Gentlemen, it is with great sadness that I write this update to this posting. A great friend and mentor to the Covenant Keepers, Tom Balboa has passed from this world. Though we only met with Tom on a few occasions, as a group, each meeting had a significant impact on our faithwalk as brothers. Ernie of course had a deeper relationship with Tom as he had mentored to Ernie for several years. I thought it would be appropriate to revisit a previous posting from our last group visit with Tom Balboa. This event took place in September of 2006, and since that time Tom's health had been diminishing. We'll all miss him dearly, as Tom often said "we are all pilgrims, travelers, and strangers". Fare well dear Tom, may you be with your dear wife again, praising our Lord.
Peace be with you,
Ed
What a blessing it was to spend with, Catholic evangelist, Tom Balboa last night. The St. Patrick Covenant Keepers paid a visit to Tom'sHeadquarters for the Catholic Society of Evangelists in Grand Terrace,CA.
Ten men from the group enjoyed chicken, pizza and Tom delivering a talk that would rival any lecturer on the speaking circuit today. He spoke and entertained questions from us without the use of note cards, a script or a teleprompter. It just came from the heart.
Tom has been ailing from a nagging cough that has slowed him down physically, has increased his spiritual work and prayer life. He used his malady to remind us that in order to increase spiritually, we must decrease in some other area of our life.
We must die to ourselves in order to live our lives for the Father. When we deny ourselves in fasting we depend more on God and less on our own devices. In doing so we can then unite our will to that of the Father and receive all He wants for us.
He also reminded us that this place we now dwell is not home. Our home is with the Lord in heaven. This is just the passage way to the next life, where we want to go. We should not try to make ourselves too comfortable here or we might not want to move on when the Lord calls for us. Worse yet, we might not seek the Kingdom of God if life here is too easy.
All our discomforts, ailments, sufferings and losses are in Gods plan for us and we should be thankful for those as much as we are the pleasant things in life.
"No pain, no gain" is what Tom said. Another way to put it is, the joys in life are much sweeter when you live through a little suffering.
Well there is much more than I could write in this posting about our visit with Tom Balboa, but I hope you got a feel for what I received from his discussion. I know everyone in attendance came away with something special for themselves.
I hope we can invite Tom to speak to our parish soon so that all may avail themselves to the wisdom and spirit-filled discourse of a humble ordinary man living his life forChrist.
Goodnight my brothers. Peace and Love to all
Brother Ed
Tom's website can be found at the following link, it's well worth the visit. http://www.catholic-soe.org/message.html
Friday
Our Mission Statement
Here's the Mission Statement of the St. Patrick's Men's Ministry~ To give men an opportunity to share in a relaxing atmosphere and grow through spiritual bonding with other men.
~To support each other during difficult times that may occur in our lives. We will do this by prayer, scripture readings, communication and networking together.
~ We will sponsor gatherings for all men to grow in the following areas, living as better husbands,fathers,grandfathers and Brothers in Christ and family through spiritual life.
~ To promote, support,strengthen and help maximize the spiritual growth of men of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
Join us every first and third Wednesday, 7 pm, at the Upper Room, St. Patrick's House.
"So, who made you boss?" Wed., February 13, 7 pm
Next meeting is February 13, 2008
7:00 pm
Topic: "So who made you boss?"
Join us in the upper room of St. Patrick's House for an evening of prayer and sharing exclusively among Catholic men. Bless us with your presence, thoughts and prayers. And walk away blessed by the presence, thoughts and prayers of other like-minded men of our parish. We start with an opening prayer at 7:00 pm.
7:00 pm
Topic: "So who made you boss?"
Join us in the upper room of St. Patrick's House for an evening of prayer and sharing exclusively among Catholic men. Bless us with your presence, thoughts and prayers. And walk away blessed by the presence, thoughts and prayers of other like-minded men of our parish. We start with an opening prayer at 7:00 pm.
Sunday
For Nina
After the recent passing of my aunt Bea, I had the privilege of serving as a
pallbearer and lector for her services. Although, I'll always have fond memories
of my aunt Bea, my cousin Zeke will always refer to her lovingly as "Nina". The
following is Zeke's final message at aunt Bea's grave site service, in which he
served as a lead member of the bereavement team of Holy Family Cathedral in Orange.
For Nina
John 12:23-26
And Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified.
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies,
it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses
it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be
also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.
"With the passing of our loved ones often comes an important time of grace. A time of examining our own lives, a time of growth, a time for families to mend their differences, but most importantly a time of great clarity and TRUTH!" You may ask as Pilate did "what is truth?" There is only one truth and it resounds in all mankind hearts.
Mark 8:34-37
And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, "If any
man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my
sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the
whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life?
"Amazingly trustful words for us to contemplate
at this time of grieving. Do not let this "beloved grain of wheat" which has
fallen into the earth pass us by without it bearing much fruit in all us standing here!"
"I went to take my Nina the Holy Eucharist often, my sister Jo Anne one day and I the next, and one day towards the very end of her suffering, I spoke with her about our faith and all the external signs of our faith. I said, "Nina you were Baptized, made your first Communion, and were Confirmed, you were married in the Church, you went to Confession and had the Anointing of the Sick, and of course received our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. You did all these things over the course of your life and made sure your children did as well. Now it is time to trust the Lord and accept all these external signs into your heart and soul." I told her, "do not be afraid, you belong to God." She thought about it for a second and gave me a look of strong resolve, she grabbed my hand tightly and shook her head yes! I knew then that she was ready to accept her passing.
"Nina, may you be in the presence of God's love. My love and prayers will always be with you, till I see you again. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and give praise. Amen.
Love Your Godson,
Ezekiel
My brothers , let us all grab hold of the external signs of God's love for us, the Sacraments. The gifts our Lord left for us, so we may take up our cross and follow Him. In, receiving His Sacraments, we receive His Grace, and in receiving His Grace we can cultivate that single grain of wheat that has fallen in each of us. So we may bear much fruit. I know my Aunt Bea bore much fruit and I believe Our Lord is saying to her "Well done my good and faithful servant." What about you, are you ready for the harvest?
Peace and Blessings
Ed
Thanks Zeke for a inspiring message.
pallbearer and lector for her services. Although, I'll always have fond memories
of my aunt Bea, my cousin Zeke will always refer to her lovingly as "Nina". The
following is Zeke's final message at aunt Bea's grave site service, in which he
served as a lead member of the bereavement team of Holy Family Cathedral in Orange.
For Nina
John 12:23-26
And Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified.
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies,
it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses
it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be
also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.
"With the passing of our loved ones often comes an important time of grace. A time of examining our own lives, a time of growth, a time for families to mend their differences, but most importantly a time of great clarity and TRUTH!" You may ask as Pilate did "what is truth?" There is only one truth and it resounds in all mankind hearts.
Mark 8:34-37
And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, "If any
man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my
sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the
whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life?
"Amazingly trustful words for us to contemplate
at this time of grieving. Do not let this "beloved grain of wheat" which has
fallen into the earth pass us by without it bearing much fruit in all us standing here!"
"I went to take my Nina the Holy Eucharist often, my sister Jo Anne one day and I the next, and one day towards the very end of her suffering, I spoke with her about our faith and all the external signs of our faith. I said, "Nina you were Baptized, made your first Communion, and were Confirmed, you were married in the Church, you went to Confession and had the Anointing of the Sick, and of course received our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. You did all these things over the course of your life and made sure your children did as well. Now it is time to trust the Lord and accept all these external signs into your heart and soul." I told her, "do not be afraid, you belong to God." She thought about it for a second and gave me a look of strong resolve, she grabbed my hand tightly and shook her head yes! I knew then that she was ready to accept her passing.
"Nina, may you be in the presence of God's love. My love and prayers will always be with you, till I see you again. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and give praise. Amen.
Love Your Godson,
Ezekiel
My brothers , let us all grab hold of the external signs of God's love for us, the Sacraments. The gifts our Lord left for us, so we may take up our cross and follow Him. In, receiving His Sacraments, we receive His Grace, and in receiving His Grace we can cultivate that single grain of wheat that has fallen in each of us. So we may bear much fruit. I know my Aunt Bea bore much fruit and I believe Our Lord is saying to her "Well done my good and faithful servant." What about you, are you ready for the harvest?
Peace and Blessings
Ed
Thanks Zeke for a inspiring message.
Wednesday
Covenant Keepers Annual Fish Fry
The Covenant Keepers of St. Patrick Parish will be hosting their annual Fish Fry on Friday, March 14, 2008. The event takes place after the conclusion of the Stations of the Cross, which begin at 7:00 in the ministry center. Tickets will be available after all Masses beginning Saturday, February 23, 24, March 1,2,8,9, and after the Stations of the Cross on March 8th. Last year the fish and shrimp taco combo were a hit among all attending. Ticket prices will remain $4 for kids 10 and under, and $6 for adults. The proceeds will benefit the Covenant Keepers Men's Ministry. The Covenant Keepers are a spiritual fellowship of men seeking to grow in their faith so they may come to know God, love God and serve God, in the home, the parish and the community. In the past they have supported the Mission Ministry, the building fund, military families and others. They plan to provide support for the Churches call to evangelize to all. They have sponsored two men's conferences in 2007, which featured lay evangelist Jesse Romero and theologian Paul Dion, they look forward sponsoring future events. They meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month in the "Upper Room", St. Patrick House at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday
What More Can He Do For You? Follow up!
Last Wednesday, Nov. 21st, the "Upper Room" aka St. Patrick House, was filled with several, pizza eating, soda drinking, cookie monsters(Covenant Keepers). More importantly, than their appetite for food was their appetite for the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Fr. Larry Richard's presentation on the Passion of Christ in "What More Could He Do For You", enthralled all in the room. Fr. Larry mentioned at the start of his talk, that what it cost Jesus to free us from the slavery of sin was His life. Do we realize what that means? Every stripe on His back, every thorn in His head, every nail in His wrist and feet, He took for us! But what are we willing to pay? Are we willing to die to ourselves and let Jesus live within us? Jesus did the heavy lifting, all we have to do is answer yes Lord! Not one time, like some believe, but each and everyday we must answer yes Lord!
How can we do this you ask? First of all, pray. When you pray, Fr. Larry says "listen" like the prophets. We too often do all the talking when we pray giving God a list of demands for Him to fulfill. But the prophets, would say "speak Lord your servant is listening". It's in the tiny whispers that we hear God.
Secondly, do we fit God into our day or do we build our day around God? Fr. Larry asks the question, "do you try to eat everyday or do you eat? We make time for everything else in our day, why not God? Why don't we do everything around Him, instead of just squeezing Him in at the end of the day?
Finally, are we participating in the Sacraments and spending time in the presence of our Lord? We must seek to reconcile ourselves to God often, fully confessing all our sins with a contrite heart. Then receive our Lord in Communion, not just weekly, but daily if possible. Another way is the Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Like the disciples with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, it was in the breaking of the bread that they came to know Jesus. It is in the breaking of the bread that we will get to develop the deepest personal relationship with our Lord and our God.
So brothers I ask you, do you feel guilty or grateful for the suffering Jesus endured for you? It should have been you and me on that cross, but Jesus pushed us out of the way and gave us a new lease on life. Now it's up to each of us to take advantage of that new life and get to know Jesus, love Him and serve Him, so we may someday hear our Father say "well done my good and faithful servant" Mt 25:21.
If you want to find out how to develop the attitude of gratitude join us every 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month in the Upper Room, where strangers become brothers.
Peace and Love
Ed
How can we do this you ask? First of all, pray. When you pray, Fr. Larry says "listen" like the prophets. We too often do all the talking when we pray giving God a list of demands for Him to fulfill. But the prophets, would say "speak Lord your servant is listening". It's in the tiny whispers that we hear God.
Secondly, do we fit God into our day or do we build our day around God? Fr. Larry asks the question, "do you try to eat everyday or do you eat? We make time for everything else in our day, why not God? Why don't we do everything around Him, instead of just squeezing Him in at the end of the day?
Finally, are we participating in the Sacraments and spending time in the presence of our Lord? We must seek to reconcile ourselves to God often, fully confessing all our sins with a contrite heart. Then receive our Lord in Communion, not just weekly, but daily if possible. Another way is the Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Like the disciples with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, it was in the breaking of the bread that they came to know Jesus. It is in the breaking of the bread that we will get to develop the deepest personal relationship with our Lord and our God.
So brothers I ask you, do you feel guilty or grateful for the suffering Jesus endured for you? It should have been you and me on that cross, but Jesus pushed us out of the way and gave us a new lease on life. Now it's up to each of us to take advantage of that new life and get to know Jesus, love Him and serve Him, so we may someday hear our Father say "well done my good and faithful servant" Mt 25:21.
If you want to find out how to develop the attitude of gratitude join us every 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month in the Upper Room, where strangers become brothers.
Peace and Love
Ed
Saturday
What More Can He Do For You?
Men's Night 11/21/2007, we will host a special presentation in the Upper Room aka St. Patrick House. Join us at 7:00 for a special two hour meeting. The God Of the universe looked at you and He looked at Jesus and He chose you! What love He has for you! Have you ever thought of what it cost God to love you? It cost Him His only Son, and our response should be one of great gratitude. Join Fr. Larry Richards, via DVD, as he unveils for us the love of Jesus Christ in a dramatic presentation of the Passion of Jesus. Your life will be changed forever as you listen to what Jesus did for you. Hear Mary as she holds her Son's dead body in her arms, and she cries out to you, "What more could he do for you?" For more info post a response. Hope to see you there.
Peace and Love
Your brother Ed
Peace and Love
Your brother Ed
Friday
Join us for the Men's Breakfast Conference on Oct. 27
ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY.... "Do this in memory of Me"
A Meditative Breakfast Conference for Men
St. Patrick Catholic Church, Moreno Valley, CA
Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007, 8:am to 1:00 pm
Do you attend Mass or do you participate in it?
Do you listen when someone else is speaking or do you read?
Do you know why we stand for Communion?
Do you know why we kneel for some parts?
Where does the Mass come from?
What is the most important part of the Mass?
What is the Canon of the Mass?
Do you understand what happens during each part of the Mass?
Wouldn't you like to learn about it?
And wouldn't you want to share what you learn with your family?
ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY...... Do this in memory of me
The St. Patrick Covenant Keepers (Men's Group) is sponsoring a breakfast conference that will explore and explain the different parts of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. At this conference, Paul Dion, STL, Theology editor of ParishWorld.net, will help us understand the mysteries of the Mass, why we do things the way we do and what it all means.
A Meditative Breakfast Conference for Men
St. Patrick Catholic Church, Moreno Valley, CA
Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007, 8:am to 1:00 pm
Do you attend Mass or do you participate in it?
Do you listen when someone else is speaking or do you read?
Do you know why we stand for Communion?
Do you know why we kneel for some parts?
Where does the Mass come from?
What is the most important part of the Mass?
What is the Canon of the Mass?
Do you understand what happens during each part of the Mass?
Wouldn't you like to learn about it?
And wouldn't you want to share what you learn with your family?
ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY...... Do this in memory of me
The St. Patrick Covenant Keepers (Men's Group) is sponsoring a breakfast conference that will explore and explain the different parts of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. At this conference, Paul Dion, STL, Theology editor of ParishWorld.net, will help us understand the mysteries of the Mass, why we do things the way we do and what it all means.
All men - husbands, sons, grandfathers, friends - are encouraged to attend this conference. Learn more about the Holy Mass. Get a better understanding of the procedures, the ceremonies, and the mystery of the love of Jesus that we receive every Sunday during Mass.
This event will be held on October 27, 2007 at the St. Patrick Ministry Center from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Breakfast and a free t-shirt are included in the conference fee.
Fr. Jose Nacu will celebrate Mass at 12 noon to end this wonderful meditative conference.
Please come and join us. It is our job as men and heads of our family to build the faith base of our loved ones. This conference will be a great help. It's a wonderful first step to building a strong Christian family in our own homes.
It starts with us men. And it happens ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY .......
Pre-register by:
October 21 $12.00
Walk-in registration: October 27 $15.
Price includes the conference, breakfast and t-shirt.
Contact:
Ed Vasquez, (951) 656-0217, brotheredy2k@yahoo.com
Ernie Lara, (951) 924-4135, lara057@msn.com
Tuesday
Men's Conference
It's Time To Man Up For Christ
St. Patrick's Covenant Keepers will be hosting a Men's Breakfast Conference on Saturday, June 23rd, in the Ministry Center from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Come gather together with your brothers, to learn how to make Jesus your personal trainer and go one on one for Christ. Scheduled guest speaker, Catholic Lay Evangelist Jesse Romero will show us how Real Men love Jesus. He's sure to start your heart on fire for the Lord.
Plus other inspiring speakers and programs for your spiritual nurishment.
For more information or to reserve your spot contact Ed Vasquez at brotheredy2k@yahoo.com... Cost is $12.00 if reserved by June 17th, 2007. $15.00 at the door. Please include T-shirt size-S-M-L-XL-XXL
Thursday
Men's Night 10-04-06 Recap
Ernie shared some wonderful reflections and insights from St. Alphonsus Liguori on Wednesday night. What is the one thing that you cannot save and expect to have more of in the future? Not money, friends, not hair either. You can always buy more hair if you save your money. It's time! Time is the one thing that we can never get back, or expect to get more of. I know the Rolling stones sang "Time is on my side", however in actuality time is always working against us. As young people we are taught that we have our whole life ahead of us. We believe that we will be on this earth for many decades. We act as if we are in a football game, we have six timeouts, stoppage for each quarter, and the clock stops when we throw an incomplete pass. Life doesn't work like that. There are no timeouts, no quarters or halftimes, and time doesn't stand still when we make mistakes.
So, with that fact in mind, what are we doing with that oh so precious commodity? St. Liguori spoke about utilizing the time we have to give glory and praise to God. As well as leading others to do the same. Are we good stewards of the time God has bestowed upon us, or are we taking our time for granted, letting it slip away? Like our brothers in Trinidad would say are we "just liming", or just hanging out killing time. Every day, hour, minute or second we let pass is that much time gone forever. We can lose just about everything else and get it back, but not time.
Now that we realize that we're letting opportunity pass by us like a bullet train what are we to do? First and foremost, pray and pray often. Pray from waking in the morning to going to bed at night, and every opportunity in between. Prayer is like preparing ourselves for battle, it's putting our spiritual armor on. It puts us in touch with our Head Coach, God. It calms us in times of stress, it steers us straight in times of confusion, and strengthens us in times of doubt or failure. We must remember though that we need to find some quiet prayerful time to listen to what God is telling us. Often God is calling us to action through prayer and we're just too busy doing all the talking. We must make time to listen.
When we hear what God is calling us to do we will be prepared for action. Are we all going to run out and slay dragons and save damsels in distress. I don't believe that is the kind of action God is preparing us for. It's the everyday thing that occur around us that we must encounter, before we tackle the big things. Like St. Francis of Assissi said "preach the Gospel daily and when necessary use words". It's in our work, our homes and in our community that we are called to evangelize. As living examples like the Apostles and the Saints, before us. We are all given many talents, but do we share our talents with others, with our faith community, with our families. When we all give our time and properly use our talents we can accomplish many great deeds and make a positive impact on many lives. And when God calls us home we will not have regrets about the time we wasted, instead we will say thank you Lord for the time we had, I'm ready to go home.
So my challenge to myself and to all Catholic men is this, are you ready to go home now? If not, why? Have you started utilizing your time and talents to give glory to God? If not, what are you waiting for? God Bless you all.
Peace and Love
Brother Ed
So, with that fact in mind, what are we doing with that oh so precious commodity? St. Liguori spoke about utilizing the time we have to give glory and praise to God. As well as leading others to do the same. Are we good stewards of the time God has bestowed upon us, or are we taking our time for granted, letting it slip away? Like our brothers in Trinidad would say are we "just liming", or just hanging out killing time. Every day, hour, minute or second we let pass is that much time gone forever. We can lose just about everything else and get it back, but not time.
Now that we realize that we're letting opportunity pass by us like a bullet train what are we to do? First and foremost, pray and pray often. Pray from waking in the morning to going to bed at night, and every opportunity in between. Prayer is like preparing ourselves for battle, it's putting our spiritual armor on. It puts us in touch with our Head Coach, God. It calms us in times of stress, it steers us straight in times of confusion, and strengthens us in times of doubt or failure. We must remember though that we need to find some quiet prayerful time to listen to what God is telling us. Often God is calling us to action through prayer and we're just too busy doing all the talking. We must make time to listen.
When we hear what God is calling us to do we will be prepared for action. Are we all going to run out and slay dragons and save damsels in distress. I don't believe that is the kind of action God is preparing us for. It's the everyday thing that occur around us that we must encounter, before we tackle the big things. Like St. Francis of Assissi said "preach the Gospel daily and when necessary use words". It's in our work, our homes and in our community that we are called to evangelize. As living examples like the Apostles and the Saints, before us. We are all given many talents, but do we share our talents with others, with our faith community, with our families. When we all give our time and properly use our talents we can accomplish many great deeds and make a positive impact on many lives. And when God calls us home we will not have regrets about the time we wasted, instead we will say thank you Lord for the time we had, I'm ready to go home.
So my challenge to myself and to all Catholic men is this, are you ready to go home now? If not, why? Have you started utilizing your time and talents to give glory to God? If not, what are you waiting for? God Bless you all.
Peace and Love
Brother Ed
Tuesday
Men's Night 10-04-06
Peace be with you. It's coming up on the first Wednesday of the month, and you know what that means!!! It's "Men's Night" at St. Pat's House. It's a homecoming of sorts. The Covenant Keepers have been on field trips for both meetings in August. First, to Tom Balboa's house in Grand Terrace for dinner and a mini retreat with Tom. Then, for a bar-b-que at Dan's house for food and fellowship.
Now it's time to get back to business. Ernie will be presenting this week, I'm not sure of the topic, but it's bound to be timely and meaningful. In case you don't know where and when we meet here's the 411. St. Patrick House on Pigeon Pass, 7:00 p.m. John alert, John alert. John didn't make the last meeting, I smell pizza!? I hope to see some new and familiar faces there. Bring a friend!
God Bless,
Peace and Love.
Brother Ed
Now it's time to get back to business. Ernie will be presenting this week, I'm not sure of the topic, but it's bound to be timely and meaningful. In case you don't know where and when we meet here's the 411. St. Patrick House on Pigeon Pass, 7:00 p.m. John alert, John alert. John didn't make the last meeting, I smell pizza!? I hope to see some new and familiar faces there. Bring a friend!
God Bless,
Peace and Love.
Brother Ed
Wednesday
Our Evening with Evangelist Tom Balboa
Gentlemen, it is with great sadness that I write this update to this posting. A great friend and mentor to the Covenant Keepers, Tom Balboa has passed from this world. Though we only met with Tom on a few occasions, as a group, each meeting had a significant impact on our faithwalk as brothers. Ernie of course had a deeper relationship with Tom as he had mentored to Ernie for several years. I thought it would be appropriate to revisit a previous posting from our last group visit with Tom Balboa. This event took place in September of 2006, and since that time Tom's health had been diminishing. We'll all miss him dearly, as Tom often said "we are all pilgrims, travelers, and strangers". Fare well dear Tom, may you be with your dear wife again, praising our Lord.Peace be with you,
Ed
What a blessing it was to spend with, Catholic evangelist, Tom Balboa last night. The St. Patrick Covenant Keepers paid a visit to Tom'sHeadquarters for the Catholic Society of Evangelists in Grand Terrace,CA.
Ten men from the group enjoyed chicken, pizza and Tom delivering a talk that would rival any lecturer on the speaking circuit today. He spoke and entertained questions from us without the use of note cards, a script or a teleprompter. It just came from the heart.
Tom has been ailing from a nagging cough that has slowed him down physically, has increased his spiritual work and prayer life. He used his malady to remind us that in order to increase spiritually, we must decrease in some other area of our life.
We must die to ourselves in order to live our lives for the Father. When we deny ourselves in fasting we depend more on God and less on our own devices. In doing so we can then unite our will to that of the Father and receive all He wants for us.
He also reminded us that this place we now dwell is not home. Our home is with the Lord in heaven. This is just the passage way to the next life, where we want to go. We should not try to make ourselves too comfortable here or we might not want to move on when the Lord calls for us. Worse yet, we might not seek the Kingdom of God if life here is too easy.
All our discomforts, ailments, sufferings and losses are in Gods plan for us and we should be thankful for those as much as we are the pleasant things in life.
"No pain, no gain" is what Tom said. Another way to put it is, the joys in life are much sweeter when you live through a little suffering.
Well there is much more than I could write in this posting about our visit with Tom Balboa, but I hope you got a feel for what I received from his discussion. I know everyone in attendance came away with something special for themselves.
I hope we can invite Tom to speak to our parish soon so that all may avail themselves to the wisdom and spirit-filled discourse of a humble ordinary man living his life forChrist.
Goodnight my brothers. Peace and Love to all
Brother Ed
Thursday
You are all welcome!
We have been around since the DMV era and are touching men's hearts at these gatherings. My prayers will be that any man who will open this site will jump on the wagon and join us at our meetings twice a month. We're really a nice bunch of guys. I promise! --Ernie Lara
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