tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853204965986587589.post7533911006526579967..comments2024-03-17T22:48:00.427+08:00Comments on Reflections and Ruminations: When blessings are received well, we pay it forwardFr Luke Fonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03079016104331055895noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853204965986587589.post-62147045889385748092015-12-23T16:56:43.836+08:002015-12-23T16:56:43.836+08:00"I also struggle with the very prevalent ‘tal..."I also struggle with the very prevalent ‘talisman’ mentality..."<br /><br />I came to the Catholic faith through attending Saturday Novenas over a couple of years while still in school. Though I developed a special devotion to Our Blessed Mother, I've often been hesitant in using medals, scapulars, holy cards and crucifixes because- like you said- I too used to "struggle with the prevalent talisman mentality..."<br />In fact, it used to embarrass and even annoy me to see fellow Catholics kissing and reverencing these sacramentals for I felt that there was no difference between their practices and those of the pagans who patronized temples to ask for charms and talismans from the temple mediums to ward off evil or to bring about a change of fortune. Imagine my chagrin and dismay when certain clergy popularized or advocated the use of certain sacramentals for personal protection. But those were the days before church publications like the CCC was made so easily available and before priests were more upfront and willing to correct and catechize the mis-conceptions of the laity as regards to the faith practices.<br />I am glad that here - you affirm what I’ve finally come to understand and believe – that holding onto an image of the crucified Lord or a medal of Mary’s image - gives one a comforting reassurance of God’s loving presence in one’s life. For there are countless times when in our quest for personal holiness - we do need to be reminded that we are blessed, we are God’s beloved. <br /><br />God bless you, Fr<br /><br />tessa<br />Tessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04211998984286520369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7853204965986587589.post-25589048500476379772015-12-21T07:49:06.631+08:002015-12-21T07:49:06.631+08:00…"And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kin...…"And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com