Dear Posters and Lurkers,

Our dear Lord said: "...everyone that exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall be exated." - St. Luke

As, I heard these words, I found my thougts turning toward John, and the other posters and lurkers to this forum and the words I have posted during our oftentimes heated debate on the subject of Traditional Catholicism and what it means to all of us.

I thought of the words I used during these debates, and I wondered if, perhaps, I was sending the message that I thought myself better and/or holier than everyone else because of where my family and I attend Mass.

While I maintain my firm convictions that the Traditional Catholic Mass is a far more fitting way to honor our Lord, I would like all of you to know that I certainly do not think myself better or holier or more special in our Lord's Eyes because I assist at this Mass. If I have come across that way, I sincerely apologize. During such a discussion/debate, it's easy to get carried away, allow our passions to turn to anger, and engage in one up-manship. I must remember that if I believe in the things I say, I must say them with love and concern for other souls and not for the satisfaction of being right or saying "Look at me, Lord, aren't I special?"

I look forward to further cordial discussions/debates with any/all of you, and I will bear in mind and heart, as I type my words, I will do so with respect and humility.

Thanks for reading!

-- Jake's Wife (jake_@msn.com), July 28, 2002

Answers

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-- David (David@excite.com), July 28, 2002.

Hello Jake's wife

That was a very kind post. I look forward to having Jake and yourself here at forum too.

We have a excellent Moderator, and a excellent assistant Moderator too at this forum. We do play a little rough sometimes in here, but we all learn from one and other, and we all pray for one another.

May the Lord bless you and your family.

David

-- David (David@excite.com), July 28, 2002.

Thank you very much for your kindness, David. I look forward to getting to know you and everyone else. Jake and I enjoy this forum very much!

-- Jake's Wife (jake_@msn.com), July 28, 2002.

This thread is so timely as this morning during morning prayers this thought was running through my mind after learning of Fred Bishop's death just yesterday. Fred had been on my mind these many many long weeks as a prior thread I put forth asked all of us to be more understanding and mature here.

We are all sinners and all learning I hope to gain humility. The gnashing of teeth must stop on the forum of which I at times am guilty of also. Again I ask forgiveness also.

-- Jean Bouchard (jeanb@cwk.imag.net), July 29, 2002.

What a wonderful post, Regina! (I cheated and found your name on another thread.) I pray everyday for that kind of humility, but it always escapes me. Hopefully one day I can overcome my pride and advance in this virtue. While I remain convinced in my doing the right thing by attending the Traditional Mass, this post is a good reminder to us all that Mass attendance alone is not what is going to save our soul, it goes much deeper than that. And Regina has been a very good example as to what that is.

I hope no one here will hesitate to admonish me when I show too much pride and not enough humility, and I will pray that all of us here will remember these words:

I must remember that if I believe in the things I say, I must say them with love and concern for other souls and not for the satisfaction of being right or saying "Look at me, Lord, aren't I special?"

Thank you for that reminder fo what we all need, Regina.

Isabel

-- Isabel (isabel1492@yahoo.com), July 29, 2002.

It is so good to have you back, Isabel! I've missed you very much at the forum. Your posts always offer a wealth of information, and nourishing food for thought.

Thank you so much for your sweet post. I'm not always good at humility, either. Numerous times I had found myself clicking the "submit" button while simultaneously saying, "Take THAT!" Our Lord could certainly have not been pleased with such antics.

Your post will serves as a reminder to me, as well. Thanks again!

-- Regina (jake_@msn.com), July 30, 2002.

Regina,

Thank you for your compliments. I have been very busy lately, and will continue to be so for the next couple of weeks.

Getting ready for vacation, so I have a lot to do at home, and a lot to get done at work before I leave. What I wouldn't do to be a stay at home mom. My children would be better off, and I would not slowly be losing sanity. But, God will have it His way! >:) If this is my road to salvation, then so be it. So if I am a little scarce the next couple of weeks, think of me relaxing in a hot tub, white water rafting, swimming and relaxing by the pool, taking a hike in the mountains, running into a black bear........aaaaaaaahhhhhhhh! Anyway, I need this vacation, except for the bear, so keep us in your prayers for a safe travel. St. Christopher, pray for us! Our Lady of the Highway, protect us!

Talk to you soon!

Isabel

-- Isabel (isabel1492@yahoo.com), July 30, 2002.

Isabel

So if I am a little scarce the next couple of weeks, think of me relaxing in a hot tub, white water rafting, swimming and relaxing by the pool, taking a hike in the mountains, running into a black bear........aaaaaaaahhhhhhhh

I must remember envy is a sin, envy is a sin, envy is..... :D

Sounds just delightful! Jake and I will keep you and your family in our prayers for a safe, happy, restful vacation. Our family is heading to the shore this weekend for two days of R&R ourselves.

Have fun!

-- Regina (jake_@msn.com), July 31, 2002.

Isabel,

Where are you headed that you can do all those things at the same place. My family loves hiking in the mountains and I would also like to take them white water rafting some time (I've done it many times but my wife is hesitant...I mean obstinate!).

Regina, LOL!

-- Glenn (glenn@excite.com), July 31, 2002.

Glenn,

I am headed to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. We rented a cabin in the mountains, right outside of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. If you look on a map, look a little to the southeast of Knoxville, TN.

There is a ton to do there: White water rafting, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, tubing down a mountain creek, as well as many commercial things, such as shopping, Dollywood, GoKarts, chair lifts up the mountain and so on. But this should be a great vacation because I will be able to do all the outdoor things that I love, and then go back to the cabin and relax. There is a lot of information on the web. You can look up Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Smokey Mountains, & Smokey Mountain National Park.

I hope you can convince your wife. There are actually different levels of rafting available in the area.

Regina,

Thank you. I certainly wasn't trying to make you envious!! :) I am just so excited and so ready for a vacation. I hope your family has a wonderful and safe trip, as well. I will say a prayer to St. Christopher for you.

Isabel

-- Isabel (isabel1492@yahoo.com), July 31, 2002.