Compromising and the Faith QUESTION from John-Paul Ignatius January 23, 2000
Compromising is a sure sign of not possessing the truth. When a man yields in matters of ideals, of honor or of faith, that man is without honor and without faith. ---Blessed Josemaria Escriva, the Spanish Priest who founded Opus Dei. Dear John: I am so glad you have made this quotation from the great Blessed Josemaria Escriva. This great saint-to-be was also founder of the University of Navarre in Spain, and the instigator of the Navarre Bible which is perhaps the best Catholic commentary of the Bible in existence. I had not seen this quote before, but now that I have seen it, I will guarantee it will be repeated often. In fact, I think we will use this quote as the Motto for our Q & A Forum. Most people who claim to know Jesus will praise God. Most try to live good lives. But Plausibility often becomes a stumblingblock, as we are tempted to fit into our society and be liked. Everyone wants to be liked. But Jesus calls us to a higher calling that may require us to sacrifice being like. We are called to be counter-cultural and that is hard. But as Peter said, Where else are we to go, Lord, for it you who have the words to eternal life He is the Truth, the Way and the Light; No one comes to the Father but through Him. And it is that Truth that will make us free. No amount of niceness, plausibility, or the so-called political correctness when it compromises truth will get us to heaven. ONLY TRUTH, which is our Lord and King, Jesus Christ can do that. I am reminded of a song sung by the great Protestant singer, Larnelle Harris. If people have not heard this fabulous singer, please check him out. Once listening to his Holy Spirit Anointed singer if you are not jumping up and down in glorious praise of our Lord and God and then in another song down on your knees crying like a baby, then you are probably dead. Larnelle sings a song called When Praise Demands a Sacrifice. Here are the lyrics: The call to go to Mount Moriah came to Abraham But the offering placed before the Lord was not a lamb He bound His only son and when the knife was raised A sacrifice became the price of praise. CHORUS When praise demands a sacrifice, I'll worship even then Surrendering the dearest things in life And if devotion costs me all He'll find me faithful to His call When praise demands a sacrifice. The call to go to Calvary came to God's own son. An altar waited for the lamb He would become His hands reached up to Heaven as the cross was raised And with His life He paid the price of praise REPEAT CHORUS God hears the words of praise we lift, yet I have found. He's honored more by what I am willing to lay down. REPEAT CHORUS Oh my, I wish you could hear this being sung. Maybe I can get the recording company to allow me to offer this song on MP3 on our website. Read those words: God hears the words of praise we lift, yet I have found He's honored more by what I am willing to lay down
If all these people who want to mess with the Holy Liturgy would spend more time on laying down their desires in sacrifice to our God, instead of whining about how THEY want to do the liturgy, just think what grace would be released in our world. I dare say that such grace would abound that it would convert the world to Jesus. When praise demands a sacrifice, I'll worship even then Surrendering the dearest things in life Even to the surrendering of ego, opinion, and pride. And if devotion costs me all He'll find me faithful to His call. When praise demands a sacrifice. Oh, hallelujah and Amen. This has been my personal prayer and I have done my best to offer my life for him even when it may cost me my life and that has been tested many times.
For those of you who don't know it, John Miskell here, also does this. He places his body in peril routinely and even risks his life and health to hear the Call of God on the Pro-life issue. We thank you John for being faithful to His call When praise demands a sacrifice.
Lord may all your people continue to worship you when praise demands a sacrifice.
When praise demands a sacrifice, I'll worship even then Surrendering the dearest things in life ANSWER by Mr. John Miskell on Monday, January 24, 2000
Dear Bro. John-Paul Ignatius, Thank you so much for your words of inspiration, kindness, and prayer. Your brother in Christ, John Miskell Back to Index Page