Thank you for ParishWorld.net.

We enjoy Parish World!

God bless you for your wonderful apostolate. We enjoy Parish World!

Sister Agnes
Sacred Heart Kids' Club

What If This Is Your Last Lent?

By The Catholic Truth Lay Apostolate

How would you react if you were told that this was your last Lent before facing God’s judgment?

Would you take a closer look at your life and search more thoroughly for areas needing improvement? Would you spend some extra time in prayer each day? Would you examine your conscience every evening, making sure all of your actions were Christ-like? Would you make it a point to receive the sacrament of Confession?

If this was your final opportunity to repent before facing death, would you do anything differently? The Church gives us this great season of repentance to look at our lives and make changes. There is no guarantee that we’ll ever have another chance.

In a few weeks, we’ll celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord. Why not use the remainder of Lent to make sure you’re ready for that celebration…or your judgment before Almighty God.

Thanks

"Thank you for all your hard work."

Hermie Abrigo
Allstate Insurance Company
Moreno Valley, CA

Always a pleasure

Just wanted to say thank you for everything you guys have done and everything that you did today! It is always a pleasure to speak to you and work with you guys. I must say that this morning I came in feeling a little under the weather, but after working with you guys this morning you have inspired me and lifted up my spirits...thanks again for all you do!!! :-)

Blessings,

Celia Hernandez
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
45-299 Deglet Noor
Indio, CA 92201

Saint John Lateran Basilica, Rome, Vatican City

Feast of the Dedication of the Major Basilica St. John Lateran

ParishWorld.net is taking this opportunity to communicate an important element of our Catholic Faith tradition that we do not often consider. It has to do with the churches that have played an important role in our history as Christians. It may come as a surprise to you that buildings should be so important to our religion. The greater surprise to you, we imagine, is that the churches that we are going to mention here are not local to us. If they were, it would perhaps be easier to understand. After all, we all have a certain attachment to the church that we
attended while we were growing up. We generally feel an emotional link to the church where we were baptized. If we attended a parochial school, we have feelings for the church to which the school was attached. Let's make the jump from those local churches that occupy a corner of our hearts because the are a part of our immediate life experience. Let's jump to Rome. Are you ready? Good.

Rome is home to some very special churches. The most important ones are called Major Basilicas. The largest of them, and the most well-known is St.Peter's Basilica. The other three are St. Mary Major (Santa Maria de las Nieves), St. Paul Outside the Walls and finally St. John Lateran. These churches are very old. All of them had their foundation in the fourth century AD.

All of them have special universal feast days set aside to celebrate their dedication. Their meaning is buried deeply in the consciousness of the Church. It is the mystery of the first and most powerful sign of the Church, UNITY. These churches are our churches. They bring the mystery of our Church's unity to us. every time we are reminded of their durable existence, we are brought closer to the eternal presence of Jesus among us. Most of us love St.Peter's Basilica. It is the one that we know because it is the "star" of the four. It is the spectacular one that is featured in pictures, almost like the ID card of the Latin Catholic church. It is the first one that tourists want to visit. It is the one that is the regular venue of large, public events. It is the one that contains pieces of priceless art that enrich all of humankind.

Yet, it is not the first in line in importance when it comes to its relationship with he more intimate workings, material and spiritual of the Church. That honor belongs to St. John Lateran. It is the oldest Basilica. It is the first "See" (chair) of the Bishop of Rome, who happens to be whomever is pope at the time. This is the First Church in line in the world of the Latin Church because it is the cathedral of the Pope in his official role as bishop of Rome. This means that it is the symbol of our faith not only of the apostolic succession starting with Peter followed by popes, bishops and priests but of David's Temple followed by all the great churches erected by the communities of people who followed the teachings of Jesus.

That is why we celebrate the dedication and consecration of these wonderful temples. We revere them just as we revere and respect other holy people and holy things in our lives as Catholics. We offer you these thoughts because we hope that they will enrich your lives as disciples of Christ who lives on in these signs of His love for us and our love for Him.

Now a little challenge to you all. Without looking it up, in Google or anywhere else, how many more churches that have an impact on the spiritual lives of the Communion of Saints can you name? Put your answer in the comment section and we will give a short comment about the history of the church that you name.

Thank you from a Cradle Catholic

I am US based on the East Coast. I reside in VA and work in NC. I've been in IT almost since graduating from college. I'm at work right now but will be heading home in a while to watch the Dodgers-Cubs game 3. If you don't follow baseball I'm sure you at least hear a lot about it these days since both LA area teams are in the playoffs. I am pulling for both LA teams only because I am anti-Cubs and Red Sox.

I think I am a typical cradle Catholic, don't know if that is good or bad. I try to make it to church every Sunday, most of the time late. I plan to be a tour area's participation in The National Life Chain tomorrow. I did not register though, because I never commit to anything. I enjoy watching some of the shows on EWTN.This is probably the same reason I wander into ParishWorld when I have the chance.Since I am in an area where Catholics are a minority, I have to rely on the internet and TV to get into the "Catholic world". I want to know what the Vatican's views are and how they speak to the issues.
Dina