Meetings
Life is Difficult / Van & Chris
Clearing the Way for God / Week 2 / Monday, January 14, 2008
We often feel that our lives are filled with problems, when in reality this is a normal aspect of life. It is wise for us to seek God not to remove pain, but to help us through it. It is through the realization that pain is healthy and by accepting suffering that we can grow.
Discipline / Thu & Kevin
Clearing the Way for God / Week 3 / Monday, January 21, 2008
Discipline is the key to solve life's problems. Nonetheless, discipline is difficult because it causes us to feel discomfort or pain; but discipline also teaches us to successfully solve pain, learn, and grow in the process. It is through discipline that we can proactively face life's difficulties and deepen our spirituality.
Prioritizing Our Time / Frank & Mary
Clearing the Way for God / Week 4 / Monday, January 28, 2008
Oftentimes, we enjoy doing things that make us happy. However, we should set aside time to do what is important now---we should not face our responsibilities later. By devoting time to what is important now -- even if it makes us uncomfortable -- we can set aside time to do enjoyable things later. By praying, nurturing our spiritual growth, and striving to become more godly people now, we can look forward to a life of paradise with God.
Informal Meeting / Anh Linh
Clearing the Way for God / Week 5 / Monday, February 4, 2008
Anh Linh talks about his previous experiences with the law ...
Taking Responsibility / Yolanda & Huy
Clearing the Way for God / Week 6 / Monday, February 11, 2008
In order to see change in our lives and spirituality, we must admit that a problem exists. We must recognize that a problem will not go away by ignoring it. Rather, we must take responsibility for whatever problems that exist. In addition, we must distinguish which things are God's will and which things require our personal action and change.
Dedication to Truth / Steven & Jessica
Clearing the Way for God / Week 7 / Monday, February 18, 2008
It is easier to disillusion ourselves or hide from reality to circumvent legitimate suffering. However, we must be dedicated to truth. We must face the reality of situations and be honest with ourselves. We must undergo continual self-examination and spiritual-examination. While this is painful, it is only by doing so that we become closer to truth and are a source of clarification and illumination.
Balancing / Peter & James
Clearing the Way for God / Week 8 / Monday, February 25, 2008
We are required to delay what is pleasurable and do what is important now, to recognize the difference between God's will and self-will for change, among other things that require balance. Balance is the tool that gives us flexibility. However, balance is not easy. Balance may require us to give up personal traits, patterns of behavior, ideologies, spiritual beliefs, and even whole lifestyles---making balance a difficult life journey. But by being flexible in our personal and spiritual lives, we can successfully live in all spheres of activity.
Renunciation and Rebirth / Tin & Paul
Clearing the Way for God / Week 9 / Monday, March 3, 2008
We are ultimately required to give up our self and our lives. This, undoubtedly, is painful. However, it is through death that we experience life. As we journey through life, we experience many deaths and many births, many pains and many joys. It is by accepting and experiencing pain that we attain higher levels of spiritual evolution and become closer to God.
End of the Quarter Mass / Diana
Clearing the Way for God / Week 10 / Monday, March 10, 2008
Mass is held at 6pm with confession afterwards.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven / Huy & Mary
The Beatitudes / Week 2 / Monday, April 7, 2008
With this quarter's focus on service and helping others, there is a need to remember those who are less fortunate or are struggling with any burdens. We must reach out to these people, pray for them, and help them realize that their desolate spirit is only temporary. Behind the veil of their poor spirit, God has a greater mission for them. Moreover, their restless spirit will find comfort and peace in God and heaven.