Principles

Comedian Groucho Marx quipped, "Those are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others."

You and I have principles. And we also have opinions. I have opinions about what I think is right or wrong or good or bad. But… they're only opinions - I COULD be wrong! I won't try to build my life around my opinions, but I WILL endeavor to stand by my principles.

A 15-year-old boy learned a valuable lesson about life principles. He wrote a letter to "Dear Abby" about finding a woman's wallet that contained $127 as well as the woman's identification. He hopped onto his bicycle and peddled over to her house - about a mile away. He told her he found her wallet and she gave him a big hug. She also gave him twenty dollars.

That evening the boy told his parents about the event and his father said, "I don't think you should have accepted $20 for doing what you should have done. A person shouldn't be rewarded for being honest."

He pondered his father's statement and decided he would return the money. He biked to the lady's home and gave her back the twenty dollars. She didn't want to take it, but he told her she had to - that his father pointed out something to him that he had never realized before. Her eyes filled with tears as she said, "This is one for Ripley."

The boy's question to Abby? "Abby, who is Ripley?"

Is a life built around principles so unusual that Robert Ripley should mention it in his column "Believe It or Not"? When ideals such as honesty and a personal standard of always doing the right thing guide our every action and decision, we actually change. These great principles shape our lives and make us into persons of character. They build self esteem and teach confidence. That boy is fortunate to be raised by a wise father who had the wisdom to say, "Those are my principles."

Martin Luther King, Jr. put it well: "The time is always right to do what is right." Those were his principles. Decide to always do what is right - today and every day - and you will find yourself building a life that matters.

Thinking Clearly

Sometimes it's just a matter of thinking clearly. Like the small businessman whose clothing store was threatened with extinction when a national chain store moved in and acquired all the properties on his block. This one particular businessman refused to sell. “All right then, we'll build all around you and put you out of business,” the new competitors said. 

Surely -- you might think -- here is a case for warranted anger. If a hothead ever had an excuse, this was it. 

The day came when the small merchant found himself hemmed in with a new department store stretching out on both sides of and above his little retail shop. The competitors now opened shop. Their banners unfurled, “Grand Opening!”

The merchant in the old store, the little store surrounded by the big bully, had a banner of his own. His banner reached across the entire width of his little store. It read, “Main Entrance.”

And just when others thought he wouldn’t survive … he thrived.

I Asked the Lord to Bless You

How We Look at Others

A young couple moves into a new neighborhood.

The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside. “That laundry is not very clean,” she said. “She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.” Her husband looked on, but remained silent.

Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.

About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: “Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?”

The husband said, “I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.”

And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look.

Where's the Ocean?

There’s a story about a little fish swimming around the ocean and asks a wise old fish, “Where’s the ocean?”

The big fish replies, “Well look around you, Little One; you’re in the ocean.”

“No. No!” says the little fish. “This is just the water. I want to find the ocean.”

Of course the wise old fish goes on to explain that the water is the ocean – everything around the little fish is the ocean. “Little One, the water is the ocean. It brings us life carries us through life; and brings us the oxygen we breathe through our gills; it brings us the nourishment to live. Everything is the ocean!”

The same is true for our faith in God. Everything is the ocean - or in our case, everything is spiritual. We don’t have to go look for it. It’s already here. We don’t have to ask about or talk about the “spiritual part” of our faith. It’s all spiritual. Everything is spiritual.​

Growing Up

 

Open Arms of Home

A young man returned from military duty in the Middle East. For several months, he had served in a place of great danger, in very unfamiliar and uncomfortable surroundings. When he talked about his joy upon being home, he talked of the simplest things. His recliner fit like a glove, and his bed was nothing short of luxurious comfort. He played ball with his son for an hour, and enjoyed his favorite meal across the table from his wife. The touch of her hand, he said, was beyond description. The greatest comfort he'd ever known wasn't anything elaborate. The greatest comfort was simply being home. It was the comfort of having familiar surroundings after a very dangerous journey.

The disciples and the close-knit circle around Jesus thought they had lost Jesus. They had called him Messiah, and life had been wonderful when Jesus was around. Suddenly, there was the cross, and it was all over. The grave sealed their hopes, and the comfort was shattered.

Then came the cry - "He's alive!" - and Jesus was in their midst. He came with open hands, standing among them, fixing their breakfast, walking with them, encouraging them, thrilling them, leaving them with the smiles of a man come home from war.

Wherever you've been, the Lord's Supper is an opportunity to come home. The battle might have been difficult, and you might not have won every fight. But here is forgiveness, and grace ... and the open arms of home.

Peanut

George Washington Carver, the scientist who developed hundreds of useful products from the peanut: "When I was young, I said to God, 'God, tell me the mystery of the universe.' But God answered, 'That knowledge is reserved for me alone.' So I said, 'God, tell me the mystery of the peanut.' Then God said, 'Well, George, that's more nearly your size.' And he told me."

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

For four Sundays in October, we have heard Chapter 10 of Mark’s Gospel. We began with the Pharisees trying to trick Jesus with a question about marriage and divorce and we learned that the kingdom of God belongs to children and those who have childlike faith (Mark 10:2-16). Then we heard about the rich man who wanted to “inherit eternal life” but didn’t have the courage to sacrifice anything to get it. He walked away from Jesus a sad person (Mark 10:17-30). Next James and John asked Jesus for positions of power and influence in the kingdom (Mark 10:35-45). Like the rich man they were disappointed. And today we end Mark Chapter 10 with the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar Jesus encountered sitting on the side of the road between Jericho and Jerusalem (Mark 10:46-52).

The story of Bartimaeus ends the chapter on a high note. While the rich man and James and John experienced sadness and disappointment when their petitions to Jesus were not granted, Bartimaeus received everything he asked for and more. When Jesus called him, Bartimaeus did not hesitate; he jumped up left his cloak (probably his only possession) behind and approached Jesus. Then Jesus asked Bartimaeus the same question he asked James and John, “What do you want me to do for you?" He answered "Master, I want to see."

Now at this point in the story nothing theatrical happens. All Jesus says to Bartimaeus is "Go your way; your faith has saved you." And the blind man received his sight. This is not particularly extraordinary in the context of Jesus’ ministry. He healed lots of people. What is extraordinary is Bartimaeus’ response. After receiving his sight Bartimaeus followed Jesus “on the way” to Jerusalem, to ridicule, to injustice, to suffering and finally to the cross. The rich man was long gone. James and John were still bumbling around trying to work things out. But Bartimaeus did not go his way; he followed THE WAY. Bartimaeus saw what the others failed to see. He saw that by following Jesus he would find true meaning, true goodness, pure beauty and clear direction for his life. Bartimaeus found the kingdom of God.

You could say to me, Fr Murphy, Bartimaeus had nothing to lose! And you would be correct. He had nothing to lose but he had everything to gain. He seized the opportunity. Not only were his eyes opened, his heart, mind and spirit were opened as well. It was his courage, his understanding and ultimately his faith that saved him. And so, the blind beggar sitting on the side of the road from Jericho to Jerusalem became the recipient of Jesus’ final miracle in Mark’s Gospel and the last disciple called by Jesus.

Our living God,

you are very near to us in our joys and pains.

Give us the eyes of faith and love to see

the mission you have given us in life

and the courage and grace to carry it out.

Make us also clear-sighted enough to see

the needs of people who cry out their misery

or suffer in silence,

that we may bring them your healing compassion

and lead them to you.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Everybody

This is a story about four people named: Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it.

Everybody was sure Somebody would do it.

Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job.

Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it!

It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

Pray

God has created us to love and to be loved,
and this is the beginning of prayer –
to know that God loves me,
that I have been created for greater things.

We must become holy, not because we want to feel holy,
but because Christ must be able to live his life fully in us.”

You can pray while you work.
Work doesn’t stop prayer and prayer doesn’t stop work.
It requires only that small raising of the mind to Him.

If we really want to pray, we must first learn to listen:
for in the silence of the heart God speaks.

~ Saint Teresa of Calcutta

“Have you ever done something simply on principle, because it was the right thing to do, knowing that you couldn’t explain it to anyone, without there even being a good feeling attached to your act?”

Karl Rahner wrote that and then added: “If you have done this, you have experienced God, perhaps without knowing it.”​

Prayer of Abandonment

 

A Dream

 

Success

 

Prayer for Making Decisions

God,

It seems that life is always requiring decisions.

Sometimes everything in my life is stable and settled,

And then a new opportunity presents itself,

And I feel unsteady and unsure of which way to go.

At other times I become weary with stability

And decide I want a change in my life.

That’s when I look for other possibilities

That may allow me to move in a different direction.

In either case, I can feel unsettled about making a decision,

Especially when there is still some

Haziness in my heart about the course I should take.

I do not, after all, want to make the wrong decision.

I pray that you will guide my thoughts

When I am searching through options for my future.

Help me be patient when the process

Is unfolding more slowly than I would want.

Help me trust the spirit of intuition

That you have given me as an aid for

Interpreting the signs that help me move forward.

From: Understanding God Today

Suffering

The Elders say that if you want something good, you have to suffer for it."

People sometimes have a misconception of sacrifice. This is a strong word for Indian people. On the other side of sacrifice is another whole world. During sacrifice, our beliefs are tested. We may all have good beliefs but if you test a good belief, then you get real beliefs. Real beliefs make new people; real beliefs make new self images. Real beliefs allow determination and desires and faith to come true. Good is always available to us but we often can't bring it within until we let go of the old ways. We let go of the old ways by suffering. Suffering is only letting go of things that don't work anymore. On the other side of suffering is a new world.

Creator, help me to let go of old ways. Let my old thoughts and beliefs be abandoned. Every change is preceded by struggle. Help me go through the struggle today.

From “The White Bison”

Self-Talk

"We all form self-images and much of our behavior is pretty well determined by how we feel about ourselves." – Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Ph.D.

There is a cycle of building beliefs called the self-talk cycle. Our self-talk builds our self-image and our self-image determines our behavior, our actions, and our self-worth - how we feel about ourselves. If we want to change the way we feel about ourselves we need to change our self-talk. We need to build ourselves up. We need to talk to ourselves in a kind, positive, uplifting, good way. We need to talk to ourselves about the good things that are happening and know that we are worthy and expect abundance.

Lord, today help us to know ourselves. Help us to see the joy, kindness, strength and beauty that we are.

Receiving a Gift of Grace

When we willingly accept compliments, we are reminded that others see us through different eyes.

Many of us find it difficult to accept compliments but easy to believe the slightest criticism. Today, right now, let's make a choice to fully accept compliments as we would a gift. Sincere compliments are gifts of praise. They are kudos given for wise choices or accomplishments or perhaps for just letting your light shine. There is no reason not to accept the gift of a kind word, but some of us argue against them, even giving reasons why they aren't true.

If we visualize the energy of a compliment, we would see beautiful, shining, positive energy being sent from the giver. That energy, if accepted graciously, would brighten our personal energy field. Our gratitude then returns to the giver as warm, fuzzy, glowing energy, completing an even circuit of good feelings. But if we reject a compliment, what could have been a beautiful exchange becomes awkward and uncomfortable, making it a negative experience instead. Misplaced modesty can ruin the joy of sharing this connection with another person. But we can accept a compliment and still be modest by simply saying thank you.

However, if compliments are rejected due to a lack of self-esteem, then the first step would be to start believing good things about yourself. Try giving yourself compliments in the mirror. Beyond the initial feelings of silliness, you will notice how good it feels and can watch the smile it puts on your face. The next step would be to see how it feels to give compliments to others. Notice how great you feel when you've made another person's face brighten and how differently you feel when the gift you've offered is rejected. Having experienced all sides, you will be ready to play along fully and willingly.

We are our harshest critics. When we accept compliments, we are reminded that others see us through different eyes. All living beings crave positive attention, and we all deserve to have positive energy shared with us. Perhaps if we happily and gratefully accept compliments, we will give others permission to do so as well.

By Madisyn Taylor

A New Beginning

Henri Barbusse tells of a conversation overheard in a dugout full of wounded men during the First World War. One of the men had been terribly wounded, and he knew he has only moments to live. He had a friend with him, one who had already seen a bad start to a bad life. He'd made wrong decisions. He'd already served time in prison. In fact, he was wanted, back home, by the police again. The wounded man, the dying man, pulls the wanted man down, close to his face. He takes his dog tag, his ID chain, and presses it in the hand of his buddy. “Listen, Dominic, you've led a bad life,” he said. “Everywhere you are wanted by the police. But there are no convictions against me. My name is clear, so, here, take my dog tag, take my wallet, take my papers, my identity, my good name, my life and quickly, hand me your papers that I may carry all your crimes away with me in death.”

That is the same offer the Living Christ makes to us through his saving death on the cross - and his life-changing resurrection.

Jesus, the Lamb of God, still offers to take your sins to the cross with him. And because of the resurrection, you can take his good name ... Christ ... you can be a Christian ... and live in freedom.

Hold On

 

May You

 

Brand New Day

Good Morning God,

You’re ushering in a brand day,

bright and shiny new,

and here I come again to ask

if you’ll renew me too.

Please forgive the many errors

I made just yesterday

and let me try again, dear God

to walk closer in your way.

But Father, I am well aware

that I can’t do this on my own,

so please take my hand and hold it tight

so I won’t walk alone.

Amen​

A Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die.

Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Author Unknown

Little by Little

'Little by Little,’ an acorn said,
As it slowly sank in its mossy bed,
‘I am improving every day,
Hidden deep in the earth away.

Little by little each day it grew,
Little by little it sipped the dew,
Downward it sent a thread-like-root,
Up in the air sprang a tiny shoot.

Day after day, and year after year,
Little by little the leaves appear,
And the slender branches spread far and wide,
‘Til the mighty oak in the forest’s pride.

‘Little by little,’ said a thoughtful boy,
‘Each precious moment I will employ
And always this rule in my mind shall dwell.
Whatever I do, I’ll do it well.

‘Little by little, I’ll learn to know
The treasured wisdom of long ago,
And sometime, perhaps, the world will be
Happier and better because of me.’

Anonymous

Kind Words