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 : Congrats on making it through the week! You're awesome!! AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR #308!!!!! AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
So, I would love it if you guys told me who your favorite Saint was so far. Who's been the most inspirational for you? Who can you connect with most? Please comment! I'd absolutely love to hear from you guys!
And also— I asked God for inspiration today, and I ended up making this! The lion isn't too different from the original picture, but...
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Proverbs - Chapter 7
Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands. Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family. Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman, from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.
While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain, I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense. He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house.
It was at twilight, in the evening, as deep darkness fell. The woman approached him, seductively dressed and sly of heart. She was the brash, rebellious type, never content to stay at home.
She is often in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner. She threw her arms around him and kissed him, and with a brazen look she said, "I've just made my peace offerings and fulfilled my vows. You're the one I was looking for! I came out to find you, and here you are! My bed is spread with beautiful blankets, with colored sheets of Egyptian linen. I've perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let's drink our fill of love until morning. Let's enjoy each other's caresses, for my husband is not home. He's away on a long trip. He has taken a wallet full of money with him and won't return until later this month."
So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery.
He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart.
He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.
So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words. Don't let your hearts stray away toward her. Don't wander down her wayward path. For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims.
Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death.
St. Pedro Calungsod - Age 17
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^^^ Painting of St. Pedro Calungsod above ^^^
Pedro Calungsod was born in Guam, Philippines in 1654. He joined a group of Jesuit missionaries when he was only 13 years old. He, and the rest of the Spanish missionaries, were going to travel to the Marianas Islands to teach about God.
Throughout his life, Pedro loved the Church. He would also receive the Sacraments whenever he possibly could. He was so on fire for his faith that he wanted everyone to know about Christ, and would spread God's love whenever he could. Because of his efforts, many people were baptized into the Church.
Overall, however, people did not trust missionary priests. They were viewed by medicine men as a threat to power. One day, Pedro and a priest were summoned to heal the chief's daughter. At the request of the chief's wife, however, they were both murdered by assassins.
Pedro was only 17 years old when he died.
This story is amazing. It's a bit shorter, I know, but I mean dang! I was thinking about joining a missionary group when I graduate high school, but this kid joined when he was only 13!
Okay, I know some people may not think this is a big deal, but it truly is.
I don't think many people realize how big of a commitment being a missionary is. You're constantly risking your life to spread the word of God, living in more extreme conditions (in a place you don't know), being away from your family... how hard is that?
This man's life was cut far too short, but he was holy is entire life. I admittedly complain about receiving the Sacraments, as they sometimes feel like a chore, but I now wish to be just as inspired as St. Pedro Calungsod. I want to love the Sacraments more than I do now. I also want to look forward to receiving them, and not complain about feeling forced to receive Reconciliation and Communion and everything else.
