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Matthew 12 reflection

Matthew 12 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel that presents a series of teachings and events that reveal the nature of Jesus' ministry, His authority, and the growing tension between Him and the religious leaders of His time. This chapter invites deep reflection on themes of mercy, the Sabbath, the nature of true discipleship, and the consequences of rejecting God's invitation. The chapter begins with an incident where Jesus' disciples pick grain on the Sabbath, leading to criticism from the Pharisees. Jesus responds by emphasizing that "the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:8). This assertion highlights the purpose of the Sabbath as a gift for humanity, intended for rest and restoration rather than a burden of legalistic observance. It invites us to reflect on how we understand rest and worship in our own lives. Are we allowing the spirit of the law to guide our observance, or are we getting caught up in rigid interpretations that may hinder our rela...
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Reflection on Exodus 2

Exodus 2 traces the emergence of God’s deliverer from the depths of helplessness to the quiet wilderness of preparation. The chapter moves through three decisive movements.  Under Pharaoh’s decree of death for Hebrew baby boys, salvation begins not with an army, but with the quiet courage of women—Moses’ mother Jochebed, his sister Miriam, and Pharaoh’s own daughter. Placed in a small reed basket (*tevah*, the same word used for Noah’s ark), Moses is pulled from the water by the household of the very oppressor seeking his destruction. God works beneath the surface of empire, turning an instrument of slaughter (the Nile) into the cradle of redemption. Moses, grown and aware of his heritage, steps forward to intervene on behalf of his people. Yet he attempts to bring justice through violence, striking down an Egyptian in secret. The result is neither liberation nor unity; his own brethren reject his authority, and Moses flees into the wilderness of Midian as a fugitive. Zeal without ...
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In 1000 years...

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An Archaeologist is going to dig this up and be like, 'I quit. These people were weirdos...'
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Porch Goose

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  My daughter has wanted a 'porch goose' for quite some time. They are all the rage, so I am told. I made a leather apron and some steampunk glasses for Mr. Goose 😆
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Anger Danger

Tomorrow's Old Testament text begins by warning against the destructive nature of anger. Sirach 27:30 states, "Anger and wrath, these also are abominations, and the sinful man will possess them."  This aligns with the Catechism's teaching that anger, when unchecked, can lead to sin and ultimately harm both the individual and the community (CCC 2302). Anger can cloud judgment and lead to actions that are contrary to the love and mercy that God calls us to embody.
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Thoughts on Labor

Today is Labor day here in the US. The value of labor is a significant theme within the teachings of the Catholic Church, and while the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) does not provide a dedicated section about work and labor, it does address the dignity of work and its theological implications, which is a major theme in Catholic Social Teaching 1. Dignity of Work: The Catechism emphasizes that work is a fundamental dimension of human existence. It states, "Work is a form of continuing participation in God's creation" (CCC 2427). This reflects the belief that through work, individuals contribute to the world and fulfill their role as co-creators with God. This perspective can lead to a profound appreciation for the labor one engages in, recognizing it as a vocation that has intrinsic value. 2. Human Dignity and Labor: The Church teaches that every person has inherent dignity, and this dignity is expressed through work. CCC 2428 notes, "The dignity of work is g...
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September already

 I really have no idea where August went. One would think with changing jobs and getting a cold, I'd have some idea, but, alas, it has come and gone. I was hoping to get some fall weather, but it's like 100 degrees F.  Not sure if this is September or the 4th of July. 
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