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The anxiety that has bubbled just below the surface capsizing my frightened heart through all the experiences I’ve had during the lockdown has brought me in touch with anxiety issues that are nothing new. They have been woven through my life and have affected me spiritually and emotionally. This may be happening to you. Perhaps you are touching more keenly the wounds of  PTSD, OCD, scrupulosity, midlife losses as sands are shifting. Emotional struggles. Grief. Depression. Fear.

I’m reminded of what I was once told by a wise mentor: What is important is not the situation itself, but how we are with these situations that are calling us to doubt, question, and fear ourselves and sometimes life itself.

The realities that we live through can bring on headaches, sleeplessness, dissociation, emotional distress. Sometimes these can last for weeks, months, years. At times we are aware of how all this is wearing on us physically, psychologically, and spiritually. At other times it remains a secret even from ourselves.

Mindful practices, awareness exercises, contemplative presence can help us come home to who we are, as we are, in whatever space we are in....

In this podcast, Tony remembers an old friend who when asked,  “Ace, how are you?”  Would always answer,” Blessed, I’m Blessed!”  Let’s look at our blessings.

Scripture:“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be satisfied.Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”   Matthew 5:3-10

Reflection:If someone asked, “How are you?”  Would you answer blessed?  Do you feel blessed?  What do you think of my friend Ace’s answer?

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May 16th is the feast day of St. Simon Stock. I speak about this saint and his importance in the Land of Carmel. Our parish in the Bronx and is under his patronage. We will have a Mass in honor of him at 9 am est on the Parish Facebook page St. Simon Stock-St. Joseph parish.

If you like my podcast, please make sure to subscribe to the podcast it really does help me. You can find more of my content at my website www.thefrankfriar.com and my YouTube at www.youtube.com/c/thefrankfriar

I don't have a daily schedule planned out and God told me this morning that I need one!  Do you have one?  We all need some guidance each day... Listen in to see what I am talking about!

Calls:

 

01:03 - I am pro-choice because I think that people should have the legal choice.  

20:09 - In the Bible, if a man suspects that his wife committed adultery and is with child, then they would perform an abortion with the bitter water. How do you explain that? 

34:43 - I am pro-choice because the Catholic Church doesn’t support healthcare for all. If you can’t afford a child, you shouldn’t have a child. 

46:06 - I am pro-choice because it is wrong to legislate a woman’s body.

Questions Covered:

 

13:33 - I am on the line, not sure if I am pro-choice. Where do you draw the line to determine when a baby is a person? 

29:53 - Are you willing to compromise on contraception so that fewer abortions must happen? 

33:44 - I am pro-choice because I think people should be able to choose whether to have a kid. Some people have no money or didn’t have contraception, they shouldn’t have to have a baby. 

51:26 - I am pro-choice because I think that people should have the legal choice.

It has long been said that one should follow one's heart, yet, there is often regret that more diligence wasn't paid to the head. Paul and his guest Kent go beneath the surface to discuss what is often meant by the head and the heart, and to which we should listen to follow.

Are you having days or moments of fear and worry and can't seem to find peace?  Listen to this....let's fill our hearts together!