Decision Time, Lenten Spiritual Retreat 2013, 3 of 6

[Spiritual Retreat preached for lay people at St. Patrick’s, in Miami Beach.]

Talk 3 of 6: When Faith Gets Questioned – General Issues

1. In very simple terms, what is Christian faith all about?

2. What, if anything, makes Christ different from other spiritual leaders?

3. Can I truly believe that my religion or faith is the right one, and at the same time keep due respect and sincere attention to other systems?

Decision Time, Lenten Spiritual Retreat 2013, 2 of 6

[Spiritual Retreat preached for lay people at St. Patrick’s, in Miami Beach.]

Talk 2 of 6: The Outer Battle

The various battle-fields:

1. Colleges, universities. Science as an idol; sex as enterteinment; faith as a hindrance; egotism as a standard.
2. Relativism, subjectivism, consumerism… the MARKET.
3. The media, including reviews and blogs.
4. Your political representatives.

Biblical text: Romans 12,9-21

Love in Action

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Decision Time, Lenten Spiritual Retreat 2013, 1 of 6

[Spiritual Retreat preached for lay people at St. Patrick’s, in Miami Beach.]

Talk 1 of 6: The Inner Battle

1. Educate your conscience
2. Identify strengths and weaknesses. Do become an expert on your own self.
3. Be honest about your own failures; blaming others does not help.
4. Be compassionate about your true (fallen) nature.
5. Be proactive on what should change in and around yourself.
6. Join a community. Only the living branches receive the tree’s sap.
7. Share what you have learned. Sharing is good for others but first is good for you.

El sentido de la vida para ateos y catolicos

[Una entrevista con Christian Huerta, de SemperFiat.com]

– ¿Venimos de la no existencia y vamos a la no existencia?

– ¿Lo único que da sentido a la vida es vivir el momento presente de una forma inmanentista?

– ¿El dogma frena el desarrollo del intelecto?

– ¿Por qué preguntar no siempre es igual a la búsqueda honesta de la verdad?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkOXbO-JeeU