Hey! This book is full of some advice for some teens (like myself) who are aspiring to become a better Catholic/Christian and stuff. Or if you're thinking of coming into the Church. Feel free to ask any questions, and I'm also here to talk with you...
A/N : So some of my friends think the Bible is a set of rules. Actually, that's not anything it is. It's about the history of our Church. The prophecies of our future. I think, the best thing it is, is a big book of advice. That's what this book of the Bible is.
Proverbs - Chapter 5
My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel. Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you've learned. For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil.
But in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death;
her steps lead straight to the grave. For she cares nothing about the path to life. She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn't realize it. So now, my sons, listen to me.
Never stray from what I am about to say:
Stay away from her! Don't go near the door of her house! If you do, you will lose your honor and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved. Strangers will consume your wealth, and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor. In the end you will groan in anguish when disease consumes your body.
You will say, "How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings! Oh, why didn't I listen to my teachers? Why didn't I pay attention to my instructors? I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace."
Drink water from your own well— share your love only with your wife. Why spill the water of your springs in the streets, having sex with just anyone? You should reserve it for yourselves.
Never share it with strangers.
Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love.
Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman, or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman? For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.
An evil man is held captive by his own sins, they are ropes that catch and hold him. He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness.
St. Dominic Savio - Age 14
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^^^ Picture of St. Dominic Savio above ^^^
Dominic Savio was born on April 2, 1842. His mother was a seamstress, and his father was a blacksmith.
Dominic had loved God ever since he was a young child. He was a devout Catholic, and would encourage other people to pray. He would always say grace before meals, and actually refuse to eat with those who didn't.
He loved to pray in front of the tabernacle. He was also witnessed regularly praying outside of the Church building, and he would continue to do so even if the weather was terrible.
Because of his devotion, he was an exceptional student in school. At the time, he was also an altar server, and attended mass regularly.
He asked to receive Communion at age seven. This was extremely uncommon, as the Holy Communion was received at age twelve at the time, although the priest made an exception. Dominic seemed to have a superior intelligence of the faith.
On the day he received his first communion, he described it as "the happiest day of his life." He also wrote four promises in a book, which included :
1. I will go to Confession often, and as frequently to Holy Communion as my confessor allows.
2. I wish to sanctify the Sundays and festivals in a special manner.
3. My friends shall be Jesus and Mary.
4. Death rather than sin.
Dominic lived by these promises.
In fact, when two boys had filled the school's heating stove with snow and garbage, they had blamed Dominic. He didn't deny the fact and, in turn, was scolded for doing the deed.
The next day, the teacher discovered the truth. He then proceeded to ask Dominic why he didn't defend himself. He simply replied that he was "imitating Jesus, who remained silent when he was unjustly accused."
After this incident, the teacher had spoken to Father John Bosco. This man became a Saint later on, although at the time, he wanted to test Dominic's intelligence of the Church.
At the personal meeting, which, as mentioned before, Bosco wanted to test Dominic's intelligence and understanding of the Catholic faith, he had given Dominic a copy of The Catholic Readings. This was a pamphlet that dealt with apologetics. He expected Dominic to give him a report the next day, but about ten minutes later, Dominic stated the text and provided a complete explanation of it's significance. This is what solidified Bosco's high opinion of Dominic.
Dominic then wanted to become both a priest and a Saint. He felt that his dream for becoming a Saint, however, was a bit out of the ordinary. He began to deteriorate his own comfort, just so that he could show that he wanted to be more connected with Jesus and less concerned with his own needs. However, when Father Bosco observed these traits, he insisted that Dominic focus on his studies and be more cheerful. He did this, and his contagious joy soon returned.
He then one of the first people to analyze that all people should become saints. He made three great points. He said that it was easy to become a saint, God calls us all to become saints, and there are rewards in heaven for everyone who becomes a saint.
As he continued his studies, however, Fr. Bosco noticed that Dominic's health was beginning to fail. Dominic ate a lot less, and Father Bosco wanted him to be returned to his family. Despite Dominic's pleas, he was soon returned home.
Even though he was supposedly not critically ill, and many people thought his sickness would pass, he insisted that he was dying.
His health only worsened.
After four days of sickness, the doctor ordered him to bed rest and performed bloodletting on the young saint. This was the withdrawal of someone's blood in order to cure a disease.
Even though the doctor was certain that Dominic would live, he continued to insist that he was dying.
He finally died on March 9, 1847
...
Okay, all I can say is that I wish I were like him. Really.
This person is incredibly educated on the faith, and unbelievably humble. He was my age when he died, too, which just... I mean, wow. The fact he could take the blame for someone else's wrongdoing is phenomenal! Especially as a younger kid, since we all know how easy it is to get in the whole "no I didn't!" situations. He also wanted to be a Saint, which I can say that I want to be, too. He aspired to be God to everyone. He lived a very Holy life, and even though it was cut short, it was incredible.
