Praying at the Bricks

Twitter: @kc8wzm

EMAIL: kc8wzm@gmail.com

Sunday, July 21, 2019

The Old Church: Woman in Prayer

The Old Woman sits alone inside The Old Church in one of the front pews lost in her own thoughts. It's at a time between Masses of the morning. With the exception of the lights at the Altar, The Old Church, remains dark. The old woman has on a forest green dress which is in contrast to the pure white veil she has on her head. It's the first time The Man has seen someone wearing a veil in a long time. It casts about a striking image as the woman is clearly deep into prayer. Kneeling as she lightly holds on to her Rosary while she is having private conversation with God. Her words nothing more than thin whispers. When she is finished she looks up and gives a warm greeting to The Man. They have a short conversation while she tells more about her life and her past. She is an immigrant from a country far away with a name that has changed more than a few times. A world traveler that has seen many wonders in her nearly eighty years of life that most people would never even dream of. Content to spend her days before God during daily Mass. She tells The Man that is rare for her to skip daily Mass unless she is traveling. The Man sees in The Old Woman truth in her words. It is reflected back though her eyes. Her dedication to prayer that is never ceasing. It is clear that she seeks to know more about the Mysteries of Our Faith. Such a devotion and dedication that makes The Man wonder about his own commitment to God.

Sometime later a fellow walks over to The Old Woman. It is still a bit of time before before the next Mass. The fellow has a look of deep sadness in his eyes. You can tell he's been spending more than his fair share of time in tears. He asks The Old Woman to keep his wife in prayer. She is deathly ill and it does not look good. With a reassuring hug The Old Woman tells him that she will indeed pray for him and his wife. Their is a calmness in the fellow as he knows that he is not alone in this world and that their are indeed others willing to offer up their prayers in times of need. You can tell from the way The Old Woman acts that this is not the first time she has done this. Such an act of compassion to someone who is struggling to hold on. It is a reminder of that unending faith in Christ. Watching the story unfold before him. The Man wonders where his own faith is at. At times their is a deep desire to draw closer to God. The Man had come to the church very early to take care of some personal matters. After witnessing this he decides to set those matters aside and to sit down in one of the pews and to take time to have a private conversation with God. Reflecting on the lessons the Woman in Prayer has taught him this day. Taking time to pray inside The Old Church.

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Twitter: @kc8wzm

EMAIL: kc8wzm@gmail.com

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Can a Dream become reality?

A dream to display at the Solanus Casey Center:

Their are many places that I would love to take the Season 20 Project to. But one of the more important ones on that list is the Father Solanus Casey Center in Detroit. My reasons are a bit more personal than just the project. In many ways I have taken up his cause and have taken the time to look more into his life. I see a common connection when it comes to challenges with learning and still being able to serve God despite the challenges that he faced. Their are lessons in his life that we can all learn from. It is a place that I do want to visit to give me more of a chance to learn and to pray.

From the Project side of things. I think it would be a neat display of showing what God has done in my life. Their seems to be a lot of people in the Detroit area who would like to see my work in person. Given that I live two hours away the transportation aspect for a weekend display for the project and myself would be a bit more challenging. But one that I also feel would be rewarding. A reminder that I do not drive. Nor do I have easy transportation. The only way for this to work out on this level is that the center would have to contact me with a direct invite. For something like this I just can't reach out an call. From their volunteers would be needed.

For now I am only asking for your prayers and that you would share this blog post with others. If a display of this level is mean to be. I'm sure God will work out all the details. For now this is only a dream of mine. But I am wondering if it can be turned into a reality.

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Twitter: @kc8wzm

EMAIL: kc8wzm@gmail.com

Saturday, June 15, 2019

Different set of Lenses

This is the updated version of a previous post. However rather than just cut/paste/replace. I've decided to keep both versions intact. -JM

I am someone who has a disability. Those challenges impact me often in ways that most don't fully understand. It is something that I live with daily. Often moment to moment. Sometimes I don't fully understand how they impact me. Other times the effects are crystal clear. I am someone who sees the world though a different sent of lenses. I notice and focus on the inner beauty of the world around me. It is a source of endless wonder and fascination to see how things work in relation to one another. To see how all life plays out and the role it has in our daily lives. By seeing this beauty I understand how important life can be. Even with in the nature that exists around us. For me I love seeing nature around me. The animals and how they exist. You can say that I'm easily amused. However it is more about looking at what God has given us and being deeply thankful.

This lens that I see though is also reflected in my relationship with God. I see more of the spiritual side of things and have come to see the wonder and beauty in it. I see this in how I embrace the idea of going to Mass and seeing that it should be the foundation of anyone who proclaims they are Catholic. It is a foundation of our faith that should not be over looked. For I know that even on the days when I'm struggling. Even with paying attention. I know that I am in the presence of Christ. That though the Eucharist I am filled in a spiritual way. When I am at Mass I am always looking. Always learning. Seeing what is in the windows and in the stones. As I look I am always finding something new and exciting. It is a feeling that I hold on to because it never gets old. Being Catholic is the core of who I am. It has guided me though many things with in my life.

It has never been easy to embrace who I am. Living in the shadows of my own disabilities I have often felt like I wasn't a full person. Overly self critical of my own limits. However as I've gotten older. I've learned to be more accepting of who I am and how I interact with this world. With in that acceptance I have found peace. Finding that peace I have found that it allows me to draw closer to God. Closer with my relationship with Christ. It is my faith in Christ that drives me to do what I can. Even on the days when I struggle with those limits. The days can be a challenge at times. However Christ is very much the light and the guide. I see the world though a different set of lenses. Take a look at my own work to see what I see at times.

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Twitter: @kc8wzm

EMAIL: kc8wzm@gmail.com

Saturday, June 8, 2019

Reflection 6-7

When you look at the history of the entire Church as a whole. You realize that the evil one has spent countless hours and countless generations trying to destroy what cannot be destroyed. For with Christ we will always stand strong and firm. Scandals and misdeeds have always had some kind of role to play in our history. People who became corrupt with power and at times abused it. Often in many ways that sets our hearts on fire with righteous anger. Yet though out our history we have remained strong. No matter what has taken place the Church remains as it always has been. The pillar on which our foundation is built on.

With in the last twenty years. More and more stories have been filling the papers about various abuses with in the Catholic Church. It seems you cannot go a full day with out some new report coming out. Such news can be heart breaking and can make us question why remain Catholic. To be sure such questions rattle us to our very soul. But when you look at those who do stay. You see a common thread. We believe in what the Gospel teaches us. We believe in the traditions handed down to us from the days of Christ. These are elements of the Catholic faith that go deeper than the buildings we go to. Than the Priests that lead us. While they are indeed our shepherds to guide us. It is Christ above all else that sustains us. For a Catholic the most important part of why we believe is in the words Christ: This is by Body. This is my Blood. The Eucharist is something the evil one does not want people to have. Though out history the evil one has gone out of his way to try and ruin what Christ has built for us. Corrupting many souls along the way. Yet generations later we still are here. Not destroyed or ruined. Our faith should always be deeper than the foundations of the buildings. For Christ has already won the victory. Scandals will rock us to our core. But no matter what. We shall remain strong as ever.

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Twitter: @kc8wzm

EMAIL: kc8wzm@gmail.com

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Reflection 6-5

Writer's note: This post is semi connected to a previous reflection I did recently.

It is not easy being a follower of Christ in this day and age. Hard from the stand point of all that goes on around us. The idea of any hope for the future seems so far out of our reach. It's not that hard to understand given all the information that social media puts at our screens. With in a moment we can expand on any number of thoughts or opinions. Sometimes it is hard not to give into the temptation to lash out in anger at what grave injustice that we see. Or to become depressed at the state of the world. We wonder how Christ can be our light in these troubling times. It can be overwhelming. So why do we follow Christ when it seems that all hope in this world is slowly fading? Why do we embrace the Son of God despite the fact that things in this world seem be getting worse rather than better. With so much violence in the world and at times in our own backyards.

While their are many differing opinions with in the Christian communities their are a few common threads. The primary one is that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. That he gave his life for us. Powerful love that was shown. At that same moment the followers of Christ felt as we do in this day and age. At times hopeless over the state of the world. Yet even in their disrepair they held on to hope. Even when losing it would be easy to do so. Looking at the entire history of the world. Believers in Christ had to face many world events. Such things that like in our time was probably overwhelming. Yet they also stood strong and above all else. They Believed in what Christ teaches us. That is why we embrace the Cross. Because of all Christ has done for us. It is easy to read the Bible and think of things in the past tense. But events are still unfolding in our lives. The message and lessons of Christ still ring true as they did for the eleven after Christ had gone into his Glory. It serves as a constant reminder that even when all hope seems to be lost. Christ is still very much with us. Amen?

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Twitter: @kc8wzm

EMAIL: kc8wzm@gmail.com

Sunday, June 2, 2019

Different Lens

Writers's note: This post may be revisited and/or edited later. I just wanted to get this up on the blog so I could show a few people who I'm not connected with on FB.

I see the world though a different sent of lenses. I see the inner beauty of the world around us. It is such an amazement and fascination to see how things work in relation to one another. To look at all life and see the roles that life plays in our daily lives. By seeing this beauty I understand how important life can be. Even with in the nature that exists around us.

The lens reflects how I see things when it comes to my relationship with God. That foundation that we get when we take part in the Mass is such a critical point for me as a person. To be there in person and know that I am in the presence of Christ. Even on the day when my own attention span is limited. Still my eyes are constantly looking around. Seeing what is in the windows and in the stones. Always finding something new and exiting. It is a feeling that never gets too old.

Living in the shadows of the disabilities that I face with at times I have often felt like I wasn't a full person. Often chastising myself for my own limitations. Yet by finding peace with in my own challenges I have found that I draw closer in my relationship with Christ. It is that relationship that drives me to do what I can. Though the days can be challenging at times. I know that Christ is here to guide me. I see the the world though a different set of lenses. I think sometimes my writings is a reflection of what I see....

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Twitter: @kc8wzm

EMAIL: kc8wzm@gmail.com

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Reflection 5-29

I find that at times the world around me can easily overwhelm my own sense of reality. Due to the nature of events and troubles that we are facing in this world. Along with the issues we look at with in our own cities and communities. It is hard to fathom that though it all God stands with us. To the point it is hard to figure out why God would want to with all the chaos going on around us. No matter where I turn their seems to be some new crisis brewing. Events unfolding that make it feel like the world is tearing itself apart.

In my own prayer time I am often reminded of how powerful my faith in Christ is. How we should make Him more of a focus in our lives than the world around us. It is not to say that we shouldn't pay attention to what goes on around us. If anything we should. But by putting our faith in God a head of everything else will put things into a proper perspective. That we all await the day when we can see God face to face. It is though that faith in Christ that my own sense of peace is restored. That I am given strength to face the challenges I never knew I could. It gives me a small measure of freedom knowing that no matter what evil will throw at us. Christ has already won the victory. -

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Wednesday, May 22, 2019

The Old Church

The old church stands before him as a silent witness to the events of this world. The stone on the outside is weathered and faded. It has seen countless days of the elements that have long hammered it's walls. With in those walls lies the history of our lives. Prayed out day in and day out. Endless people coming in and out of those very doors. All with a common purpose in mind: The celebration of Jesus Christ. It is enough to make the man crack a small grin as he himself walks in.

The inside of the church has changed over the years. Many times the place had been renovated and modified. Still with all that world is facing. The building remains as strong as ever. On some days the pews look good as new waiting for people to come in. A stark contrast to the often hostile world outside. Other days the pews look worn and faded. Not unlike some of the people who sit in them during Mass. People who come to the church looking for peace and sometimes answers. Though it all the old church still holds on to it's memories of the cycle of life. The man takes is own seat and marvels at what he sees. Looking around at the walls and the windows.

The church tells the story of the cycle of life. From the baptisms of the newly born. To the funerals of those who have gone home. The old church has seen the profound joys of this life. It has been witness to the tragic and sorrowful events. Sometimes it has even seen the anger and frustration of those who come in. Often due to events such as a scandal. Yet as the man looks on. He is reminded that no matter what has come. The old church remains strong. Even in the face of those challenges.
The organ beings to play the opening song and the gathered people begin to stand. The Mass has started and the old church is filled the voices of those who are singing. Though out the life of the building it has see this countless times. As the man sings his own song. It is a sound that never grows old. /fin

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Monday, May 20, 2019

Remaining Faithful: Suffering and Disability

I've told people more than a few times that one of my favorite sayings is "By The Grace of God I am still standing." It is a reminder that no matter what I am dealing with. God is with me always. Given the nature of human suffering it is easy to see why some get disillusioned with the idea of an all powerful being watching over us and allowing us to face challenges unending. While their are many forms of suffering in the world. For the sake of this post I am going to be talking about how it relates to disabilities and other chronic conditions. I remain a follower of God even though their are some days that are harder than others when it comes to the issues that I face. While I may not fully understand why I was born with these challenges. I can take comfort in many things. Such as knowing what wait awaits of us who believe in Christ when it is our time to leave this earth. It is our hope and prayer that what we endure on earth will be rewarded with what we get to see in Heaven. A nice view but it does not change the fact that many of us are struggling *now*.

Thankfully we can look into the history of the Church to see how others took on their own challenges with grace and humility. Many of them using their struggles for the Glory of God. The lives of the Saints tell the story of those who had to deal with great suffering. Either due to mental or physical illness. Stigmata. Or even persecution. Many of those who have been declared Saints did not lead easy lives at all. A common thread ties them all together. The suffering of Jesus Christ. The Passion of Christ tells us of what the Son of God had to endure even before he was put on the Cross. I'm not sure if you've ever researched as to what being crucified involves. I have. It is not pleasant at all. When I look everything that Christ went though for our own sake. It puts my own struggles into a unique perspective. Taking comfort in knowing that God is aware of what we face and that we can use our own challenges for the Glory of God. We can look to the lessons that have been taught and do what we can to apply them to our own daily lives.

Some days are harder than others. God understands this. We can use our struggles to draw closer to Him. I know that in my own walk the lessons and lives of the Saints serve as a guide to my own challenges. Which is why at the end of the day.. By the Grace of God I'm still standing.

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Sunday, May 19, 2019

Hard to believe?

In this current day it seems that for some it is becoming harder to believe in God, let alone Jesus Christ. Who can blame them? This world seems to be a few moments away from tearing itself apart. Brother vs brother. Father vs son. With each passing day a new debate to challenge what we believe in. We have long reached the point where we could have an honest debate and still disagree with our neighbor. Instead if you don't hold on to a specific world view you are given a label that is comparable to being some kind of evil person. More so if you stand firm in your walk with Christ and are not willing to offer up any compromise. Such attacks can be down right disheartening to someone who is not use to such things. With the current world climate adding to that inner doubt that we all have. Given the way things are it is easy to see why people would abandon God. That much I can empathize with.

My own faith is rather secure. As I've been reflecting on recent events. The words contained in the Bible stand out to me. While I am no expert in Biblical understanding. It is very clear the Christ gave us a "heads up" so to speak in the 10th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. Christ is sending out his disciples. But he warns them very clearly that they will face hatred for what they believe and preach. It is that same kind of hatred that we as followers of Christ face now. That same message of warning applies to us even here and now. We cannot allow ourselves to give in to the temptations that the world offers us should we decide to reject God in favor man. To know that we should always expect to be tested and to ride the storm. The walk with Christ was never meant to be an easy one. Current events only serve to reinforce that point. We need to stand firm and not give up. Even when the world demand that we do. Amen?

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Monday, March 25, 2019

Praying for display locations

Season 20 is drawing to a close shortly. Soon it will be time to start the Season 21 build. One of the challenges of The Project is not so much the building. But finding locations to share my talent with others. I've talked about this issue before on The Lego Church Project FB page. The main roadblock to finding displays is because I don't drive. I also don't always have easy access to transportation. It means that any location who would like to host me and The Project would have to help provide transportation. The main reason why I want to take the project out to as many locations is because God has given me this amazing talent. I am able to share my passion for the faith in an amazing and creative way. This is something that is meant to be shared with others and not kept hidden from view. My goal for the coming season is to take the project to about seven locations though out the year.

In order for this to happen I need your prayers and your help. The best displays are set up with the help of contact people who can help work out details for a display. It helps assure that no matter where I go that I am truly meant to be at that location. If those transportation details are able to be worked out I am willing to go where ever God is willing to send me. Due to the challenges I can't really go out and "cold call" locations. I pretty much need an open invitation from a place. At the end of this post I have links that go into more details about the displays and what I would need to make a display happen.

If you have any questions or know of a location that might be interested in hosting. Have them contact me: kc8wzm@gmail.com.

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About Displays

Twitter: @kc8wzm

EMAIL: kc8wzm@gmail.com

Edited 1/6/2020

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Season 20: A lot has happened!

A lot has happened in twenty years. Events unfold and shape our lives with every passing season. When I took what was a child's dream and put it into God's hands. I honestly had no idea where this was going to go. From the first galleries on Brickshelf, to Google Photos, and currently on FB. Back when I was doing only one or two displays a season. I still recall the days when I use to call each building "LCP" and the number. LCP of course meaning Lego Church Project. I think started it around Season 9 because I thought LCP10 didn't sound right to me. But though it all the goals have always remained the heart of what I do. As I've often said the building is only part of the story.

The primary goal with my work has always been about disability awareness. Even before that term has become more common in use. That basic idea that even if you have a challenge or other disability that God can still use your talents. In my case it is a mild form of Cerebral Palsy. That alone causes a host of neurological and mobility issues. I also deal with a severe form of tinnitus. With that comes related moderate hearing loss. Due to my disability I am unable to work. Yet God uses me in a creative way. I show people that your challenges don't define who you are. Though my artwork I am able to put into a tangible form, my own passion, that I have for the faith. I do this by sharing with people the story of parish life. How our parishes and our communities are the foundation for who we are as Catholics. That we should always take the time to make sure that we do take part in the Mass. It is my personal prayer that people see my work and they find hope in their own lives. Even when it seems like things are not going all that well either in our lives or with the issues going in on our faith.

A lot has happened in twenty years. Here I am a humble guy who is trying to build the faith one brick at a time. -JM

If you would like to help me and my ministry. Please check out the links below!

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EMAIL: kc8wzm@gmail.com

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

CTGS Display: The Christmas Tradition

The Christmas Tradition:

Since Christmas of 2003 I've had the amazing chance to bring the Lego Church Project over to Christ the Good Shepherd Parish here in the city of Saginaw, Michigan. Our current Pastor is Fr. Ron Wagner. It is also my home parish. It is a parish that I grew up in.

Though out the years the Christmas display has become one of the longest. Both in the amount of time the Project stays and the number of years it has been going. The first project was Season 4 and this coming Christmas season will be season 19. What a lot of people also don't realize is that for me it is the final display of the current season. I start each season's build around February or March. Then display it though out the entire year. After the Christmas display the project is taken apart brick by brick and the cycle starts all over again. For me this is an extremely important display as I am bringing the project "home". Bringing it to a parish that I love deeply.

Which is why I need some help. I would love to share the word out about this display. I would love to have visitors come check things out. Not only to see my artwork. But also to see the wonderful parish I call my spiritual home. The final display of Season 19 will start around the first or second weekend of Advent and will run till the end of the Christmas Season (around mid Jan). This is my own homecoming and all roads lead to this point. This is the parish I am a member of. It is a parish community that I am proud to be part of. So this is your invitation. If you have never seen one of my projects in person before you are in for a treat! Bring your friends! Bring your family! No one is truly strangers. We are just friends who have not met yet. Below are the details and location:

Christ the Good Shepherd Parish

(St Helen campus)

2445 N. Charles St

Saginaw, MI

Mass times: Sat 4:30pm Sun: 10am

I'm normally at the 10am Mass. But if I know your coming out on Sat. Let me know and I will make sure to stop out. You can contact me at kc8wzm@gmail.com, The Lego Church Project FB page or @kc8wzm on Twitter!

-JM

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

What can you do to help?

As a general rule I don't like asking for help. The reality is that I am on disability due to a mild form of Cerebral Palsy. My income is fixed and I don't drive. This makes for some fun challenges as far as The Project goes. I get asked by people what can they do to help me out. Below are some of the ways you can help out if you feel God leading you:

1) Helping me secure a display location: If you have a place in mind that might be interested in having me. Talk them and see if they they would like to host me. I have tried in the past cold calling locations but I don't always have an easy time of trying to share with people what I am about and more importantly why I am doing this. I've had many good sites turn me down over the years.

2) Providing Transportation: This one pretty much goes hand in hand with Helping me secure a location. It's one thing to commit to a location for a display. But then I have to figure out how I'm getting there. Not only for the project. But also for me so I can be around for the display. Answer questions and point out other stuff.

For more detailed information you can check out the blog posts "Displays" and "FAQ".

3) Donate unused LEGO: Not every kid turns into an Adult Fan of Lego. Some times those LEGO get tucked away some where never to see the light of day. I can sort out and use those unused LEGO for the project. Next to setting up/proving transportation for displays would be one of the more important things people can do. Getting this type of donation can be extremely helpful and decreases my reliance on Bricklink for some types of parts such as the basic bricks and mini-figures. Drop me an e-mail at kc8wzm@gmail.com if you have LEGO you would like to part with.

4) Share the Facebook Page: The FB page is the nexus for everything connected to the project. It is the location for all the pictures that get posted. I would love to see the page get 500 likes. It is important for me to get the word out that the project exists and as to why it exists. The page allows me to promote my messages of disability awareness and the importance of the Mass/Parish life.

5) Let Media outlets know about my work: Over the past few years I've had my chance to share the story of Lego Church Project and myself to various media groups. Such as news paper, Local TV, blogs, radio and podcasts. Their are many places that the Project would make a good story for. Contact your favorites and tell them you think the Lego Church Project would be a fun story to feature.

6) Monetary donations: I have a collection that spans years. The bricks take a beating. The cost to replace those parts can add up. Donations like this will help me with the future of the project. More information about why I need donations can be found HERE.

Also if you would like to donate via PayPal you can do so: https://www.paypal.me/LegoChurchProject

7) The Amazon Wish List: If you don't feel comfortable with making a direct monetary donation. I have set up a wish list of LEGO sets and other items I can use for the Project. JM's Amazon Wish List!. If you are getting something off the list please send me an EMAIL.

I am praying for some display sites this season. This project is something that needs to be shared so everyone can enjoy it. Thanks for reading and I hope you can help out in some small way.

Also if you get the chance please check out my blog post "My Vision for the Project".

-JM

Monday, September 24, 2018

Lego Church: Help with displays

During a recent display I was asked about where else I will be taking the Project for this season. So far other than a holiday bazaar and the Christmas Display at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish, I don't have anything else lined up. I have most of Oct and a few weekends in Nov where I have time but no places to go.

It is extremely hard for me to establish contacts for displays in my area. I can't really call up a parish and see if they would like to host and telling them that they would have to provide transport. Having locations seek me out makes sure that the places I'm going really want me there.

This is where you, the Project Fans, come in. If you know of a location that might be a good display site. Parish or even a single parish event and they would be willing to give me and the Project a ride. Have them contact me.

But also please keep me in Prayer as well. This has been an amazing season and we still have time left before the Christmas Display. Which is the last display of the season.

Below are two links for more information. The first one is about displays and what I can do and what I would need help with. Season one is for other ways to support the project. From donations to sharing the FB page and such.

Thanks to everyone who comes out to the displays and follows me on Social Media.

Displays!

-JM

Thursday, September 13, 2018

9-13 Reflection

This was posted as a reflection tonight on FB. A reaction to something I saw on twitter.

The Catholic church has been taking a beating lately. More so than even in 2002 when the first scandal broke. It is hard and heart breaking to see the news that keeps coming. I am of the honest opinion that the storm will get worse before it can get better. Faith in leadership is shaken. People want accountability from those leaders. It is hard to want to evangelize about the faith when it seems that the news keeps getting worse and worse. However in order for healing to take place the infection must be purged out. A process that can at times be very painful. But a process that needs to happen. We cannot grow as Catholics with out it.

We who are the laity must do what we can to hold firm to the faith. Above all else that faith is in Jesus Christ. It is though the Eucharist that gives us life as Christ told to us in the Gospel of John. It will not be an easy road a head. More questions exist than their are answers. The answers we have gotten trouble us deeply. Leaders that we count on to guide is as shepherds have in many ways failed us. However despite the crisis at hand. Life moves on. The work of the Church goes on. For all the bad things. Way more good is going on. It is up to us to make sure that those good things are highlighted. That we can help and encourage one another.

I consider myself a "Catholic Evangelist". I share the Catholic faith via the Lego Church Project. I raise awareness for those of us who face disabilities. But The Project is also a prayer for those who need one. To pray for those who have been shaken in their faith. A prayer for healing. A prayer for justice. A prayer for compassion and mercy. Things that we need now more than ever. We will ride out the storm like we always do. We will be stronger for it. The reason why I remain Catholic is very simple: John 6: 68-69: Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."

-Till Next Time

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

How can I remain Catholic?

The question that I often get asked when ever news of another scandal in the church comes to light is "How can you remain Catholic?" It is as if the very notion of being part of this faith would be a challenge for me on any level given the darkness knocking on our door. The answer for me is very easy: Because I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe in the teachings of the faith. The Mass is an important part of my life and with out the Eucharist I would not have life with in me. I would be cut off from a pure way to recharge my spiritual batteries. The problem is that their is a lot of good that goes on with in the Catholic faith. But it is often over shadowed by those who have become corrupted. Still not all Priests are the evil creatures the media and other anti-Catholics would have you believe. When you look at the history of the current scandal those reports and details go back to almost one-hundred years. It is overwhelmingly heart breaking to know such evil exists in this world and that those who we look up to are the ones committing it. To say that their is anger is way more than fair. Their should be anger. I don't know of any Catholic in the world who does not want our leadership held accountable for their actions. Those who committed such evil and those who did their best to either turn a blind eye or cover it up out right. To be remove if the allegations are proven to be true beyond a shadow of a doubt. What some many not realize is that this is not the first time our faith has been tested. Though out the history of the Catholic Church their have been many crisis that have come up. Many of us were rocked with the scandal in Boston that came to light over fifteen years ago. Yet though these events the Catholic Church has remained. Storms are always going to happen. But leaving the faith over those storms allows the evil to go on unchecked. We must remain firm to Christ even when the ship is being tossed in the rough waters. We must embrace the very fact that the Son of God gave up his very LIFE for us. The least that we can do is stand firm and hold those in leadership accountable for their actions. The more of us who decide to walk away. The less of us their are to stand firm. We are the Salt of the Earth. We are the Light of the World. Stand firm in our faith and we will shine brighter than the darkness that seeks to consume us.

-JM

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