"Deliver Us From Evil"

Personally, I think the sin society needs to be delivered from most is greediness. So many people in our society are so self-centered and materialistic. It is easy to get caught up in clothing, technology, and expensive goods. However, God tells us to give to those in need. Although I do think society is enabled to purchase their desires if they work hard for them, material goods do not buy happiness. So many innocent people around the world are starving, have life-threating diseases, and no family members alive or to turn to. In our society, I think we take so many things for granted. I believe that the best way to thank God for blessing us with all we have is by giving to people less fortunate. I believe that by serving the poor, we will be delivered from evil.

Temptations

The first temptation Jesus experiences is when he is in he the desert, starving. He had the power to fall into the temptation of the devil and turn a stone into bread. However, he resisted this temptation and did not give in. Like Jesus, there are a lot of temptations in my life as well. For example, when I am unsure of an answer on a test and the teacher isn't look, I am often tempted to look at my friend's paper. However, I know that I have to resist this temptation like Jesus in order to do the right thing. The second temptation Jesus experiences is when the devil asks Jesus to fall off the high point of the temple and have God resist his fall, ultimately proving that He is the Messiah. Like Jesus, I look often struggle with the issue of bragging what I have. Sometimes I get caught up in material goods and what everyone to see that I have the latest brand-name stuff. However, I have learned to resist this temptation and remain modest. The third temptation Jesus experiences is when the devil promises him "all the kingdoms of the world" if He breaks down and worships him. Similar to Jesus, I can sometimes be tempted to go against God by not following the commandments, not wanting to go to church, or not acting how God would want me to. However, I know that I have to resist these temptations and try faithful to God.

Dorothy Stang

While listening to the saint's powerpoint presentations during class, Dorothy Stang and her mission really stood out to me. Dorothy devoted her life to working in the Amazon to provide aid to mistreated people there. She taught communities to farm in addition to help them build schools for children. Dorothy's biggest project was helping them receive justice from the government. Unfortunately she was killed by the government but her message of hard work and hope still continues to prosper.

Kony 2012

After watching the Kony video, I feel compelled to help. Its crazy how the world is suffering while we are living in luxury. I think this message the Invisible Children organization is spreading is great. Because there is questions over the aspects of the organization's financial situation, I personally just want to spread the word of Kony, rather than give donations at this point. This man needs to be stopped before he does even more damage. He has killed thousands of innocent children and many others live in fear of being captured. No children should ever be put through what Kony is doing to them. I love how the organization has targeted celebrities because I believe that they have a strong influence over the media in addition to serving as role models for society as well. Hopefully people will follow their footsteps in supporting this issue so that Kony can be stopped and the torture of these innocent children will end. xoxoxo

Mother Teresa

After watching the movie on Mother Teresa, I was left in awe. It is crazy how she devoted her whole entire life to helping and caring for those far less fortune than she is. While aiding the poorest of the poor, Mother Teresa forbade fundraising and relied solely on "divine providence". This meant that Mother Teresa did not ask for money or government aid to assist her. Following Jesus' footsteps, she only relied on the hard work and help from people wanting to contribute. In addition, Mother Teresa forbade others to ask for money in her name or for her cause. Mother Teresa just asked for people to give their time, energy and skills to help those in need. Because Mother Teresa did not ask for any money, she was never exactly sure how she was going to be able to help the people she sought to assist. However, she was never worried because she had faith that God was going to provide. One of my favorite quotes by Mother Teresa is, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one person who has nothing to eat." A lot the time people think that since they are only one person, they cannot make a difference. However, I agree with Mother Teresa in that any contribution to help someone, even if it is one person, is never too small. You are making a difference in at least one person's life and to me, that makes it worth doing.

Praying as we go

Everyday, I look forward to hearing the people read the selected gospel for the day. It is a time to meditate and step back from my daily stresses. In addition, it helps me deepen my understanding and faith in God. Amen!!!