Saturday 22 December 2012

The Power of Love


And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:3 

Jesus has come to this world as a little human being. Among a few explanations of this fact, there is one that seems to be highly probable, and – moreover – in line with pro-life attitude of so many people around the world.

As we all know, some modern philosophers say that to become the fully-fledged member of the society, a human person should be well developed both physically and mentally. Of course, according to the presented view, many unborn and even living children/adults may be disregarded, abandoned, or killed just because they are week and innocent.

Christmas, fortunately, reminds us all that, regardless of any mutable factor,  this(along with the other)world belongs to the infant Jesus and the other babies, i.e. millions of hearts that love the most.

Blessed Christmas to you all!!!

--
 Tomasz, Racibórz +


PS Please pray for me, I need this badly... 

Monday 17 December 2012

On Some Great Gift

When confronted with the reality of their particular cross, one can either get angry or remain faithful. Please look at the two thieves that were crucified along with Jesus. The good one knew that, although heavy and burdensome, some crosses are needed. Due to the said knowledge(combined, undoubtedly, with the power of God's Mercy), not only he had been privileged with the agony in closeness to Christ, but also – just a few moments after his death – partook in His Master's Life.
--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Some Question (not Only) for Today


Many people are obsessed with the issue of control: What will I do after my graduation?, what will my work and family look like?, what to do with X, Y, Z? These, among many other questions, preoccupy our minds.  Still, regardless of how detailed our plans and problems may be, they will not stand against the test of time.

God, not we, is in control and His projects, not ours, guarantee us everlasting joy. It is because of His infinite Love, the One that never sets limits, and always sets free.

Trust me and in the times of trouble, instead of worrying about some temporary stuff, ask God, His Mother, and your neighbour the following question:

 Am I growing in love?

--
 Tomasz, Racibórz +

Nawet w zimną, grudniową noc(PL)


Za nami druga niedziela Adwentu. Postarajmy się przygotować nasze serca na narodzenie w nich Jezusa, pamiętając, że najpiękniej będzie Dzieciątku, gdy w miejscu swego przebywania zastanie autentyczną radość, czystość płynącą z aktywnego pragnienia świętości oraz szacunek dla Tej, która dała Mu życie.

Możemy i powinniśmy prosić Matkę Bożą o to, by zadbała o rozwój Jezusowej Miłości w nas: Ona pierwsza wiedziała, jak troszczyć się o Jezuska; Tego, który swą  obecnością potrafił rozświetlić i ogrzać wnętrza ludzi i aniołów i czyni to po dziś dzień - nawet w zimną, grudniową noc.

Matko Boża z Guadelupe, wstawiaj się za nami!


--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Saturday 8 December 2012

Both the Enmity and Purity


I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.

The Genesis[3:15]

The above-quoted Bible passage seems to be the key to understand that Miriam has been created & chosen by the Creator to help us all in our struggles against sins, temptations, and the whole range of human weaknesses.  Moreover, the said excerpt explains the Immaculate Conception of Mary that, whether one likes it or not, is a fact.

There are some other fragments of the New Testament(to be found, for example, in Luke's Gospel[Luke 1:28] ) that may attest to the inner beauty of the Blessed Virgin, but the presented one is of the most importance for us, Catholics.

It is so, for enmity, the word used here, may mean both Mary's leading role in/for Jesus' Hosts and her total separation from the devil & his impure deeds, in other words, her Immaculate Conception.

Please pray for me!

--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Thursday 29 November 2012

The Gospel of Heaven, the Gospel of Love(On the Evangelistic Evangelization)



Our Gospel, the biggest piece of good news for the whole world, provides us all with the hope of salvation.
The said(most beautiful) fact may, unfortunately, be the source of accusations made by some thinkers toward believers:
"You, Christians, care only for heaven while it is this world that suffers a lot" – it's often heard. In some sense just-mentioned materialistic philosophers are right(as the faithful shall focus mainly on God & His Domain), still they seem to overlook a very important point: Every heaven-taker shall be, through the imitation of Christs' deeds for poor, blind, and crippled people, a love-giver first.
--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

PS Please pray for my uncle who passed away a few days ago.

Thursday 22 November 2012

All You Need Is Love

The truth, whether we like it or not, is here. One can deny this fact, but – regardless of her/his efforts – reality will remind of itself on each and every occasion. One of these is, undoubtedly, the discussion on human life. Pro-choice folks often tell us about the tragic future of disabled children & their poor mothers. The same people claim that, instead of imposing religious believe on someone, society should prevent women from “the consequences” of so-called unwanted pregnancies. However sophisticated their arguments may be, they seem to overlook the fact that we, Christians, do not impose anything on anybody, but rather remind some that the world without children & unselfish love has no future at all.
--
 Tomasz, Racibórz +

Saturday 17 November 2012

The Gentlest Hands

Our Lady of Knock, pray for us all to Christ!
Have you ever noticed the specific gesture of the Blessed Virgin Mary that has been observed during Her apparition in Knock, Ireland? The hands of Our Lady - who had appeared in this Irish village along with the Lamb of God, St John & St Joseph on August 21st, 1879 - were raised as in the Eucharistic offering. Thus, without any doubt, we may say that not only Mary does not compete with Her Son for the human attention. On the contrary, she is both the greatest adorer of Christ and the Mediatrix of His abundant Eucharistic graces.
--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Wednesday 14 November 2012

The Dreamer

Most of us live in the facebook-shaped culture that is full of “likes”,”wants”, “needs”....
We all may have dreams, still there is the Dreamer whose needs shall be respected in the first place.
I speak of Jesus, Who, whatever you may think of this, dreams that He may see you in heaven someday.

--
 Tomasz, Racibórz +

Friday 9 November 2012

Behold, Your Mother

Mary consoles some distressed New Yorkers(courtesy of the BBC)
Why does the Blessed Virgin Mary should be respected? Why – as we believe – She, together with Her Son and under His authority, will triumph over the evil spirit? In my opinion answers to just-posed questions are as clear as the passion of Christ and the fact that none of the gifts – including the gift of Christ's Mother – of the Cross can ever be wasted.
--
 Tomasz, Racibórz +

Wednesday 7 November 2012

His Way

Jesus has courage to come to us through Mary – that is an obvious fact. Something special had to be in her if He did this that way, providing us all with the opportunity of salvation.
Today, though, instead of looking for Mary's guidance & help – that is to be united with Messiah, emulating His choices - many tries to "save" their souls choosing “own way to heaven”. Some of them may be proud of being Christians, but – despite of their good intentions – they are not humble enough to admit that the best way that leads to Christ is the one that He himself revealed to us.

--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Sunday 4 November 2012

Until the End of Time

Today, as the Church is suffering both from its internal problems and external attacks, we all may ask ourselves: is there something that, despite of lukewarmness of some believers and passionate offenses of many godless people, can keep our hope alive? No, there is not such a thing, still there is Somebody: I speak of Jesus Who, whether we believe it or not, loves His Church more than She can love Him in return.

-- Tomasz, Racibórz +

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Will it be your feast day too?

The All Saints' Day is to be celebrated soon. During just-mentioned 24 hours many of us will think about our deceased relatives, indulgences, meaning of life... It may be profitable, however, to ask ourselves before the day come: "what to do so you & me may become parts of this feast day not only now but for all eternity."  
--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Friday 26 October 2012

Parents' Rights vs. Children's Lives



Married couples that, for many different reasons, can't have children think that the in vitro fertilization is the best solution to their problem. While the transmission of life is one of the most important thing for each and every potential parent, and – at least to some extent – in vitro helps  people to truly become either a mother or father, both wives and husbands should realize that –  just as a womb is related to the fullness of life and hope – the cans filled with embryos... are nothing but the frozen gulags.


--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Tuesday 23 October 2012

The Acknowledgement


The image of Our Lady of Pompeii
The Blessed Virgin Mary asks of you and me some reparation for the five offences against her immaculate heart.
Some of us, however, continuously treat her as the person of one task* forgetting that the Gospel(esp. in its part reflected in the five joyful mysteries of the rosary) is, in fact,
the acknowledgement given to the humble Miriam by the trinitarian God himself.

--
* She gave birth to Jesus, that's it! We often hear. While just-mentioned "it" is sufficient to call her the greatest person of all time, she did not stop thinking on you and me, becoming the first pro-lifer in world's history...The one that teaches us all that the gift of life should be cherished both at one's cradle and at his/her cross.

--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

PS Pray her rosary so you may understand!

Monday 22 October 2012

Loving or Using: On People & Things

"When does the human life begin?", "is the mind of an adult ape developed more that the one of 3 year-old child?","what constitutes individual's right to life?" These, among many other questions, are very interesting as parts of the philosophical speculation, yet very dangerous when one uses them as an ideological weapon.

It is so for the one simple reason: whenever someone tries to define, on any basis, whose lives shall be respected some kind of tyranny is about to come*.
 
--
 Tomasz, Racibórz +

*The whole issue of abortion, euthanasia & assisted suicide comes to us as a result of egoism in its peak point. The one that, strengthen by the tyranny of relativism, tries to demand of you and me that we love things (and own comfort) more than people. 

Sunday 21 October 2012

The Caregivers

"Who will teach me what is most agreeable to God, so that I may do it?"

St. Kateri Tekakwitha


Two months before the next Christmas it may be profitable to think once again about the mysteries of divinity and humanity of Christ. “Why Our Lord came to us as an infant? Because He is God He should have rather manifested his presence as a great and majestic ruler” – some will probably claim. These people, however, should be aware that not all great rulers in world's history are remembered well. Children on the other hand aren't scary at all; on contrary, they are pure love. The one that needs and –  through the divine plan – may be answered better.

Saints Kateri Tekakwitha & Therese of Lisieux, pray so we all may become the most zealous missionaries and caregivers of the Baby Jesus.

--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Sunday 7 October 2012

Not in Vain But in Jesus' Name


Both offenders of the Blessed Virgin Mary and enemies of her rosary see ''this prayer on the beads'' as a vain repetition and – using some quotations from the Holy Bible – say that ''the rosary is useless.''

While any wise person will agree that this prayer is repetitious in its character (s)he also has to admit that the first angelic ''Hail Mary'' has been of the greatest importance for the whole world.

--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Friday 5 October 2012

Why On Earth...?

Sometimes we hear ''why on earth shall we protect lives of some terminally ill people?''
These who ask just-mentioned question - and describe themselves as believers - probably forget that they, just as about seven billion of earth's inhabitants, are members of the Christ Body.

That is why the whole human race shall be protected. Sure, there are some problems, pain, and even death that we all will struggle with; still there is no place for despair: lack of one's capaticy will not be confused with lack of her/his dignity until medical doctors, nurses, and all of us try to follow the golden rule:

''Problems need to be solved, patients need to be loved.''

--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Her Help, His Way

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

The Gospel according to John


Both the Blessed Virgin Mary and her Divine Son probably suffer a lot as some of us, Christians, accuse the former of „taking people away from Jesus”. While it is true that only Christ is, and always will be, the source and summit of our faith, His Mother's mission is to provide us with a spiritual ladder and jug so we may get closer to the Messiah, having greater share in His graces at the same time.

How this could be? Please take a closer look at the weeding at Cana:

As the weeding guests had gathered there and then, through the gentle words of Immaculata, experienced the love of God the Son, probably He – and not His Holy Mother – was more intensely admired, loved, and followed by the married couple.

--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

PS Please pray the rosary whenever you can.

Friday 28 September 2012

The Able-souled People


We are tempted to think that only able-bodied people can be happy. In fact, they may be, to some smaller or bigger extent, content with their current situation. Happiness, however, has nothing to do with a mere contentment. The former is closely related to one's relationship with God, the later – I am almost sure of this  –  overrates the role of  limited human senses.

The true happiness is, just like its Creator and your immortal soul, eternal. Thus it will be difficult for you to be really happy – regardless of your physical or mental features - unless you are an able-souled person.

St. Therese of the Child Jesus, the patroness of sick people, pray for us!


-- Tomasz, Racibórz +

Tuesday 18 September 2012

What Will You Do With It?


The phenomenon of suffering, nobody looks for it, but everybody finds it and, sooner or later, will be confronted with its mysterious presence.

Edith Stain, to provide you with only a few examples,  found it in a gas chamber, the Blessed Virgin Mary beside the temple, as the first spiritual sword pierced her Immaculate Heart; even God himself has taken His own Cross without a word of complaint so we may be saved.

They all knew that suffering need not to be disregarded, as long as one is able to transform it into valuable sacrificial (or – to be more in line with both linguistic and heavenly axioms – SANCTIFING) gift for God the Father and the whole world.


--
 Tomasz, Racibórz +

Saturday 15 September 2012

Litany of Our Lady of Walsingham(EN-PL)


Litania do Naszej Pani z Walsingham
        Z jez. angielskiego przełożył (przez, dla oraz z pomocą Jezusa i Maryi) -- T. Drozd

Maryjo,
Maryjo bez grzechu,
Maryjo, Matko Boga,
Maryjo dziewicza,
Maryjo wniebowzięta,

Maryjo betlejemska,
Maryjo nazaretańska,
Maryjo kananejska,

Maryjo u stóp Krzyża,
Maryjo w Wieczerniku,
Maryjo, przykładzie kobiecości,

Kobieto Wiary,
Kobieto mająca Nadzieję,
Kobieto miłująca
Kobieto cierpiąca,
Kobieto zmartwiona,
Kobieto pokorna,
Kobieto uboga,
Kobieto czysta,
Kobieto posłuszna,

Kobieto rozważająca,
Kobieto słuchająca,
Kobieto za Nim podążająca,
Kobieto Jego pragnąca,
Kobieto Go kochająca,

Matko Boża,
Matko Ludzi,
Matko Kościoła,
Matko świata,
Matko, której potrzebujemy,

Matko Nienarodzonego,

Matko, któraś trwała w wierze,
Matko nigdy nie tracąca Nadziei,
Matko kochająca do końca,
Módl się za nas do Boga.





Módl się za wszystkie matki.
Módl się za wszystkie rodziny.
Módl się za wszystkich małżonków.

Módl się za wszystkich cierpiących.
Módl się za wszystkich czekających.
Módl się za wszystkie kobiety.

Wspominaj nas.









Wspominaj nas przed Bogiem.





Bądź zawsze naszą Matką





Módl się za wszystkie dzieci

Dziękujemy za Ciebie Bogu.

Módlmy się.
Święty i nieśmiertelny Boże - Dałeś nam Jezusa Chrystusa, by był naszym Zbawicielem i Bratem; udzieliłeś nam także daru osoby i macierzyństwa Jego Matki. Dozwól, prosimy Cię, byśmy wiedli życie godne tak wielkiego Brata oraz tak drogiej Matki i dzięki temu doszli do Ciebie, Ojcze nas wszystkich, który żyjesz i królujesz na wieki. Amen.
Nasza Pani z Walsingham, módl się za nami.
--

***

Litany of Our Lady of Walsingham
Mary
Mary, without sin,
Mary, God's Mother,
Mary the Virgin,
Mary taken to Heaven,

Mary at Bethlehem,
Mary at Nazareth,
Mary at Cana,

Mary at the cross,
Mary in the Upper Room,
Mary model of Womanhood,

Woman of Faith,
Woman of Hope,
Woman of Charity,
Woman of suffering,
Woman of anxiety,
Woman of humility,
Woman of poverty,
Woman of purity,
Woman of obedience,

Woman who wondered,
Woman who listened,
Woman who followed Him,
Woman who longed for Him,
Woman who loves Him,

Mother of God,
Mother of Men,
Mother of the Church,
Mother of the World,
Mother we need,

Mother of the Unborn,

Mother who went on believing,
Mother who never lost hope,
Mother who loved to the end,

                     



Pray to the Lord for us





Pray for all mothers.
Pray for all families.
Pray for all married couples.

Pray for all who suffer.
Pray for all who wait.
Pray for all women.

Remember us.









Remember us to God.





Be our Mother always





Pray for all children

We thank God for you.
Let us Pray.
All Holy and ever-living God, in giving us Jesus Christ to be our Saviour and Brother, You gave us Mary, His Mother, to be our Mother also; grant us, we pray you, to live lives worthy of so great a Brother and so dear a Mother, that we may come at last to you the Father of us all, Who lives and reigns for ever. Amen.
Our Lady of Walsingham, Pray for us.

Translated into Polish (because of,  for, and with the help of Jesus & Mary) by:

Tomasz, Racibórz +

Saturday 1 September 2012

You Can't Deny...

Many people who agree on the existence of God deny life everlasting (either in heaven or hell) at the same time.
Their attitude seems to be wrong, for the emanation of Divine Will, Love, and Justice shall be -- due to perfection of the Giver -- endless.
--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Saturday 25 August 2012

On Martyrdom

Blessed K. Kózkówna, the martyr of purity
Have you ever noticed that  a martyrdom, no matter what this may mean for a particular martyr, cannot be forced upon * or accepted with complaints?  If you suffer, please do not ask why? but rather why not?, knowing that God's Love, Sacrifice & Mercy are stronger that all your difficulties combined.
--
Tomasz, Racibórz +




* giving birth to a disabled child must not be, regardless of what we are told, called a martyrdom. 

We are not gods that may decide over everything, still we are able to offer everything up to the One true God.

Thursday 23 August 2012

Fear, Love and His Will

How to replace fear with love during the Sacrament of Penance? In my opinion - being well aware of our sinfulness - we all shall remember that Jesus died not only because of each and every transgression of human beings (yes, He really did this), but - first and foremost - for their souls & bodies*.    
--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

*Filled with love and gratitude that will come as the consequence of just-mentioned truth, be merciful to yourself; perhaps someday you will be chosen as a tool/proof of Jesus' Mercy. 

PS Please pray for a dying friend of my mother and for my grandmother who passed away almost nine years ago. Thank you all.

Monday 20 August 2012

The Three Days

There IS a reward for each and every teardrop
Sometimes we all are tempted against our faith. No matter if it is so due to the influence of an atheistic culture, dryness of our hearts, or personal tragedies -- each and every Catholic is in danger of the said temptation.
 
Fortunately, but not only for these periods of time, Jesus gave us Mary - the living  proof that some moments "without" God the Son (e.g. three days spent by Him at the temple, three others -- at Golgotha), can be bearable if only filled with Marian hope:

The one that teaches us that Christ is with us always, but not necessary at our beck and call.
--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Saturday 18 August 2012

The Brand New Clothes

No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse.

Matthew 9:16

Many people want to live their lives to the fullest. Their potential to achieve just-mentioned goal can be measured, of course, by the amount of love they are able to offer to God & men.

The said love, however, manifests itself in many different and concrete ways. Now question may arise: How can a man distinguish his/her own dreams from the genuine Will of God?

In my opinion it can only be achieved through the ongoing process of an individual discernment in the real closeness to Jesus. Ask His Heart, not yours. All of that so He may grant you with the brand new clothes of grace; it is extremely important since many of us try to ask Christ for some new patches(graces), forgetting that they may not be suitable for the old clothes of soul that were made of man's dreams alone.

--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Monday 13 August 2012

The Two Crowns

That night, I asked the Mother of God what was to become of me, a Child of Faith. Then she came to me holding two crowns, one white, the other red. She asked me if I was willing to accept either of these crowns. The white one meant that I should persevere in purity, and the red that I should become a martyr. I said that I would accept them both.

St M.M. Kolbe


Thinking over just-quoted words of St.M.M.Kolbe brings me to the following -- obvious, but at the same time forgotten -- conclusion: 
No matter whether you, my dear reader, are called to preserve purity of your mind (in the marriage) or mind & body(as a priest, religious sister, brother etc),  suffering may(and probably will) be the significant part of your way to the heavenly glory.

--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Friday 10 August 2012

The Language of Love

The apparition at Knock, Ireland, seems to be -- at least at the first glance -- the extremely unusual one:
The Lamb of God, His Mother, St Joseph, and St John seen there on the evening of August 21st, 1879, remained still and silent.

Because of that some Irishmen, especially these granted with the famous gift of gab, are disappointed or confused about the true meaning of the said apparition.

In my opinion they may be proud instead. It is so for the heavenly Guests to the Emerald Island in fact spoke (nothing but) the language -- so needed in our noisy yet void culture -- that conveys more than mere words:

Its name is love.

Our Lady of Knock, pray for us to your Son!
--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Monday 6 August 2012

In Need of Miracles


Miracles may be at hand
"For a believer, no miracle is needed and for an unbeliever, no miracle will be enough."

Generally speaking, above-quoted phrase conveys the truth; still, there are many cases when both believers and unbelievers need and witness to miracles. Moreover, anybody can be granted with them if ask for the graces sincerely and out of hunger, not for fun.

Our faith is similar to a daily bread. Sometimes - for many different reasons - even the Catholics experience shortage of this basic food. If you are troubled and in need of something factual, so you trust may be reinforced, share a bit of your faith that's left with Jesus and Mary.

Our Lord will bless and multiply it, enabling obedient Mary to protect and pass it to you and your neighbours; all of that so that many poor and starving people* may be happy with the faith that is nourished by the greatest concrete miracle -- eternal Bread of Life.

 --
Tomasz, Racibórz +

*Atheists, communists, free-masons, oculists, lukewarm and addicted people - they all, regardless of their sins, are your neighbours, for they, just like you, are human beings hungry for miraculous yet true faith.
--
PS Please pray for Magda (my friend).

Sunday 5 August 2012

Do not admire - give your love instead

Many parents are extremely discouraged as they are informed about the health problem of their little child. Confronted with such a paralysing piece of news some of them cry because, as they think,  their beloved child would be deprived of  many opportunities, successes, achievements...

That, however, need not to be true: in fact, many people with special needs are happy and, despite of some difficulties experienced during their lives, contribute greatly to the local communities they live in.

Even if your child will miss many joyful moments, please do not mourn for him/her; instead look at Mary:
The  Blessed Virgin probably knew that Jesus would not be a leader of the Jewish nation and did not expect such a "career-path'" for her Son; she was just happy because of giving birth to Christ, leaving the rest to God the Father.

Be proud of all the children, regardless of their particular skills, for they - just like the Baby Jesus - want to be loved because they are, and not admired for what we think they should do*.


-- Tomasz, Racibórz +

*Here, in my opinion, lies the main difference between pro-lifers and their opposition.

Saturday 4 August 2012

The Hope Is Not Only For You

All we have is given to us by Jesus; still there are many divine gifts that may be experienced, understood, and accepted better through the gentlest hands of Mary. One of them, not surprisingly, is our ability to stand at the given crosses. 

Whenever you are in pain, tell Mary about your experience, share it with her:
By doing so, not only would you be protected from any form of despair; in addition–being first perfectly consoled by Jesus–
you may be able to co-spread the world-changing hope of His Mother.    
--
 Tomasz, Racibórz +

Wednesday 1 August 2012

The Crown of Stars


The Blessed Virgin with the Child is chosen, as we all know, as the main source of inspiration by many fine artists.
Sometimes Mary depicted by them wears some metal crown, seldom her head is surrounded by twelve stars.
The second example of Immaculata's depiction, in spite of many opinions, seems to be more appropriate if painter's intention is to truly honour both Mary and her divine Son: A traditional crown is nothing more than a piece of precious metal, whereas crown of stars -- even if not so valued in our eyes -- is actually put on Mary's head by Jesus himself*.
--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

* Your disability has the potential to become just-mentioned crown of stars: where some sinners are proud of their great-looking, yet finite bodies, you – as the man faith – may be proud of your greater share in the undervalued, nevertheless real and eternal beauty that is appreciated by Our Lord.

Monday 30 July 2012

Ideał (PL)


Gdy św. Faustyna otrzymała wizje Chrystusa Miłosiernego, próbowała -- wg powierzonych instrukcji -- pozostawić ludziom
Jego wizerunek. Ani jednak Jej własnoręczne próby czynione w tym zakresie, ani nawet te, które po Niej podejmowali profesjonalni malarze, nie były w stanie oddać piękna Boga.

Czasem martwimy się, iż daleko nam do doskonałości -- bolejemy, iż nasza dusza nie jest idealna.

Tak --  wszyscy jesteśmy grzesznikami, niedoskonale próbującymi ożywić Jezusa w Naszych sercach: możemy być przy tym pewni, że ani nasza grzeszna natura,
ani niedostatki ludzkich artystów, nie umniejszają prawdziwie doskonałego istnienia Pana Miłosierdzia.

--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Saturday 28 July 2012

The Treasurer

A Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Thailand
If a person wants to be a treasurer (s)he shall gain favours with the local king first. Only someone
who is ready to give everything to her/his lord, will be granted with the enormous confidence and assets that are hidden from the eyes of an ordinary man.

Now please look at Mary, the greatest treasurer of all times:
She gave everything she had to Christ the King and for the said reason He gave her in return much more than she could expect.

Because of that not only is she mediatrix of all the regal gifts & graces, but also – if you trust and emulate her  ''everything to the Lord'' actions – she can polish your soul up, turning it into the priceless royal gem.

--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Thursday 26 July 2012

If It Makes Him Happy (Jesus Needs Totality)


Totus Tuus – it is difficult to find words that are misunderstood, ridiculed, and attacked more than these two.
It is a well known fact, and that is just the tip of an iceberg, that the people who proclaim them boldly and with courage are accused by some enemies of the Catholic Church of diminishing the divinity and role of Jesus... 

That's the sad reality of our modern times, but – what cannot be forgotten – Christ himself (both in the manger and after his sorrowful Passion) put himself silently into the service of God, doing this through the tender hands of Mary; being subjected, at least in His human nature, to own mother. Moreover, He had been so pleased with Immaculata's actions that later Mary herself was granted with the exclusive gift of the Assumption: 

All of that so I am totally your phase may be repeated in heaven not only by the Blessed Virgin (this outstanding protectress of the divine features in each and every soul and body), but also by all the faithful that follow her example in caring for the Messiah without any restrictions, through their total spiritual and carnal obedience.
 
--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

PS Please pray for my friend. Her name is Justyna.

Monday 23 July 2012

One Body, One Care

''Because we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.''
THE EPISTLE OF
ST. PAUL
TO THE EPHESIANS
[5:30]

We all are, in our sufferings and joyful moments alike, members of the most Holy Body of Christ.
I am sure that not a thing can console us, the weak human creatures, more than just-mentioned fact.
Still the Body that we are part of is deeply hurt as many Christians (both laymen and  the clergy),
do not care about Jesus who trusted them enough to incorporate them into his own Being.
Thus a question my arise: How can we bear the responsibility for Christ if even our own bodies are treated by us without due respect - rather with alcohol, drugs etc.?
Ask Mary, the most tender Mother of God: She knows well not only how to be the best companion
of Our Lord, but - through the divine intention - how to care for each and every Member of his Body.   
--
Tomasz, Racibórz +

Friday 20 July 2012

The Pearl

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant man, seeking fine pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. 
(Matthew 13:45,46) 
 
Many of us know the parable of the pearl Merchant very well.
Interestingly, some people think that, in this particular story, only Jesus can be referred to as the pearl: The One to be find by each and every Christian.
It is so, however the other interpretation may serve us here as well:

imagine that, no mater what your past may look like, your soul is, and always will be, the said pearl. 
In fact, you are so precious to God that He decided to give everything up that you may be granted with heaven -
the place where your soul, freed from the mud and dirt, can shine forever.

But how to get there and - as the time come - be appreciated and embraced by the Creator of pearls himself?
Start with Mary, the Stella Maris,  lighthouse and treasurer of Jesus, and ask for her aid:
She is here to help you, my dear pearl-diver, to find the Divine Merchant. The One that had been dreaming
of your unique and magnificent pearl even before you were born.  

-- 
Tomasz, Racibórz

PS Please pray for me, I do need this badly because of my loneliness...
You all are in my prayers. God bless you!

Monday 16 July 2012

Yes, We Can

Jesus and Mary on the Mt Carmel
Each and every mountaintop, either the real or abstract one, has something special to offer. Some climbers are attracted to the real peaks, the others -- especially people with  impairments -- want to reach the tops of their abilities.
Whether you are disabled or able-bodied person, do not be afraid of supernatural summits:
They all are given to remind you and me that, at least sometimes, the great joy of communion with God and good people may have its start on the abandoned and difficult route.

--
Tomasz, Racibórz

Friday 29 June 2012

The Prism


In Carmel, the greatest Garden of God,
The Gardener cares for each small plant,
But, among many, only one shines...
So others may be loved.
 
Don't  be jealous, don't be sad -
Mary, the Rose of whom I speak

Alone is sprinkled with the grace...
So we may get the same God's gift.

-- 
Tomasz, Racibórz

Monday 25 June 2012

His Mother's Eyes

Whatever one's particular vocation may be, (s)he should see Jesus in each and every man.
Such an attitude is indispensable for you, me, and us all  if we want to get to heaven some day.
It may prove hard, however, to see our Lord in people who  - at least sometimes- pierce our hearts for many different reasons.
To obtain sanctity with and through just-mentioned attitude will be our ''mission impossible'' unless we ask  Chirst that we may see Him in our neighbours ... with His Mother's eyes. 
--
Tomasz, Racibórz

Friday 22 June 2012

For acceptance means abundance

Jesus & Mary - God, humanity and their relationship
Did you ever contemplate the following question:

"Why do we need the Immaculate Heart of Mary, isn't the Sacred Heart of Jesus enough?"


In fact, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, being Everything, consists all we ever needed, are needing now, or will need in the future...  Agreeing on this, we shall admit that there is something that we, as extremely finite, yet sometimes proud human beings need to ask for with the greatest fervency:

I speak of Mary-like hearts that would provide us all with the knowledge on how each and every grace from Jesus' Sacred Heart should be accepted and -- what is of the greater importance -- how to make the said Heart happy.
--
Tomasz, Racibórz

Wednesday 20 June 2012

The starting poing

Married couples, religious people, unmarried laymen...They all are, as we are told by media,  in the crisis of their vocations.

Though the situation is not extremely bad, there are indeed people who are reluctant to follow Jesus and boldly proclaim His Kingdom in the way/place appropriate for them.

In my opinion just-mentioned situation happens when, filled with vigour and own plans, we start our vocation from ''having our heads in the clouds'', instead of starting it on our knees.
--
Tomasz, Racibórz

PS. Please pray for this family - the great ''vocation champions'':
http://ksadam.wordpress.com/2012/06/18/swieci-sa-wsrod-nas-chiara-petrillo/ [in Polish].

Tuesday 19 June 2012

Go for it

Go for it...And always follow Jesus
The true love means "to give everything we have to - and for the sake of - a beloved person." Love then is not man's hope for sex or any other service, and - this I'm sure of - is destroyed more by one's egoism than by any other of his/her vices.

If you want to have a good marriage or consecrated life that would be blessed by God now & forever, do not be afraid of giving: Only the heart that is able to empty itself completely may be filled with the complete love.   
--
Tomasz, Racibórz

Sunday 17 June 2012

The Way of Love

Both Jesus & Mary have suffered on the Way of Love. We may too
Some people say that God cannot exist because our world is extremely evil: why do innocent children have to suffer? They will ask you. Some others -- convinced by the order of nature --  insist that, though God exists, He is unwilling to help us, the wicked and weak creatures.

In fact God's Will is the mystery and our actions may hurt both Him and our neighbour sometimes.
Still, regardless of what we think, He can be loved by us and IS the greatest love Himself.

Look at the Sacred Heart of Jesus & Immaculate Heart of Mary, and you would realise that both Divine and human heart are made to love each other despite the thorns or swords that may make the shared way of love more demanding.       
--
Tomasz, Racibórz

PS. Please pray for my friend, M. and trust in His Plan...

Saturday 16 June 2012

Her Amen, Our Example

The crowned statue of Our Lady of the Cape
Why Mary, this humble handmaid of the Lord, is the person of such a great importance for the growing number of disabled people around the world? One may say that it is so because of her healing,through the Will of God, presence at the sanctuaries of Częstochowa, Lourdes, Banneux... This may be the case, still there is some other feature of the Blessed Virgin Mary that makes her so special for all the sufferers:

Miriam has believed more in God than in any possible accusations & calumnies of this world.   However she could have been stoned for ''loosing her virginity'' before the planned marriage with St. Joseph, she is the Queen of Heaven & Earth right now. All of that because of her AMEN said to God - the One who can draw the greatest good even out of man's distress.
--
Tomasz, Racibórz

Thursday 14 June 2012

Don't take this for granted

I am not loved, nobody cares about me, or  I am good for nothing - these (and many other) lies shape lives of the great number of people.
Both men & woman, especially the ones with special needs, are often inclined to think about themselves in the presented way.
THANKS TO GOD, they are mistaken.  You yourself, dear Reader,  may feel lonely and disappointed right now,  still there is at least one Person who cares about you:
His name is Jesus.
How can He, the perfect God,  love me - one of many blind, deaf, or crippled human beings ? you may ask; your situation may be hard, still   - by the power Our Lord's love  - you were given the greatest asset one can imagine:  the remarkable heart made to be loved & saved.  Don't take this for granted - grant Christ with your trust & thanksgiving instead.

To be continued.
--
Tomasz, Racibórz