Tag: Virtue

Give of Yourself

Posted: by Virginia Lieto

feed-the-hungry

Give of yourself during this Year of Mercy

 

Every time that you do give of your time, talent and/or treasure, you give mercy to another individual in need. Think about it: When you give your time at a food bank or homeless shelter, your mere presence tells those in need that someone cares about them. When you give of your talent, for example, in tutoring children, you give mercy, because you believe that the tutored child should have a brighter future. When you give of your treasure, you give mercy because you believe that no one should go hungry or without shelter and clothing. Your money goes to meet someone else’s need.

Give Mercy

 

In this Year of Mercy we are given… Read more…

What Do You Wish For in the New Year?

Posted: by Virginia Lieto

With-God-All-Things-Are-Possible

Wish! Make a wish!

 

It’s a new year, with new beginnings; filled with hope for better tomorrows. What is it that you would like to see happen this year? Where does your hope lie? For me, I wish for the usual things, like good health for Nick and me. However, when I broaden my horizons and begin to think of others, I wish, and pray, mostly for peace.

I actually pray for… Read more…

Change for the Better!

Posted: by Virginia Lieto

New-Years-Resolution

It’s that time of year once again, when we assess how we are doing; when we make resolutions to do things we have yet to do, or to do things differently. We want to see positive change! Yet, we are all creatures of habit, and sometimes our habits are not good. That is why every January we make resolutions to eat healthier, to stop smoking/drinking/taking drugs, etc. only to fall off the wagon as soon as the first temptation crosses our paths.

Have you ever stopped to think about why you are tempted; not what tempts you, but why you are tempted? Read more…

Oxymoron? Virtuous Politician?

Posted: by Virginia Lieto

Ben Franklin 1

Oxymoron is defined as “a figure of speech by which a locution produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect, as in ‘cruel kindness’ or ‘to make haste slowly’” (dictionary.com). Here’s another one: jumbo shrimp (my favorite oxymoron).

Well, given today’s politics and discourse that we hear from the politicians, I believe that I am about to coin a new oxymoron: virtuous politician. There must be some, somewhere, don’t you think? I can be hopeful. However, where are they? Has anyone seen one? If so, please let me know, because I would like to shake that person’s hand. I cringe to think that… Read more…

Joy to the World! Dance with Joy!

Posted: by Virginia Lieto

joy to the world

Dance with joy!

 

Joy is different from happiness. Many people equate the two incorrectly. Happiness is fleeting; joy is lasting. Where joy has no “conditions,” happiness does have “conditions.” I’ll be happy if…where we place conditions on what makes us happy. Do you hear those words, “we” and “us” in that last sentence? We define happiness in this life, and we easily can disappoint ourselves; especially when the criterion for happiness is left up to us to decide upon. Many think that riches and fame will bring happiness; but that is not necessarily true. We search for happiness in vain, … Read more…

Peace: Got to Get Me Some

Posted: by Virginia Lieto

Christ's Peace

Christ’s Peace

Does it elude you? It seems that during this time of year, everyone wishes each other “Peace on earth” (Luke 2:14). Do you view this sentiment with hope, or do you think it falls flat?

If you have Christ’s Peace within your own heart, I think you view this sentiment with great aspirations of hope, because you wish for others what you possess for yourself. If it falls flat, then perhaps you don not have the amount of Christ’s Peace within your own heart that you desire.

How would you know if you actually had Christ’s Peace within your own heart? Well, for starters, you… Read more…

“Mankind is My Business”

Posted: by Virginia Lieto

jacob-marley

One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to watch the movie, “A Christmas Carol.” One of my favorite scenes from the movie is when the ghost of Jacob Marley visits his old partner Ebenezer Scrooge. Marley tries to warn Scrooge to change his ways before it is too late. It’s too late for Marley, who drags the chains of sin and neglect with him for all eternity. Marley is seven years deceased, and warns Scrooge that Scrooge’s chains of sin and neglect are far greater than Marley’s, since Scrooge has had an additional seven years to commit sin and neglect. Jacob Marley tries to impart some wisdom; to explain… Read more…

I Knew Him in the Womb…

Posted: by Virginia Lieto

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I just had to share with all of you the most amazing story of a young man that I know. Patrick Sewak is all of six years old, nearing seven. He is an extraordinary young man filled with virtue, and blessed by God; destined to become God’s servant. He is raised by his wonderful mother, Meris, and by his grandparents Mark and Bernadette.

Patrick is “different” from the average child, and I say that in a good way. He yearns to attend daily Mass with his grandmother. At home he “plays Mass.” This child knows the Eucharistic Prayer of Concentration at six years old! He has been assisting at Mass, as an altar server, since he was three years old. No one can ring the bells better than Patrick! He’s got the flick of the wrist down pat. He is astute; but more so, he is virtuous. Read more…

Year of Mercy Has Begun!

Posted: by Virginia Lieto

JUBILEE-YEAR-OF-MERCY

Year of Mercy: What is it all about? What can we expect? Pope Francis ushered in the Year of Mercy yesterday. This Jubilee Year of Mercy extends to the Feast of Christ the King on November 20, 2016. From now until then, anyone who enters through the “Door of Mercy…will experience the love of God who consoles, pardons, and instills hope.” 1

 

What is this “Year of Mercy” all about?

 

Pope Francis declared the Jubilee Year of Mercy “so that we may become a more effective sign of the Father’s action in our lives” 2. Our world has become so fractured and broken with much hatred. We see it in the… Read more…

Living a Virtuous Life

Posted: by Virginia Lieto

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Virtuous:

What does the word “virtuous” conjure up in your mind? Are you thinking of someone who is holier than thou? Are you thinking that it’s definitely not you? Well, think again! We all have good character traits that others see in us. Those good character traits are virtuous! And yes, we also have certain qualities about us that might not be so attractive. But that’s life! We are an imperfect people, striving for perfection that will be obtained in the next life. But for today, we are all on a journey, working our way home to Heaven! In this life, we have choices to make: Do we want to grow closer to God, or do we covet sin and vice? Read more…