Andrew Siwko’s Blog #2

Father spoke of the example of the Holy Family. I thought this was particularly pertinent for me. I need to be a better example.

We spent Saturday afternoon and night camping behind Saint Joseph’s. Because we’re Cubs every boy was accompanied by his father for the night. We hiked in the woods; we cooked hot dogs; we built a tripod flag pole that had to be about 20 feet high! The moon was full and the birds sang all night.

Noah and I really enjoyed the trip.

Yesterday Father Adrian gave a homily on temptation.  I found particularly memorable the idea that the devil may not tempt sinners nor wish them harm in the short term.  Instead he desires their continuing scandalous example and may actually promote their temporal well being to continue.  In contrast he tempts those who strive for the good in order to prevent their success.

I happened to be around when Father Fritz started the Gospel so I stayed for his homily also.   Temptation is an idea.  Sin is an act.  There’s an important distinction.  Temptation is an opportunity to avoid sin.  Father also commented that the devil’s so full of hate he would wish Our Blessed Mother to be in Hell.  Ponder the thought of your mother in Hell.

We celebrated Scout Sunday at St. Joseph’s today. At the 11:00AM Mass (Missa Cantata) we had 10 scouts and 4 adult leaders in the procession. Most of the boys were torchbearers (we’ve got only 8 torches). The candles throughout the congregation were an impressive sight during the Gospel and during the consecration. It was lovely.