#the type of sad eyes you only see in catholic saints

[macaulaytwins]

babygirl your stress and mental turmoil have bewitched me body and soul

#the type of sad eyes you only see in catholic saints #tvc #he really is so pretty #louis de pointe du lac #babygirl #iwtv louis #jacob anderson #iwtv #amc interview with the vampire #interview with the vampire #amc iwtv #iwtv season 2 #iwtv s2 #loustat #loumand

[screechthemighty]

I wrote more of the Jake&Gena fic to soothe my soul now that I’m finally done with whatever the hell the 2006 run was! AO3 link will be in a reblog, but the whole second chapter is below and you can find chapter one in the “fic: meet me at our spot” tag!

Standard disclaimer: Author does not have DID or speak Spanish, so please correct me if I am wrong about things! Also, spot the cameo.

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meet me at our spot: part 2/6 (2020)

She tried not to let it get to her. She really did. But the winter was already feeling long by February and the 14th rolling around did not help her mood. Gena had made a point of not putting up Valentine’s Day decorations, but that didn’t stop people from showing up with dates. She tried not to feel hurt. She didn’t want to feel hurt.

She felt a little hurt.

Business is business, Gena, you can’t be angry about it just because-

The bell jangled. Another couple walked in, followed by the man who’d held the door for them. Jake. Same hat as before. It was almost a relief to see him. “Well, look who’s back,” she said with a smile. She hoped it didn’t look too tired.

“Señora Gena, me alegro de verla.” He sat down, same chair as always, with an exhausted groan. “Shit, what a flight.”

“I take it you won’t be having decaf for a change, then?”

“I’d say I’d rather die, but I wouldn’t get a choice in the matter. Decaf might actually kill me.”

“Regular it is. Same order, too?”

“I may need something more robust, actually. Forgot to have lunch.”

Gena passed him a menu. “I’ll get a fresh pot on for you.”

“Gracias.”

He ended up getting a Rueben. He ate like lunch wasn’t the only meal he’d skipped, but Gena wasn’t going to pry. “Are you going to be in town long?”

“No idea.” He prodded the pickle with his fork carefully, as if testing the tenderness of it before finally picking it up for a bite. “Open-ended contract. How’s your boys?”

“Well, Ricky is somehow getting picked on for not having a girlfriend at the ripe old age of eleven,” Gena sighed. “Ray’s just happy they had Star Wars valentines left. Don’t know why they bother, parents are gonna end up throwing them out…” Nope, too far. “Sorry.”

“No, you’re probably right. Hey, you can tell Ricky I’m in the same boat, if it helps. My hot date for tonight is me, myself, and the worst movie I can find on TV.”

“Not even the best one?”

“Too brain dead for that. I want to watch garbage.”

“Sharknado kind of deal?”

“Exactly. You get it.”

Gena was a little surprised to hear he was single. He was cute, not her type but confident enough to make up for the rough, exhausted edges. Nice smile, kind eyes. She could see why someone else might go for it.

Then again, his work schedule probably made anything that wasn’t long distance hard. There were some things even good looks couldn’t make up for.

She had to bounce between the counter and the tables, which didn’t leave her much time to chat. That didn’t stop Jake from lingering even after his sandwich was done. “Not in a hurry to get back to work?”

Jake shook his head. “Need to be around other people for a bit,” he explained. He carefully folded a piece of paper as he spoke, shaping it into what looked like a bird of some kind. “Trust me, once you get behind the wheel, you’re invisible. It gets to you if you’re not careful.”

That definitely sounded lonely. She even noticed some of that sadness in his eyes. “Well,” she said, “I don’t typically let people linger over the same cup of coffee, but you can stick around as long as you like.”

Jake hesitated. His eyes darted across her face, like he was looking for some kind of lie. When he didn’t find one…

“Gracias.”

…gratitude quickly sank into his face.

“Of course,” Gena said. “Nice to have someone else in here who doesn’t have any plans.”

Jake raised an eyebrow; for a second, she was worried he’d start asking questions. Instead, he said, “Well, even if I wasn’t single…” He gestured towards himself. “I’m Jewish. Not very practicing, sure, but I have a few questions about how we normalized a holiday for a Catholic saint.”

Gena laughed, startling even herself. “So someone could make money selling cards, I think.”

“Of course it was.”

He lingered a bit longer, occasionally chatting with her whenever she had a chance to just stand around. He’d been to Dubai recently–spent most of the time waiting outside clubs, never been more bored in my life–and was thinking he might be able to get upstate this trip stateside–though that's gonna depend on what my boss wants. He asked her about her life, and listened attentively when she complained about rising food costs. It would be easy to assume he wasn’t listening–he rarely made direct eye contact, and sometimes wouldn’t even look directly at her. But she could see it in his eyes. Even when he was staring into the middle distance, his gaze was thoughtful, digesting every word. She felt more heard than she had in…

Shoot, a while. More heard than she had by any other regular who’d come in and ask her about her day. Heard enough that she let one thing slip.

“I’ll figure something out, I know, I’m not gonna let the place shut down…”

Gena had to stop and gather herself for a second. She made a point of not looking at any of the young couples as she spoke. “...it’s just a pain in the ass.” Jake was quiet. She wondered what he might’ve put together from that pause. “Like you said last time, right? Lo que…”

“Lo que pasa, pasa.” Jake looked at her and smiled faintly. Sadly. She wasn’t sure if he’d put the pieces together, but he seemed to understand the basic emotion. “Whatever happens, happens.”

It looked like he knew a thing or two about that feeling.

He left behind one of the little paper birds with his tip. Gena put it on the cash register. Seeing it made the day a little more tolerable.

~~~

He wasn’t around for the actual job, but he slipped in during the aftermath. He dragged their exhausted body back to the hotel, showered, got changed. He did stick to the original plan, watching the worst movie he could get his hands on while curled up under every blanket in the room.

It felt a lot more hollow than he’d expected.

~~~

Jake came and went as the snow melted and the weather warmed. He seemed to come either during breakfast or very late, rarely in the middle of the day. Regardless of the time, the visits started the same way.

Señora Gena. How’re your boys?

He ordered eggs over easy with toast or a Reuben, usually the former but sometimes the latter if work had him skipping meals. He talked about the places he’d been–lots of metropolitan areas, driving around rich people to boring rich people things. She talked about what was happening around the city. He might not have been a regular in the traditional sense, but Gena quickly realized she considered him one. He fell into place so easily for a man who didn’t even live there.

She also found herself worrying about him. He never talked about being in serious danger, but there must have been some risk. And some jobs just seemed to leave him worn out. She was starting to notice the moments when his smile seemed a little desperate, like he was grinning to create a life raft for himself.

Maybe being invisible behind the wheel got to him more than he was letting on.

It was all enough to make her worry a bit more when he disappeared for a month and a half. It wasn’t even the longest amount of time he’d been gone, but it still nagged at her. Maybe it was something about how down he’d seemed last time, or justified anxiety in the face of a world where people could go missing without warning, or God forbid, intuition telling her something was genuinely wrong. Regardless of the why, she worried.

Then, one hot summer morning, he was back.

“Señora, you are a sight for sore eyes.” He sat down in the same chair, with the same smile. “How are you? How’s the boys?”

Gena grinned. “Well, well, I was wondering when I’d see you again, Mr. O’Malley.”

Jake’s smile didn’t fade, but the tilt of his head was clearly confused. “It’s…Lockley?”

Swing and a miss with that one. “Sorry, it’s…from a movie I watched when I was a kid.” She probably should’ve felt silly singing, but the diner was mostly abandoned anyway. “Abraham de Lacy Guiseppe Casey Thomas O’Malley…no? Not ringing any bells?”

Jake shook his head. “No, I think I missed that one. Which intrigues me, because I don’t usually miss movies.”

“Aristocats. I don’t know if it’s any good, but I loved it as a kid.” Her smile widened as he actually pulled out that notebook and wrote it down. “To answer your question, I’m doing okay. Same old. The boys…” She tilted her chin towards one of the booths. “...doing their summer reading.”

Jake glanced over his shoulder at them. “Of their own free will?”

“I lucked out with them.” And Mo always read to them…I’m sure that helped. But they weren’t at a point where she could talk about that. She didn’t think they’d ever be. So she pressed on. “Eggs or a sandwich?”

“Eggs, please.”

She got his order and his coffee before moving out from behind the counter to check on some other patrons. She was still within earshot of Jake, but just far away enough that it made Ray bold. He and Ricky had seen Jake around when he came in late. They hadn’t said anything about him yet, but she knew it was a matter of when. They got funny about male patrons who seemed a little too cozy.

Sure enough…

“Are you flirting with my mom?”

Raymond Gregory Landers…! She would’ve told him to mind his own business if she hadn’t been in the middle of refilling glasses of water. Jake, to his credit, took it well. “I don’t…think so? I didn’t think that was the flirting script.” When Gena could finally look away from the table, Jake seemed genuinely thoughtful. “Could’ve been wrong. I wasn’t trying to, how about that?”

Ray’s nose wrinkled. “Script?”

“What, you don’t have scripts? How do you know what to say to people?”

“I dunno. I just do.”

“Damn. You could probably be an Avenger with that kinda power.” Jake smiled–not the big, easy grin he used with her, but something smaller, more placating. “I’m Jake.”

“Ray.”

“Hola, Ray. That any good? What’s it about?”

Ray looked down at the book in his hand. “Yeah, it’s pretty good.” Which, of course, meant he loved it, but wasn’t willing to say so to a stranger. The shift in conversation was enough to let Gena go about her business without interfering, but she did keep an eye on them. “This kid is half-god and there’s a bunch of other demigods.”

“Half god and a bunch of other demigods? Which pantheon?”

“Greek. Zeus and stuff.”

“Oh, yeah, I don’t know much about them. My brother’s into Egyptian myths. I picked up a few things.”

“There’s one about them, too, I just haven’t read it yet.”

“Huh. Maybe he read those and I just missed it.” Jake shrugged. “He reads so much, I can’t keep track of it all. I prefer films.”

Ray perked up. “Do you like Star Wars?”

“That one that came out four years ago is the best one. No daré más detalles.” The grin was back. “Which one’s your favorite?”

Ray, of course, had seen Return of the Jedi eight times. He was more than willing to talk about it. Jake ate his eggs and listened carefully. Gena didn’t even have the heart to tell Ray to leave the poor man alone.

They both just seemed happy to be talking to someone.

“He’s a chatterbox, I know,” Gena said when Ray finally got bored and ran off of his own accord. “Sorry about…how he opened that.”

Jake shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. And I really wasn’t.” His tone suddenly became concerned. “If I came across like I was…”

“Jake, if I thought you were flirting with me, I would’ve shut it down by now. You had the right script.” And she meant that, too. He was earnest, to be sure, friendly, but she knew the type. Some people defaulted to charm. You just had to figure out the flavor. She’d known more than her fair share of guys like that. Even loved one, once.

The thought stung. Stung enough that her mouth moved without her thinking about it.

“Just curious, if you…were trying…”

“Oh, you want to know what the flirting script is?”

“I am a bit curious.”

“You have a very lovely smile.”

He said it with a smile of his own–not his usual, not the one he’d used with Ray. Something gentle–charming, but not overconfident or overbearing. Another time, another place, if he’d been more her type…

Damn it, that would’ve worked.

Gena couldn’t help laughing. The laugh set Jake back to default mode, back to that same old easy grin. “Be careful with that,” she said. “Don’t want you breaking any hearts.”

“Not that kind of guy, don’t worry. Not on purpose, anyway. And for the record, I wasn’t lying. You do have a nice smile.” He pointed at her with his fork. “But see? Wording, tone of voice, that’s the script part. You have to really think about it. Or I do, anyway.”

“Nothing wrong with that. Makes you mindful. Some people could stand to think before they run their mouths off.”

“Don’t I know it.”

In hindsight, she wondered how many pieces he put together over time: from her having two kids but no wedding ring, to her bitterness on Valentine’s Day, to the fact that she would’ve shut down him flirting if he had been. There were a lot of conclusions you could draw from that, not all of them necessarily the right ones.

But as long as he kept his questions to himself, she was fine with him speculating. Something told her that he would. So far, he seemed like a guy who knew how to mind his own business.

~~~

Sometimes he knew what was going on. Sometimes he didn’t.

Sometimes he was in on it from the get. Sometimes he’d wake up with a crescent in his hands and a job to finish. He went along with it, did the work as promised. Protected Marc. Protected more people than he could count, though he tried to remember them as best he could.

People snatched from the jaws of muggers, rapists, killers. Streets made safer because crime rings and gangs were broken up. Sometimes he got to see their faces, guide them to safety. He started carrying a first aid kit in the back of whatever car he’d borrowed–bandages, Narcan, whatever he could get his hands on. He stayed as long as he could. Just to be sure.

Khonshu didn’t get it. He wanted blood. To see the guilty punished. That goal wasn’t necessarily incompatible with Jake’s, but he saw all the rest as…superfluous. Justice was served; why waste time when there was so much evil in the world?

It’s not just about the punishment, demonio.

He’d tried to explain it, more than once. Khonshu still didn’t get it. Kind of made Jake feel like he was losing his mind, if he was being honest. That was one reason he liked to go back to Gena’s whenever he was in town. Something about being there, around regular people, around someone with a friendly smile who looked at her boys with nothing but fond kindness, two boys who got to live a life as normal as she could make it in a world as hellish as this one…it helped.

It really helped.

~~~

Usually, the sound of the bell ringing right as she was getting ready to close filled her with dread. But that night, when Gena looked up, she felt…a little less dread. And the dread she did feel wasn’t for the usual reasons.

“What the hell happened to you?”

Jake grinned crookedly. The smile was marred by the bruise around his right eye. “Ah, don’t worry about it. Misunderstanding. I ate already, I just…”

“Sit down. I’ll get you ice.”

Jake did as he was told. Gena scooped up some ice into a towel and brought it back out into Jake. “Seriously, what happened?” she asked.

“It’s…” Jake sighed and carefully rested the ice pack against his eye. “...my fault, really. I was talking to a buddy of mine. Good guy, not all there, though. I didn’t realize this was one of his bad nights. Something set him off, he hit me…” Jake shook his head. “He didn’t mean anything by it. I know he didn’t. He’ll probably be apologizing his ass off next time I see him.”

It didn’t look like he was lying, so Gena decided to accept it. “So, I take it you’ve had an interesting night,” she said.

“Oh, very. I know I said I wasn’t going to order anything, but if you have any coffee left…”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve got some. Here.”

She poured him a cup. He managed to take a sip while holding the ice pack to his eye. For a little while, it was silent. Then…

“So…how’re your boys?”

Gena laughed, despite herself. Jake did, too, though the action made him wince. “They’re with their aunt,” she said. “I wanted to make sure they got enough sleep. School tomorrow and all.”

“Makes sense.” Jake carefully took another sip. “Can I ask you something?”

“Shoot.”

“How much do you know about Daredevil, exactly?”

“Nothing firsthand. People in the Kitchen seem grateful for what he’s doing. He’s just one man, sure, but he’s doing what he can to keep the place intact.”

“So he’s…reasonable, you’d say?”

“Why, you wanna chat with him?” She’d been joking, but when Jake didn’t answer right away, she got worried. “Jake, what are you playing at?”

“I can’t say much, client reasons, but he could use some extra help. I don’t know how much I trust the cops, so…” He shrugged and smiled. “...I know I said I’m Jewish, but I’m not above making a deal with the devil.”

“...definitely having an interesting evening,” Gena noted. “I think he’d be willing to help, if there’s not too much on his plate. How do you plan on getting his attention?”

“Still working on that part. Maybe petty crime, jaywalking or something.” He chugged down the last of his coffee and grimaced. “I’m asking for a bonus for this.”

“You should. Hey.” Gena gently squeezed his forearm. “Just promise me you’re gonna take care of yourself.”

“Lo prometo. Sobre la vida de mis hermanos.” He lifted the ice enough that he was making direct eye contact, both eyes, even if it was just for a second. “And if it makes you feel better, I also promise I will see you tomorrow morning. Eggs and toast.”

“You’d better.”

The extra promise didn’t really help, though at least he was trying. Gena tried not to worry about it. There was sure plenty to keep her distracted as the evening turned into night. But the thought lingered. Stewing in worry.

All that worry ended up being for nothing. He actually beat her to the diner the next morning. She saw him waiting by the door, smoking, his bruise looking a lot less harsh under the morning light. “You’d better have slept,” Gena scolded gently.

“I did. Three whole minutes.” Jake put the cigarette out and held the door for her. “Boys enjoy seeing their aunt?”

“Oh, always. And I’m glad to see you’re not busted up worse.”

“Yeah. I’m glad, too.”

~~~

That was the worst part about New York. Place really was crawling with other do-gooders. Not all of them were as committed as Khonshu, and Marc hated talking to them. So that fell to Jake.

He was starting to hate it too, though that might’ve just been because the whole night was an absolute shitshow.

Jake hadn’t been lying to Gena; what happened with David was his fault. Guy was great for information when it was him Jake was talking to. But many systems had their protector, and one of David’s had decided they’d had enough. So…the punch.

He let it slide. Jake understood the impulse more than anyone.

That left him asking Gena for information, which he felt guilty about. He didn’t want her involved, even indirectly. But this little trip was going to be a whole lot worse if they didn’t get Daredevil out of play. Jake didn’t dislike the guy or anything, he seemed nice, but last time he’d been such a pain in the ass that they had to stay an extra day just to get around him to the target. (Not that Jake minded the extra time in NYC, but Marc had wanted to get back to that girl he liked, and Jake was nothing if not supportive of whatever or whoever could get Marc out of his depressive episodes.)

So, it was time for a little trade: some small fish for a big one. Put on the suit (Marc’s style, Marc’s voice, just to keep things consistent), drop a tip about some drug activity as a concerned citizen, let the Devil go take care of it while they grabbed the real prize. That was Jake’s part to play this time; Marc had been able to handle the rest, free of the aggravation of some guy with horns trying to talk about morality.

Jake did feel a little bad about waking them up early the next morning to fake a bruise and get to Gena’s, sure, but he’d made a promise, and he was going to keep it.

He owed her that much.

#moon knight #jake lockley #gena landers #fic: meet me at our spot

[polishksiezniczka]

Camerlengo Patrick McKenna Fluff ABCs | Camerlengo x Female Reader

Il camerlengo deserves more love ❤

Notes: These take place in an AU where the Cardinal Strauss and Commander Richter are guilty of the attacks on the Vatican. 2K words.

A = Attractive (What do they find attractive about the other?)

There are so many things about you Patrick adores: your beautiful, soft smile; the curiosity and warmth your eyes convey; the feminine lilt of your voice. But most of all, he loves you for your heart. The kindness you show towards others makes you an angel in his eyes.

B = Baby (Do they want a family? Why or why not?)

Despite his vocation to the priesthood, Patrick would love nothing more than to start a family with you. He views the love you share as a gift from God, not something that should be disgraced or vilified. The arbitrary man-made rules of the Church which prevent him from realizing this longing—your own little family—frustrate him to no end.

C = Cuddle (How do they cuddle?)

With the utmost care and gentleness. He holds you against him, reverently stroking your hair, face, and body with his warm fingers. He especially loves to admire the suppleness of you, softly kissing each and every glorious inch he can reach. While these moments are few, they are precious to him.  

D = Dates (What are dates with them like?)

Because your relationship with Patrick is technically “forbidden,” you can’t go on dates in the normal sense. When he can, Patrick will use the secret passage between the Vatican and Castel Sant’ Angelo to discretely travel to the outside world in order to visit you. Because you really can’t be seen alone with him, you instead spend time with Patrick in your apartment, often cooking dinner, talking, and just enjoying each other’s company. Even if you can’t confess your love to the world yet, all he desires is to spend every moment he can with you.

E = Everything [“You are my ____________.” (e.g. my life, my world)]

“You are my heart.”

“You are my treasure.”

“You are my life’s greatest blessing. You are a gift from God.”

F = Feelings (When did they know they were in love?)

When he imagined his life without you. The pain he felt even entertaining the notion was too much for him to bear. He knew he needed to tell you before it was too late.

G = Gentle (Are they gentle? If so, how?)

This is one of the main reasons you fell in love with Patrick—he is truly the gentlest soul you have ever met. He treats you as if you were a priceless relic, practically worshipping the ground you walk on and swearing to defend you from any harm. Not that he won’t stand up for what he believes—he is a fierce defender of his faith and possesses the ability to inspire millions with his commanding oratory. But the look of love in his eyes when you catch him watching you makes your heart flutter rapidly in your chest like a schoolgirl’s.

H = Hands (How do they like to hold hands?)

Secretly and with all the affection he can possibly give. He especially loves to brush his thumb across the back of your hand, squeeze them lightly, or bring them to his lips when they are intertwined. When you are alone together, he always wants to maintain this type of intimate contact.  

I = Impression (What was their first impression?)

When you first met Patrick, the always-charming young priest was left speechless. Not only was he enamored of your beauty, he was mesmerized by your intellect and eloquence. At first, he chided himself for such foolish and boy-like thoughts—he was a priest, after all! But after slowly getting to know you, he realized how much you embodied perfection to him: your poise, the uncommon kindness you showed to all those you met, your deep devotion to your Catholic faith. And you couldn’t help but feel the same strong attraction to him.

J = Jealousy (Do they get jealous much?)

Patrick is not the jealous type—he would never have any reason to be. Your love is built on trust and truthfulness, and he alone holds the key to your heart.

K = Kiss (How do they kiss? Who initiated the first kiss?)

You were the first to kiss Patrick. You had gone to him for guidance after suffering a deeply personal anguish. His words were so gentle and reassuring, you couldn’t help but softly kiss his cheek in gratitude as tears slipped silently from your eyes. You were too numb to even feel ashamed, let alone prepare for Patrick’s response: taking your hand and kissing it lovingly, a gesture meant to assure you your feelings were reciprocated.

Because of Patrick’s profession and his constant presence in the public eye, you can’t be together as often as you’d like. But when you are, you nearly die and go to heaven from his mouth’s attentions alone. Patrick’s kisses are gentle, reverent, and full of love. He is never aggressive or rough; instead, he worships you with his lips, laying them everywhere like a starving man put before a feast.

L = Love (Who says I love you first?)

Patrick did. He was running to the helicopter to dispose of the antimatter chamber, willing to sacrifice his life for the safety of the faithful gathered in the Square and his beloved St. Peter’s. As he prepared to take off, he saw you standing on the steps at the entrance to the basilica, tears in your eyes. He silently mouthed to you, “I love you. Pray for me.” You were distraught but could do nothing but nod as tears clouded your vision and watch as he ascended from the plaza into the night sky.    

M = Memory (What’s their favorite memory together?)

One night you begged Patrick to go for a walk around the city together, like a normal couple would. You couldn’t brush away the romantic childhood notions of strolling through Rome with your beloved. He finally acquiesced to your pleas (your doe eyes and breathy implorations being of great assistance to you) and the two of you slipped quietly out into the dusky night. You frolicked at the Trevi Fountain, gazed at the enormity of the Pantheon, and shared a sweet treat from the gelateria while nestled on a bridge overlooking the Tiber River. Although the ancient city was beautiful, the sight beside him was what truly took his breath away.

N = Nickel (Do they spoil? Do they buy the person they love everything?)

Priests are sworn to a life of poverty, so Patrick does not shower you with expensive presents (nor can he afford to). But none of that matters to you because all you care about is Patrick and your love for him. Of his few earthly possessions, Patrick gifted you his late mother’s golden crucifix necklace inlaid with emerald, despite your attempts to dissuade him. He gave you the look of utmost adoration and smiled. “Angelo mio, you are the only one worthy of wearing it.” You wear the necklace every day as a secret declaration of your love for Patrick.  

O = Orange (What color reminds them of their other half?)

There are two: light pink (it is your favorite color and the color of your favorite flower, the gardenia) and white. White symbolizes purity and peace, as it is the color of the angels, and to Patrick, you are his angel on Earth.  

P = Pet Names (What pet names do they use?)

Angelo mio (“my angel”); cuore mio (“my heart”); mi amore (my love); “beloved”; “dearest”; “my treasure” ; “sweetheart.”

Q = Quaint (What is their favorite non-modern thing?)

His rosary, made of olive wood grown on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. It was a gift from His Holiness.

R = Rainy Day (What do they like to do on a rainy day?)

Ideally, he would spend the day curled up together on the sofa with you, reading, talking, or just basking in the other’s presence. Two mugs of tea and a plate of delectable pastries you had baked for him would sit on the table but would remain uneaten because of the sustenance you provide to each other. When he cannot be with you, he enjoys spending time in his study, doing research, reading Scripture, or writing his weekly homily.  

S = Sad (How do they cheer themselves/others up?)

Prayer—he always turns to God and the Saints for guidance.

Naturally, being by your side and in close physical contact immediately quells even his deepest fears. He relishes listening to your soft, sweet voice, lulling him into a sense of profound comfort and eventually, sleep.

T = Talking (What do they like to talk about?)

Patrick is an intellectual at heart and loved the time he spent in seminary. He is incredibly well-versed in a variety of topics, including literature, history, science, music, art, philosophy, and theology. You could listen to him for hours and never lose interest.

U = Unencumbered (What helps them relax?)

You. Patrick can be himself around you, let his guard down. He knows that he can tell you anything. Sometimes when he has a lot on his mind (responsibilities, the welfare of his Church, your future together), he simply gazes at you lovingly and observes the subtle movements you make when you’re engrossed in a task like cooking, reading, or playing the piano.

When he’s anxious and you are not around, prayer provides him a deep sense of comfort. He also relishes in your sweet scent—a small vial of your perfume you gifted him.  

V = Vaunt (How do they like to show off? What are they proud of?)

Vanity is a sin! 😉

But in secret, he loves showing off his Latin skills to you! You find it incredibly sensual when he speaks to you in that ancient tongue.

W = Wedding (When, how, where do they propose?)

On a dreamy spring night, Patrick led you up to a secret balcony near the base of St. Peter’s massive  dome—a hidden observatory shown to him by His Holiness when he was a young boy. The view is breathtaking; you can see the whole city bathed in golden light, the inky blue darkness above cut by the silver caresses of the moon. You turn to Patrick in complete awe and could hardly articulate how beautiful the view was. He pulls you close to him and whispers that he would be happy if he could never see this view again if it meant he could spend the rest of his life with you. You turned to him, overwhelmed with love, your breath hitching at the significance of his words. He then knelt down before you, taking your hands in his.

“Y/F/N Y/M/N Y/L/N, of all the blessings God has bestowed upon me, none is more precious than you. From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I knew that we were meant to be together, in this place and time.” His eyes were sincere and insistent, his tone earnest as he held your hands tighter and continued: “My mind told me that we could not be together, that my vows of celibacy and chastity forbid this. But my heart tells me that if a love so pure as ours exists, is it not a gift from God, meant to be treasured? And though I may not deserve to understand, all I wish to know and feel is my love for you.” His eyes shone softly with tears.  

“Y/N, my love, will you make me the happiest man on Earth and spend the rest of your life with me? Will you be my wife?”

X = Xylophone (What’s their song?)

Patrick loves the ancient hymns from the early days of the Church, their melodies hauntingly beautiful yet powerful. “Ave Maria” also has a special place in his heart after he heard you singing it softly to yourself one evening while preparing dinner.

Y = Yes (Do they ever think of getting married/proposing?)

Every day! Patrick is so torn between the duties of his priesthood and his intense longing to spend the rest of his life as your husband. He prays to God often about this personal conflict, but finally decides to propose to you before Him alone, indifferent to anyone else’s judgement.

Z = Zebra (If they wanted a pet, what would they get?)

Because Patrick is so easygoing and affectionate, he would do really well with dogs.

Tag: @lemairepstuff @seraferna

#ewan mcgregor #patrick mckenna #camerlengo #angels and demons #dan brown #il camerlengo #carlo ventresca #ewanfuckinmcgregor #forgive me father for i have sinned

[giornocentric]

Bucci gang’s Christmas

It’s that time of year again and I’m feeling especially Christmas-y right now, even though it’s still November.

I’m the type of person to get really happy around this time of year and I’m definitely the first to set up and decorate the tree (I’m the person people make those memes about). I love my family (half are Christian and half are Jewish) and the gifts and the food and music and just everything, and I can’t help but want to spend it with my favorite people on Earth!! (yes I know they’re fictional characters, Karen)

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Bruno Bucciarati

He’s not the biggest on Christmas but would love to celebrate it with the gang or his s/o if he had one at the time. Christmas is celebrated much differently in Italy so he would laugh at your more Western expectation of Christmas and would insist it’s better this way, less commercial and more centered around the Catholic/Christian importance of the day.

This is not to say Bruno is Catholic or Christian but I believe he would feel more comfortable and happier without the CRAZINESS of Western/American Christmases and would just enjoy spending time with you and his teammates/friends, along with maybe a small tree and an occasional Christmas song.

When he received a small gift his eyes widened, “Wait what’s this for?” He would be so shocked, he had never gotten a gift on Christmas, he didn’t even realize that it was something people actually did, he thought it was only in movies. Once his s/o explained what a Christmas gift was, he would open it hesitantly and smile in awe then return the favor with a kiss. “Sorry I didn’t get you anything, Tesoro.”

He would be the one to make Christmas dinner for you and the gang, more than likely, antipasti and pasta with a walnut cream sauce and Panettone (Christmas cake) that he’d ask if you wanted to help him bake, which would probably end up with both of you covered in batter and icing.

Giorno Giovanna

Christmas? is that a fruit? He has never celebrated or even thought about celebrating it, but his s/o wants to and Bruno does too? He will, but what exactly does that entail? Does he dress up like Saint Nicholas? He‘s never actually had a family to celebrate with so you have a LOT of explaining to do and then he’s SO EXCITED and wants to do EVERYTHING and now it’s time to make up for lost time.

Once he understands, he’s a little extreme, he’s already made a gingerbread house, cut down a real tree and decorated it, bought everyone TEN gifts and has an ugly sweater on, waiting for you to see and be impressed and well... you are. He’s admittedly looking for praise so you have to let him see just how much you appreciate it, maybe with a little kiss or a gift of your own.

Be prepared for an absolute marathon of Christmas movies, possibly accompanied by a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows or a cup of eggnog with extra cinnamon and a side of gingerbread cookies. So many gingerbread cookies. But you snuggle together away from the cold so that makes up for it, most of the time you both stop watching the movie and it’s just the two of you making out or staring at each other, longingly.

Once the entire house smells like Yankee Candles and you can barely breathe over the cinnamon and peppermint, it’s time to tell that poor boy he needs to stop. But before you can, you walk right under the dreaded mistletoe (trap) that he’s put up pretty much everywhere and he’s coming up to you and shutting you right up. He kisses you and with a cheeky grin and says “What was that about taking away Christmas away? You don’t like it, dolcezza?”

Leone Abbacchio

Two words. Seasonal Depression. Abbacchio is a bit of a grinch when it comes to Christmas. Truthfully, he doesn’t want to hate it, but his depression is bad during this time so if he goes to the Christmas get-together with you and the gang, he will most likely be drinking an ungodly amount of alcohol. His s/o might be able to calm him down and reassure him enough to attend but he will misserable no matter what, he’ll stay for the gifts and food though, regardless of how much he wants to leave.

Once he’s drunk and people are opening presents is when his emotions overwhelm him and he breaks into tears at the smallest things (Narancia received a CD from him that he already owned and Abbacchio felt guilty not knowing Narancia well enough to know which albums he already had.) His s/o is one of the only people who can calm him down in that moment, laying his head in your lap as you play with his hair and hum softly.

Now he goes through the second stage of grief, thrashing out the tree and throwing gifts and screaming about how much he loves you and Christmas and that delicious food and alcohol. He’s a mess, and before he gets any more drunk and destroys anything else, you have to drag him home and force him to lay down and sleep it off.

But Abbacchio wants to give you his gift, and before you can protest, he’s already on you, kissing you everywhere and mumbling incoherently about how much you mean to him and how good you are to him, but soon he breaks into tears once more as he convinces himself that he doesn’t deserve you. “I’m so stupid! I ruined everything! You probably don’t even love me anymore, and I don’t blame you for it.”

You just have to reassure him a little more until he finally passes out from the alcohol.

Pannacotta Fugo

Has mixed feelings about Christmas, he used to love it as a kid but now the memories are a little tainted by thoughts of his mom and dad and he thinks about being abandoned by them and it makes him angry, sad, and scared. But if he had an s/o, he would agree to celebrating it with them, they could make new memories that would help the bad ones fade away.

Fugo might ask for specific things to make him feel more comfortable and safe. Opening presents might bring on a little fear/bad thoughts, as well as the board games and card games, so you should be prepared to comfort him in any and every way possible. In my opinion, he’d love for you to hold him tightly and feed him your food as he complains about the music being too loud or the house being too cold, to which he’d snuggle closer to you.

When the group sees the two of you, and a totally different side of Fugo, some of them stare, some of them make snarky comments and laugh, and Narancia sighs before getting pissed at the ones who laughed. Fugo, doesn’t care much in that moment, of course he’s gritting his teeth and his nails are digging into his skin but he loves you far too much and feels too comfortable to mess with them.

Once he’s completely comfortable, you both go for a walk in the snow (much to Fugo’s dismay) talking about the meaning of Christmas to you and him. When Fugo’s disposition gets a little worse from talking about his past, you get down on one knee and create a little snowball. Holding it out, you tell him you’ve fallen for him much like this snow or that you love him snow much and ask him if you could have the honor of him being your boyfriend. He laughs at first at the cheesy/cringey puns then his eyes widen and he’s in so much disbelief that someone like you could love him. He bends down to meet your face, tilts your head up slightly and kisses you.

“I guess that’s a yes?” Now Christmas is going to have a totally different meaning for him.

Narancia Ghirga

“Where’s my gift?” “Is that mine?” “When can we open presents?” “What did you get me?” He knows everything about American Christmases and will run around the room, take a bite of food, get up, run around again, sit by the tree, open a gift, yell what he thinks it is then tears it open and repeats until all his gifts are opened.

When it’s someone else’s turn, he will look to his s/o and sigh. He might ask you to play a game with him while he waits, or sneak him some cake. Narancia is the type to constantly engage in the festivities and gets easily bored. If he gets you a gift it’s most likely something small and inexpensive because the boy is poor, but you will continue to Cherish it for many years to come.

Once the Christmas music is blaring and everyone has opened presents, Narancia is dancing like a maniac and pulling you on the floor to join. He’s not the greatest at slow dancing, but he’s probably better than most of the gang as he’s been to school dances before joining Passione. He doesn’t speak much in the moment but his hands are on your shoulders and you’re swaying un-gracefully until you both trip and fall on each other. “Are you alright, Mi Amore?” he asks quietly before building up the courage to kiss you.

Eventually you’re both off of the floor and Narancia is back to his enthusiastic, happy-go-lucky self, and is bragging about getting to kiss you and yelling about great you are. Get ready for a night of him being an absolute show off in front of his teammates and be prepared to drag him back home.

Guido Mista

I think Mista would treat this day the most seriously out of the group, only because I headcanon him as Catholic/Christian or religious in some way. He would probably enjoy taking his s/o with him to San Gregorio Armeno and San Gregorio Armeno Church in Napoli, also known as Christmas Alley to see the Prespes (Nativity scene of Jesus’ birth) and overall would be very happy about Christmas and the joy it brings him.

Mista would also absolutely adore going to classical music concerts and Christmas concerts. It would remind him of a time when he was a carefree child and would bring him so much joy. Of course he would drag you around with him and UGH he would just have the realest smile on his face, so content, thankful, and happy.

Soon he would realize he was late for the Christmas party but he’d walk extra slow so he could enjoy his time with you just a little longer. He would also be the type to start a random snow ball fight, like you’re just walking in front of him and suddenly a snow ball hits you with the help of Number 5 and Oh, it’s on. The battle goes on for a while until you’re both tired and in a little pain so Mista kisses your cheek then offers a piggyback ride, even if you’re too heavy, he’s ready to pick you up and carry you all the way to the house.

Once you both get there, you crash on the couch, eat some food and then open the leftover presents. You reach for the same gift and his hand is on top of yours. You can’t help but lean in and place a kiss on his lips and he kisses back, it’s a true Christmas miracle.

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I’m SO sorry I kinda got lazy/lost inspiration with Mista’s but please accept this trash 🗑 :)

#christmas #jojo part 5 #headcanons #jjba #jjba headcanons #jjba part 5 #jojo headcanons #jojo part 5 headcanons #bruno’s gang #bucci gang #bucci gang headcanons #bruno buccellati #bruno buccerati #bruno bucciarati #mista guido #pannacotta fugo #leone abbacchio #giorno giovanna #narancia ghirga #bruno x reader #narancia x reader #giorno x reader #abbachio x reader #mista x reader #fugo x reader #jojos bizarre adventure #jojo kimyou na bouken #jojo #sfw

[naturalhairhairgrowth]

Is Religion Even Necessary?

So you have heard them all, Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, New Age, etc. etc., a denomination of this, a denomination of that. Every religion at war with each other, fighting over who’s religion is the right religion. So much confusion! There is only one GOD Almighty and not all of these people holding different beliefs could possibly be right, let’s be honest. Every single one of us have blood flowing through our veins, two legs, the same types of day to day challenges, etc. and we will all be headed to the same place after leaving this earth just like we were all put on this same earth together. We all came into this world the same way, from the same GOD Almighty, and we will all go out the same, to either one of two places created by GOD Almighty, Heaven or Hell. (Where will you go?) So let’s get to the truth of the matter. If all religions take away from the Holy Bible, then why not just rely on what the Holy Bible says? Why make our own rules and traditions? Religion is a social-cultural system of designated behaviors and practices, morals, worldviews, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, or organizations, that relates humanity to supernatural, transcendental, or spiritual elements.

So let’s examine things for a moment. Since all religions take something from the Holy Bible then let’s look at the Holy Bible. The KJV (King James Version) Holy Bible to be exact; said to be the best translation, closest to the original, with nothing added or removed as most other translations these days have. There is either scripture missing or added with words that give the scriptures a whole new meaning entirely. Who said we wanted ‘your’ opinion sir, just give it to us straight, right. The Holy Bible gives us the daily instructions (commandments from GOD) that we need to be 'truly’ good people, so the world flows smoothly. Yet people believe religion is necessary for that; have they not taken a look around the world and seen that their way isn’t working?

People have formed the Christianity religion, so most people look at the Holy Bible as a Christian religious book, but is this a fact? You will find that the Holy Bible doesn’t mention anything at all about needing to belong to a certain religion or following traditions of men. It speaks against that in fact. (Mark 7:7-9, Colossians 2:8 KJV). Being a Christian simply means to be Christ-like, an actual follower of Jesus Christ; nothing about the religion and traditions they have formed which in most cases do not even match up with the Holy Bible. Must be why most self-professing Christians blend right in with the world. Jesus Christ and His disciples didn’t form any religious group. They simply went around preaching “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17 KJV), baptizing, healing the sick, casting out devils, etc. They taught the 'Word of GOD’, Who by the way is the Creator of all things, as if His Word isn’t sufficient enough. The bible says “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19 KJV. Sounds like serious business. These people may want to think twice about removing and adding words to scripture.

It’s broken down quite simple. Jesus Christ came and died for our sins because all sin has to be paid for, requiring a sacrifice. All we are required to do is show 'in action’ we believe in Him by being baptized in water (full body immersion, not sprinkled) where we will receive the Holy Spirit, which without we cannot get into heaven, according to John 3:5 KJV. We then must walk in “newness of life”; meaning, turning away from sin and walking how Jesus commands us, according to Romans 6:4 KJV. The scripture is clear in Revelation 14:12 KJV. “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus”. So who made up this thing that “we don’t have to keep the commandments anymore”, or that “it’s ok to sin”, or “once saved, always saved”? The oh-so-famous sinner’s prayer is nowhere in the Holy Bible. Yes, that’s right folks, saying a simple prayer will not, I repeat, will not save you!

Have you ever met the over-righteous religious person who has their nose stuck up in the air like they were born perfect and never made a mistake in life? How about the religious person who goes as far as hating others because they see they are in a certain type of sin? How about the religious self-professing Christian who looks no different from the rest of the world; watches worldly TV series, listens to vulgar music, parties, drinks, uses drugs, uses foul language, thinks their own personal opinion on scripture matters, etc. etc. How about the religious person who believes because they show up to church on Sunday (not even the true Sabbath according to GOD -Exodus 20:8-10 KJV) that they will make it to heaven, as if heaven is earned by how many church services you show up to or claiming to be a “good person” in your own eyes. Most of these people never even pick up a bible and read it! These types of people are called hypocrites and satan loves them because they cause others confusion and discouragement; mission accomplished, satan just caused another to walk away from the gospel of Jesus Christ, causing them to lose Salvation.

Let’s look back at the person calling themselves “a good person”. Can you imagine two criminals in court giving the judge their own personal opinions as to why they are a good person and should get away with a crime. That wont work in court with a judge, they will have to pay for the crime; neither will it work with GOD when we face HIM on judgement day. You don’t say the judge isn’t loving because he punished a criminal, you respect his judgment. So why do people say GOD isn’t loving because HE will do the same? HE is the Ultimate JUDGE, THE JUDGE over the judge. We have to play by HIS rules just like we have to play by the rules of this land. So remember; be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit, turn from sin and repent, obey GOD and Jesus, and walk in His ways to make it to heaven.

Too many people are too busy following passions and obsessions in this world; TV series, video games, celebrities, careers, movies, worldly music, school, night life, sports, activities, relationships, etc, etc. Sure, SOME of the things mentioned are fine to do, but for most it totally consumes their entire life, this is all that’s on their mind 24/7 making no time or consideration for their relationship with their Creator. The list goes on and on, satan has thousands of ways to distract us and keep our attention and focus off of GOD and Jesus Christ our Saviour.

The Holy Bible says clearly that satan is the deceiver and the author of confusion (“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:9 KJV) and he has been appointed hell, he is extremely angry, hates GOD’s creation and wants to take as many of us down with him as he possibly can. What better way to do that than confuse people with a bunch of different religions, leading them away from accepting Jesus Christ. Again, sin has to be paid for, and without Jesus Christ as your Sacrifice you have to do the time, and follow the one you followed in this world (satan) to the same place he is going, hell. So it’s time we wake up, stop being lazy, and read the Holy Bible. There are thousands and thousands of accounts of the Holy Bible being true with prophecy coming to pass, people having near death experiences and actually going to heaven and hell, people having spiritual experiences, seeing Jesus and spirits, receiving healing and miracles in the Name of Jesus Christ, experiencing GOD working in their daily lives, etc. etc.

So now we can see clearly that religion most definitely in fact is NOT necessary. Tell satan he can keep his confusion, GOD’s Word is sufficient for you, that he might be getting over on the majority of the world but no longer over on you! How wicked satan is to deceive us in such a way; not to mention all the other things he puts us through constantly: fear, worry, depression, suicidal thoughts, illness, death, anger, sadness, the list goes on and on. According to 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Wow, what a wicked devil, is there really any wonder he’s headed to the lake of fire. We can say Thank GOD Almighty for that and mostly Thank GOD and Jesus Christ for His Sacrifice, the Ultimate Love.

#Truth #Jesus Christ #KJV Holy Bible #GOD #Jesus #religion #false religion #false doctrines #doctrines of men #REAL Christians

[hellfire-damnation]

Hum Hallelujah || Marginally Catholic

[Backdated: Mid-June, before the bar fight and after prom.]

Claude has a good night’s sleep, which prompts singing and a conversation about parents and one’s good behavior.

TW: None, this is just a good ol’ wholesome conversation. 

@every-last-inch-of-me

CLAUDE: 

It had been one of the rare times last evening that Claude did not wake up covered in sweat, his chest heaving. Whatever he had done to stave off the night terrors he did not know, merely that he was grateful for the lone night of respite. The feeling was a foreign one to him, so strange that he had no clue how to identify it until it was too late. It had already swallowed him whole and, truth be told, Claude almost didn’t want it to ever let him go. There was something serene about a clear mind. His medication helped with that, had been doing so for a while, but he had not felt like he had this morning in a long, long time.

He busied himself in the kitchen, still in boxers and a white tank top, hair a bit sleep mussed and glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. There wasn’t meant to be anyone by for a few hours yet and the Frenchman hoped to make a bit of headway on his final projects for his specialization and look into the music for the play. He had memorized the sheet music and could play it in his sleep, but the harmonies he did not quite know off the top of his head. He could get by, but Claude liked to be prepared. 

Singing the words to one of the songs he’d had to learn to play the music for, Claude stirred honey into his tea, leaned back against the counter and staring out the window to the lake, past the cemetery and onto the field behind. Saint twined through his legs, purr rumbling against the side of his leg as the tomcat tried to get his attention.

GASTON:

Gaston was up uncharacteristically early. Or late. Depending on how you look at it. There had been a handful of patrons desperate to keep the night alive and - though his license to sell technically ended at 1am - he'd let them stay. He wasn't the type to turn away good business and he'd learned ways to get around those kinds of things, should the police come calling.

By the time he'd finished wiping the bar and turning the chairs, the sun was already rising, crisp and fresh through the eastern windows.

He'd crossed the path to the church, using the spare key to slide in through the back in hopes of finally retrieving his confiscated bottle of vodka while the priest was asleep. Only, he realized as he made his way up to the living quarters, that the priest wasn't asleep at all.

Gaston lingered by the door to the kitchen a moment, just to listen to the dulcet tones of the other man's voice and watch the gentle whir of his fingers against the spoon. He hadn't realized he could sing at all. Let alone in a way that hummed off the floorboards and danced with the dust and made the room feel whole. His mother had liked to sing in the mornings, though her voice had been a lot softer and a lot less trained. And for a second, as the golden light poured across the table, it almost felt like home.

When the tune met a break, he stepped into the room, coaxing Spider the cat towards him with the tips of his fingers and letting out a soft laugh. "Alright, Susan Boyle. No need to show off."

CLAUDE: 

The priest continued his singing, the sound carrying throughout the empty space around him, not realizing he was being watched. There was a certain peace in the moment, here, that was rare for him to obtain. It was something he very rarely felt comfortable doing if it was not given a reason or, rather, if he did not feel up to it. 

And, then, the floorboard creaked behind him. 

Claude's voice cut off abruptly and he looked up, startled, as he took in the form of the man standing across from him in the kitchen. His heart leaped into his throat and, for a moment, all he could do was stare. He looked away after a moment, chewing at his lip as he tried to calm his nerves. He hadn't even heard the man come in. Saint, for all the good he had done him, pranced over to the other man with his tail curled, happy to see him. 

"My mother used to sing," he said quietly, levering himself up onto the counter. He plucked a mug from the shelving next to him and held it out towards him as he stared out the window. "It is one of the few things I remember of her." 

GASTON:

His fingernails worked behind the cat’s ears, feeling his soft and albeit scruffy head press fondly into the palm of his hand. Gaston had always loved cats. They were comforting little creatures that desperately need all the attention and were simultaneously excellent at independence. He felt a solidarity with them, likely for that reason, that he didn’t get with dogs. Most of all with, of course, his Zoom Zoom. But after Zoom (singular: the original Zoom), Spider was a close third.

He glanced up as the priest began to talk, raising from his knees and moving over to take the cup. He hadn’t known the priest had parents. Well, he had, in that everyone had had parents at some point in their life. If only for the conception. But he hadn’t known Father Frollo had known them long enough to remember them. “So did mine,” he mused as he dropped a teabag into the mug. “Maybe it’s a mum thing. Definitely makes waking up a bit less shit.”

Gaston, by contrast, wouldn’t dare sing, lest someone heard him. Mostly, because he wasn’t very good at it, or at least had never tried hard enough to find out. The closest thing he did to singing was getting drunk and shouting along to songs.

He lifted the kettle and filled his cup, before leaving it to brew a moment. “What was her name?” He asked as he leaned back against the countertop.

CLAUDE: 

The priest watched for a moment as the tomcat arched his back and pressed forward into Gaston's hand, craving the attention the other man sought to give him. It was amusing, really, watching such a large person interacting with such a small animal and feeling a fondness for it that he might not show otherwise. Of course, Claude knew that was a lie, that Gaston was fond of many things, but he would not tell a soul. 

Turning back to the window, the Frenchman hummed quietly to himself until Gaston came to join him, the last few notes echoing off the ceiling and the stained glass. The humming paused when Gaston spoke, and Claude turned a curious eye to him, the edges of his eyes crinkling as he offered up a small smile. "It probably is, though I do not think all mothers sound the same." But he did agree, from what he remembered of her it made everything...better. Both of his parents had. 

"Amélie," he whispered, voice soft "her name was Amélie." It was one of the few things he knew to be true, just like the likeness of her that stained his arm. Well, the parts of it that were intact. "There is a picture of her and my father in my room. You may get it, if you like. It is on the bedside table. But...it is what I used for the angel." He tapped a forefinger against his shoulder, huffed a laugh. 

GASTON:

Gaston nodded. That was true enough. His mother had sounded soft and gentle and ever so young. Probably because she was. If she'd been alive today she would have been -- oh Christ, he'd forgotten her birthday… forty nine? Nearly fifty? 

It was one of his biggest regrets, that he'd never listened to her as much as he could have done. Or his father for that matter. He'd spent so much time trying to be cool and wishing they weren't there, to tell him what to do or clip him round the earhole when he came home from a party late, that he sometimes wondered if it was him that had wished them out of existence.

His eyes trailed to the scarred angel and he nodded. French names were always so pretty compared to their British counterparts. His own mother's, which had strangers often pronounced in English, took a certain softness in their native tongue. 

Quickly fishing the teabag from its cup and dropping it in the bin on the way past, he dipped into the next room and brought the frame back with him, passing it to the priest. "You look like her," he hummed.

CLAUDE: 

Claude could feel Gaston's eyes trailing over him but, for once, it was a time where he did not mind. He'd been the one to point out the angel, after all, and truthfully he did not mind if Gaston looked. He was comfortable with him, perhaps almost solely with him, and he had ceased to try to figure out why. Gaston was a good person, even beneath all of his bluster and bravado, and it endeared him to the man. 

He listened as Gaston tossed the tea bag in the bin and his footsteps disappeared into the room over, came back a moment later. Turning, the priest saw the exact picture he'd spoken of. It was an old one but one of the few he had been allowed to keep. There had not been many pictures taken of he and his family, or so he had been told, and it was one of his most precious memories. 

Glancing up, Claude quirked a smile at the other man and murmured a quiet thank you. He supposed he did look like her, more so than he ever would his father, but there were traits of Marc Olivier there, as well. Taping the man over the glass, the priest took a drink of his tea before speaking. 

"We lived in the Vercors region. My father was a vintner, a farmer. We had land. I do not think...I do not know what my mother did but-" a pause, a slight smile, "I suppose she helped him. I suppose, if things had been different, I would have, as well. I remember we had a dog. A scruffy little thing, though I do not know what happened to him." 

The thought, in a way, made him sad. He knew what had become of his parents, what had happened to him, but the dog that had been his childhood friend? He had no idea. 

GASTON:

Gaston nodded, gazing between the faces in the picture, the clothes. It was very much of the time. Truth be told he couldn't imagine Claude as a farmer. Though he knew full well that it was an occupation that trickled through generations like water in the sand. If his parents hadn't moved to England, it was likely what he'd be doing now himself. His grandfather was certainly hoping for it. Even if these days you had to spend three years at University thinking about it.

That was part of the reason papi had always been a bit of an arse about his father. Anne-Sophie was an only child and Gaston was certain his grandfather had expected her to take on the farm. 

While Christian's family had been farmers too, his mother was also the mayor of the small town and wanted her son to go on to better things. When she'd seen he'd had a passion for brewing, she'd encouraged him to explore it as far away from the small world of rural France as possible. And papi, of course, had decided that it meant the LaCarrieres looked down on him and his existence.

Saint hopped onto the counter and curled between them, purring quietly. "You sure he didn't get reincarnated as a cat?" He teased. It seemed the priest had a fondness for scruffy beasts.

CLAUDE: 

The quietness washed over them and Claude let it be, content, for the moment, to sit in it. There was nothing stilted about this kind of conversation, not with the other man. He had found, and rightfully so, that they did not always need words to feel like it was a conversation. The priest could see the gears turning in the other man's head as plainly as if he were speaking aloud, but he would not push him to voice whatever it was he was thinking on. 

Still, when Saint hopped up onto the counter, delicate paws clicking against the tiles and a scratchy meow bellowing at him, Claude had to smile. Unfurling one hand from around his cup, the priest scratched behind the tomcat's ears, earning much louder purring for his troubles. He chuckled quietly at what Gaston said, eyes crinkling as he glanced over to him. 

"Mmm perhaps. It is hard to say. Saint is certainly scruffy enough, isn't he?" He wondered what had happened with Gaston's own parents, though he knew from the silence of it that it had been something much like his own case. "The last time I saw him was just before I was taken to the church by a..mmm concerned neighbor. I am sure he lived with one of them." Or, at least, that was his hope. He would not have known, truthfully, whether or not that was the case. 

GASTON:

"Maybe. Or maybe he went to a pets trust. Got taken in by a loving family and died of happily of old age." Gaston nudged the priest in the ribs and smirked. "Look, you've got me putting sparkles in the shit now."

Though he knew for sure there could be a reality in that. His parents had got the first Zoom from a shelter when he was still only toddling. They never knew the extent of her background, just that she'd been taken from her mother very early and was a little strange. Gaston had always been convinced that she thought she was just as human as the rest of them. She'd felt a little like she was. And he'd loved her for it.

He took a lingering sip of his tea, warming his hands on the cup. Considering the time, he was feeling surprisingly awake. No doubt the tiredness would catch up with him eventually. But for now, their little chat was keeping him occupied. "Did he have a name?"

CLAUDE: 

The priest nodded, considering the question as he took another swallow of his drink. "I am sure, though if he did I do not remember it. I was...six or seven I think. It has been three decades since they passed. It is easy to forget such things." Still, he smiled at the ribbing, the smirk on Gaston's face. It was something easy to hold onto, simple where things in his life had not been. 

Gaston LaCarriere was many things, Claude supposed, but complicated was not one of them. Not to him, anyway. 

The priest found himself still staring after a moment, noticing the dark circles under Gaston's eyes and the way his shoulders seemed to slump. Even with the smile on his face, he still looked tired. "You have not slept yet, have you," he murmured, voice dropping with concern. Watching his face for a moment, the Frenchman sighed and then shook his head, unfolding himself from where he was sitting and hopping off the counter beside the other man. "Finish your drink and then go use my room or the spare. I do not care which. But you should rest." 

GASTON:

The barman shrugged and tilted his head, blowing on his tea as he raised the mug to his lips. He wasn't sure he'd ever forget a name like that. But then, he'd forgotten his mother's birthday and really, that was almost the same thing. After all, he hadn't even had trauma to contend with. Just nine years of distance and twenty of disinterest before that.

His gaze raised at the comment and he shook his head. He was tired, true enough. But he was very much of the opinion that as long as he didn't think about it, it wouldn't hit him half as hard. And it had been working. Almost. Though at even the mention of a bed, he could feel his eyelids growing heavy. 

"Nah, it's not like my house isn't a two second walk away and-" He stifled a yawn and took a quick sip of his drink in an attempt to revitalise himself. "If I go to sleep now, I'll forget what I came here for. Unfortunately, it wasn't a solo rendition of Les Miserables."

CLAUDE: 

Claude felt the corner of his mouth curling upward at the stifled yawn. It was almost like talking with a stubborn child, except Gaston was a grown man and should have known how to regulate his own sleeping habits. And, yet, here he stood, settled into the corner of Claude's kitchen with a mug of tea and fighting valiantly against the pull of sleep trying to claim him. The priest folded his arms across his chest and leaned a hip against the counter, quirking a brow at his friend. 

"Mmmhmm. And I suppose you have a better reason to loaf around my kitchen than you do using a room?" Shaking his head, he allowed the small smile on his face to grow, eye contact breaking when Saint mewled at them again. The tomcat rubbed up against Gaston's side for a second before padding towards the priest across the countertop. Normally, Claude would have chided him for walking all over the place and set him on the floor, but the early morning light and the precious rest he'd gotten was enough to curb his tongue. 

He looked back to the other man after a moment, shooting him a skeptical look. "If you had wanted to go back to the bar you would have. You are not missing much if you sleep, you know. Just some poorly done singing." He paused, cocking his head to the side for a moment before humming to himself. "Which will continue if you actually go to sleep. I have to run through the rest of the play anyhow." 

GASTON:

Gaston rubbed the cat with his elbow and glanced at the priest with drowsy eyes. Though, by this point, he was fuelled by determination alone, he really wished Claude would stop talking to him about things like sleep and bed, because the thought itself was beginning to work its way into his mind. Give it a couple of minutes and he'd be asleep standing up, if the tea didn't kick in quick enough.

"You trying to say I'm here to bask in the joy of your company?" He asked, eyebrow raised, as a faint smirk tickled the corner of his lips. "I'm here to claim back my booze. Thank you very much. It's been in your custody for long enough. I'm taking it out on bail." After a final, quick blow, he took a burning sip of his tea and glanced at the cupboard that looked like the most likely suspect.

CLAUDE: 

Cocking his head to the side, the priest felt the corner of his lip pulling up at the stubborn set to Gaston's forehead. Even in his tiredness, the other man was trying so desperately to stay awake. "I was saying that, yes, but if you are so unappreciative you know where the door is, nounours." 

Turning his back on the other man, Claude checked the clock with a sigh, fishing around in the cupboards for a bowl and whisk. Carrying both in his arms, the man deposited them on the kitchenette's island before gesturing to the other man. "That hasn't seen the light of day since it was taken. If you're going to stay pass me some flour and eggs would you?" 

He was making breakfast. If Gaston was staying, he could help or he could go sleep. 

GASTON:

The barman fought the urge to pull a face at the priest. He did know exactly where the door was, yes. But he didn't want to leave quite yet. Not without the drink he came here for and, now, not without the breakfast he'd just invited himself to.

Breaking his gaze from the suspect cupboard, he grabbed the ingredients and slid them across the counter top towards the awaiting bowl, before settling back into his original position. "Probably hasn't. But I plan on showing it the beauty of sunlight. It deserves that kind of happiness in its short life," he said, rocking his palms against the corner of the granite. "And let's be fair, you can't just rob a man of his hard earned drink."

He stifled another yawn, popping himself back upright, and moved with his cup of tea towards the living space. "If you're making breakfast, I'm gonna go sit down."

CLAUDE: 

"Mm does it? I don't think so. At any rate, you won't be finding it in here." He spoke as he worked, deftly cracking eggs and whisking the contents of flour, milk, and egg together to form batter. It was a simple task, easily done with half an eye on the contents. "Pancakes or waffles?" He called after the retreating footsteps, already planning on one or the other. 

"Oh but I have. You left it here. It is now mine. You can earn it back with good behavior." The lilt to his voice was amused, a small smile catching at his mouth while he said it. It was easy, companionable, even if the conversation was a tad off-color. He found that was how these things usually went with Gaston and he had almost come to expect them. 

Turning back towards the other, Claude leaned against the counter with a raised brow, waiting for him to respond while the pan warmed. 

GASTON:

The barman lolled his head back against the cushions of the couch, closing his eyes and blindly coaxing the cat over with pinched fingers. There was something soothing about the company of a cat that he just couldn't resist. It was probably why he spent more time than was strictly necessary tricking his own cat into spending time with him. "Pancakes. Whatever. I'm easy," he said before furrowing his brows as Claude's words finally settled in his tired brain.

"But wait one fucking second there," he started, raising his head and looking to the man with an eye cracked. "I'm fucking living and breathing good behavior right now. Pretty sure I've got enough good behavior backdated to get me my drink back and a whole crate of beer in interest."

CLAUDE: 

Satisfied with that form of a half-answer, the priest could not help but chortle quietly to himself. "I am not the one who said it." Turning back to the pan, the Frenchman nodded to himself as he ladled dollops of batter onto the heat. "But pancakes it is." He let the silence drift again, filled by the sound of Claude's own quiet humming and the popping of batter against the heat of the pan. 

When Gaston broke it a few moments later, the priest could not help but laugh once more. He gestured with the spatula in his hand, shrugging a shoulder as he turned at the waist to quirk an eyebrow at him. "Backdate it longer. At any rate, the liquor is not here. Not where you can find it anyway." 

GASTON:

Gaston raised an eyebrow and let a laugh out from his nose. Sometimes he wondered if the priest was always as daring, as cheeky, as he was in Gaston's presence. If the old ladies got the teasing and the innuendoes, or at very least, the friends he spent the rest of his time with when he wasn't at his bar, giving him judging glances and flirting with his cat - if he had any, besides the girl he'd seen him dancing with at prom.

His hand broke from the cat for a moment to stifle a yawn, and he nuzzled into the cushion beneath him. "I'll backdate it right up your arse."

CLAUDE: 

"I'm sure you would but buy me dinner first," the priest deadpanned, flipping one of the last pancakes before pressing it into the heat of the frying pan. When the last one was finished, Claude reached over and flicked the heat off. Beside him was a pile of pancakes, complete with butter and syrup beside them. 

"Come get food before you fall asleep, Gaston," he called over his shoulder, padding across the kitchen to wash the spatula in the sink. 

GASTON:

Through the haze of sleep, Gaston smirked a little. The ambient noise of Claude cooking had laid the perfect foundation for his tiredness to consume him. Though not quite so much that he missed the little joke. God, he was never living that down.

His head slipped down slightly into the cushions of the chair. He'd thought he'd heard Claude speak again, but somehow the words didn't take root and instead he drifted into the warm clutches of sleep.

#ch: gaston #p: hum hallelujah #r: marginally catholic #//we've been working on these for ages so that's totally why you're getting them all now

[thepariscollective-blog]

On Religion in Paris

Don’t Talk About Religion or Politics

Prior to coming to France, someone told me above all not to discuss religion or politics with the French. At the time, I dismissed the comment-- because hello, I can’t even order food properly let alone have an in-depth conversation in French. But now that comment sticks out to me as being relevant and worth reflecting on. Why not discuss these topics? After two weeks in Paris, I am beginning to see why this was recommended to me-- the complexity, rich history, fears, and connotations associated with these topics have been made evident. However, I will now consider one of these topics, religion, in this “safe” corner of the internet... 

I must say, nothing confuses me more than the religious landscape of Paris. I think prior to this trip I expected Paris to be more similar to American cities in the way of accepting religious diversity than what it is. For instance, I thought that as Paris exists as a giant melting pot of people, all are welcome as they are, religion included-- but this is not the case. 

A Lack of Religion

First and foremost, my error in assumption was made evident by the observed lack of religion in Paris. Paris may be a melting pot of people, but from my perception, “religion” in a traditional sense largely seemed absent from the public sphere.  If anything, the diverse people groups in Paris were united in their apparent rejection of religion. 

Secularism was intensely present (which can be considered a religion of its own, although many would disagree with me here). I didn’t really see the outward practicing of religion of any sort while I was in Paris, other than when I attended Mass and visited the Grand Paris Mosque. Even though the majority religion practiced in France is Christianity, with around three-fifths of French proclaiming a Roman-Catholic affiliation, only around 5% actively practice their faith. The closest activities I saw to practicing religion included a man holding a “You Need Jesus” sign outside our Metro station one afternoon and a man reading Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer, a Christian book I’ve read, on the train. I didn’t see any signs or advertisements for religious events. No Bible verses on bill-boards (although interestingly enough I did see Jeremiah 29:11 used in a Valentino ad, but it was displayed un-attributed to the Bible). 

Laïcité

It is important to know that the French have a specific, quintessentially “French” type of secularism in effect: laïcité. Stemming from the Revolution, laïcité indicates the state protection of citizens from the effects of organized religion. This means that religious expression is prohibited in public spheres and cannot be forced upon anyone. The French can practice their own religion, but behind closed doors (hence my lack of organized religion sightings). In essence, religion in France is not something to bring into the public sphere, and should have nothing to do with the state. 

Attending Mass In Paris

I had the opportunity to attend mass on two different occasions in Paris, at Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois and Saint-Eustache. As a Christian, I enjoyed both services immensely even though I did not speak French. I am not Catholic and had no idea what what going on most of the time, but I appreciated the beauty of the church, the practices of the priest and the congregation, and the way in which I was still able to connect to God. 

However, what struck me as odd and honestly quite sad was that the majority of the congregations in both services were composed of tourists. This tells me that Christianity no longer is seen as a collective national identity for France. There is a definitive disconnect between the ideals of Parisian society and Christianity. Christianity has become outdated and old. Churches are spectacles and admired more for their design and architecture instead of the sacredness they embody.  

I’m glad these tourists (myself included, I know I’m a hypocrite) could make the pilgrimage to these incredible places of worship, but at the same time, my heart hurts for the lack of local dedication in these churches. Who is left when all the tourists leave? How many regular attenders do these churches actually have? How does the frequent influx of tourists affect them? Maybe regular attenders appreciate tourists coming to make their numbers bigger and to get more support for their churches... Maybe some are completely infuriated by tourists’ behavior and lack of respect at times... I’m sure both ends of the spectrum are true. 

Muslims in France

One of the reasons why one should refrain from talking about religion in France is because doing so would sooner or later lead to talking about immigration and Islam, which is both a religious and political topic (double whammy, oh no). As of late, discrimination against immigrants, especially Muslim immigrants, has been a real issue in France and Islamophobia is rampant. It’s no secret that France’s Muslim population has grown due to the influx of immigrants from majority-Muslim countries. Yet what remains largely hidden from the public eye (and especially from tourists) is the fact that France really does not know how to handle its current immigration issues, promote diversity, and continue the practice of laïcité in a way that authentically gives citizens equal human rights. The face and identity of Paris is changing-- how will Parisian society and government respond, shape this change, and seek to benefit all Parisians? Is laïcité the best way to dictate the split between church and state?  This is a valid question, and one I cannot answer, but I hope that Muslims, along with everyone of every faith in France, have the freedom and support to practice their religion. 

Visiting the Grand Mosque of Paris

The moment I stepped into the Grand Mosque of Paris, I was met with a sensation of tranquility and peace. Beautiful mosaics decorated the floors and a garden offered serenity and a sweet fragrance. The architecture was simple yet elegant and served the purpose of pointing one to God. Never before had I been in a mosque. To be honest, I didn’t know much about Islam (and still do not), but I was eager to learn about the faith and partake in the experience of being in a different religious space.   

Interestingly enough, though I still grapple with the differences between Christians and Muslims, overall my experience in the mosque reiterated the similarities Christianity and Islam share. I was both humbled and surprised by these similarities in terms of faith, practice, and worship. They are both monotheistic religions. Both are “religions of the book” and recognize many of the same prophets and teachers. As I alluded to above, even the structures designed for worship and community in both faiths are similar.

Differences exist, don’t get me wrong, but being in this place of worship allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Islam and a deeper respect for Muslims. I came to understand my own faith in a new way as well. I think if more people in France (and across the globe) were dedicated to mutual respect and seeking understanding through dialogue and shared experiences, instead of focusing on differences and dividing lines, discrimination would not be such a problem. 

To Conclude     

I still can’t wrap my head around religion in France; I need to study France further and gain a deeper understanding of the place. But also my lack of understanding comes from who I am; I am an American, not French, and some of the mindsets, history, and practices ingrained so profoundly in France will always be foreign to me. 

Sources: “France - Religion”, “Religion in France”

#france #hopecollege #hopecollegeparis #paris #parisfrance #parisstories #travel #travelblog #french #parisian #religion #christianity #islam #mosque #church #cathedral #entry1

[mattchase82]

Saint Veronica Giuliani is Shown Hell

.

"In a sudden, I found myself in a dark, deep and smelly, you heard bulls, braying of donkeys, lion roars, whistles of snakes, ghastly confusion of voices, and thunders that contributed great terror and fear. I saw flashes of fire and dense smoke. I cried out for help, but nothing!

.

I seemed to see a big mountain all covered with snakes, the snakes and reptiles braided together, no one recognized the other, and in quantity without a number. Beneath them, I heard curses and ghastly voices, I turned to my angels, I asked them what those voices were, and they told me that there were many damned souls, and that this place was their prison. At this point it opened immediately, the great mountain, and I seemed to see it all filled with demons and damned souls! In large numbers! The damned souls and demons were stuck together as if they were one, and the demons were connected with the damned souls with chains of fire as if the demons and souls were the same thing though every soul had so many demons upon which could not be counted. The way in which I saw this I cannot describe it, but I understood, but I do not say anything of what it is.

.

Suddenly I was transported to another mountain where bulls and horses were unbridled which continuously and viciously but one another. These demons issued fire from their eyes, mouth and nose, they had swords and sharp teeth that seemed to be devouring and chewing up some type of objects into pieces. I then suddenly realized that these were SOULS of the damned with the clash of their kicking and devouring the souls, what terror it was. Do not ever stop and realize that this last forever. Then I saw other mountains with most ruthless torments, but it is impossible to describe, and the human mind can never, ever understand. In the midst of this place, there is a horrible throne, high, broad, and composed of demons! There is a horrible struggle, in the middle of the devils throan as the demons who make up this horrible throan are always warring with each other. The chair is made up of mostly demons, the head and the principal. Here it is sitting, Lucifer, ghastly, horrible. O God! What can describe such horror! More horrible and ugly than all other demons. Satan seems to have a head the size of a hundred heads, and it is full of very long spikes on top of each of which there is like an eye, big as a head of cattle, which sends arrows fire burning all of hell.

.

And although this is a very big place comprising innumerable damned souls and demons, all see Lucifer without veil no matter where they are tormented Lucifer is always seen by all, and all in hell are suffering the same torments over seeing Lucifer. Lucifer sees all, and everyone sees him. Here, my angels, made me understand that, as in heaven, the sight of God, face to face, makes everyone infinitely happy and blessed, those in hell, will forever have the ugly face of Lucifer, this diabolical monster. They see Lucifer, face to face the enemy of God at all times to their ever lasting horror, and having lost God forever, and ever, they will only know horror.

.

Lucifer stands out so that all the damned always sees him to their horror. Lucifer cursed and blasphemed all, it is all cursed and curses, and it haunts, and torture all for eternity. And how long is this? I asked my angels, and they answered me: Forever, for all eternity. O God! I cannot say anything, of what I have learned and been made to understand, with words, we do not have words in our way of unferdtanding. Here, now, I saw something that filled me with horro. The cushion in the chair of Lucifer, that was seated in that throne. It was the soul of Judas! And under the feet of Lucifer was a very big cushion, all torn and horrible. I was made to understand that these were souls of bad Religious who performed their duties to our Lord's Church poorly and Lukewarm; suddenly the throne was opened and I saw among numerous demons that were under the chair, a large amount of what appeared to be animald.

.

Then I asked my Angels: Who are these? And they told me that they were prelates, Head of the Church, and the superiors of Religion. O God! Each soul suffers, all the damned souls of others torment each other, and I seemed to be made to understand that my being there was a torment to all the demons! And all the souls in hell. However I was not only accompanied by my Angels, but I was also accompanied incognito by my dear Mother, Mary most holy, because without her, I would have died of fright. I will not say more, because I cannot say anything. All I said is nothing, and everything I've heard from the preachers in the Church is nothing. The human mind and soul does not have the ability to portray the horrors, pains and torments of hell. This journey to this horrid place was very good, made me make the decision of departing from everything and to do my Catholic duties with more perfection as I am so neglectful now. In hell there is a place for everyone, and there is still my place, if I perform my duties bad or commit even one mortal sin without Confession..

.

May everything be all to the glory of God, according to the will of God, for God, God! On another occasion I was brought back down to hell and this time it was the devil who showed me hell. “It seems that the tempter showed my soul hell being opened, and that in fact he had placed my soul in it, and that only a small push was needed to cast me inside forever. It seemed then that I heard screams and voices of lamentation from the damned. I saw infernal monsters, many serpents, many ferocious animals, and an infernal stench and extremely hot flames, which were so big that their height could not be measured. I could only compare it to the distance between heaven and earth. As far as the size of the place, one could not see the beginning or the end, it was so vast. You could hear many blasphemies and curses against God. How sad. What torment this caused my soul.”

.

After that I was shown hell once more: “At that moment I was once again shown hell opened; and it seemed many souls descended there, they were so ugly and black that they struck terror in me. They all dropped down in a rush, one after the other, and once they had entered those chasms there was nothing to be seen but fire and flames.” This led me to offer myself as a victim of Divine Justice: “My Lord, I offer myself to stand here as a doorway, so that no one may enter down there and lose Thee.” Then I stretched out my arms and said, “As long as I stand in this doorway, no one shall enter. O souls, go back! My God, I ask nothing else of Thee but the salvation of sinners.

.

Send me more pains, more torments, more crosses!” The Blessed Virgin Mary speaking to Veronica about her trips to hell told her, “When you were going around hell, you came across torments and tormentors at every step; but that time when you went by the seat of Lucifer, you were terrified at seeing so many souls were on the seat of Lucifer himself. This is in the center of hell and is seen by all the damned, by all the devils, and this sight causes all of them great suffering. I also let you know that, in the same way that the sight of God in Paradise constitutes Paradise itself; down there in hell, the sight of Lucifer is what constitutes hell.” The Blessed Virgin Mary also told her, “Many do not believe that hell exists, and I tell you yourself, who have been there, have understood nothing of what hell is.”

#catholicism #traditional catholic #catholic #heaven #christianity #love #its the truth #jesus christ #catholic saints #catholic faith #satan #the devil is a lie #hell #eternity

[pope-francis-quotes]

14th June >> (@ZenitEnglish) #Pope Francis #PopeFrancis ‘The Decalogue’ for Nuncios (Pope Francis’ Full Address to Meeting of Papal Representatives). ‘Without a life of prayer, the Nuncio — and all of us – risks failing in all the requirements mentioned above’

The following is a ZENIT working full English translation of the discourse Pope Francis prepared and delivered today, June 13, 2019, to all the Papal Representatives, meeting in the Vatican from June 12 – 15, 2019:

****

Dear Brethren,

I’m happy to meet with you again to see with you and examine with Pastors’ eyes the life of the Church, and to reflect on your delicate and important mission. I thank each one of you for your presence and for your service. This is our third meeting of this type, in which I treasure the reflections raised from meetings with you all, here in the Vatican, as well as in some Nunciatures, on the occasion of <my> recent trips. I think that in the future we will seek to invite also, with some regularity, the collaborators, so that these meetings also have a formative character.

I thought of sharing with you today some simple and elementary precepts, which you certainly know well, but to recall them will do good to all and will help you to live your mission better, with the same enthusiasm of the first mandate and with the same fervent disposition with which you began your service. It is a sort of “Decalogue” that, in reality is addressed, through you, also to your collaborators and, so, to all Bishops, priests and consecrated that you meet in every part of the world.

The Nuncio is a man of God.

To be a “man of God” means to follow God in all and for all; to obey His Commandments with joy; to live for the things of God and not for those of the world; to dedicate freely to Him all one’s own resources, accepting with a generous spirit the sufferings that arise as consequence of faith in Him. The man of God does not cheat or defraud his neighbour; he doesn’t let himself go to gossip and slander; he keeps his mind and heart pure, keeping his eyes and ears from the filth of the world. He doesn’t let himself be deceived by worldly values, but looks to the Word of God to judge what is wise and good. The man of God seeks seriously “to be holy and blameless before Him” (Cf. Ephesians 1:4). The man of God is able to walk humbly with his Lord, knowing that he must entrust himself to Him alone to be able to live in fullness and to persevere to the end, keeping his heart open to the disadvantaged and the outcasts of society and listening to persons’ problems without judging them. The man of God is he who practices justice, love, clemency, piety and mercy. The Nuncio who forgets he is a man of God ruins himself and others; goes off the track and also damages the Church, to which he has dedicated his life.

The nuncio is a man of the Church

The Nuncio, being a Pontifical Representative, doesn’t represent himself but the Church and, in particular, the Successor of Peter. Christ warns us about the temptation of the wicked servant: “If that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eats and drinks with the drunken, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will punish him, and put him with the hypocrites” (Matthew 24:48-51).

The Nuncio ceases to be a “man of the Church” when he begins to treat badly his collaborators, the staff, the Sisters and the Nunciature’s community as a bad master and not as a Father and Pastor. It’s sad to see such Nuncios who afflict their collaborators with the same displeasure that they themselves received from other Nuncios when they were collaborators. Instead, Secretaries and Counsellors have been entrusted to the Nuncio’s experience, so that they can be formed and flower as diplomats and, if God wills, in future as Nuncios.

It’s awful to see a Nuncio who seeks luxury, “signed” clothes and objects amid people deprived of the necessary. It’s a counter-witness. The greatest honour for a man of the Church is that of being “servant of all.” To be a man of the Church also requires the humility to represent the face, the teachings and the positions of the Church, namely, to set aside his personal convictions. To be a man of the Church means to defend the Church courageously in face of forces of evil, which always seek to discredit her, defame her and slander her. To be a man of the Church requires being a friend of Bishops, of priests, of Religious and of the faithful, with human confidence and warmth, carrying out their own mission by their side and always having an ecclesial look, namely, that of a man who feels himself responsible for the salvation of others.

Let us always remember that the salus animarum is the supreme law of the Church and is the basis of all ecclesial action.[1] This identity of the Nuncio leads him also to distinguish himself from the other Ambassadors in the great feasts, Christmas and Easter: when those absent themselves to join their families, the Nuncio remains in the See to celebrate the feast with the People of God of the country because, being a man of the Church, this is his Family.

The Nuncio is a man of apostolic zeal

The Nuncio is herald of the Good News and, being an apostle of the Gospel, has the task to illuminate the world with the light of the Risen One, to take Christ to the ends of the earth. He is a man on the way who sows the good seed of faith in the hearts of those he meets. And one who meets a Nuncio should feel in some way questioned. We recall the great figure of Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe that, consumed by ardent zeal for the glory of God, wrote in one of his letters: “In our times we witness, not without sadness, the spread of “indifference,” an almost epidemic sickness that is spreading in various forms not only in the generality of the faithful, but also among the members of Religious Institutes. God is worthy of infinite glory. Our first and main concern must be that of giving Him praise in the measure of our weak strength, aware of being unable to glorify Him as He merits. The glory of God shines above all in the salvation of souls that Christ has redeemed with His Blood. From this derives <the fact> that the primary commitment of our apostolic mission will be that of procuring the salvation and the sanctification of the greatest number of souls.”[2]

We recall also the words of Saint Paul: “For if I preach the Gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16).” It’s dangerous to fall into timidity or the lukewarmness of political and diplomatic calculations or downright “political correctness,” renouncing the proclamation. Apostolic zeal is that strength that keeps us standing and protects us from the cancer of disillusion.

The Nuncio is a man of reconciliation

An important part of the work of every Nuncio is to be a man of mediation, of communion, of dialogue and of reconciliation. The Nuncio must seek to be always impartial and objective, so that all parties find in him a just arbiter who seeks sincerely to defend and protect only justice and peace, without ever letting himself be involved negatively.[3] Being a man of communication, “the activity of the Pontifical Representative brings first of all a precious service to the Bishops, to the Priests, to the Religious and to all Catholics of the place, who find in him support and protection, in as much as he represents a Superior Authority, which is to the advantage of all. His mission does not superimpose itself on the exercise of the Bishops’ powers, nor does he substitute or hinder him, but respects him and, rather, favours and sustains him with fraternal and discreet advice.”[4] If a Nuncio shut himself in the Nunciature and avoided meeting the people, he would betray his mission and instead of being a factor of communion and reconciliation he would be an obstacle and an impediment. You must never forget that you represent the face of the catholicity and universality of the Church to the local Churches spread throughout the world and to the Governments.

The Nuncio is a man of the Pope

In as much as Pontifical Representative, the Nuncio doesn’t represent himself but the Successor of Peter and acts in his account with the Church and Governments, namely, he concretizes, acts and symbolizes the Pope’s presence among the faithful and the populations. It’s good that in several countries the Nunciature is called the “Pope’s House.” Every person could certainly have reservations, likes and dislikes, but a good Nuncio can’t be a hypocrite because the Representative is an intermediary, or better, a bridge of connection between the Vicar of Christ and the people to whom he has been sent, in a specific zone, for which he has been appointed and sent by the Roman Pontiff himself. Therefore, your mission is very demanding because it requires availability and flexibility, humility, impeccable professionalism, capacity for communication and negotiation; it requires frequent movements in automobiles and long trips, that is, to live with tone’s bag always ready (in our first meeting I said to you: yours is a nomad’s life). Being an envoy of the Pope and of the Church, the Nuncio must be predisposed for human relationships, to have a natural inclination for inter-personal relationships, namely to be close to the faithful, to the priests, to the local Bishops, and also to the other diplomats and to the governments. The Representative’s service is also one of visiting the communities where the Pope hasn’t gone, assuring them of the closeness of Christ and of the Church. Saint Paul VI writes thus: ‘It is, in fact, evident that to the movement towards the center and the heart of the Church corresponds another motion, which from the center spreads to the peripheries and takes in a certain way to all and individual local Churches, to all and individual Pastors and the faithful the presence and witness of that treasure of truth and grace, of which Christ Lord and Redeemer has made us participants, recipients and dispensers. Through Our Representatives, who reside in the various Nations, we make ourselves participants in the life itself of our children and, almost by inserting ourselves in it, we come to know, in a faster and surer way, their needs and at the same time their aspirations.”[5]

Being a “Representative,” the Nuncio must continually update himself and study, in order to know well the thought and the instructions of the one he represents. He also has the duty to continually update and inform the Pope on the different situations and on the ecclesiastical and socio-political changes of the country to which he is sent. Therefore, it’s indispensable that he has a thorough knowledge of its customs and possibly of the language, keeping the door of the Nunciature and of his heart always open to all. It’s irreconcilable, therefore, to be a Pontifical Representative criticizing the Pope behind his back, to have blogs or to downright join groups hostile to him, to the Curia and to the Church of Rome.

The Nuncio is a man if initiative

It’s necessary to have and to develop the capacity and the agility to promote or adopt a conduct appropriate to the exigencies of the moment without ever falling into mental, spiritual and human rigidity, or in hypocritical and chameleonic flexibility. It’s not about being opportunists, but about being able to pass from the ideation to the actuation having the common good in mind and fidelity to the mandate. Archbishop Giancarlo Maria Bregantini says “without spiritual motivations and without an evangelical foundation, all initiatives collapse little by little, also on the cooperative, economic and organizational plane.”[6]

The man of initiative is a positively curious person, full of dynamism and enterprise; a creative person and gifted with courage, who doesn’t let himself be overcome by panic in unforeseeable situations but knows, and with serenity, intuition and imagination tries to overturn them and manage them positively.

The man of initiative is a teacher that knows how to teach others how to approach the reality, to try not to get carried away by the little and great surprises it has in store for him. He is a person that reassures, with his positivity, those going through life’s storms. Being first of all a Bishop. A Pastor that, although living among the events of the world, is called daily to give proof of being able and of wanting to “be in the world but not of the world” (Cf. John 17:14), the Nuncio must know intuitively how to reorganize complex information and find the right words to help persons who turn to him seeking advice, with the simplicity of doves and astuteness of serpents (Cf. Matthew 16:16). It must be specified that such capacities are acquired by following Jesus, on the model of the Apostles and of the first disciples, who received the call with particular attention and adherence to the conduct of Jesus Christ.

7-The Nuncio is a man of obedience

The virtue of obedience is indispensable for freedom, because we can only really obey in freedom and, only by obeying the Gospel does one enter the fullness of freedom.[7] The call of the Christian and, in this context, of the Nuncio to obedience remains the call to follow the lifestyle of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus’ life, marked by openness and obedience to God, whom He calls Father.[8] Here we can understand and live the great commandment of liberating obedience: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Obedience to God is not separated from obedience to the Church and to Superiors. Here Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe helps again, who in that same letter writes: “Obedience, and it alone, is that which manifests to us with certainty the Divine Will. It’s true that the Superior can be mistaken, but one who obeys doesn’t make a mistake. [. . .] Through the way of obedience, we surmount the limits of our littleness and conform ourselves to the Divine Will which guides us to act correctly with His infinite wisdom and prudence. Adhering to this Divine Will, which no creature can resist, we become stronger than all. This is the path of wisdom and of prudence, the only way in which we can render the greatest glory to God. [. . .] Therefore, brothers, let us love with all our strength the heavenly Father full of love for us; and may the proof of our perfect charity be obedience, to exercise especially when we are asked to sacrifice our will. In fact, we don’t know another more sublime book than Jesus Christ crucified, to progress in the love of God.”[9]

Saint Augustine gives obedience so much importance, not less than that of love, of humility, of wisdom, which are fundamental, to the point that there cannot be true love, sincere humility, genuine wisdom if not in the ambit of obedience.[10] A Nuncio who doesn’t live the virtue of obedience — even when it is difficult and contrary to his own personal view — is like a traveller who loses the compass, thus risking to fail in his objective. Let us always remember the saying” Medice, cura te ipsum.” It’s counter-witness to call others to obedience and to disobey.

The nuncio is a man of prayer

It seems important to me here to remind you once again of the unsurpassable words with which Saint Giovanni Battista Montini, as Substitute of the Secretariat of State, described the figure of the Pontifical Representative: “It is that of one who truly has the awareness of bringing Christ with him” (April 25, 1951), as the precious good to communicate, to proclaim, to represent. The goods, the prospects of this world end by disappointing, drive one to never be content; the Lord is the good that doesn’t disappoint, the only one who doesn’t disappoint. And this calls for detachment from oneself, which can only be reached with a constant relationship with the Lord and the unification of life around Christ. And this is called familiarity with Jesus. Familiarity with Jesus Christ must be the daily food of the Pontifical Representative, because it is food that is born of the memory of the first encounter with Him and because it is also the daily expression of fidelity to his call; familiarity with Jesus Christ in prayer, in the Eucharistic Celebration — never giving up the service of charity.[11] We remember the Apostles and Peter who says: “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:1-6). The first task of every Bishop is, therefore, that of dedicating himself to prayer and to the ministry of the word. Without a life of prayer, the Nuncio — and all of us – risks failing in all the requirements mentioned above. Without prayer we become simple functionaries, always discontented and frustrated. The life of prayer is that light which illumines the rest and all the work of the Nuncio and his mission.

The Nuncio is a man of industrious charity

It’s necessary to confirm here that “prayer, the path of discipleship and conversion, find in charity that makes itself sharing the verification of their evangelical authenticity. And from this way of living joy and serenity of spirit derive, as one touches with one’s hand the flesh of Christ. If we really want to encounter Christ, it’s necessary that we touch Him in the wounded body of the poor, as confirmation of that sacramental communion received in the Eucharist. The Body of Christ, broken in the Sacred Liturgy, lets itself be found again by shared charity in the faces and persons of the weakest brothers and sisters,”[12] because “faith is rendered industrious through charity” (Galatians 5:6).

The Nuncio, having the task of interpreting “the solicitude of the Roman Pontiff for the good of the country in which he exercises his mission, in particular must interest himself with zeal in the problems of peace, of progress and of collaboration of peoples, in view of the spiritual, moral and material good of the whole human family.”[13] The Nuncio’s work must never be limited to carrying out practices that, although being important, will never be able to render his mission fecund and fruitful; therefore, the Nuncio must spend himself in charitable works, especially towards to the poor and the marginalized. Only thus will he be able to realize fully his mission and his being Father and Pastor.

Charity is also gratuitousness, and see why I would like to talk to you here of a permanent danger, namely, the danger of gratuities. The Bible describes as iniquitous the man who “accepts a bribe from the bosom to pervert the ways of justice” (Proverbs 17:23-24) and the Psalm also asks: “Lord, who shall sojourn in thy tent?” And answers: he who, “does not take a bribe against the innocent” (15:1.5). Industrious charity should lead us to be prudent in accepting gifts that are offered to obfuscate our objectivity and, in some cases, unfortunately, to buy our freedom. No gift of whatever value must ever render us slaves! Refuse very costly and often useless gifts or give them to charity, and remember that to receive a costly gift never justifies its use.

The Nuncio is a man of humility

I would like to end this Decalogue with the virtue of humility, quoting the “Litany of Humility” of the Servant of God, Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val (1865-1930), Secretary of State and collaborator of Saint Pius X, an ex colleague of yours:

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, hear me!

From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being honoured, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Jesus.

That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be praised and I unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it! [14]

FOOTNOTES:

[1] “In relation to Bishops, to whom is entrusted, by divine mandate, the care of souls in the individual dioceses, the Pontifical Representative has the duty to help, counsel and give his prompt and generous work, with a spirit of fraternal collaboration, always respecting the exercise of jurisdiction proper of Pastors” (Saint Paul VI, Apostolic Letter Sollicitudo Omnium Ecclesiarum: AAS 61 [1969], 476).

[2] Cf. Writings of Maximilian M. Kolbe, Vol. I, Florence, 1975, 44-46; 113-114.

[3] The Nuncio also has “the duty to protect in agreed action with the Bishops, with the Civil Authorities of the territory in which he exercises his office, the mission of the Church and of the Holy See. [. . .] In his quality of envoy of the Supreme Shepherd of souls, the Pontifical Representative will promote [. . .] opportune contacts between the Catholic Church and other Christian communities, and will foster cordial relations with non-Christian religions” (Saint Paul VI, Apostolic Letter Sollicitudo Omnium Ecclessiarum: AAS 61 [1969], 476).

[4] Ibiden.

[5] Apostolic Letter Sollicitudo Omnium Ecclesiarum: AAS 61 (1969), 476.

[6] We Cannot Keep Silent. Words and Beauty to Overcome the Mafia, Piemme, 2011, 136.

[7] Cf. Enzo Bianchi, The Words of Spirituality, Rizzoli, 1999, 149-152.

[8] Cf. F.J. Moloney, Disciples and Prophets, 186.

[9] Writings of Maximilian M. Kolbe, Vol. I, Florence, 1975, 44-46; 113-114.

[10] Cf. Patrology, III, Marietti, 2000, 432-434; B. Borghini, Obedience According to Saint Augustine, in: Vita crist..” 23 (1954(, 460-478.

[11] Cf. Address to the Pontifical Representatives, June 21, 2013.

[12] Message for the World Day of the Poor, November 19, 2017.

[13] Saint Paul VI, Apostolic Letter Sollicitudo Omnium Ecclesirum: AAS 61 (1969), 476.

[14] https://www.corrispondenzaromana.it/lynulta-insegnata-dal-cardinal-merry-del-val/

[Original text: Italian] [ZENIT’s working translation by Virginia M. Forrester]

13th JUNE 2019 21:08POPE AND HOLY SEE

[1taiwan-blog]

why Messiah was used? only brains can move is he was a pop star and rich followed him as Jesus his ex dead daddy and younger brother or family pets HE types! be Catholics to worship! Messiah was followed and appeared in Buddhism meaning Buddhism was after Messiah. generally, it's called Herstory per religion claims to find Messiah! so messed, Buddhism says they have messiah the GOD and the Buddha but why did they kill Christians?? no one found Messiah and Messiah ignored dame Christians got Buddhists killed them 這世代！過去含未來。無人敢稱彌賽亞為義！ 沒有了彌賽亞教會或現彌賽亞教徒。 猶太人永遠不相謀，耶穌是基督。 耶穌教徒 基督教徒 彌賽亞教徒 神說，耶和華們創世。 但是耶和華們皆非真神。是外星人！ GOD and BIBLE say, Jehovahss they created for the one real true and truth GOD! Jehovahss are or were ET ETS Aliens. None of them is or was GOD my invocation is who no one says they're not fake Christians but the Messianic MESSIAHISTS?? 假基督教徒 與 真彌賽亞教徒！！ 天主教會崇拜耶和華家人，卻以教皇為謊！！ 基督的弟弟的子嗣在哪？？ 基督木匠兄妹父親的遺族在哪？ 神隨隨便便撿破爛拾起一條狗狗嗎？ 鄰居怒了！7萬箱「蝦味先」棄空地　日曬雨淋飄惡臭 | 三立 無奈？？ 對岸判唯一死刑！ 賭贏40萬美金回台　入境沒收38萬 my Benediction is ETS are your Gods, Buddhas but no one is the real God my Benediction is ETS are your Gods or Buddhas but no one! None of them is the real God. this explains why he didn't go to Taichung miss mission and whoever came here to take photo of me and the neighbor Mission Office for Allah and he did make TPE Temple this trash shows you the Mormonism whispering is as fake as Chian in meditation Buddhism both buy HE types! the ET ETS Aliens garbage. see me is enough 【佛說：愛了，是續寫前世故事。恨了，是了卻前塵仇怨】 Thus, both Buddhism and BIBLE force people to hate 紅塵中，一個捨不得，耽誤了多少人； 佛法中，一句無所得，難倒了多少人。 they knew they were grass bums and they can do is to memorize TV to hand scripts for them to act on talking shows to live it's only because all 4 of them wanna be nuns mayor to sacrifice under KMTers my invocation is you must know it's awesome to experience been or be proposed 曾被譽「怪物右腕」…少年投手患性早熟　走過創傷更愛棒球 | 三立新聞網 | of course they had tried CN medicine but they needed the real not fake one and NHK is non profit to be very evil to service fake governments and when you still watch pokemon through digital and many different local Japanese channels offer quiet vary local TV commercials not as Taiwan's kids programs have non kids targeting advertisement for giant markets the Lunar's going to be JU Jun 6-26 6-27 6-28 6-29. then back to twin 6-01. 6-02 not only for funeral the traditional wedding has to be like Taiwan Nation had their wedding last Sunday as all black sedens and Twitter blue wedding dress 【18禁】4男女在沙灘上活春宮　眾人興奮圍觀 | 即時新聞 | 20170708 | 蘋果日報 True! USA My BENEDICTION is hello! welcome to GHOSTS worldwide who does not know? she speaks as Sam as Saudi Saffiyah when she isn't often to see GODS inside Temples this idol gets my face after Lin died Lotus had no ghosts business although you suspected to assume her disciple Lin who stopped tankers construction but the temple never ask her to restart Lin generations old business besides my disciple who goes to the root temple once per year and she was asked to be in charge of as the President if the owning couple will be gone and the business card is their wardrobe which Allah wears again today and she was so so so happy that I'd prepared my wardrobe like we all did twin weeks ago she's yellow and we met last year's before pink face king GOD of foxconn theirs she started to dream of me ten day before Red Sea Foxconn birthday and the banquet is always seven days and three more days at advance to come the first day she had seen Foxconn to come with bunch of GODS at her first time inside the temple. she was born by the second house next to the temple and she had never seen and Foxconn GOD and other GODS all told her those three days during daytime their GOD is coming to the city's she was my disciple and she worked with Lin thousand generations over ten years ago that Lin her eyes looked differently at old when her face is round and be no more scary 銀行員太正網友狂開戶　洋男友氣炸報警 Foreigner boyfriend is brain damaged 探訪樂視總部：門口躺滿討債人 旗艦店大門緊閉 Allah likes new iPhone and one finger or twin are not very proud that new of my oppo runs slower than mi but Mi is very bad to type as LG. Samsung Galaxy and all Samsung's no any damage but battery must die and who would spend for expensive batteries ? Maybe Allah will HTC died the worst design power control and fix for NTD 1k to above [新聞] NBA》搭上奪冠列車！林書豪前隊友加盟勇 but Nick Young has signed days early 5千年前就有巨人！　山東出土發現「高人族」 so sad， Bible Giants were so so so short (short) [新聞] 法國宣布在2040年取締汽油車和柴油車 I'm proposed and I said no too thick and Allah's still smart which we go to EU and French to buy twin cars before 2040 for made in 1996 then wait for brend bread new vehicles be swapping Trump must pass the Sam LAW and Allah will buy 20 x 1996. I'm showing you be kidding USA Founder always get many free why hate GOD? Allah I bless Japan and why hate GOD? my Benediction is JU Jun 6th was proposed and today's 7th has invocation at Love U! 最新》蔡英文到寺廟贈匾 反年改群眾抗議 駕駛擋路：or any colo has ghosts stars 超強生化武器　這種昆蟲每小時殺85人 here our products are we re do youth line Colo and Taylor's Swift's black ghosts stars and for comin next week's Closed God's is me birthday had pink face the pink Colo till ten days later with no more 7 mother GODS but 15 100 year old mother GODS Like the new oppo phone but it's under above twin new phones my brother's back has wings not fake Mormonism can you all possibly to wear her black ghosts stars shining Colo? I like my new purchased house and will move soon plus Allah got my family's new iPhone and new Mi and Allah doesn't like complicated MacBook laptops but Microsoft is dangerous for wanna cry and I use Apple tv for YouTube and Apple books for FacePhone UFOLine accounts. LINE beats Facebook is you don't need who are weirdly and Facebook users are peeking and tracking others and Twitter can have private line messages 2, never to disturb any use as LINE 3, long posts as LINE then Twitter by keywords are not trash as Facebook moon at cancer is bad for dark to enjoy very short minutes of selfishness. Sagittarius is better than Leo and Sagittarius is priority then Scorpio and Libra. my ascended is cancer, too. so I'M more is a cancer than a Libra. Venus is Virgo isn't bad but has to be a very hungry Virgo. forgot where's my mars but now Allah fights to win and build kingdoms totally Virgo is very very bad with Scorpio Allah hates Virgo the most! my moon is cancer (cancer) 96. Taiwanese be a HTC phone to beat all single EYETH cameras to win French international photo gallery and a KMTer to be a Mi its 4G or 3G 64 are much cheaper than OPPO but OPPO selfie to help to reality sells and he's an Asus when ghost used him to show YouTube closed caption is 18 better to believe than 17 evilness she complained wall street journal TV WSJ to drop Peter Jennings to live and arranged bold and ugly white meaning she's something doesn't PARTAKE humanitarian to advertise themselves again by cheating fans will stupid good bless? bless you to be fools to all sit morons to punish you and say you're sinners but DON'T pay GODS pay black ghosts fake pastors! last year the train station temple did send 7 gifts with orchestra to deer haven to plan and they had refused to take the saint medical word paper and when North Haven temple and New Haven temple to be around that they do refuse be joining!! they say their wood idol is the oldest in Formosa but the Tainun city's has been the official as national temple before Japanese LIN is called Tsunami Tsunamlin Da Hi is his Nick name by aboriginal word my Benediction is you can use my creation to image that we're only happy together about the university male student to dream a ten years old who was killed over ten years ago that the death she had been over few years to cross many spaces not for her to suffer to lose her memories by long DPP forces wash first eggs if you looked at me then simultaneously Allah looked back when you use eyes to call my or our food are ready then you got mute to try to ask why the supernatural power by Samsung's copy Samsung's and you must bow and offer free dish to Allah! or you saw we sat far then you walked out then the first isle you could see U.S. and Allah looked promptly you must no stop your heart minds brains to stop you to say marvelously and be directed to ask are you Allah?? the convenient store manager must ask how they were thrown or gave who or did food still be inside when no pay for pigs owner not till weeks later to check surveillance and they didn't ask them not to after the first scene which the store is guilty 7 is very weird because they don't want this happens which the most 7s refuse to offer and sell to pig owners to pay for pigs our okay USA had asked Allah was it o.k. to give to a mother but the problem was we could sell much much cheaper for still earing not to give by one was that mom would be only waited to get plus after midnight we must not give about one of possible nights it could be she got sick or she sued U.S.. even late night shift had to sign if they ate to get sick that we could be no guilty!! we did allow late night shift to share with their classmates but not for a regular mom or who didn't sign as you and strong.. the neighbor Hi life couple owed lots money and they never offered 60 percent off for the Sam day food although sometimes we did at early 4 P.M. or that day's morning to try to get rid of stuff and that couple just brought everything home!! even gym counter sometimes happened cash was short but how about they both moved hospital funds to their personal packets!!! 1, Buddhism isn't religion 2, when you are not 100 percent vegetarian you can force your dog's be 110 percent vegetarian. at noon there's a vegetarian dog who grows old and it still love US U.S. 3, KD is Klay Thompson's USD 2,500

[johnchiarello]

Angels came

ANGELS CAME

1 Corinthians 4:20

For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

 Angels came- https://youtu.be/Dd7JamdeZEw

https://ccoutreach87.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/6-13-17-angels-came.zip

https://ccoutreach87.com/6-13-17-angels-came/

 See the angel!- https://youtu.be/k6uomu3UjR4

Matthew 27:19

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

 ON VIDEO [Angels came]

.I recount the journey from New Jersey to Texas as a young kid

.The Dream

.Miguel

.How did we decide Texas? On a coin flip

.The hospital ‘church’ days- Kingsville

.North Bergen High School

.Bon Jovi

.The communion of the saints is real

.Family Altar

.Union city

.Yes- Trump n Russia too

.Cathedral- Court house- Caller Times

.Catholics and Protestants

.The church has a voice too!

.Yes Pilate- we mention you every Sunday brother [Suffered under Pontius Pilate]

http://www.fpcjackson.org/resource-library/sermons/i-believe-in-jesus-christ-who-suffered-under-pontius-pilate-was-crucified-dead-and-buried

Luke 22:43

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations

 ON VIDEO [See the angel]

.The journal

.The angel

.North Bergen

.Super Nova

 Zechariah 8:6

Thus saith the Lord of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the Lord of hosts.

In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations

 NEW- I made the video on the spur of the moment- because I wanted to share what happened- before I forgot.

I have been talking some about seeing some of my friends who have died- in dreams.

On the video I mentioned how we have some famous stories in the bible about dreams.

So- I wanted to tell one more- as soon as I woke up- a verse came to my mind- but I didn’t connect the two right away [the dream and the verse].

 So- it was a real time example of how God can speak to us at times.

 Right after I turned the camera off- I opened my journal and sure enough- there it was!

‘There what was’?

 Well- you will have to watch the videos- sorry about that [the 2nd video is short- you probably can ‘get it’ by just watching it- I myself do not watch videos- I review mine- but if I go to a news site- and a video pops up- if I can’t mute it right away- I leave]

 When I do off the cuff videos- even regular teaching ones- you have no real plan on every thing you will say-

 I found it interesting how I got into Pilate near the end- and sure enough- we have another famous bible dream in his case as well-

 So yes- I guess I was supposed to speak on dreams this day-

And I did.

New Living Translation "And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides.

Daniel 10:13

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations

 PAST POSTS [verses below]

I ‘rambled’ about a lot of stuff today- below are some past teachings I did that relate- [Verses below]

 https://ccoutreach87.com/n-j-nyc-2017/

http://corpuschristioutreachministries.blogspot.com/p/new-jersey-201516-i-made-these-videos.html

http://corpuschristioutreachministries.blogspot.com/p/protestant-reformation-luther-1766-lil_25.html

http://corpuschristioutreachministries.blogspot.com/p/western-intellectual-tradition-covering.html

https://ccoutreach87.com/overview-of-philosophy/

Okay- let’s try and transition a bit.

 In the last Philosophy post I hit on the 10th-14th century development of modern thought- today I want to jump into the 16th-18th centuries. Like I said in a previous post- after the Renaissance and the Reformation and the great scientific revolution- you had the world in somewhat of a tailspin.

  What I mean is for hundreds of years people trusted in the old institutions [like the Catholic Church] to tell them what was true or false- then with the development of all these modern movements people began questioning stuff.

 Was it good to question things? Sure. But some challenged the very foundations of thought and knowing [called Epistemology] and went a bit too far.

 Some thinkers went  back to the thought of Plato [400 years BC] and said that the mind is the main source of all knowledge- these were the 17th century Rationalists.

 Rationalism- as a philosophy- was an outgrowth of all the great strides that man was making in all these other areas of life. The Scientific Revolution totally challenged the age old beliefs of many in the church.

 Math became a sort of new ‘god’. How so? As science invented the Microscope and Telescope- man was able for the first time to peer deeply into the heavens- and to see deeply into the microscopic world.

 As the great minds [Copernicus] showed us that the Universe was different than what we thought [Heliocentric versus Geocentric] man was able to do mathematical calculations and to say that a specific planet or star [or Comet] would show up at an exact date- or spot- and Walla- it would happen [you could look thru the Telescope and sure enough the math was right- the object that was calculated to be there- was.]

 These calculations were mathematical formulas- so math began to be seen as the new religion in many ways.

 There are even some thinkers in the modern day that still say the only ‘real truth’ that exists is mathematical formulas. Yeah- one guy wrote an entire book on the subject- the problem? Well- his book was not written in math- but words.

 Yes- even the extreme deniers of Objective truth do make mistakes.

 Now- what’s wrong with rationalism? Of course being rational is okay- but the philosophy itself denied real Objective truth. Truth that corresponds to some other ‘outside’ reality.

 This form of thinking [rejecting outside reality] is called Relativism/Subjectivism. While there is some truth to all the various fields of thought- yet extreme Relativism denies ‘reality’ as most of us understand the term.  There was a strong resistance to the 17th century rationalists- we call this Philosophy Empiricism.

 The main thinker in this field was John Locke. Locke lived most of his life in the 17th century- but his thought laid the foundation for the 18th century Empiricist.

 This philosophy says that the mind does indeed play a major role in the knowledge of things- but this knowledge does not originate in the mind [Plato] but in the ‘thing’ itself [Aristotle- remember when we covered these men? Plato was an idealist- Ideas were more real than matter. Aristotle was a Realist- closer to the thought of Locke].

 Locke developed a theory called the Correspondence theory- that truth that the Mind discovers corresponds to real things that actually exist apart from the mind.

 Locke was a practicing doctor- and most of the other thinkers of the day had room to speculate about reality in a way that Locke could not.

 He lived in a real world with real patients who had real symptoms- in a nutshell Locke had to diagnose his patients based on his findings- he could not deny that there was a real problem- he had to have his ‘feet on the ground’ [based in reality] while engaging with his head up high.

 Okay- I think we’ll end with this. Maybe you can go back and read some of my previous posts on this subject- just to become a little more familiar with it.

 As Christians- we are not ‘required’ to know Philosophy- or current events- or science- but it helps us engage the culture when we do educate ourselves in these areas.

 Go slow in learning [not too slow!] and try and see how the Christian Worldview agrees with- or rejects certain aspects of these different felids of thought.

 Most Christians would reject Rationalism as a Philosophy- because it denies real objective truth- it says truth is relative- whatever the mind can conceive- or think- can be defined as truth [Unicorns?]

 Biblical truth is based on real historic events- 1st Corinthians chapter 15 says that if we deny the physical  resurrection of Christ- a real event- then our faith is in vain.

 Christians base their faith on a real historic event- not simply on a belief system.

  www.corpuschristioutreachministries.blogspot.com

[parts]

One of the first experiments with people saying ‘we will throw off the church and king’ was what we call the French Revolution.

 It took place right at the end of the 18th century- right before the Napoleonic wars.

 It was a Secular [non religious] effort to depose the rule of govt we call Monarchy [King and Queen] and it resulted in the Guillotine and beheading of many Catholic priests and leaders.

 It was truly a rebellion that got way out of hand.

 Yesterday- one of the current Repub candidates for president made headlines when he compared Obama’s recent ‘anti religious’ actions to the French Revolution.

 One commentator [CNN] said the rebels were all Catholics and that to say the revolution hurt the church was wrong.

 This man [Paul Begala] had no idea what he was saying- its sad that they say misinformed statements like this to such a wide audience.

 Some of our founding fathers were fans of John Locke [Jefferson] and our country drew up the founding documents during a time when these ideas were ripe and were seen as a new type of govt. for the people.

 Thus- we have our Democracy today- for which I am grateful- do indeed think it’s the best in the world today- but it is not inherently ‘more just’ than all other styles.

[parts]

2ND KINGS 8:7-29 Elisha goes to Damascus and the king of Syria hears about it, he sends his servant to inquire ‘of the prophet’ whether or not he will get well from some sickness. The servant goes and finds Elisha and Elisha says ‘yes, he would recover. But instead he will die’. What ? Elisha sees that the sickness would not be fatal, but that the king will be assassinated! The servant in front of him will be the killer. So Hazael goes back to the king and says ‘he said you would get well’ true enough, but he left out the part where he was going to kill him! So the next day he does the deed and becomes the king. A few things, I find it interesting that the Syrian king had no problem receiving Gods prophet. They believed in prophets! Now, they did not have a ‘Christian/Judeo’ culture, but they had a religious background that accepted ‘messengers from God’. In today’s world the church needs to take advantage of the willingness of other world religions to listen to prophets. We need to appeal as much as possible to the Muslim world and use any agreement on religious things as a tool to share the gospel. Right after the 16th century reformation the world would embark on a couple hundred year age of exploration and colonization. The Protestants were good at exploring the seas and impacting Europe, but they failed at reaching the Far East. Instead the Catholic Church had great success thru the Jesuits at impacting the Far East. They would make inroads into Japan and China and eventually take the gospel to the influential city of Peking. The problem arose when the Dominicans and Franciscans [Catholic orders] came in after them. They felt that the Jesuits were too accommodating in mixing in the religious beliefs of the east along with Christianity. Many Chinese believers were still practicing a form of worshipping dead ancestors and stuff like that. The Jesuits justified this by seeing these things as cultural beliefs and felt like allowing them to ‘keep their culture’ along with the faith was okay, the Dominicans and Franciscans disagreed and took the argument to Rome. Eventually this disagreement would leave a bad taste with the leaders in China and all Catholic expressions of the faith would be banned. This is called Syncretism, the mixing of religious beliefs. Now, why get into this? Christians should appeal to the willingness of Muslims and other world religions to hear religious voices. Both Jews and Muslims believe in Jesus, now they don’t believe the way Christians believe, but we should take advantage of this basic belief when appealing to them. Muslims reject the doctrine of the Trinity, but a careful study of history shows us that the actual Trinity they are rejecting is not the Christian understanding. Muhammad was actually rejecting a skewed view of the Trinity that saw Jesus and God and Mary as the Trinity. Obviously a pretty big  mistake. So we as believers should be willing to correct and give a word to the ‘Muslim messengers’ when they come looking for answers. We should give them credit where credit is due, like their development of apologetical arguments in the Middle Ages [the Kalaam cosmological argument] but at the same time present the uncompromising gospel of Jesus Christ to them. I side with the Franciscans and Dominicans on this one.

    The govt. we see in the bible is Monarchy [mostly- Rome was Imperial- did have a senate and all- but in no way was it a democracy like we think of].

 The point?

 When we try to help these countries- when people rise up and protest- we must not simply jump to the conclusion that all of these rebellions are seeking- or will end up like the U.S.

 We must not condemn all ‘monarchies’ as evil- the bible says there are just ones.

 Kings can rule justly- be fair- and do good.

 We should not assume that all ‘non western style democracies’ are evil- they are not.

 Most of these present uprisings are in countries where you have what’s called Autocratic rule- not full ‘kingdoms’ with kings in the way we think.

 Yes- I do think our experiment- based on the Enlightenment idea of govt. by and for the people is the best- but we must not assume all other types are inherently evil- nor should we be so quick to side- militarily will all rebels- like some already calling to arm the rebels in Syria.

 The end result of these protests are not secure at all- it is highly doubtful that any of them will become ‘little U.S. of A’s’.

 So we should call for non violence on all sides- we should stand on the side of innocent victims- be against all regimes that use military force on their people- but be realistic about the situation- violence [on all sides] is very rarely the answer- Sarkozy learned this lesson the hard way.

[parts]

2ND KINGS 8:7-29 Elisha goes to Damascus and the king of Syria hears about it, he sends his servant to inquire ‘of the prophet’ whether or not he will get well from some sickness. The servant goes and finds Elisha and Elisha says ‘yes, he would recover. But instead he will die’. What ? Elisha sees that the sickness would not be fatal, but that the king will be assassinated! The servant in front of him will be the killer. So Hazael goes back to the king and says ‘he said you would get well’ true enough, but he left out the part where he was going to kill him! So the next day he does the deed and becomes the king. A few things, I find it interesting that the Syrian king had no problem receiving Gods prophet. They believed in prophets! Now, they did not have a ‘Christian/Judeo’ culture, but they had a religious background that accepted ‘messengers from God’. In today’s world the church needs to take advantage of the willingness of other world religions to listen to prophets. We need to appeal as much as possible to the Muslim world and use any agreement on religious things as a tool to share the gospel. Right after the 16th century reformation the world would embark on a couple hundred year age of exploration and colonization. The Protestants were good at exploring the seas and impacting Europe, but they failed at reaching the Far East. Instead the Catholic Church had great success thru the Jesuits at impacting the Far East. They would make inroads into Japan and China and eventually take the gospel to the influential city of Peking. The problem arose when the Dominicans and Franciscans [Catholic orders] came in after them. They felt that the Jesuits were too accommodating in mixing in the religious beliefs of the east along with Christianity. Many Chinese believers were still practicing a form of worshipping dead ancestors and stuff like that. The Jesuits justified this by seeing these things as cultural beliefs and felt like allowing them to ‘keep their culture’ along with the faith was okay, the Dominicans and Franciscans disagreed and took the argument to Rome. Eventually this disagreement would leave a bad taste with the leaders in China and all Catholic expressions of the faith would be banned. This is called Syncretism, the mixing of religious beliefs. Now, why get into this? Christians should appeal to the willingness of Muslims and other world religions to hear religious voices. Both Jews and Muslims believe in Jesus, now they don’t believe the way Christians believe, but we should take advantage of this basic belief when appealing to them. Muslims reject the doctrine of the Trinity, but a careful study of history shows us that the actual Trinity they are rejecting is not the Christian understanding. Muhammad was actually rejecting a skewed view of the Trinity that saw Jesus and God and Mary as the Trinity. Obviously a pretty big  mistake. So we as believers should be willing to correct and give a word to the ‘Muslim messengers’ when they come looking for answers. We should give them credit where credit is due, like their development of apologetical arguments in the Middle Ages [the Kalaam cosmological argument] but at the same time present the uncompromising gospel of Jesus Christ to them. I side with the Franciscans and Dominicans on this one.

 www.corpuschristioutreachministries.blogspot.com

Note- Do me a favor, those who read/like the posts- re-post them on other sites as well as the site you read them on. Thanks- John

[parts]

 Nova story-

FOR WHERE A TESTAMENT IS- THERE MUST ASLO BE THE DEATH [or going away] OF THE TESTATOR- Hebrews.

  1st week of December -2013

 Well- I have been back in Texas for a couple of months now.

 Our little halfway house is doing good- the friend I started it with last year has had lots of physical problems and I thru myself into this ministry again.

 I also re-connected with the street crew- my original ‘gang’ from Texas.

 And this past week I also got back in touch with Cameron.

  I posted about Cameron right before I left Texas in 2013.

 He was a new kid at the halfway house- was on probation [10 years!] and tested dirty on a drug test.

 So- when I left Texas- he was back in jail.

 He was released [once again] to the halfway house- and I have been getting with him this past week.

 Took him to Bay Area Fellowship yesterday-might take him for a city cruise [like the apostle Paul said in the book of Acts ‘let’s go and visit all the cities we preached the gospel in’] today.

 Yeah- I need to take a ride to Kingsville- Bishop- and maybe even Rio Grande city.

 I met a new guy this week- Albert.

 He spent a week at our halfway house- and had some ministry background.

  Whenever we get a new guy- and he has some bible background- David [the guy I started the halfway house with] always wants me to meet him.

 I’m sort of the Pastor for the halfway house.

  So- I got with Albert on his last day with us [he only spent a week].

 He’s from Robstown [an area city that’s known for drug dealing].

 His wife has a church right on the border of Texas/Mexico.

 He asked me if I knew where Rio Grande City was.

  Heck- I spent 2-3 nights there about 10 years ago [a Firefighter school I went to].

 So- God willing- I might take a trip to the area.

  Albert worked as a missionary in this region years ago- it’s where his wife grew up.

 But even he told me it’s very dangerous now- the drug runners will kidnap/kill you in a second.

 So- do me a favor and pray for our safety- I do want to make the trip.

 2-

 Being I have not posted- or written any posts in 2 months- I want to give a brief update on the ‘North Bergen Crew’ [the street guys I befriended while in New Jersey].

 The guys keep in touch with me regularly.

 About 2 days ago Rick called [he’s the only one with a phone- or has my number [Nick too] - so the other guys ask how I’m doing and stuff- they were already asking when I’m coming back! Geez- not yet].

 He gave me an update on the area- Rick moved to Hoboken about a month ago- but he still hangs out at the White Castle in North Bergen.

 It’s funny- this spot became the meeting place for the crew- I used to eat at this restaurant when I was a kid.

 Of course they rebuilt the thing- but it’s still in the exact spot.

  Let me share one interesting story that happened the day before I left North Bergen.

 During my 3 month trip- and before- the year was a year of Signs [dreams- visions- etc.]

 Over the years I try not to talk too much about these experiences- because they are subjective- you never really know if the sign is ‘real’ or the person is simply wrong.

 So- as those of you who read the site know- I try to teach in line with Historic Christianity.

  Ok- when I ‘moved’ to North Bergen [the town I was raised in right across the Hudson River from New York City] I seriously thought I might move back for good.

 The first 2 months back- I checked into housing- asked about the rents and all- and left the door open to stay.

 In Texas I gave away/sold lots of my stuff.

 I got rid of both my vehicles- and did the ‘sell what you have and come follow me’ thing.

 As I sit here writing- I’m in an empty study- that used to be filled with my books.

 I acquired- literally- thousands of dollars in books over the years.

 I gave the majority of them away- to a church- before I left.

  So yeah- I did leave the option open that I was leaving for good.

  As time went on- I realized I will go back every year- for around 3 weeks [by the way- this year- 2014- my goal is to start some home bible studies- if anyone in the North Bergen/NYC area is interested- text me at 361-461-0588. My email never gets checked- so the best way is to message me].

  Ok- because the rents were high- I wound up staying at my old house where I grew up as a kid.

 My mom and sister still lived there.

 I led my sister to the Lord many years ago- and she always viewed me as sort of her spiritual mentor.

 When I told her I will be moving back to New Jersey- she was so happy!

 The week before I flew back- she died.

 So- for a few weeks I lived in her old downstairs apt- surrounded by all her little trinkets and stuff- and I would wake up early [around 3 or 4] and pray for about an hour or so in the yard.

 Her cats [just like mine in Texas] knew what time I would be walking and praying- and they would wait for me in the yard- they love being petted when I do this. I pray with a stick in my hand- sort of a staff- and as they walk next to me I pet them. In Texas they follow me on the roof- it’s low- so I pet them right on the roof- they get so into it a few times they fell off trying to get noticed!]

 There was a very real sense that the death of my sister would play a redemptive role in this whole journey.

 It would take too much time to teach this now- but I felt she made a very real sacrifice as well as me- for the spiritual benefit of the town we grew up in.

 When my friends die- I sort of include them in my payer time- not praying ‘to them’ but in a way ‘gathering’ all their prayers- and concerns- into one prayer community.

 [Someday I will teach this entire theme from scripture- in Acts chapter10 it says the prayers of Cornelius came up as a ‘memorial before God’. In the book of Revelation we read about an Angel [messenger] casting a censor into the earth- and it was filled with the collected prayers of the people. These images speak of the spiritual reality of ‘collecting’ the prayers of others as you pray. Protestants are not very aware of this principle- Catholics are].

 So- as you can imagine- the actual death of my sister- and me living in her apt. and driving her car [my mom gave me my sisters car- that is the car I’m driving right now in Texas- remember- I sold both my vehicles] were all giving me a real sense of the ‘partnership’ I had with my sister as we both were back in our old town- for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

 So- one morning while I was going downstairs to the yard [I walked down thru an upstairs hallway- thru the old garage [which is now a finished apt.] where I kept many a dirt bike [and go cart!] back in the day- and down the alley into the yard.

 This morning I had a sense of ‘what would you do if you saw your sister’.

 It was eerie!

 In the bible- there are just a few cases of ‘seeing dead people’ [not talking Bruce Willis and the 6th sense either].

 One of the most famous is the story of the prophet Samuel during the time of King Saul.

 In a scripture that’s been debated a lot- we read about a sort of soothsayer [Palm Reader type person] who brings back the dead prophet Samuel to appear to King Saul.

 Obviously this can be used in many strange ways- some question the authenticity of whether the lady brought Samuel back.

 As you read the account [off hand I forget the actual verse] it seems to say that she did indeed bring a dead guy back- not a raising from the dead- but an appearance of the soul/spirit of Samuel.

 So- though I wouldn’t build a doctrine on the thing- yet stuff like this can happen.

 Ok.

 After I had this experience- of sort of sensing ‘what if you see Laura- who died’.

 I got a chill- but simply prepared myself for some type of sign- which has happened a lot this year.

  But nothing happened- yet.

 So- one day my mom [whose house I was staying at] said ‘ok John- today before you run out [yeah- I got up early- and would take off most of the day- either walking New York City- or North Bergen- Union City- etc.- I wanted to run into as many street guys as possible before I left] I have a job for you and Patrick to do.

  Patrick was a good friend of mine for many years- used to date my sister- and in a way I used to see him as the street friends I have made over the years.

 He is a recovering addict- and we went to a lot of the NA meetings together.

 So- Pat lives at my mom’s house- uses a spare bedroom- and I see him like a brother.

  But- my mom would ask us to both do some type of job together- fix the fence- move some furniture- whatever.

 And I realized it would be better for her to just give me the job- everyone else go out- and I’ll do it alone [you know-the micro manager type thing was a problem].

 Not to be mean- but trust me- it worked better that way.

 So a few days before I left- she asked ‘ok- you and Patrick need to paint 2 walls in the living room today [today? It will take me less than an hour- I used to paint houses for a living].

 So- Pat bought all those little paint devices you see on TV- you know- the stuff the pro’s NEVER USE [Edger’s- sponge type brushes- Tape for the edges- EEK!]

 I told mom ‘Please- just get me one good paint brush- a roller and paint- I don’t need all of these other things- including the tape to ‘tape the corners’.

 Not to be mean- but the best way to do this is to simply ‘cut’ the area with a brush.

 Over the years you learn to use the paint brush without going over the edge.

 Anyway- she had some cheap little brush- and the roller and paint.

 What the heck- I told her ‘please- you and Pat go in the other room- I’ll be done in around 30 minutes’.

  I was- moved the furniture- laid a drop cloth- rolled and cut- under an hour- done.

  Ok- my mom had just printed new pictures of my sister- and the night before I left I hung them up on this freshly painted wall.

  So- as mom’s go- she wanted to buy me stuff for the road trip back to Texas.

 She bought me this nice little road light [as a side note- 2 nights ago I started our first home church- this year I want to start a few of them- Texas- New Jersey- Switzerland. There were 2 little 5 year old girls- real sweethearts- they were the kids of some of our new team of young leaders that I’m enlisting for this new mission- they somehow got a hold of this light- and they were having so much fun running thru the house- in the yard- flashing this light].

 You know- if you get a flat the thing blinks and all- roadside emergency type light.

  As we are sitting in the living room- I am opening up the package- trying to get the car packed before the morning [I left just a few hours after this].

 And my mom walks into the living room and sees me with the light- and the batteries still in the package- unopened.

 She says ‘Oh- the light works real nice- but how did you get it to work without the batteries’.

 I said ‘what do you mean- it’s not on’.

 She looked puzzled- she is standing in front of the wall with my sisters new pictures- and she says ‘John- your light is flashing- I’m looking at Laura’s picture- don’t you see it flashing’.

 Ok- I knew this was the ‘sign’ I sensed a few nights earlier- a sort of Open Vision- where you see something while awake.

 Now- as I convinced her the light was not on- she began to panic- she kept asking ‘don’t you see it flashing John- it’s so bright!

 I sat her down and walked her through it.

 I told her ‘mom- I don’t see it flashing- but if you do- I believe you’.

 I told her it’s possible that Laura- in a way- is saying ‘John- I really was part of this whole adventure you just had- I’m up here- with your other friends who have died- the ones you ‘have gathered’ as a communion of Saints- I’m saying goodbye on your last night in North Bergen- OH- thanks for petting my cats’.

 Now- I simply tried to explain to my mom that I felt God had told me a few days before that I would indeed see some type of sign from my sister.

 Surely this must have been it.

 [By the way- thanks for the car Laura- it’s truly the best running car I ever had. It drove back to Texas great- everyone compliments me on it].

  NOTE- One of the bible verses that was impressed on my mind this year was from the book of James ‘Every good and perfect gift comes from above- from the FATHER OF LIGHTS’. If you remember- this year I posted about seeing a Supernova one morning while up praying in the yard- and later that day there was the most viewed meteor ever- it took place in Russia.

 These of course were LIGHTS- the above sign from my sister was a blinking light.

 And right after I got back to Texas I was walking home from the local street mission where I meet the homeless crew.

 As I walked under the highway overpass- I saw a homeless guy- who I never met before.

 He caught my attention because he had this paint brush hanging from his belt- and it was actually the one I needed when I painted the wall in New Jersey [the one where my mom saw the picture flashing].

 I walked up to the brother and hung out with him for about 30 minutes- right there off the street.

 In about 5 minutes we were talking like we knew each other for years.

 That’s the way the street guys live.

  He told me after a few minutes-

 ‘We can tell when someone’s for real- that he really cares for the homeless’

 He was simply saying he knew I wasn’t a fake.

 As I talked with him- he told me his name was Orville and he’s been around for years.

 I asked him if he knew ‘so and so….’

 I usually rack up a bunch of names so the guys know I’m not making stuff up- that I have been around a while.

 He knew the names I mentioned.

 He told me he also sings gospel songs- and he wrote one.

 Sure enough- he started singing- pretty good- right there.

 Geez- like angels songs!

  I asked him if he needed a few dollars.

 He said ‘sure’.

 And as has happened before- I open my wallet and I only have a five- no big deal- he got the 5.

 He tells me ‘wait- I have a gift for you’.

 Huh?

 For me?

  Right before I left North Bergen- I picked up a few things I thought I might need.

 One was the little flashlight things that you hang on a key chain.

 Every so often- you need a light to see where your stuff is when you’re parked on the side of the road- sleeping at the rest stops [I drove back and slept in the car overnight].

 Sometimes when I need something- I try and wait a day or so before I buy it.

 Because I either find I have an extra one laying around- or someone gives me one.

 But- I bought a little Mag light- but it’s not too bright.

 So- as I’m talking to this strange homeless brother- with ‘my’ paint brush on his belt.

 He reaches under his shirt and pulls out a chain he has around his neck.

 And he pulls off of the chain- you guessed it- one of the little lights I needed.

 Man- the things is about 10 times brighter than the one I bought.

 Cool!

 I take the gift- which was sort of strange- the street guys usually don’t give out gifts.

 I finish our talk- and off I went.

 The next few days I ask the local street crew ‘Hey- I met some guy named Orville- he said he knew you- do you know the guy’.

 One by one- no one knew him.

 Ok- in the book of Hebrews it says ‘be careful to help strangers- because some have helped angels and they didn’t even know it’.

 After my buddies did not know the guy- I went home later in the day and double checked if that light was for real- still in my drawer.

 Sure is- bright as a little Nova.

 I don’t know if Orville- the drunk gospel singer- was an angel or not.

 But this year one of the verses was ‘FATHER OF LIGHTS’.

 Felt it was cool either way.

   VERSES- [here are just a few examples of God- angels coming to people in dreams]

 Genesis 20:3

But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.

In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations

Genesis 20:6

And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.

In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations

Genesis 31:10

And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in adream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled.

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Genesis 31:11

And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I.

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Genesis 31:24

And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

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1 Kings 3:5

In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

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Matthew 1:20

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

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Matthew 2:12

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

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Matthew 2:13

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

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Matthew 2:19

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

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Matthew 2:22

But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in adream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

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Matthew 27:19

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

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 Michael the archangel verses-

Daniel 10:13

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

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Daniel 10:21

But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

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Daniel 12:1

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

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Jude 1:9

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

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Revelation 12:7

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

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 More verses I quoted-

 10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?

11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

Proverbs 12:19

The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

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1 Peter 1:25

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

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