Click HERE for amazing 360 degree and from floor to ceiling photography. Move the picture around with your mouse to see everything.

Professor Rose at Amsterdam Airport (with Janet and I)

Good stories originate and are told in airports. Today at a layover in Amsterdam, between Detroit and Tel Aviv Janet was thirsty. The only vending machine took Euros. I had only dollars and shekels. She said, “But I am so thirsty.”

An dignified Jewish man sitting nearby said, “I think I have some Euros I can give you. We traded dollars and got Janet a drink. He was so kind and friendly we talked for a while. We told him we were Catholics on our way to guide a group of pilgrims.

Pope Pius XIII who defended Jews and saved 800,000

He immediately lit into two stories. He is a retired sociologist professor from Massachusetts and went to Israel about fifteen years ago. Sadly he was very influenced by the scandalous book “Hitler’s Pope” which accuses Pope Pius XII of doing nothing for the Jews during WWII. Of course Janet and I jumped right into the defense of the Church. It is a common misconception, especially among many Jews. Unfortunate. Pope Pius XII never collaborated with Hitler and worked underground to save over 800,000 Jews. The head Rabbi of Rome, Rabbi Zolli was so impressed he converted to Catholicism.

Abbey of Dormition on Mt. Zion where Mary fell asleep in Christ

The professor told us a story of his visit to Israel years ago. While on Mount Zion at the cenotaph tomb of King David and the Abbey of the Dormition of Mary. The group was Jewish and the guide was saying, “This is the site of David’s Tomb.” At Mary’s Dormition he said, “This is where the Catholic’s have a tradition that Mary fell asleep and went to heaven from here. Who knows.”

Later that day Professor Rose saw the same guide with a group of Catholics and a priest in his collar. Out of curiosity he followed the guide again. This time the guide said, “Nobody knows where David was buried but this is where the Jews have a tradition.” At the Dormition of Mary the guide said, “This is where Mary fell asleep before she was assumed into heaven.”

Our friend confronted the guide asking, “Why did you tell two different stories to those two different groups?” “Ah,” said the guide, “it’s a job and you say what you have to say.” In other words: lie, truth, make something up—who is the wiser for it. It is a job and I try to make people happy and get my tip.

This infuriates me but I see it every day too in Israel. The Jewish guides are unbelieving skeptics and don’t believe what they tell the Christians. Jewish and Christian groups get very different stories.

JW's handing out their magazine

He told us another funny story this time (not sad like the one above). Jehovahs Witnesses came to his door and his nine year old daughter was there. The ladies handed him their magazine. He said, “We are not interested— we are Jewish.”

They left their Watchtower Magazine on the doorstep and the girl asked, “Why did you throw it away dad?” He said, “Because it is not true and it’s from a fringe group of people with crazy religious beliefs.” The girl was very interested and asked a lot of questions.

He finally ended up saying, “We don’t agree with them. They are JW’s. I threw away their magazine because we don’t believe it. We are Jewish.”

A few weeks later they went to Israel and due to lack of funds had to stay in the seedier part of Tel Aviv. It was the “Red Light District.” When they were going to their hotel a hooker approached him with her advertisement. The innocent young daughter intervened and stepped up to the hooker and said, “No thanks. We are Jewish!”

My non-Christian brother found two paintings at an art show and asked me, “What in the world are these? They seem to have pagan elements. What do they have to do with Jesus and Mary?”

Here is my explanation. If you readers have anything to add, please post it in the Comments below. Thanks.

Thanks. Beautiful images. Full of biblical representation. They are devotional images to remind Catholics of the sorrows of Jesus and Mary and the resultant purification, joy and new life that come from them.

Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacred Heart of Jesus:
Hearts represent love and life. Jesus’ heart beats with the fire of love (at the top of the heart) which was demonstrated at the cross. The fire also represents the purifying fire of God by which he purifies men. It exudes the transformative power of divine love.The crown of thorns brought suffering which was endured for the love of man to redeem him — to bear man’s pain in his own heart. The cut in the heart is that made by the lance that was thrust through his heart when he was on the cross.

The blood dripping represents the new life secured through his death (life came through dead). The result is the heart of man (below surrounded by flowers) is given new life. The flowers represent a garden of delights, new life, freshness. The Garden of Eden which brought about death by sin is now replaced by the Garden of Heaven which brings new life because of holiness.

Adam and Eve experienced death at the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden; The New Adam (Jesus) brings about life at the Tree of Death (the cross) in another garden. This cross is at the top of the heart. Heaven is represented by the clouds and the blazing sun or heavenly light from God behind the hearts.

Immaculate Heart of Mary

Immaculate Heart of Mary:
This one is similar to the Sacred Heart. The roses surrounding Mary’s heart represent her sinlessness and purity, sweetness and new life. The seven swords piercing the top of the heart represents the “Seven Sorrows of Mary,” (“Mater Dolorosa”). The first of her sorrows was the Prophecy

of Simeon that a sword would pierce her soul because of her son’s death Luke 2:35), 2) their flight into Egypt, 3) the loss of Jesus in the Temple; 4) the fourth sorrow is Mary watching Jesus carry the cross, 5) the crucifixion imagining a mother watching her son die this way; 6)  receiving his limp, cold body after the crucifixion, 7) the body of her son buried in the tomb.

When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple as a baby the prophet Simeon said that the life and death of Jesus would be like a sword that would pierce her soul (Luke 2:35). The lower heart, the one of Mary surrounded by roses, shows a cut in it which is symbolic of her sorrows.  But her sorrows have brought us new life and pure hearts represented by the garden of roses below.

The Mystic Rose:
The mystic rose, symbolizes Mary’s mystical participation in the Holy Trinity as Heaven’s Rose or Mystical Rose. In medieval times the mystic rose symbol was drawn with four petals on a stain glass background or on a multi-colored background like a popular quilt pattern which is still stitched today.

Conclusion:
It is a very popular and insightful devotion to Jesus and his mother — the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Every aspect is taken from the Bible and nicely illustrated in the pictures you sent.  You have a nice few items there :-)

This was very clever. A friend posted it on my site.

“When someone tells me they are non-denominational — I tell them I am pre-denominational.”

For those who don’t get it:  pre-denomination means “before the Protestant Reformation (read: Rebellion).” The Protestants gave birth to the every multiplying denominations. Before them there was the pre-denomination — the Catholic Church.

By the way, the term “denomination” derives originally from “taking a new name.”

Spit Your Gum Here before Mass

We visited Guadalupe Parish in Midland Texas and found this sign at the front door. I thought it was a good idea.

I recalled the girl sitting in front of me last Sunday at Mass chewing like a cow with smacking slurping sounds.

Gum at Communion is not a good idea either — chew, chew, “Body of Christ” chew, smack, chew, “Amen” chew, chew …

John 3:16 written in Tebow's eye shade

Legionary of Christ Fr. Kevin Lixey works in the Roman Curia helping the Church make a contribution to the world of sport, with the aim of promoting a sports culture suitable to the integral development of the individual.

ZENIT spoke with Fr. Lixey about the Denver Broncos quarterback, Tim Tebow, after Tebow led his team to an overtime win in last Sunday’s playoff game.

Interesting factoids: 1) Did you know that when Tim Tebow wrote John 3:16 in his black eye shade that 92 million people Googled “John 3:16″ to see what it was? 2) And did you know that the National Football League has now prohibited players from putting any message in their eye shade. 3) And did you know that doctors suggested that Tim’s mom abort him?

This interview is an interesting to look at Tim Tebow and sports in general through the lens of Catholic thought. Read the article here.

My previous blog “Tim Tebow , Love Him or Hate Him” is here.

My son Jesse was trying to get five wiggly kids to sit still for a family picture on his iPhone. The timer ran out and the picture snapped — who could have planned the funny result?

The fist is swung by new baby Daniel Xavier and the the optical illusion has Elizabeth Bella Rose getting it smack in the eye!

Ouch! Danny, be nice to your sister!

Are We Ready for the Year of Faith?

Pope Benedict XVI is giving us a great opportunity in this New Year to make a big difference.  In October he announced the “Year of Faith” which according to Vatican statements is designed to help Catholics around the world deepen their relationship with God, better appreciate the gift of our Catholic faith, and strengthen our commitment to sharing the Catholic faith with others.  The observance is set to begin October 11^th, 2012 which also happens to be the 50^th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. The “Year of Faith” will then conclude on November 24^th, 2013, the feast of Christ the King.

Teresa and Steve doing a radio show from Primacy of Peter in Galilee

We have ten months to prepare for this important celebration but are we or will we be ready when October 11^th rolls around? What can I do better or differently to enhance not only my own relationship with Jesus but to help spread the good news?  These are questions I’ve been asking myself since the announcement was made. 

Actually these are questions I ask myself quite often. Because of my work in Catholic media, I am blessed to be surrounded by some pretty amazing evangelizers.  It seems like at least once or twice a week I say “I want to be more like him or her. Why can’t I be that strong of a public witness?” 

  Take for example my friend Steve Ray.  Steve is an accomplished Catholic author, speaker, and apologist.  A major part of his ministry includes leading pilgrimages around the world with his specialty being the Holy Land. Steve is a convert to Catholicism and being that he has a Baptist background it is probably no surprise that Steve has never had any trouble defending Christ or witnessing and that enthusiasm has been multiplied since entering the Church seventeen years ago.  In early December he was in the Ave Maria Radio studios to help us during one of our fundraisers.  He shared a story over the air waves that gave me chills.  It is a story that would make Pope Benedict proud and is I think exactly what the Holy Father wants us to do more of; unabashedly witness as to why we are Catholic.

You can wear something to start conversations too!

In Steve’s case he took a little help from St Francis of Assisi by wearing a beautiful San Damiano crucifix around his neck.  As Steve explains, he was on his way to another speaking engagement when the man sitting next to him complimented him on the cross.  He asked Steve what it was. Steve explained the history behind the cross and also told the fellow passenger that he wears it show his love for the Catholic Church. 

The man asked him if he really believed it and Steve said “so much so that I would die for it.” The man put on his headphones and stared out the window. About ten minutes later, as Steve tells it, the man tapped him on the shoulder and asked him to tell him more about the Catholic Church.  “Can you explain to me why I should be a Catholic?” Steve then spent the next two hours on that flight sharing the truth about the Catholic faith.  What an opportunity and as the Pope said in his apostolic letter used to announce the “Year of Faith”, this is the way our faith spreads.

Teresa and Steve doing Catholic radio together

“Faith grows when it is lived as an experience of love received and when it is communicated as an experience of grace and joy.”

We can start communicating our faith by taking some simple steps. Why not start by asking someone to Mass or by wearing your crucifix in a way that is very visible rather than keeping it tucked away hidden from view?  Maybe we’ll never become a well known apologist but that doesn’t matter. What does matter is that we will be answering the Baptismal call of evangelization.  And who knows maybe when October 11^th we will ready for the “Year of Faith.”

This was an very moving and motivational video. It shows the difference a Pro-life philosophy can make in many peoples’ lives. A boy with no eyes and disfunctional limbs that in most cases would be aborted. But watch …

Last Year’s Two Resolutions: 1) Run 1,000 miles and 2) read the Bible thru.
Only got 1/2 way thru the Bible – but continuing into 2012!
Ran 1,180 miles. Now I start running all over again in 2012. Old men need to stay healthy for God, Church, family and friends.
Join me in exercising – and reading the Bible too :-) HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I met Love, Health, Peace and Joy. They needed a permanent place to stay. I gave them your address; hope they arrived safely. Happy New Year :)

This is an interesting view of the birth of Jesus – as if Facebook was alive in the 1st century. Worth a quick look here.

But it won’t be released until December 2012. These folks are big teasers!

My Grandpa is a Biblical Detective

Was there really a man named Jesus?
Or do the Catholics just try to tease us?
I went to the places,
Studied books for all traces,
And discovered he’s real and that should sure please us.

A Limerick just sent to me from Darrell, a new convert, in response to the limerick I just posted:

There once was a man in much doubt,
What his Protestant faith was about.
Then a great guy named Steve
Helped the man to believe
In the Church that his Savior laid out.

What a delightful and fun hour!

If you have two brain cells that connect and wish to understand God and the world — and if you aren’t afraid of the truth and talk about sex — you will LOVE this.

If you aren’t polltically correct about atheism and Islam and other such things, you will love this talk. Listen to the end if you want to know why Muslims might win in the end — listen to the end.

Kreeft is a saint, a “brain,” a philosopher, a theologian, a prophet, a Catholic and a hero for the modern world.

WATCH THIS VIDEO!

I finally decided to write a brief story of our conversion story. It is easy to read in about 15 minutes, about our coming into the Catholic Church. Janet and I converted to the Catholic Church in 1994 but it still seems like yesterday.

It has not grown old and we are still thrilled with our discovery. We still get tears of joy. I hope you enjoy the story and can pass it on to others..

Please share it freely with others. Use Twitter, Facebook and other means.

We post it with prayers that it will help many others find their way to the fulness of the Catholic Faith too.

My last line, like that in my book Crossing the Tiber is: “We are not the first to cross the Tiber; we won’t be the last – we are in good company!”

CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE – FOR THE REST OF THE STORY!

TIM TEBOW: GOD’S QUARTERBACK
By PATTON DODD

The Now Famous Kneeling to Thank God

“On a brisk Thursday evening in mid-November, I sat high in the stands at a Denver Broncos home game, covering the ears of my 4-year-old son as the fans around us launched f-bombs at Tim Tebow, the Broncos’ struggling second-year quarterback. Mr. Tebow was ineffective and off-target for most of the game, and one of his more voluble and obnoxious critics was standing right in front of us.

“But the heckler’s friend wasn’t joining in. “Just wait until the end of the fourth quarter,” he said. “That’s Tebow time.”

“And so it was. In the waning moments against the New York Jets, Mr. Tebow manufactured a 95-yard game-winning drive, punctuated by his own 20-yard touchdown dash. He brought the Broncos back from imminent defeat, just as he had done in previous weeks against the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs.

Man of Action!

“And when the shouting was over, Mr. Tebow did what he always does—he pointed skyward and took a knee in prayer. In postgame interviews, the young quarterback often starts by saying, “First, I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” and ends with “God bless.” He stresses that football is just a game and that God doesn’t care who wins or loses.

“This combination of candid piety and improbable success on the field has made Mr. Tebow the most-discussed phenomenon of the National Football League season. Most expert analysts still consider him poor material for a pro quarterback. An inexperienced passer with awkward throwing mechanics and the build of a fullback, he likes to run over defensive players, which is a no-no in the NFL, whose starting quarterbacks are expensive and hard to come by.

“But onward he and the Broncos have marched, winning six of their last seven games and now tied for the lead in their division as they face the Chicago Bears this Sunday. Mr. Tebow continues to defy his critics—and to embody the anxieties over religion that are dividing today’s sports world and embroiling players and fans alike.”

FOR THE REST OF THE ARTICLE, CLICK HERE.  (Article and pictures thanks to the Wall Street Journal.)

Thanks be to Jesus Christ

Man not afraid to Share his Faith in Christ

When a young Jewish woman in the 1960s read of Catholic nuns receiving permission to shorten their habits, she was shocked. How could these women who were supposed to be influencing the world for God succumb to the influence of the world? “I lost what wasn’t mine,” explained Rosalind Moss years later. Little did she know that …

To read the whole story by Trent Beattie, click here.

By the way, Rosalind Moss is a very dear friend of mine. My y wife Janet and I have been blessed to be close observers during this marvelous journey. Here is a picture of Janet and I with Rosalind before she was Sister Ros or Mother Ros :-)

With Rosalind in 2008

Movie on the Mass Opens Friday
By Tim Drake

A 3-D animated movie about the Mass opens in select theaters this weekend. It hardly seems possible. Yet, it’s true. That alone makes the movie, “The Greatest Miracle” a “miracle.” Trust me when I say it’s unlike any other movie you’re likely to ever see on the big screen. “The Greatest Miracle” opens on select screens in … (more here)

We’re are all looking for good family movies that promote the Catholic Faith. Check this one out and support it if you can.

It appears from recent discoveries that the Holy Family was kicked out of Bethlehem the morning after Jesus was born.

The great historian and social commentator Jay Leno has disclosed that disgruntled citizens of Bethlehem went to the Town Council and complained.

The Council decided that a Nativity Scene was NOT allowed in Bethlehem — and forced the family to leave.