We need prophetic witnesses. We need people who in their way of life challenge the prevailing false ideologies bearing upon the production, distribution, and use of material goods. We need lived prophecy.

We therefore need pilgrim witnesses. We need joyous, loving men and women to show in their lives that one can live a sparing-sharing lifestyle and still be happy and fulfilled. We need to induce conversion into the masses first by example, then by word—really, by both simultaneously. (my highlight)

—Fr. Thomas Dubay

From his book “Happy Are You Poor”. Find this book on our site here:http://goo.gl/FjB1k

I explain below why I chose to include this quote:

The past two weeks has been privy my to early morning rises and late-night home comings. I’ve been on auto-pilot moving mechanically from one responsibility to the next and it’s been catching up with me. When life gets a little too hectic, I indulge in buying some of my favourite magazines. I thought I’d put the kettle on and enjoy a little frivolous down time enjoying a strong cup of tea and a glossy magazine filled with entertaining tidbits of nothing overly important or taxing. Nothing that strains the brain too much. The fact that 95%the magazine was filled with  articles about Christmas did make me sit up and think once again, ‘Yes , Christmas is being sold consumers earlier each year’, as I purchased the magazine two weeks before the end of October! And so , the secular tidal wave rolls over once again.

Just recently the 250 000 lights along Regent street have been switched on, luring shoppers into London in order to spend, spend, spend. Loads of people go to London to see the Christmas decorations; the sparkly lights and to experience the tradition of Christmas in one of the world’s most exciting cities on the planet.

While sipping my strong brew, I spluttered and coughed as I turned the pages to be greeted by a feature in the called,’In the mood for love?’ (this was decorated with a picture of mistletoe!)I was more than a little disappointed that a generally (I thought) ‘clean-cut’ women’s magazine which boasts world class recipes, great ideas to get rid of stains etc,  and recommends which home gadgets we busy women cannot be without in order to in order run our homes, had an article such as this one, sully its reputation.  At first glance the article could be looked at as inoffensive and pretty mild by today’s standards, but on closer inspection I was introduced to women sharing their light-hearted experiences regarding foreplay, as if this topic is just what everyone should know about, would be  interested in, and would be willing to share themselves. I was disappointed that at my ‘favourite’ magazine  has fallen prey to feeling the need to satisfy the trained masses in their need for  a now expected, type of voyeurism. This habit being perpetuated by a never-ending stream of talent and game-shows filling most channels on t.v. And so , the secular tidal wave rolls over once again. 

I have come to an age when I ‘ve realised I have to make choices about things that matter to me: I made one such decision recently. Two acquaintances are to marry in the near future, so a ‘Hen-Night’ as been arranged to celebrate these wonderful events. These celebrations will take place in a club and the evening will include making cocktails, a meal and dancing. I have two main objections to this:

1. You have to dress the part: and my wardrobe is sadly lacking in the area of clubbing attire!
2. One of the betrothed has been married before and the other has lived with her fiancée for two years already!! What a farce……I would not really be celebrating, I would most certainly be lying to myself if I pretended to be having a good time. If I did attend I’d feel like a fraud. So, no, I won’t be attending.

I quite like the idea of becoming a ‘pilgrim witness’ who induces conversion into the masses first by example, then by word.

On a more upbeat note, I received this pleasant and unexpected surprise from 8Kids And a Business– last week (I did say I ‘ve been busy) ‘The Food for Thought award’! I consider this award to be seriously prestigious in the Catholic blogosphere, as we’re blogging to share the GOOD NEWS about Jesus and His message of Love and Hope, and if  1catholicsalmon is providing food for thought for readers, I’m a happy camper.

I will adhere to the prerequisites on acceptance of the reward later in this week. Thanks once again 8Kidsandabusiness!