markdohle

A good post. I believe we should give, but it needs to be given from a gentle assent to the Holy Spirit and not in a urgent or compulsive manner. I will help someone a few times, but I won't allow myself to be turned into some sort of 'agency' for them. Not sure it is helpful for anyone.....and there is resources that are limited. I liked what you said about judging, it is not our place. We also need to be careful about being condescending, which comes from a place of power and not charity. People pick that up. None of us knows where we may end up. I have met no one who planned on being homeless and adrift. I have learned that I can't change anyone, nor save them from their poverty, but can give a kind word and help them in my limited way. I also pick out a couple of places in Atlanta where I will give something to those who are asking for money. Both places are outside city limits. Again, well done, well written and well thought out.

The funny thing is that these groups are atheist, or that is what they state. I remember once a Satanist complained about how people responded to him. I asked him why he would use a symbol system (he said he was an atheist) that was so loaded and was bound to bring out deep emotional responses. Why not say he was an follower of Ayn Rand instead of what he believed was a myth, Satan. In any-case, they are getting what they want, lots of attention.

Thank you Willa, we both share a deep love of this prayer and I would suppose to ponder on it an pray on it regularly would change hearts. Peace mark

The sacred heart points to the perfect humanity of Jesus Christ, so how is that false my friend ;-). Peace Mark

1 Corinthians 2:16New King James Version (NKJV16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?”[a] But we have the mind of Christ. The above quote says differently. We are to put on Christ Jesus, so that we can say it is not I who live but Christ Jesus in me. We are called to suffer and rise with Christ Jesus for as St. Paul says again: Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. This unity is shown by the prayer of Christ in the last discourse: I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one-- as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.—John 17:21 I union with Christ is deeper and more intimate than many understand. As well as our unity with all, since Christ died for all. It seems Christians can be too quick to separate themselves and divide as well as judge in ways they really have no right to, or actually the ability to. I am appalled on how billions of souls are consigned to hell by some here.....when in fact we are told not to judge on that level when dealing with others. To point out what is wrong is one thing, but only God knows the soul, for Christ died for each soul. English Standard Version The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

In my post, show me the falsehoods my friend. My posting says nothing about my denominational stance at all, but scripture based, using the prayer of St. Francis as a starting point ;-). Peace Mark

Thank you my friend. Peace Mark

Thank you my friend, very much. Peace Mark

I am not aware I am bashing, please let me know if that is the case. I respect everyone here, but I am catholic, so the expression of my faith will reflect that. If admin wants me to stop, all they need do is let me know. It is not my intention to cause problems, but to share and learn as well. Peace Mark

I am not pushing saints, it is your response that is pushing ;-).....is ok......I love ya. Peace mark

They have the mind of Christ Jesus, whatever saints can do, they do through grace. Peace mark

We all must grow in the love of Christ Jesus and one another, so I love you as a true sister in Christ, what you think about me is not so much my concern my friend. I respect your opinion however and you are speaking out of love and concern for me.....let us pray for one another. Peace mark

Thank you for your concern my friend, however what happened in 1 Sam 28 has nothing to do with what I am saying, however I have come to understand that for some it is impossible to get that across to ;-)......no problem.

We venerate the Saints in the Old and New Testament, for all are one with Christ Jesus.

The Sun rises in the East....hence the Christ Jesus will bring forth the new dawn from the east. Peace Mark

Thank you Rusty. Peace mark

Well said.

I see your point, but to ask your living brother to pray for you, or to ask St. John to pray for you is the same thing because we are one in the Body of Christ, I know you will disagree, One Body, One Lord, is central for me. We are to love and pray for each other, why should that change when we become closer to the Lord in death? Christ is the source of all grace, healing and mercy. We are members one with Christ Jesus, death has no power over that. Peace mark

The Risen Lord is the same for everyone. How we look on the relationship with those who are with the risen Lord is the difference between different denomination, which seems impossible to bridge ;-).

No I am RCC and feel connected fully to the Body of Christ Jesus....as he prayed for that we may be one as he is one with the Father.

It is all Christ Jesus, the church give us structure, our relationship is up to us, our response to grace and God's love. There is no separation in the Body of Christ, we are all one in Him, whether we are still pilgrims or in the abode with our savior Jesus Christ. There are no dead saints for our Lord is risen and his life is ours. I am so happy that you have a deep trusting relationship with Christ Jesus!

I think she understood fully what life is for and was perhaps living out her unique calling as a witness for other Jews of her time. Perhaps it was a common custom as well.

Once we understand that time is at a premium it can give more vigor to how we live, or it can terrify us. Life is really short, I am 68 and it has gone by like 'snap'. Yolo means a certain level of awareness about life has to be understood. It can also bring about life changes that can be frightful for some.

All Saints Day I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one-- as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.—John 17:21 Today within Christendom all Saints day is celebrated. It is in reality a feast day for all Christians, though many do not celebrate it. Jesus prayed that we may be one with him as he is with the Father. Those who are now with the Lord are truly one with the Trinity and have put on the Mind-of-Christ in its fullness. So because of this oneness, that we all share because of our faith, though hidden from our sight, is now experienced in all of its wonder by the saints. Because they have the mind of Christ they also continue to participate as members of the Body-of-Christ by their prayers and concern for us. Because of this oneness, to ask the saints to pray for us is the same as asking those still in this world to do the same, for again, we are all one in Christ Jesus. He is the head, we are the members. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.—Ephesians 4: 4-6

Friendship is rare. Unlike marriage, friends don't have to share the same faith, but simply respect and accept one another. If people are too much into appearances, or pretending not to need support etc., then they can't be friends. In any case, to trust someone else takes courage and commitment.