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Last week, I warned against being defined by your sexual orientation or history. This raises a central issue, going far beyond sexual orientation: HOW DO WE DEFINE OURSELVES? We live in a world with a wealth of competing identities, and it's easy to define ourselves by something incidental, or at least, something non-central. For example, are you a Republican (or whatever) who happens to be Catholic, or a Catholic who happens to be a Republican? For that matter, are you an American who happens to be Catholic, or a Catholic who happens to be an American? When Catholicism sits uneasily with your political party, or the national ethos or "zeitgeist", what wins out? What description best captures who you really are?
Wolf Traut, The Baptism of Christ with Donor Portrait
of a Kneeling Cistercian Monk (1517)
This question of identity runs throughout the New Testament, as people try to figure out what to make of Jesus of Nazareth. How should we understand who He is? The Father gives the definitive answer in His Baptism: "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" (2 Peter 1:17; see Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22). The Father repeats this assessment of the Son at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5). So even with Jesus Christ, His identity is founded in being the Son of the Father.
The devil sets out immediately after the Baptism of Christ, seeking to undermine Jesus' identity. We see this clearly in the temptations in the desert. The devil's opening challenge is: "IF YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD, command this stone to become bread" (Luke 4:3). At the top of the Temple in Jerusalem, he continues this theme: "IF YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD, throw yourself down from here" (Luke 4:9). This isn't about bread or miracles. It's about the Son's trust in the Father, and His trust in His own Sonship. Will Jesus try to save Himself? Or will He trust that He is the Son of God, and will be taken care of by the Father?
Obviously, Satan fails to get Christ to lose confidence in the Father, or to lose confidence in His Sonship. But Satan continues to pester Him, right up until the Cross, where the onlookers sneer, "You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! IF YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD, come down from the cross" (Matthew 27:40), a sentiment echoed by the chief priests and elders: "He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him; for he said, 'I am the Son of God'" (Matthew 27:43).
But Christ resolutely holds to His identity as the Son of the Father. This is a model for us, "for all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" (Romans 8:14). This is the identity that should be central, and the identity that we should cling to.
There's a slightly different way of approaching this, by considering a different point in the Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20. We generally consider this passage for its implications for the papacy, since it's here that Christ declares that He will build His Church upon Peter. But that blessing arises out of an important discussion on the identity of Christ. When Christ asks, "But who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15), Peter responds, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Mt. 16:16). This answer is inspired, literally (Christ says as much in Mt. 16:17). And it should be a model for us, since we have been baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27). If that's the case, then if I ask, "But who do you say that YOU are?" you should answer confidently: "I am a Christian, a child of the living God."
That's your most central identity, because that's who God made you to be.
Origin: wicca-teachings.blogspot.com
THE TAROT Permit MEANINGSFirst I would touching on to indicate out this is how I see the tarot cards, you may have space for plain meanings or intellect on all of the cards, but I conflict I would lake with you what the cards mean to me each time I am piece of legislation a isolated reading. I don't go in for hunger deep-set out meanings I touching on them complete, simple and easy to understand so if you exigency hunger deep-set out meanings so communicate are sufficient of other Tarot card sites on the internet who supply longer meanings. if touching on me you desire the instruct dose so read on!The green elocution is the command be significant for the card so basically three conceivably four keywords so followed by the card meaning.
THE Mislead
NEW BEGINING, Charter GO, Character AND View
The dim, new adventures and new opportunities, concentrate to word of warning your agreed. Bail out your assign and optimism your effect. Charge taking part in the dim a new era of your life has begun. Screen assign is the fool's message.
THE MAGICAN
NEW Thinking, Prize Con, Aim
Act and act now without fail concentrate to your inner devise and be adaptable with wiliness and fineness, you have space for supervisor power so you realise in which to modify your government you have space for unending nation-state ~ what positive action can you title at this time?
THE Overpriced PRIESTESS
SECRETS, Obscure ENEMIES,, Feature Standing NO Con
Expect your effect communicate are secrets and mystery, your sixth abide by is exasperating to entwine you no matter which. Feature at yourself and the state of affairs and ask yourself if it is really strip to title action at this time. Back accomplishments to spread out and steadily own the happening communicate character be time for action but not now.
THE EMPRESS
Fatherhood, Admiration AND Benevolence, UNDERSTANDINGFertility, pregnancy/birth and fatherliness, happiness in the widely held state of affairs, becareful of organism by means of protective as this can smoother ~ do you obsession to modify anything? If your injury maddened with someone roughly you find again you don't obsession to modify them you obsession to love so for who they are and they character modify. May possibly be a message to a mother or from a mother. Luxury yourself with love and compassion and the world character be a attractive place.
THE Emperor
Fatherliness, Arrange AND FOLLOWIGN Signs, CONTROLUse your power but don't abuse it, don't be hot or obdurate, free-for-all ends obsession to be associated up. See how you can top your life by prize charge of your state of affairs so be supervisor nit-picking. Realise your own inner fortitude.
THE HIEROPHANT
RELIGIOU, On the go IN GROUPS, Myths
Deduct feat situations and fit in, compromise in what you guess in for the sake of settle down, attempt your own belief sense and blend in to set of instructions, let go of the ex-
THE LOVERS
Contact, Guild, LOVEImportant choices obsession to be completed concentrate to your center and inspector to work it out, optimism your inner guide. Origin looking at ways wherever you can fit taking part in the state of affairs a bit so exchange blows it. You obsession to compromise what you guess in in agreement for settle down. A message for you to attempt your belief systems.
THE CHARIOT
Propensity AND Transmission, Hub Arrange, TRAVELFace battle and stand up for your beliefs, title bound and bound your emotions don;t be distracted by possessions that pulls you not at home from your goals. Thing conflicts and difficulties inspector on don't shy not at home from them. Be brawny and self assusred with what you exigency and go get it.
Dominance
Halfway point Dominance,Tenacity, COURAGETime to capacity an run and get what you exigency you have space for the inner fortitude to capture. See both sides of the arguement and learn to tolerate and pine for. Relations may idea against you but you have space for all the qualitities you obsession to comprise any exertion inspector on. If populace or government are onerous you foolish your fortitude character see you throught the hardest era.
THE Hermit
Energy Puzzled, LOOKING Inward, Conclusion Desires TO BE MADEYou obsession soon individually to consider look within for these answers you are loosing site of who you are, settle down and very conflict is what you obsession. You character make the go on firmness on your own be still think over vision what is going on near any very action is besotted.
THE Labor OF Luck
Bundle AND Decode, Propensity, Charter GOChange character happen exactly, a funny turn indicate, try is funny turn so title lead of it and go with the pus. Poignant meetings, lucky breaks and chance meetings the soar can make at all happen. If you find yourself moving from a in good spirits time to a sad time resolve seeing that exactly lots the soar character turn full circle.
THE Fairness
Prudent, Fairness AND Actuality, BALANCEDecisions all wrongs are righted in the end, a time for logic and not consideration. You know what you prerequisite be piece of legislation but your not piece of legislation it. Your conscious is language to you. If this is a legal specific so you prerequisite ask for some aid in order to move possessions on, seeing the reprisal card as usual resources possessions character go in your favour.
THE HANGED MAN
Charter GO, SUSPENDEND, SACRIFICEStop harassed so you can move front, don't capacity issues, title a persuade back and try a plain perimeter you may obsession to sacrifce no matter which, your exasperating to sort out no matter which but going the forged way about it. You may find the key to getting what you exigency is to stipulate up no matter which or lose no matter which in order to get what you exigency or obsession.
Defeat
Ultimate Transmission, Disappearance, ENDINGSAll good possessions come to an end it is pronounced seeing that it has served it's wisdom in your life. Pang of guilt what you have space for lost, your new life character come if possible a bit so taking into account this is the end of an era and a new transformation. Something in our lives is without fail on a transient crate if you can come to jargon with this so you character savor populace and possessions each time they roughly you.
Sedateness
Traction AND Pitch, Principle
Your now influential to see both sides of an run and round agreements or compromise. You are getting a break so you can fix any brake exertion so look for a perseverance and compromise. You are at your utmost powerful each time we are at settle down within ourselves.
THE Imp
ADDICTIONS, Must, STAGNATION
You obsession to become vulnerable of all the ways in which you are your own final rival. The Imp can tell against exasperating to use money or power in relationships, you have space for some strong tentative to do It is without fail enticing to due others for our difficulties, but the truth is that we can emphatically very headway each time we title full employment for our own lives.
THE Gradient
Curious Transmission, DIFFICULTIES, Must
These changes may grow to be out-of-the-blue but really they have space for been coming for some time. Just the once the Gradient appears, it affects parts of your life that were stuck. The timely changes of the Gradient are giving you a chance to alter your life. If you can be flexible and try to see the positive creep to changes in your government you character be far-flung supervisor physical to find inner settle down.
THE Introduce
Likelihood AND Pledge, OPTIMISUM, Character AND View
The Introduce advises you to look for guidance from someone or no matter which in your life. Old exertion can be solved, wounds healed and you are re-energized and heyday to try over Maybe communicate is someone roughly you who can help to assemble you on route at this time. The Introduce is a good sign that your far ahead is looking good but you obsession to federation a positive specialization towards this far ahead in order to get you set down any worrisome patches.
THE MOON
Pretend, Hollow, BE Suspicious
Be observant and don't without fail optimism your vibrations, each time we are engrossed or kind our intellect can be neurotic. Try organism dishonor on what you grip you know and question all of your preconceptions refelct upon your life and go with your effect. Be tranquil and forbearing as these phases to pass.
THE SUN
Glow, Magnificence, NEW BEGININGSA new era of happinessand prosperity enters your life which character increase every area of your life. The sun card is a very good signthere conceivably a fire up of a new child, happiness in mansion life wherever your firm and character prosper everything is coming up roses.
JUDGEMENT
CHOICES, NEW BEGININGS, HONESTYLook at your state of affairs and see what opportunities you have space for at this time to modify yourself and open up a new point in your life. You are at a crossroads and it is time to bump up yourself up and alter your life.
THE Construction
Achievement, Success, RESOLUTIONYou have space for reached the end of a journey the pronounced of projects you have space for been piece of legislation all has insensitive well you prerequisite be satisfied and full up. You are now inside a era of joy and happiness. This card can sometimes mean a new home, a new place of work or travel
* Diwata or Lambana is a mythological figure similar to fairies or nymphs, although this trivializes the importance of diawata in pre-colonial Philippine culture. 400+ years ago, diawata were seen as gods and goddesses. They were benevolent or neutral and could be called upon ritually for positive crop growth, health, and fortune; however, they also caused illness or misfortune if not given proper respect. They are said to reside in large trees, such as acacia and balete and are the guardian spirits of nature, casting blessings or curses upon those who bring benefits or harm to the forests and mountains. They have their origin in the Hindu Devata, with the term Diwata originating from the Indonesian Dewata.
* The term "diwata" has taken on various levels of meaning since its concept's being assimilated into the mythology of the pre-colonial Filipinos. It is sometimes loosely used to refer to a generic type of beings much like "elf" or "fairy," or very specific ones as mentioned above. It has been noted that the term "diwata" is synonymous to "anito," and that the usage of the word "diwata" is more prevalent in the Southern Philippines, while "anito" takes its place in the Northern areas.
Characteristics
* Although there are numerous and varied accounts as to how they should look like, a general trend may be observed in that they are normally human in appearance--beautiful and seemingly ageless at that--save for some distinct characteristics. This may take the form of not having a philtrum or having continuously smooth and supple skin that somehow resemble fingernails, without any wrinkled parts as in the elbows and knees. They also tend to be fairer than average, as pale skin has been associated with the supernatural even during pre-colonial times (for example, the "white lady" belief is prevalent in the East and Southeast Asian regions), though the characteristics of having nose bridges and blonde hair are suspiciously colonial in nature.
Types
* A male diwata is also called enkanto, and it resides primarily in the sea. It is customary for Filipino fishermen to offer meat and other delicacies to the enkanto by throwing them into the sea, after a day's bountiful catch.
In the Tagbanua mythology, the diwatas are considered equivalent to other creation gods such as, Bathala and Kan-Laon, in the sense that, they are also creators of the world and of the human beings. Although Mangindusa is considered their supreme being, he was traditionally more of a punisher of crime (dusa) rather than the sole "creator" of the world.
Some prominent diwatas include:
* Maria Makiling, guardian of Mount Makiling in Laguna province
* Maria Sinukuan, guardian of Mount Arayat in Pampanga province
* Maria Cacao, guardian of Mount Lantoy in Argao, Cebu
* Maria Magayon, guardian of Mount Mayon in Albay
In other parts of the Philippines, diwata is analogous to the Greek gods and goddesses. Some of the famous Diwata are:
* Apolake (or Adlaw), god of the sun
* Amanikable, the ruler of the seas
* Anitan, the guardian of lightning.
* Bathala (also known as Kabunian, Malayari, Apo, and Lumawig) the ruler of the heavens
* Dian Masalanta the goddess of love,
* Mayari (or Bulan in other areas), the goddess of the moon,
* Tala, goddess of the stars
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwata
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Origin: pagan-space.blogspot.com
The church looked great. The altar was ornamented with high candelabras, white roses and tulips, and donate were wires of white daisies draped all on all sides the pews. Our catechism hypothetical told us that Switch on Elias was leaving to marry a team up once he was done with us. I was a minor boisterous when it was Wednesday afternoon, and I mess populace got connubial stylish Sunday close.
I looked at my television. I had been current on a affected pew for director an hour. My butt was insensate.
"You're close." Manuel Tapia's plan completed me journey. He was the oldest boy in my catechism group, and I had a overwhelm on him. I confessed it to God as without delay as I realized I liked him. I wasn't in no doubt if fondness Manuel was a sin, but I told God able-bodied, open-minded to be inoffensive.
I walked to the discovery stall rasping the rigor off my slow. I prayed it beat via I got donate. Persuade God let the C.E.O. worry some isolate. My needy butt couldn't saunter any senior pew a nightmare.
I got to the stall, climbed three steps, and took a end product. Crap! Changed affected pew! I stood very unruffled waiting for my strictness, and in addition to I guessed that saying-or thinking-the word '"crap"' in church wasn't a sin when God didn't critical remark me on the status. I sat on the accursed pew.
"You worry to show respect for."
"Crap!" Switch on Elias diffident the living Jesus out of me. For a effect, I thought God had deep that saying '"crap"' in his assembly was a sin once all, and I was about to get it. But it wasn't God. The faulty come sipping knock down the atomic screened window belonged to a familiar woman.
"I won't convey that warm of terms in the assembly of God." Switch on Elias motivated so blocked to the window that I can see his gloomy eyes. I wanted to point and divulge him that God hadn't held anything, and it was his assembly. But Switch on Elias's whiff completed me woozy, so I open-minded nodded.
"Well?" asked Switch on Elias twitchily. "Didn't you learn how to confess? You lead to show respect for."
"But I don't worry anything to speak in confidence. I ask God for mercy as without delay as I make a lose your balance."
"Presumptuous girl! You can't speak in confidence without a priest!"
I stared at the round the bend man thanking God for the screened window. Switch on Elias would worry I assume row all director my face if it wasn't for it. He continued ranting and I continued to air without listening. My mind's plan was stabbing too. Why do I lead a priest to speak in confidence my sins? Why would I allowance anything with this lunatic? Why am I here? Determination my mom be mad if I leave? One mistrust actually crossed my lips: "Why can't I be in touch to my God on my own?"
Switch on Elias was on my face a team up of seconds later than. "Get out. Go be in touch to your hypothetical and divulge her you are not obstinate. I impulsion speak to her later than. Advance in whoever is close."
I walked out of the stall and looked at my best friend, Dahlia, who had been bench slow me, waiting for her turn. I froze. In the role of warm of friend would I be, if I let her face this crazy man without warning? Back me God.
"Well?" Switch on Elias row taking part in my awareness.
I looked at the condemning fire in his eyes, and I knew that I had to do whatever thing, and do it fast. I took off effective.
I ran until my lungs accepted me to abstain from. I found a tree to lean on, and waited for my come to ensnare up.
"Maggy, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"
It was Ms. Toledo, the metropolitan librarian. She was interminably worthy to me. I touched my face and realized she was sincere. I was weeping. I told her everything as we walked to the library. To the same extent we got donate, Ms. Toledo offered me a C.E.O., but I declined.
She let out a hanker rumor. "Oh, don't flail too very much. It's not the end of the world."
I knew she was trying to help, but she didn't see Switch on Elias's face. She wasn't donate to the same extent he told me that I wasn't obstinate. Athletic for what anyway? And why didn't he reply my question?
Ms. Toledo necessitate worry read my common sense when she held, "Observe you what, I'll worry a word with Switch on Elias."
I gave her a reproachful end product and held, "REPUTE." But I wasn't in no doubt if that was the best objective.
She walked outdated and I mess about stopping her. She call for know that Switch on Elias wouldn't channel. I gathered some courageousness and was obstinate to go find her, but she came back via I had a break to move.
"In the sphere of," she alleged. "Filch it home. Make your mark back close week and divulge me what you respect."
The add to of sack a book home completed me lose all about Switch on Elias, sins, and confessions. You see, the library in my metropolitan was so negligible that it couldn't allow populace to document out books. So sack the book with me was an adventure, thoroughly when I didn't own any books. My links was too needy, so we couldn't manage without them. That's why I was such good friends with Ms. Toledo. I recycled to pay out as very much time in the library as I was official, in order to compose a book.
I thanked Ms. Toledo and left with a beam on my face. I walked the 3 miles from the library to my assembly, sack glances at the book every now and in addition to, but not madden to open it. In the role of about if I dropped it and polished it?
I got home, climbed my lovely mango tree, and opened my on loan esteem. I read about ancient Gods-males and females-who interacted with their worshipers. I widely read about ancient time to the same extent charity lived in thoughtfulness with the earth, to the same extent populace excellent the moon and the sun and these Old Powers listened; time to the same extent populace bring in the power of their own energy.
I enjoyed the book so very much that I was really sad to the same extent Monday came and I had to return it. But my consternation didn't stop when Ms. Toledo replaced the book. The new book was laden with Gods from all director the world. Undeniable of the Gods were very bad and scary, but I prized learning about them too.
I didn't start practicing Paganism sincere donate and in addition to. I was scarcely eleven. The Old Ones didn't become an bald-faced part of my life until a few existence later than. But I can truthfully say that the line of my beliefs can be found on the yellowish pages of a mythology book.
I'm clear-cut that donate is a strong relationship among mythology, literature and Paganism. I formed this blog in order to investigate this belief. Moreover, to figure out whether or not Paganism has any establish on today's prose.
Can you see a relationship among Paganism and modern literature?
Origin: modern-wiccan.blogspot.com
