There is no lack of serious spiritual films, but lighter fare can offer insights too. Take the 1966 comedy “The Trouble with Angels.”
Popular teen actress Hayley Mills plays a rebellious student at a Catholic boarding school, with the inimitable Rosalind Russell as Mother Superior. Pranks and hijinks drive the plot, but I’m always struck by the film’s end.
It’s graduation, and Mother announces which girls will be remaining and joining the order. To everyone’s shock, one of them is the troublemaker. Her strong will, her fountain of “scathingly brilliant ideas” can, of course—like any gift—be used for good.
All gifts can be used to build up the Body of Christ. Even our most difficult and challenging selves!
Hi Salina, I didn’t put in the question marks. It was a thumbs up emoji. So thanks again. Patrick
A lovely reflection Amy. We are all created for a purpose, for years I tried to discern my purpose in Gods plan. Eventually I decided to hand my life over to God and made a covenant with Him to do His will. I was concerned I mightn’t live up to the commitment . But the truth I now know is, we are never asked to do anything beyond our ability. We are supplied with all we need, sure we are stretched and grow as a result. God doesn’t need the qualified (how do we know what qualifications are required). Have faith God qualifies the called. That’s those of us who accept the gift of eternal life.
Thanks Salina, ????
Exodus 4:1, 10-13, “Moses answered, “What if the elders of Israel won’t believe me? What if they won’t listen to me? Suppose they say, ‘The Lord didn’t appear to you.’ Then what should I do?” … Moses spoke to the Lord. He said, “Lord, I’ve never been a good speaker. And I haven’t gotten any better since You spoke to me. I don’t speak very well at all.” The Lord said to him, “Who makes human beings able to talk? Who makes them unable to hear or speak? Who makes them able to see? Who makes them blind? It is I, the Lord. Now go. I will help you speak. I will teach you what to say.” But Moses said, “Lord, please send someone else to do it!” *** And you know what happened to Moses…….Indeed, “God does not call the qualified. He qualifies those He calls!”
Amy, your reflection reminds me of all that I learned at the Fatima retreat this past week! All have different gifts that can be used to build up the Body of Christ. 700 attendees prayed for the Consecration of the world to Jesus in the Eucharist. Evangelization can be in actions as well as words. "My job is to inform, not to convince." St. Bernadette Soubirious I also learned that Matthew Kelly is a very humble person & a great retreat leader.
Not a coincident that I just finished my day 5 lesson (Ephesians 4) in Bible Study Fellowship this morning before I came to LLF :-) *** Ephesians 4 - The Holy Spirit brings unity and maturity to God's diverse people! *** Q12. What are the specific ways we are called to live as members of Christ's Church in the unity of the Spirit? " Ephesians 4:2-3, "(1)Don’t be proud at all. (2)Be completely gentle. (3)Be patient. (4)Put up with one another in love. The Holy Spirit makes you one in every way. So try your best to remain as one. (5)Let peace keep you together!" Ephesians 4:31-32, "(6)Get rid of all hard feelings, anger and rage. (7)Stop all fighting and lying. (8)Don’t have anything to do with any kind of hatred. (9)Be kind and tender to one another. (10)Forgive one another, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done!" *** Why? What is the purpose of these gifts from God? Ephesians 4: 12-13, "He gave all these people so that (1)they might prepare God’s people to serve. Then (2)the body of Christ will be built up. That will (3)continue until we all become one in the faith. We will also (4)become one in the knowledge of God’s Son. Then (5)we will be grown up in the faith. We will receive everything that Christ has for us!" ******* The results of these gifts in Ephesians 4:14-16, "We will no longer be babies in the faith. We won’t be like ships tossed around by the waves. We won’t be blown here and there by every new teaching. We won’t be blown around by cleverness and tricks. Certain people use them to hide their evil plans. Instead, we will speak the truth in love. So we will grow up in every way to become the body of Christ. Christ is the head of the body. He makes the whole body grow and build itself up in love. Under the control of Christ, each part of the body does its work. It supports the other parts. In that way, the body is joined and held together!" Amen ✝️
Reminds me of the experience shared by one area director of Community Bible Study when I was serving Teen CBS for high schoolers, "When I served one Teen CBS class there was this young man who came to class weekly and always sat at the back of the room with his baseball cap covering part of his face and never really praticipated in class. Years later, I found out he became a chaplain in the military!" *** When God calls, He prepares, equips and sends!!!
"Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for you that I may grow in righteousness and holiness. May I not squander the grace of the present moment to say "yes" to you and to your will and plan for my life. "
Prayers for Mary Victoria and her family. May the spirit guide you all through this . It's a long shot but, perhaps check out facebook group for " Fenbendazole ". I have been reading many good things about it. Also - Mebendazole ? God Bless
What are the gifts that I have offered over the years? And what gifts can I still offer? I give you my humor, my kindness,my love and an ear to listen to you without judgement. Amen!
Gary That's plenty the world today would be a greater place if there were more folks like you. Living faith family please keep praying for the souls in purgatory and those souls who have no one to pray for them and the people in Ukraine and the middle east. Ken
I always loved that movie. I live near the Lindenwold Castle too.. Great analogy and reflection.
Praying that Mary Victoria and her family will feel God's presence in this challenging situation.
Amen... thank you Amy...Praise God.... please pray for a friend Mary Victoria who has just been diagnosed with Leukemia, which has turned the family's world upside down
Adding Mary Victoria and her family to my prayer list tonight, Cheryl.
Cheryl, lifting Mary Victoria and her family up to the Lord, may they feel his presence and comfort.
Cheryl…Yes, I will pray for Mary Victoria and her family. It’s gut wrenching to hear a diagnosis of a much feared illness. Tests, more tests, and results - let the dust settle, and a direction will present itself. And of course, all of our prayers will propel Mary Victoria to walk this path with His peace and hope. God Bless MaryVictoria And All Who Love Her!❣️
Prayers for Mary Victoria & her family. She will be closer to Christ & His Passion through all of this, no matter the outcome.
Dear Cheryl, sending prayers for your friend Mary Victoria and her family that they’ll hold her up so she can process this news of her diagnosis and proceed with the treatments with strength and courage. Dear Lord Jesus, please let Mary Victoria and her family feel your presence with them as they need to know You’re with them in their lives.
Praying for God's grace and mercy upon Mary Victoria and her family ✝️ Asking for God's presence, providence and power to be with her throughout her treatment and healing process that they realize and acknowledge this opportunity for them to grow closer to God Himself as Job did in Job 1:20-22, "After Job heard all these reports, he got up and tore his robe. He shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground and worshiped the Lord. He said, “I was born naked. And I’ll leave here naked. The Lord has given, and the Lord has taken away. May the Name of the Lord be praised.” In spite of everything, Job didn’t sin by blaming God for doing anything wrong."
Cheryl I will pray for you and Mary Victoria right now. Ken
Prayers for Mary Victoria and her family.
Prayers for Mary Victoria and her family.
Praying for Mary Victoria and her family.
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Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.