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(Matthew 11:15) [Jesus speaking] "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
Apparently, most of you enjoy the colloquially written stories of my life. So, here is a passage taken from my latest book ...
Two men dressed in regular clothing were working on the altar. One seemed to be arranging things, while the other kept turning and staring at the congregation. Finally, one of the men bent down and picked up the bell and rang it. He then picked up some priest's vestments from behind a screen, turned and placed them over the other man's head. The congregation collectively gasped.
Apparently, I had arrived for the inauguration of a new priest, and this was his very first Sunday at the Church.
He wasn't quite as old as his predecessor, who was still a boy when Moses was born, and instead of 'getting on with it', he stood staring at the congregation for a long time, until he finally said, "Good morning, everyone. Before we commence the service, can I ask you a couple of questions?" From the collective reaction of those sitting around me, this form of conversational dialogue was not normal - no one spoke.
Unperturbed, he continued, "Why did you all dip your finger in the font outside the main door and make the sign of the cross as you entered the church?" Once again, you could have heard a pin drop - no one answered.
Showing no sign of discomfort, he smiled wryly and said, "We Catholics make the sign of the cross to profess our faith in the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to acknowledge the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross. It's a symbolic act of devotion, a reminder of our baptism and dedication to Christ Jesus, and in that, it is a way to invoke God's blessing and protection. If you don't understand this, then come and ask me. Please don't do this just because everyone else is!"
The silence was deafening. You could have heard a pin drop in the next town! He then went on ... "Can I also ask why you genuflected as you entered your pew?" Nothing. No sound. Not even a ripple in the air ...!
He then went on, "We Catholics genuflect, which means bending one knee to the ground, as a sign of reverence and adoration, particularly to the presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist..." He turned then and pointed towards the tabernacle on the altar. After a few seconds, he turned back to us all and, with his head still bowed, continued, "... Genuflection is also a way to express humility, service, and love towards God."
... You'll have to get my book if you want more, as I'm sure that we could ALL benefit from knowing and remembering these truths!
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URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS (Please keep checking as more are being added almost daily)