Faith

Inspired by Philosopher Mom's post about faith, I want to share with you a quote from John Paul II (I'm not sure what it is from originally, but it is included in Go in Peace, which is a compilation of some of his writings):

"The apostles asked of Jesus: "Increase our faith!" This too must be our constant prayer. Faith is always demanding because faith leads us beyond ourselves. It leads us directly to God. Faith also imparts a vision of life's purpose and stimulates us to action. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a private opinion, a remote spiritual ideal or a mere program for personal growth. The gospel is the power that can transform the world.

This gospel is no abstraction: it is the living Person of Jesus Christ, the Word of God, the reflection of the Father's glory, the Incarnate Son who reveals the deepest meaning of our humanity and the noble destiny to which the whole human family is called. Christ has commanded us to let the light of the gospel shine forth in our service to society. How can we profess faith in God's Word, and then refuse to let it inspire and direct our thinking, our activity, our decisions, and our responsibilities toward one another?"

Well, I marched today

With two friends and my underwhelmed husband. What amazes me about this event is that despite the gruesome "theme" of the march, people are so peppy and joyful as they move along. Of course, this has a lot to do with the large number of high school kids who attend, but I'd like to think there is something more to it - we are a people of life, and life is a beautiful thing. It is something to be joyful about. Life is good, period. How backwards and upside down and painful our world can be, and still life is so very good. And that is why we march.