Happy 16th Birthday Catherine Therese!!

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Although you'll never read this my sweet Catherine, I love you. 16 years ago you changed our life forever. All of your siblings have done this in their own way but you have done so in a very special way. You have made me more empathetic, compassionate, and much more prayerful. Your smile lights up the world around you and we are all blessed by it.  It's not easy living with a saint. You remind me of my weakness and limited time on this earth. You challenge me to go deeper within myself and find what the Lord is trying to teach me...usually patience. You are made in His image and likeness but He uses you so that I can see my own beauty, goodness, and shortcomings.  You struggle mightily against me with every bath, diaper change, and wardrobe change. I struggle mightily with Him against all the changes He wills in my life. You depend on me and your mom for even the simplest of things. You teach me to depend on Him for everything and not rely on my on strength. You teach me that I
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Is THIS you King?

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Solemnity of the Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Luke 23:35-43

 "And over his head they put a charge against him, which read, "This is Jesus the King of the Jews."   Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right  and one on the left."  Matthew 27:37-38

The world asks:

Is this your king?  Is this the one who rules over your life?  This one, here in the middle, bruised with flesh torn to pieces, pierced in hand and foot!  Is this your king?

Is this the one who teaches you day by day by word and action?  This one, here among common thieves, crowned not with jewels but thorns!  Is this your king?

Is this the one who gives you strength to do all things?  This one who has not the strength to speak and barely the strength to breath!  Is this your king?

Is this the creator of that is, all that has been, and all that ever shall be?  This one, here hanging on a cross, naked and bloody, the carpenter nailed to the wood!  Is this your king?

I respond:
Yes, He is the king!  He is the One who was, who is, and who is to come.  The cross is His throne!  The nails, His scepter!  His blood, the ink!  His body, the parchment upon which He signs my pardon!!(a)

Yes, He is the king!  And I, I deserve to be on the cross like those criminals!  I am nailed to that cross of life, of suffering, of struggle daily.  I too cry out with each breath, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!"

Yes, He is the King!  He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  The King came to us in disguise long ago, a babe in a cave, a boy in the temple, a carpenter in the workshop.  When He returns, we shall see Him as He truly is!  Yes, I say it again, He is the King!!

*For another meditation, based on the Gospel for today, click here.

(a) - Paraphrase of a quote I once heard from the Venerable Fulton J. Sheen.

How to get better at prayer.
  1. Set a prayer appointment - Set a time on your calendar each day to meet and speak with God.
  2. Slowly increase your prayer time. - Don't jump in with an hour right from the get-go.  Build up your "tolerance" so to speak.
  3. Commit - to praying and slowly increasing your prayer time for 30 days.  Mark off the days on your calendar.  If you miss a day, jump right back in, don't give up.
  4. Pray - praying is talking to God, it's spending time with your attention focused on Him.  I enjoy spending time with my children regardless of their level of development.  God is the same way.  Spend time praying as best you can.  Use formal prayers if you want or simply speak in conversation.  Don't forget to listen
  5. Journal - Our newly revised 4 Simple Steps to Better Scripture Meditations: Guide, Workbook, and Journal (#ad) walks you through 4 easy steps that will help you go deeper in your prayer life.  It includes 31 days of workbook and journal pages too!
  6. Read other good books about how to pray better - Prayer Primer, Deep Conversion, Deep Prayer, Time for God, The Spiritual Life: A Comprehensive Guide to Catholics Seeking Salvation (paid links)

My new book of poetry, The Last Dragon and Other Poems (#ad) is available now.
 
Click here to read more from James M. Hahn - Blog - Books - Fiction

Check out his ongoing memoir about life with his special-needs daughter.

Our Giant Wall Rosaries are a perfect addition to your prayer corner, chapel, or classroom.

Your support is greatly appreciated and any gift is welcome. I'll be sure to add you to my prayer list and let you know when new books, series, deals are available.  Thank you!


God bless you - Jim Hahn


* Contains affiliate links. No, that doesn't mean that the kids should leave the room. Rather, it means that if you click on a link, and if you purchase something, I may get some financial remuneration for that click and buy. All that means is that my kids will finally get to eat, just kidding but I may get something, just so you know...

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