#ive been on a preacher high this week

[freudianslumber]

Today, Tomorrow and Forever

Summary:  Angel Elvis went through Hell when being falsely accused of betraying God.  Eventually found true love with LAPD narcotics officer B.B. King.

Chapter 9 A Twist of Fate

Pairing: B.B. King x Elvis Presley (m/m)

Word count:  2.4k

Warning:  18+.  Hospitalization, coma, gang violence, sexual and physical assault, blood and injury

Elvis was playing pick-up football for the first time since he had been cast out from Heaven.  He considered it to be a big personal triumph because he was itching to play contact sports again once Tina had given him the greenlight during his latest follow up visit a week ago.  B.B. had been wary of the idea, knowing Elvis never fully recovered his physical stamina or his range of motion in the right ankle.  In turn Elvis had assured B.B. he would take it slow and rest up frequently.  Now he felt elated that he was enjoying one of his favorite pastimes again, albeit in small doses with teenagers at the Y.  He knew soon he would return to full-on martial arts training as well, gunning for that next black belt. 

These days Elvis felt so alive and more importantly, loved.  He and B.B. had already started to plan for their wedding.  Although technically same-sex marriages had not been legalized yet, in California they were termed domestic partnerships, there was really no difference in the minds of these lovebirds.  Elvis and B.B. were getting hitched.  Tina volunteered to help out with the logistics.  Elvis envisioned the ceremony to be private and intimate, in a small white chapel decorated with fragrant flowers, complete with a preacher, exchange of wedding bands and vows, and of course a delicious multi-layered wedding cake…

Elvis’ daydreaming was interrupted by someone’s loud holler: “E.P., phone call for you!”.  He had been sitting on the sidelines resting while watching two groups of teenage boys come at one another on the mini football field.  He stood up grudgingly and went into the YMCA office, picking up the phone.  It was too early for B.B. to drive him home, and he never got calls from anyone else, who could it be?  “Is this Elvis?” The anxious-sounding voice on the other side sounded familiar though.  “This is Clay.  Can I come to pick you up right now?  Somethin’ bad happened to B.B.”  Elvis whole body tensed up suddenly, he felt his heart sink into his stomach: “Wha-what do ya mean?? What happened??” Clay sounded hesitant on the other end of the line, as if he was afraid to drop the news: “I don’t know the details.  He got off work early today and was on his own.  I was told he got ambushed and had a car crash on the freeway.  Now don’t panic Elvis, he’s alive but laid up in ER.”  Elvis couldn’t believe what he just heard, he almost threw away the phone, “What are you saying?  This can’t be real!  Take me there, I gotta see Gunnie now!”   

By the time Elvis and Clay rushed to the hospital, B.B. had been transferred to the ICU.  The critical care specialist informed them the officer suffered significant head trauma and contusion of internal organs secondary to his car flipping over following high-speed collision with the center divider.  He also sustained multiple rib fractures and a broken left arm but these were comparatively minor issues.  Due to his obtunded mental status on arrival, B.B. had to be intubated emergently to maintain his airways and breathing.  Blood transfusion was initiated for presumed internal bleeding, while IV medication was given to support his blood pressure.

Elvis’ vision was obscured by tears as he found B.B. motionless and bandaged up in the ICU bed, connected to cardiac monitors and a ventilator.  He wished this was a nightmare he could wake up from, but the frequent beeping of the medical equipment and the presence of the nursing staff kept reminding him cruelly that it wasn’t so.  He gently stroked and held up B.B.’s right hand, but it remained flaccid as the rest of his body.  Unperturbed, Elvis made a loose fist out of B.B.’s hand, put two of his own fingers inside, then spoke in a shaky and suppressed voice: “Gunnie, Gunnie!  Will ya wake up?  It’s me, Elvis!  If you can hear me, please give me a squeeze!”  Still, no response from B.B. could be detected.  Two lines of tears rolled down his cheeks, Elvis gave B.B. a little kiss on the forehead: “Don’t worry Gunnie, I know you will get better.  I’ll take good care of you.”   

Tina had to drag Elvis away from the bedside to buy him some food and have a talk with him.  She told him B.B. would not be happy if he knew Elvis was not feeding himself or resting because of him.  Elvis told Tina he intended to stay there in the hospital room for as long as he was allowed to do so.  He wanted to talk to B.B., keep him company, and help the nurses with turning him in bed and cleaning him.  Tina was moved by the devotion in those angel eyes, but stressed the necessity of taking a break and replenishing at home sometimes.  She told Elvis that B.B. was at least able to support his own blood pressure now, which was a step towards stabilization.  She then shoved some money into Elvis’ pocket because she suspected the angel did not pay attention to these practical matters such as if he had any cash to sustain himself without his fiancé.  Elvis couldn’t argue with Tina’s perfect logic, so he agreed to go home for the night but promised to return early next morning being more prepared for longer stays in the hospital.  Tina assured Elvis she would stay overnight and look after B.B. when he was away. 

Home was almost an hour away by car, and there was no convenient bus ride, so Elvis opted to wave down a taxi.  He was dead tired, with black circles around his eyes and a throbbing headache, having been awake and in emotional turmoil for more than a day.  Elvis slumped into the back of the cab, and gave the driver his home address.  He almost nodded off to sleep a few times during the ride, it didn’t help that it was getting dark outside with some streetlights being turned on.  Finally the cab got off the freeway and drove into a residential area, but the houses looked run-down and the neighborhood seemed unfamiliar.  “Are you sure this is the right way?” Elvis had to ask.  The cabdriver chuckled: “Of course it is! You are not from around here, are you?”  With this remark he quickly pulled over into a secluded parking lot.  The door on Elvis’ side swung wide open, a gun poked into his neck, as he was grabbed by multiple strong arms and dragged out onto the pavement. 

Evidently sensing danger too late, Elvis nonetheless tried to escape against the odds.  He threw a fast and well-placed elbow back at the man holding a gun to his head, took him by surprise and was able to break free out of the hold from behind.  Surrounded by nearly a dozen foes, he actually landed a daring kick on the gunman’s wrist and knocked his weapon away.  However, the ensuing attempt at breaking his encirclement was ill-fated.  As he tried to charge at one opponent with small build, another two or three thugs lunged at his back and tackled him to the ground.  A flurry of kicks and blows came down on him amidst shouts of profanities.  With his face pressed to the cement and two bulky guys piling on top of him, they tied him up behind his back.  As the goons lifted Elvis off the ground and forced him to kneel, the first guy retrieved his gun and gripped the angel by the jaw: “You think you can get away??” He was about to pistol-whip Elvis across the face when someone reminded him: “Hey don’t mess up his face too much, remember the orders?”  The guy was livid at that remark, cursed loudly but ended up punching Elvis in the stomach instead. 

Next, the gangsters confiscated the young man’s wallet and searched him up and down for weapons, their neck tattoos of “Reapers” now clearly visible to their captive.  Elvis discretely rotated his engagement ring to hide the sapphire and diamonds in his palm.  He grunted when one or two hands took advantage to grope him during the body search.  The group then pushed him into the abandoned warehouse which served as the Reapers’ secret headquarter.  “What took you guys so long??” Mad Mac sounded irritated as Elvis was thrown onto the ground in front of him.  “Sorry boss he was putting up a fight.” One voice responded.  “Oh?  You didn’t rough him up too much, did you?”  The gang leader rushed over and pulled Elvis’ head up by the hair, examining his face.  “Hmm, the Devil has good taste in choosing his slut.”  Mad Mac’s detestable face twisted into a malicious smile: “Darlin’ you are almost making me horny.”  “Get away from me, you thug!!” Elvis spat out.  “Boo hoo, I’m so afraid!” the gang leader mocked: “Where is your angel power?  Oh I forgot, you lost your wings and you are weaker than humans right now!  And your cop boyfriend can’t save you no more cause we made a little modification on his old Dodge!”  “You bastards!!!” Elvis screamed, blinding rage overtaking him.  Mad Mac laughed loudly, “Don’t worry, I hear Old Detective King will join you in hell soon!”  “Shut up you despicable crook, you will be brought to justice!” Elvis��� angry shouts turned into muffled sounds as he was gagged by one of Mad Mac’s lackeys.

“Okay enough of this nonsense now! Let’s take him to our special customer.   He has a little catching up to do with you, alone, Elvis.”  Mad Mac grinned while making a gesture to his subordinates. They promptly took him to what looked like a stockroom at the back of the building, shoved him down to the floor and locked the door.

The room was dimly lit with eerie red lighting.  There were some nondescript boxes lying around on dust covered shelves.  Elvis sat up from the concrete floor and scanned around to look for ways to escape.  The place was completely silent except for slight panting sounds from the gagged angel.  Abruptly, one pair of hands took an iron hold on his waist and in one powerful move picked him up from the ground and lifted him onto one of the empty shelves.  The owner of that pair of hands emerged from the darkness and stood close to his startled captive: “Here we are, angel boy, back to the beginning.”  The hideous face of Captain Odon had featured prominently in many of the angel’s nightmares, now inches away from Elvis’ face again, complete with the same old sadistic cackle: “Naughty boy, it took us a while to find you.  Lord of the Underworld is after you, and I’m here to bring your ass back where you belong”.  He encircled one of his freakishly large hands around Elvis’ neck, choking him with a tight grip.  With the other hand, he ripped out the angel’s shirt in one go.  His red eyes grew voracious with lust: “Mmm… I see you got stronger and even a little tanned.  This will be more fun than when you were listless and drugged up!”  Elvis’ throat made some gasping noises as his eyes started to roll up and his face turned purple.  At the last possible minute Odon finally let go of his neck and removed the gag from his mouth, enjoying the view as Elvis struggled to recover from his near asphyxia.  He put a box behind Elvis to prop him up, with legs dangling down the shelf a few inches from the ground.  He tore off the legs of the angel’s pants, exposing his toned and shapely thighs.  Elvis gasped out: “Don’t touch me, you fiend!  My heart belongs to Gunnie!”  The incubus was taken aback by this brave declaration at first, but not for long: “You and Gunnie, huh!  Did you realize you are bad luck to everyone you associate with?  Your parents got locked up because of you, Red and Sonny got executed by the Dark Lord cause they were suspects in helping you flee, your cop boyfriend is on his deathbed cause he was interfering with our plan to catch you…” “You liar!! Gunnie was gettin’ better!  He will be fine and we’ll get married!”  Odon burst into laughter at that last comeback from Elvis: “Keep dreaming!  You ain’t never going back to Heaven because you’re such a slut, you bring out the lust in everyone, and everyone’s got a piece of you!  Being the Devil’s boytoy is your destiny!  Your fiancé is never going to Heaven either for sleeping with you!”  The angel had no immediate rebuttal to Odon’s blatant slander, instead he looked devastated and started to tear up.  On the other hand, the incubus captain acted smug for breaking the spirit of his victim, his tail with its arrowhead shaped tip started to sway in self-congratulation.  He smacked his lips, took out his already-stiff cock, held it with one hand, and used the other hand to grab Elvis on the arm to flip him over. 

In a split second, a flash of white light made a brilliant arch through the darkness, accompanied by a primal scream from Elvis.  His left arm flew out from behind his back, led by a sharp blade projecting from his blue sapphire ring.  He had slowly untied himself by using the blade to cut the ropes in secret behind his back.  Odon howled in pain as the blade stabbed him deeply in the right eye in this surprise attack, with copious blood spurting out.  His hand went up by instinct to hold the wounded eye, but at the same time he lost his balance as the side of his head was kicked by the Karate black belt.  Seconds later, the incubus took another major blow as his other eye got stabbed as well.  Elvis got up via a sideways roll on the shelf, jumped off to the ground, then hid behind the boxes as the blinded incubus screamed in pain and anger.  The stockroom’s door was soon unlocked as two Reapers tried to come in and see what happened.  Both were quickly disarmed and disposed of by Elvis using the darkness and the element of surprise to his advantage.  He picked up one of the handguns and ran out to the open space. 

[jeffreycombs]

PREACHER (2016–2019)

[tylerdurdenss]

hey your runs in the family lotr edit is probably gonna be the best thing I see all year I sent it to literally all my friends thank you but also you’ve made me worse but also thank you

hiiiii thank you so much this is high praise 😳 ive literally been routinely going through your blog every other day throughout my lotr fixation the last couple weeks </3 also i hope u like the california dreamin edit I just posted !!! it’s The aragorn and boromir song to me. something something the “stopped into a church and pretended to pray” verse lost and desperate soldier feinting at arrogant nobility vs the man sitting in the corner watching him and they both know the truth and they both know why he’s there and the preacher knows and the man knows he knows but he just keeps coming back and he keeps pretending to pray and the preacher keeps lighting coals and all the while he sings about this far-off beautiful horizon and everybody knows he’s never fucking going to la!!!!!! ‼️‼️

[hieromonkcharbel]

OF SOME OF HIS PENITENTS, WHO LED HOLY LIVES.

Philip drew into this work many of the principal men of the court, whose virtues were the subject of admiration. Among those was Giovanni Battista Salviati, brother of Cardinal Antonio Maria Salviati, a person of great distinction, as well from the nobility of his own family, as from his near relationship to Catherine of Medici, Queen of France; but much more to be esteemed for the goodness of his life, and the edifying examples of humility which he gave. He was assiduous in prayer, and in works of mercy, and in the continual practice of meditation, in which the Saint exercised him daily, he was constant in attending the hospitals, where he performed every sort of office for the sick, however vile and degrading. One day he went to the hospital della Consolazione, and found there a sick man who had formerly been his servant. He desired, according to his custom, to make his bed for him, and asked him to get up that he might be able to do so; the sick man asked him, why? “Why!” replied Giovanni Battista, “because I wish to make your bed for you.” The servant knew nothing of his master’s change of life, and thinking he was making game of him, said, “O Signor Giovanni Battista, this is not a time to make game of poor servants; I pray you let me alone.” Giovanni Battista answered, “I say I wish anyhow to make your bed, and what I am doing is in earnest, and not a mockery.” The servant, however, persisted in thinking that he was being made game of; and partly also moved by the respect he felt for his old master, obstinately refused to let him make his bed. The contest between them lasted for a long time, but at length the charity and humility of the master got the better of the pertinacious obstinacy of the servant.

This gentleman came at last to such a degree of mortification that, whereas before he dressed very showily, and was attended by a great number of servants, he would not, after he had become acquainted with the Saint, and had some experience of a spiritual life, dress even becomingly, or have any servants to follow him. But Philip bade him, out of proper respect, dress as his equals did, and be attended as man of his rank usually were. God rewarded these and his other virtues in the peace and happiness of his death; for when he had with exceeding devotion received the last Sacraments, and it was told him that the hour of his passage was come, he was all cheerfulness, and lifting up his hands to heaven, he sang out, “Laetatus sum in his, quae dicta sunt mihi, in domum Domini ibimus,” and shortly after breathed his last in Philip’s arms.

The Saint had a long while before drawn Giovanni Battista’s wife, Porzia de’ Massimi, to a spiritual life, and assisted her to advance far on the road to perfection; and it was with her assistance that he at last made the conquest of her husband. After his death she entered the monastery of Santa Lucia at Florence, that she might be the better able to servo God; but finding the air unhealthy, she returned to Rome, and shut herself up in the monastery of S. Catherine of Siena, near Monte Magnanapoli, where she died holily, according to the tenour of the life she had lived.

Together with Giovanni Battista Salviati was Francesco Maria Tarugi, of Montepulciano, a relation of popes Julius III. and Marcellus II., a man of lively genius, and in high favour with great people because of his engaging manners, which made him pass for one of the first among the courtiers. He went one day to S. Girolamo della Carità to confess, on the occasion of a jubilee published by Paul IV. When he had finished his confession, Philip took him into his room, and talked with him upon various topics. After this he made him make an hour of prayer with him, during which Tarugi, although he had never practised mental prayer before, felt such spiritual sweetness, that the hour passed away without his knowing how, so excessive was the interior delight which he experienced. This caused him to return there again; and as he often saw the Saint raised three or four feet from the ground at prayer, he formed a great opinion of him, and was inflamed with a great desire to change his life. There were, however, some impediments at the time, which seemed to make it necessary for him to defer his conversion, and he made a minute statement of them to Philip. The Saint answered, “Do not doubt; the hindrances will cease before a month is over;” and so it proved. Tarugi, therefore, returned to him afterwards, and made a general confession, during which Philip discovered to him his sins and secret thoughts. On this account he conceived such an affection for the Saint, that he cared no longer for the court or the world, and gave himself up so completely into Philip’s hands, and with such ready obedience, that the Saint did what he pleased with him, and afterwards made great use of him in winning souls.

So great was the fervour of Tarugi, that he soon had more need of the bit than of the spur. He had such resignation to the will of God, that for the fifty years or more that he survived, he never, in good or evil, lost that interior peace which he acquired in the beginning of his conversion. This he himself declared. He was most obedient to the Saint in all things, and such was the respect he had for him, and the opinion which he had conceived of his sanctity, that after he was made cardinal, he boasted of having been Philip’s novice for fifty years, implying that from his twenty-ninth year, when he gave himself into the Saint’s hands, till the end of his life (for he reached the age of eighty three), he had no other conceit of himself than that he was Philip’s novice. He had an eminent gift of prayer and of tears; and his success as a preacher was such, that he was the admiration of the most eloquent men of his day; so that Baronius in his Annals calls him dux verbi. Clement VIII. made him bishop of Avignon, and afterwards cardinal of the holy church. In his extreme old age he begged of the fathers to let him return to die in the congregation; and a few mouths afterwards he surrendered his holy soul to God in the year 1608, aged eighty-three years and eight months, and was buried in our church of Santa Maria, in Vallicella.

Costanzo Tassono was another of the Saint’s first spiritual children. He was nephew of Pietro Bertani, Cardinal di Fano, and Majordomo of Cardinal Santa Flora. he was so given up to the court, that it seemed quite impossible for him to break away from its allurements and pursuits. Nevertheless, he applied himself to works of piety; and there was no exercise, however vile or difficult, in which he did not willingly engage. He confessed and communicated several times in the week, and often daily. He went continually to the hospitals to serve the sick, and went through every kind of mortification which the holy father put upon him. In obedience to Philip he was ordained priest, and said mass every morning, he was so completely detached from the good things and honours of the world, that he refused a rich benefice which was offered him. He was in the end, for his piety, taken into the service of S. Charles at Milan; and there he persevered in his holy life until the end. He died at Rome, his death having been foreseen by the Saint.

One of the oldest of the Saint’s children, and one of those most in his confidence, was Giovanni Battista Modio, of Santa Severina in Calabria. He was the author of some annotations on the poems of the B. Jacopone, and an Italian treatise on the waters of the Tiber. On one occasion, when he was suffering dreadfully from the stone without any prospect of relief, and every one considered him in the last extremity, Philip went to visit him according to his custom; and after having exhorted him to bear his cross manfully for the love of Christ, he went out of the house and retired into a neighbouring church to pray for him, which he did with most earnest vehemence. At the first tear which Philip shed, in the very selfsame moment, Mochio began to pass the stone, and in a short time recovered entirely; and attributing his recovery to the Saint’s intercession, he gave himself completely into his hands. He was a very tender-hearted man, and singularly compassionate to the poor. He had also considerable talent in preaching, so that, although he was a layman, Philip made him relate the lives of the Saints in the oratory, which he did to the great delight and profit of the hearers. After his death Philip appointed Antonio Fucci of Città di Castello to succeed him in this office of relating the lives of the Saints. He also was a very learned man, and what is of more importance, advanced in the spiritual life, and one of those who wished to accompany the Saint to the Indies to shied his blood for the holy faith, as we shall see afterwards.

Merzio Altieri, a Roman noble, was also another of his spiritual children. Under the discipline of the Saint he arrived at such perfection and taste of the Divine grandeurs, that, like another Moses, his spirit so abounded within him that he could not talk of God. He had such piety towards the poor, that he hesitated not to strip himself in order to clothe others, and gave in alms even the counterpane of his bed, expecting from the Lord the promised reward.

To these may be added Matteo Stendardi, nephew of Paul IV., Benardino Valle da Come, maestro di casa to Cardinal Montepulciano, Fulvio Amodei, Giacomo Marmita, of whom we shall speak afterwards, Giovanni Antonio of Santa Severina, and Ludovico Parisi, who served the Saint out of devotion for more than thirty years; and others of the principal families of Italy, who were all his penitents, and so many mirrors of perfection in the court of Rome.

Besides these he had others of a lower condition, who were also men of most saintly lives. Among them was Stefano, a shoemaker of Rimini, who had been a soldier for a long time, and was full of enmities, and altogether given up to the things of this world. Stefano came to Rome, and by some good inspiration went one day to St. Girolamo to hear the sermons and familiar discourses. Through reverence and respect for others he placed himself upon the back seats; but Philip, without ever having seen or known him before, went to him and drew him to the front seats. When the prayer was finished, he showed him great affection, and so captivated him by his manner, that from that day Stefano went continually to the sermons, and began to frequent the Sacraments. By this means he was delivered from his inveterate habits of sin and passion, and became a man of wonderful virtues. He was so given to works of charity, that although he was very poor, he took nothing from his weekly earnings but what was absolutely necessary, and gave the rest away for the love of God. His thoughts ran constantly on death, and he prepared himself for it daily, as if he were actually to die that day; but for all that he was never seen out of spirits or downcast, but always gay and cheerful. He was remarkable also for his obedience, and for his assiduity in prayer, in which he was greatly favoured by God, and was seen one day in the church of the Santissima Trinità di Ponte Sisto, suddenly surrounded by a resplendent light. Stefano lived in these exercises twenty-three years, living in a small house by himself. His friends told him that he would be dying suddenly without any one to assist him; but he answered that for that he put his confidence in the blessed Madonna, and was quite sure that she would not abandon him: and so it proved, for being assailed one night all on a sudden by his mortal sickness, he went out of his house and called his neighbours, who went for the parish priest, and then returned to help him into bed, where he received the last Sacraments, and gave up his soul to God.

Francesco Maria, commonly called Il Ferrarese, was another of Philip’s spiritual children. He was a man of the greatest simplicity, and of such goodness and purity of life, that he sometimes heard the angels singing, and was physically sensible of the noisome odour of sin. He had also a most eminent gift of tears, and when he communicated, which was ordinarily every day, or heard any one speak of the things of God, and particularly of Paradise, he wept immoderately. He was so enamoured of suffering, that being one day in excessive agony from the stone, he prayed God to send him a still heavier infirmity; and no sooner had he said this than he immediately recovered. He had a burning zeal for the salvation of others; and seeing a Jew one day, he was smitten with such compassion for his soul, that he prayed every day for him for three years continuously, beseeching the Divine Majesty to give him the grace of conversion. His prayers were not in vain, for being one morning at S. Peter’s, he saw most unexpectedly that very Jew go to receive holy baptism, and his heart so melted within him at the sight, that he immediately began to shed most abundant floods of tears.

Another time Francesco Maria Tarugi found him weeping bitterly, and being very importunate with him to tell him the cause, the good man (although an entirely uneducated person) answered, that he was thinking of those words which Christ said to his disciples, When you have done all these things, say, we are unprofitable servants; “for,” said he, “if the apostles, after having done so many miracles and converted the world, were for all that to say, We are unprofitable servants, what am I to say, who have done nothing? it is for this cause I weep, nor can I contain my tears.” Another time the same Tarugi found him in prayer, standing, and every now and then he drew back a little, making gestures of surprise. This having lasted some time, Tarugi asked him why he did so: he answered, “I am considering the greatness of God, and the more I consider it, the more it seems to grow before me, and its very immensity forces me to step backward, even corporally.”

Philip had also for his penitent another servant of God, named Tommaso Siciliano, whom he led to such a height of perfection, that he considered it an immense privilege to become some day sweeper of S. Peter’s. This post he obtained according to his desire, and continued to sweep the church for many years with the greatest diligence and delight. Indeed he never left it except when he went to the holy father to confession. At night he slept in his clothes, on the predella of one of the Seven Altars. The devil, always the enemy of humility and perseverance could not endure to see him continuing this exercise with so much sweetness, and endeavoured one night to terrify him from his undertaking. While Tommaso was asleep the malignant spirit made such a disturbance, that the good man, when he roused himself, thought by the noise that all the benches in the church were being thrown up into the air, and were falling down on the floor broken in pieces. Jumping up, he ran to the lamp and lit a candle, but he found all the benches quiet in their places. He then searched the church diligently, thinking there might be a robber lurking in it; and in his search he saw the demon behind one of the columns, in the form of an Ethiopian; upon which he went boldly up to him, and lifted up his hand to give him a blow, upon which the enemy disappeared; and the intrepid Tommaso went back to his place as if nothing had happened, and fell quietly asleep.

Another of Philip’s penitents was Fra. Ludovico, of Spoleto; not that he was really a friar, but was so called because he wore the habit of S. Francis. This servant of God was most poor in earthly goods, but richly endowed with every virtue, and of a life most singularly pure; in consequence of which the Saint set him to take charge of the girls of Santa Caterina de’ Funari, and, knowing his goodness, would never let him abandon that employment, although he wished it. Pietro Molinaro was also one of Philip’s most intimate friends, a man who, through the abundance of his tears, had lost his sight, though God restored it to him again by miracle. There were very many others of different trades and professions, who lived under the care and discipline of Philip, and died in the odour of sanctity; but for brevity’s sake we must omit particular mention of them, except as our narrative may from time to time lead us to touch upon them.

[romancatholicreflections]

4th February >> Fr. Martin's Gospel Reflections / Homilies on  Mark 5:1-20  for Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time:  'Everyone was amazed'.

Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time  

  Gospel (Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Australia & Canada)

Mark 5:1-20

The Gadarene swine

Jesus and his disciples reached the country of the Gerasenes on the other side of the lake, and no sooner had Jesus left the boat than a man with an unclean spirit came out from the tombs towards him. The man lived in the tombs and no one could secure him any more, even with a chain; because he had often been secured with fetters and chains but had snapped the chains and broken the fetters, and no one had the strength to control him. All night and all day, among the tombs and in the mountains, he would howl and gash himself with stones. Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and fell at his feet and shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What do you want with me, Jesus, son of the Most High God? Swear by God you will not torture me!’ – for Jesus had been saying to him, ‘Come out of the man, unclean spirit.’ ‘What is your name?’ Jesus asked. ‘My name is legion,’ he answered ‘for there are many of us.’ And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the district.

Now there was there on the mountainside a great herd of pigs feeding, and the unclean spirits begged him, ‘Send us to the pigs, let us go into them.’ So he gave them leave. With that, the unclean spirits came out and went into the pigs, and the herd of about two thousand pigs charged down the cliff into the lake, and there they were drowned. The swineherds ran off and told their story in the town and in the country round about; and the people came to see what had really happened. They came to Jesus and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his full senses – the very man who had had the legion in him before – and they were afraid. And those who had witnessed it reported what had happened to the demoniac and what had become of the pigs. Then they began to implore Jesus to leave the neighbourhood. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed begged to be allowed to stay with him. Jesus would not let him but said to him, ‘Go home to your people and tell them all that the Lord in his mercy has done for you.’ So the man went off and proceeded to spread throughout the Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed.

Gospel (USA)

Mark 5:1-20

Unclean spirit, come out of the man!

Jesus and his disciples came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes. When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him. The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain. In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones. Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!” (He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”) He asked him, “What is your name?” He  replied, “Legion is my name.  There are many of us.” And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that territory.

Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside. And they pleaded with him, “Send us into the swine.  Let us enter them.” And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they were drowned. The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened. As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine. Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

Reflections (7)

(i) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

We are all aware of the phenomenon of violence in our world, both in far off places and closer to home. We can be shocked at how violent people can be towards others, especially towards the most vulnerable. As well as violence done to others, sometimes people can do violence to themselves. Our natural instinct is to protect ourselves, but when some people are in a dark place that natural instinct can be abandoned and they can end up harming themselves. We have an example of that kind self- harm in today’s gospel reading. It features someone who is probably the most disturbed person in all of the gospels. He was so disturbed that the local community had banished him to the tombs, the graveyard, outside their town, and they had tried to chain him there. Such was his disturbed strength that he broke the chains and harmed himself, gashing himself with stones. He was a total outsider; he knew that no one wanted him. Yet, according to the gospel reading, when Jesus arrived in the area, he ran up to Jesus. Perhaps, he sensed that Jesus could help him. Whereas others shunned him, Jesus went on to engage with him, asking him his name, and, finally, releasing him from his demons, freeing him from his disturbance. The people were amazed to see the man sitting beside Jesus, properly clothed and in his full senses. It is strange that they should then implore Jesus to leave their neighbourhood. It’s as if they were disturbed by Jesus’ capacity and power to release this man from his disturbance. The story reminds us that there is no human situation or condition so disturbed that the Lord cannot touch in a healing and life-giving way. It can be tempting to write off certain people or even ourselves as lost causes. We give up on what seems like a lost cause, just as the people in the gospel reading gave up on this member of their community. Yet, the Lord never gives up on us. He can calm even the most disturbed and disturbing of human spirits. The power of the Lord’s calming presence can never be underestimated. We can open ourselves to his calming presence in prayer, so that we become a calming influence, the Lord’s calming influence, on those we come across in life.

And/Or

(ii) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The gospel reading this morning puts before us probably the most disturbed person in the whole gospel story. He loved alone among the tombs; he was so violent that he could not be secured even with fetters and chains. He howled among the tombs night and day and regularly inflicted serious injury on himself. Here is someone who is out of control who, from a Jewish perspective, is living in territory that is out of bounds, a graveyard in a Gentile region. Yet, he was not out of bounds, as far as Jesus was concerned. Jesus met with him and spoke to him. After his meeting with Jesus he ceased to be out of control. Indeed, we are told that, in response to the call of Jesus, he went on to spread the word about all that Jesus had done for him throughout a very large region. This very disturbed person became an evangelist, the preacher of the gospel to the Gentiles. It is hard to imagine a greater transformation in someone’s life. We all need to be transformed in one way or another. We all need the Lord to help change us for the better. We too can find ourselves out of bounds, out of control. We ask the Lord this morning to bring us within the bounds of his love and to free us to submit to his control.

And/Or

(iii) Monday, Fourth week in Ordinary Time

This morning’s gospel reading is one of the most unusual miracle stories in the four gospels. The story is set in pagan territory and at its centre is a very disturbed person who was a danger to himself and probably to others. The response of those in his neighbourhood was to secure him with chains and to place him among the tombs with the dead. There was no place for him among the living. When Jesus arrived in this territory, this disturbed man approached him, and even though the man’s initial approach to Jesus was very aggressive, Jesus engaged him in conversation. By the end of the conversation, the man was freed from what had left him so disturbed and not only that but he had taken on a ministry. In response to Jesus’ invitation, he proclaimed throughout the region all that Jesus had done for him - all that God had done for him through Jesus. He became a preacher of the gospel. Jesus had just calmed the storm at sea; now he had calmed the storm in this man’s life, and released him to serve others. The risen Lord continues to calm the storms in all of our hearts if we approach him in confidence. When he does so, it will be with a view to releasing us to share in some way in his own work.

And/Or

(iv)  Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

This morning’s gospel reading follows directly on in Mark’s gospel from Saturday’s gospel reading. There Jesus calmed the storm at sea and calmed the panic of his own disciples. As Jesus and his disciples reach land they are met with another storm, this time a storm of the human spirit, a man who was so disturbed that people had him chained so that he couldn’t harm himself or others. He had also been banished to the local graveyard, to the tombs. He was living among the dead, cut off from the living. The Lord’s response to him was not to chain him up but to release him, to release him not only from his chains but from the spirit that left him so disturbed. We have an image here of how the Lord works. He works to free people from all that diminishes and dehumanizes them. This is not only the Lord’s work, but it is also the work of the church, the work of his followers, our work. That work of helping people to live a freer and fuller life is work we are called to engage in each day of our lives. If we are to engage in that work of the Lord, we need to open up our own lives to the Lord’s healing and life-giving presence. It is always as broken people in need of the Lord’s healing that we engage in his work of healing the broken.

And/Or

(v) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The central character of the gospel story is one of the most disturbed people that we find in the gospels. He was someone out of control, completely alienated from himself and from others. He was more dead than alive, as is shown by his living among the tombs. He was the total outsider. Yet, Jesus engaged with him and as a result of his encounter with Jesus he was restored to himself and to the community from which he came. Having just calmed a storm at sea, Jesus calmed the storm in this man’s psyche and spirit and sent him out as a messenger of good news to his community. We may never be as disturbed as this man evidently was, but we can all find ourselves out of joint from time to time, out of sorts with ourselves and with others, feeling only half alive within ourselves, tossed and thrown about. It is then that we need to come before the Lord as the man in the gospel did. His initial approach to the Lord was quite aggressive; it was full of anger, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?’ That can be our starting point too when we come before the Lord in prayer. Yet, he is never put off by our disturbance within. If we allow him, he will pour his peace into our hearts; he will calm us as he calmed the storm, and having done so he will send us out to share his peace and mercy with others, just as he sent out the man in the gospel reading.

And/Or

(vi) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The gospel reading is a story of how Jesus transforms a very disturbed man. There is an extraordinary transformation in the man between the beginning and the end of this story. At the beginning of the story he is living among the tombs on the outskirts of the town because people could not manage him. He could not be kept under control and so he was banished to a place where nobody but the dead lived. The temptation can be great to banish those who are considered too troublesome to keep. An important part of Jesus’ work consisted in bringing in from the cold those who had been excluded and restoring to the community those who had been banished to the margins. Jesus did not try to get rid of this man when he approached and spoke to Jesus in a very aggressive way. Rather, he calmed the storm within him and brought him to a place of inner calm. It is curious that when Jesus healed the man, the people reacted to Jesus in the way they had earlier reacted to the man. They wanted Jesus to leave their neighbourhood. There was something unsettling about someone who could show that a very disturbed person was not all that different from anyone else after all. Having healed the man, Jesus sent him home to his people to tell them all that Jesus had done for him. The one who had been expelled by the community now became their evangelist, sent by Jesus to proclaim the gospel, the presence of God’s kingdom in Jesus. The story suggests that those we might be tempted to expel or remove from our company can become messengers through whom the Lord preaches the gospel to us.

And/Or

(vii) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

This is one of the most graphically narrated of Jesus’ miracles. Jesus is on the far side of the Sea of Galilee, mostly pagan territory. The man at the centre of the storyis a very disturbed person. A powerful storm is raging within him. The community’s response to him was to chain him and exile him to the tombs outside the town. They considered him as good as dead and consigned him to live among the dead. Yet, his spirit would not be chained. Although he continued to live among the tombs, he broke free of his chains. When he saw Jesus at a distance, he ran to him. He left the tombs and threw himself at the feet of the Life Giver. We are given a picture of someone who is desperately trying to move beyond his situation of enslavement and death. Through his encounter with Jesus, the storm within him is calmed. The community who were so determined to enslave him and to be rid of him now find him sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. Whereas the community only succeeded in making the storm within the man worse, Jesus calmed his storm and restored him to himself. The Lord invites us all to come before him in our need, with whatever storm may be brewing within us. If we open ourselves to the Lord’s life-giving presence, as we do in prayer, he will calm us as he calmed the storm; he will restore us to ourselves and to others. There is a striking contrast between the reaction of the man’s neighbours to what had happened and the reaction of the man himself. The neighbours implored Jesus to leave; the man begged to be allowed to stay with Jesus. The neighbours found Jesus’ presence disturbing; he had disturbed their ordered lives, restoring someone to the community who had been judged not to belong there. The man found Jesus’ presence calming; he had calmed the disturbance within him. We are being reminded that the Lord can both disturb the calm and calm the disturbed. It is striking that Jesus would not allow the man to go with him as he requested. Having received the gift of wholeness from Jesus, he now had a mission among his own people, the very people who had treated him so badly. He was to proclaim in this pagan region the gospel of the Lord’s mercy to the broken. Whenever we receive the Lord’s mercy, in whatever form, he sends us out as messengers of his mercy to others. What we receive in prayer, we give with our lives.

Fr. Martin Hogan, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin, D03 AO62, Ireland.

Email: sjtbclontarf@eircom.net or  frmartinhogan@gmail.com

Parish Website: www.stjohnsclontarf.ie  Please join us via our webcam.

Twitter: @SJtBClontarfRC.

Facebook: St John the Baptist RC Parish, Clontarf.

Tumblr: Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin.

[thisis-goodbye]

This photo is hiding at the top of my photos in my phone. I forget that it’s there. This was one month before we broke up. That makes me sad. I see a little 16 year old me and I just want to tell her not to fall so hard. Maybe pull back. Maybe this won’t hurt so much. Your mom hates me here. It puts a strain on our relationship that we pretend doesn’t affect us. You literally tell me your mom cheered when you said you broke up with me. And by “break up with me” it’s completely choosing to ignore all of my phone calls after an argument. I cant remember the argument. But I remember the pain and confusion. I remember begging you. Just for anything. The next day, to my face, you tell me you’ve started dating someone else. We were dating the day before. We were together the day before. I was that easy to cast away. I slapped the shit out of you. Idk how I didnt get written up. I threw my ring at you. I walk away in tears. The person I loved didn’t love me anymore. Or couldn’t take his aunt’s comments anymore. Your mom not your aunt. It’s the same thing. You tell me how happy your aunt was in history. You tell me to keep the ring. It was in a box. I have no clue where it is now. I start dating someone two weeks later bc you already were. I didnt need to do that. I couldnt let myself feel how hurt I was. How heart broken. We go into our senior year and you’re still dating the girl you broke up with me for. I guess technically cheated on me with. Whatever. Y’all break up. And your sister makes moves for you to date Kayleigh Webb. So I had to watch y’all our entire senior year be all over one another. Thinking back makes me want to puke. I still remember dreading all 7 months on drama. Bc of you. I made that asshole Tyler come around because of you. You would come through my line at Ramey’s to harass me I guess? The interactions were weird. Unnecessary. Almost like you were looking for an excuse to be near me. Why? I remember you poking me too. Like an excuse to touch me. Bc some part of you hurts too maybe. Probably not. You and Kayleigh broke up. I had to watch y’all go to our senior prom together. I went with a friend. Coming back from another break up with Tyler. I really wish I had just let him go the first time. I wish I had just been single. Whatever. It doesn’t matter. We graduate. I get my wisdom teeth out. He cheats on me while I am post surgery. I text you to tell you. You tell me it doesn’t matter what your aunt says. We can make this work. We can do this. I go to hang out with Tyler. To talk bc he wanted to. You tell me you didn’t care if he kills me not to talk to you again. That still cuts like a knife. For whatever reason. I move away. Me and Tyler break up. I find Ben. The deal is sealed. Ben loves me. That’s it. Ben and i get married. A mutual friend moves in with you. I stay with y’all bc i have nowhere else to go. You’re trying to teach me how to play betrayal. It makes me physically ache and shake to be in the same room as you. I tell them i cant do this and they tell me I have to. I dont remember much else but shaking. We are the moh and best friend in a mutual friend’s wedding. I was freaking out again. I didnt want to walk with you. Apparently you didn’t either. (We high five when we find out we don’t have to. Mutual feelings?) you proceed to tell me your girlfriend will be there in some sort of way that’s supposed to matter. Im married at that point so it doesn’t. But it does. I bring you the rings and you compliment me in green that makes me chest hurt. “You look nice in green, Cece.” Ive always hated the way Cece sounds coming out of your mouth. I tell you thanks but don’t make eye contact. I hand you Katie’ s ring in the box and don’t give you any instructions. You try to hand the whole thing to the preacher. Whoops. We do the thing. Get our friends married. Walk out together and pull apart as soon as we get the opportunity. We don’t say a word. The start of that walk seemed to ex everyone else out. The room went kind of dark. I didnt look up. Apparently your face looked just as displeased as mine did

I’ve written the longest possible paragraph. Anyway. But was it displeased or was it bc you’re mind was racing too. Let’s rewind to the rehearsal. Your need to be near me. Me and Katie were talking and it was like it drove you nuts that I wasnt bothered by you. Or pretended not to be. “I want to whisper too.” I ask you what your deal is. I thought you didn’t care if I died. You tell me you were just really angry back then. Lame ass half apology. Then proceed to ask me some advise about your girlfriend. I remember being nervous. You always make me nervous. Fast forward to the reception. Raechel is asking me about kids and I say it just hasn’t happened yet and you whisper something to Shelby that’s clearly mean but she just rolls her eyes. Back and forth back and forth. You don’t make sense. Me and Raechel dance on the dance floor. I catch you watching and you make a point to look away. Like peacocks in a mating dance. We are picking up later and I finish what you started. And you said something about “ oh I’m sorry Cece. Blah blah.” And I just shrugged bc a comment wasn’t necessary. And you stare at me and hold my gaze. One Mississippi. Two Mississippi. I look down and look back up and your gone. They send me back to their house and I come back and you’re gone. Bye. I come back a few times and i have to help you move. You make points in conversation that make me bring up stuff. “Twice.” So you remember? You think of me too? You get engaged and I cried like it really mattered. I cried because it wasn’t me. You get married. I show my mom and she says she always liked you. And I just shrug. Now you’re separated. My nosey ass wants to know why. I had a dream about you last night. We kissed. I felt it. And I’ve been in my head all day about it. Wishing it was real. I’m married. You’re married. We can’t. But my heart is longing. I love you still. Always will. I wish I could tell you. But instead it’ll be this impossibly long tale of unrequited love. Romeo and Juliette.

[frmartinshomiliesandreflections]

29th June >> Fr. Martin’s Gospel Reflections / Homilies on 

Matthew 16:13-19 for The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles: ‘You are Peter’

    or on

Matthew 8:18-22 for Monday, Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time.

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

Gospel (Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Australia & Canada)

Matthew 16:13-19

You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’

Gospel (USA)

Matthew 16:13–19

You are Peter, and I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Reflections (4)

(i) Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

I would like to welcome you back to our first celebration of a public Mass since the middle of March. We have been through a difficult time together and hopefully we are beginning to emerge from our social isolation. Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Peter and Paul. Each of them went through their own times of confinement, of social isolation. There were each imprisoned for their preaching of the gospel. In the first reading, we heard that King Herod arrested Peter and put him in prison. Yet, according to that reading, Peter in prison was supported by the prayers of the church, ‘the church prayed to God for him unremittingly’. The Lord came to him in his imprisonment through the prayers of the faithful. The Lord came to him in an even more dramatic way through an angel who delivered him from his confinement and restored him to the community of faith. Peter declared, ‘The Lord really did sent his angel and has saved me’. Hopefully, the story of Peter reflects our own experience. When we are confined, socially isolated, the Lord does not isolate himself from us. Even when we cannot come to church, the Lord comes to us. The Lord knows nothing of social isolation. He has been with us all this time, and he remains powerfully present to all who continue to stay put in their homes for their protection. Even when we cannot receive the Eucharist, we can say in the words of today’s responsorial psalm, ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good’. This was the experience of Saint Paul as well, the other great pillar of the church. In today’s second reading, he writes from prison, fully expecting that he may not get out alive, ‘the time has come for me to be gone’. It was a very isolating experience for him. He writes in a verse omitted from our reading, ‘all deserted me’. Yet, like Peter, he experienced the Lord’s powerful presence. As he says in today’s reading, ‘the Lord stood by me and gave me power’, and he goes on, ‘the Lord will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom’. Like Peter, he experienced the Lord’s sustaining presence when he was at his weakest and most isolated. This is one of the lessons these two great preachers of the gospel can teach us today. The Lord comes to us in our times of weakness and stands by us in our moments of isolation. No matter what distressing situation we may find ourselves in, the Lord is with us to strengthen and sustain us. Even when we are cut off from those who matter most to us, we are never cut off from the Lord, because he is always true to his name of Emmanuel, ‘God with us’. That is why, in the words of today’s psalm, every moment of every day, we can ‘look towards him and be radiant’.

And/Or

(ii) Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

In many respects Peter and Paul were very different people. Peter was a fisherman from Galilee. His world was the Sea of Galilee and the hilly countryside that surrounded it. According to John’s gospel, he was from Bethsaida, a small town on the Northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. He would have had a basic education and his first language was Aramaic. Paul was from the university city of Tarsus, the capital city of the Roman province of Cilicia, on the south-east coast of what is today Turkey. He seems to have been educated to a high level. He wrote fluently in Greek. His family appear to have been well-to-do as his father was a Roman citizen. He was a zealous Pharisee, who declared himself blameless with regard to the keeping of the Jewish Law. If the two of them had met before they came to faith in Jesus, one senses that they would have had little in common. Yet, today, the church throughout the world celebrates their joint feast day. It is Jesus who brought them together. Yet, he touched their lives in very different ways. Peter heard the call of Jesus by the shore of the Sea of Galilee as he engaged in his daily work of fishing; Paul heard the call of the risen Lord somewhere in the vicinity of Damascus where he was heading on his mission of persecuting people like Peter who were proclaiming Jesus to be the Jewish Messiah. Jesus called Peter to be the rock on which his church would be built; he called Paul to be the apostle to the non-Jewish world, the pagans. Each of them gave their lives in responding to the Lord’s call; Peter was crucified; Paul was beheaded. They were both executed in Rome, a long way from Galilee and from Tarsus. Their tombs have been places of pilgrimage to this day and two of Rome’s four great Basilicas are built over their tombs, Saint Peter’s in the Vatican and Saint Paul’s outside the walls. We celebrate their joint feast today, giving thanks to God for their generous and courageous witness to their faith in the Lord. From its beginnings, the church has worked to be true to the faith of the first apostles, especially the two great apostles Peter and Paul. That is why we speak of the faith as apostolic. Today, we too try to be true to the faith as lived and articulated by those two great pillars of the church. This apostolic faith finds expression in a special way in the New Testament. We keep returning to the gospels and letters and other books that are to be found there so as to remain connected to the faith of those early preachers of the gospel. The Lord continues to speak to us through their lives and through the sacred literature that they inspired. The Lord calls out to each of us today, as he called Peter and Paul. He wants to work through us in our distinctiveness, as he worked through the very different people that were Peter and Paul. We each have a unique contribution to make to the coming of the Lord’s kingdom. In our efforts to respond to this call, Peter and Paul can continue to be our inspiration.

 And/Or

(iii) Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

Today we celebrate the feast of two of the great pillars of the church, Peter and Paul. They came from very different backgrounds. Peter was a fisherman from rural Galilee. Paul was a learned Pharisee from the university city of Tarsus. Peter’s first language was Aramaic; Paul’s first language was Greek. Peter knew Jesus from the time of Jesus’ baptism and was with Jesus until the time of Jesus’ passion and death; Paul only ever met the risen Lord, in the vicinity of Damascus. For all their differences, they had at least one thing in common. Both of these men found themselves at odds with the Lord. Peter denied Jesus publicly three times. Paul violently persecuted the followers of Jesus, and thereby persecuted Jesus himself. Yet, their resistance to the Lord did not prevent the Lord from working powerfully through them. Peter was chosen to be the leader of the twelve, the rock on which Jesus would build his church. Paul was chosen to be the great apostle to the pagans. We know from the letter to the Galatians that Peter and Paul had a serious disagreement at one point about the direction the church should be taking. They were very different people and the Lord worked through each of them in very different ways. They were certainly united in death. Very early tradition recalls that both were executed in Rome by the emperor Nero who blamed the Christians for the fire of Rome. Today’s feast reminds us that the way the Lord works through us is unique to each one of us. The feast also reassures us that our many resistances to the Lord need not be a hindrance to the Lord working through us. Peter who denied the Lord and Paul who persecuted the Lord went on to become great servants of the Lord. Our failings do not define who we are. Paul would go on to say, ‘the Lord’s grace toward me has not been in vain’. The Lord’s grace towards us in our weakness and frailty need never be in vain if we continue to open ourselves to the workings of that grace, as Peter and Paul did.

 And/Or

(iv) Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

According to the gospel reading, what singled Peter out from the other disciples was his God-given insight into the identity of Jesus. It was because of his unique insight that Jesus gives Peter a unique role among his followers. He is to be the rock, the firm foundation, on which Jesus will build his church. Peter’s role is further spelt out by Jesus giving him the keys of the kingdom of heaven. The image of the keys suggests authority. The nature of that authority is expressed in terms of binding and loosing. This rerers to a teaching authority. Peter is being entrusted with the task of authoritatively interpreting the teaching of Jesus for other members of the church. Yet, this same Peter immediately tries to deflect Jesus from taking the way of the cross, and when Jesus did take that way, Peter would deny any association with him. Jesus gives a significant role to someone who remains very flawed. If the gospel reading associates teaching with Peter, the second reading associates preaching with Paul. In that reading Paul refers to the Lord who ‘gave me power, so that through me the whole message might be preached for all the pagans to hear’. Paul was the great preacher of the gospel to the pagans throughout the Roman Empire. He preached it for the last time further west, in the city of Rome, where, like Peter, he was martyred for his faith in Christ. Our second reading today may well have been written from his Roman imprisonment, ‘I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith’. The image of the fight and the race suggest that ‘keeping the faith’ was a struggle for Paul; it did not come easy to him, just as keeping the faith did not come easy to Peter either. Keeping the faith does not always come easy to any of us. Paul was very aware that keeping the faith was not due primarily to his own efforts; it was the Lord who enabled him to keep the faith. As he says in this morning’s second reading, ‘the Lord stood by me and gave me power’. It is the Lord who empowers all of us to keep the faith; his faithfulness to us enables us to be faithful to him. The faithful witness of Peter and Paul speak to us ultimately of the Lord’s faithfulness to us all.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Monday, Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel (Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Australia & Canada)

Matthew 8:18-22

The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head

When Jesus saw the great crowds all about him he gave orders to leave for the other side. One of the scribes then came up and said to him, ‘Master, I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’

Another man, one of his disciples, said to him, ‘Sir, let me go and bury my father first.’ But Jesus replied, ‘Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their dead.’

Reflections (4)

(i) Monday, Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Just before that this morning’s passage from Matthew’s gospel, Jesus had healed Simon Peter’s mother-in-law and had cured many more who were sick. This generated great excitement and this morning’s gospel begins with the scene of ‘great crowds all about him’. It was in that context that a Jewish scribe, come up to Jesus and declared that he would follow Jesus wherever he went. Who wouldn’t want to be a follower of someone who healed the sick in such great numbers and who generated such excitement? We can almost sense the enthusiasm of the scribe in the way he addressed Jesus. In his response to this well-meaning scribe, Jesus was very honest and direct, ‘the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head’. It is as if Jesus was saying to him, ‘it won’t always be like this. There are troubling times ahead. The way of the cross lies ahead’. Jesus was aware that many who started to follow him with great enthusiasm in good times would fall away from him in bad times. In our own lives too there are times when all seems well, and there are other times when everything seems to be falling apart. The Lord looks to us to have as much enthusiasm for him in the dark times as in the good times. Like the promise the couple make to each other on the day of the marriage, he looks to us to give ourselves to him and all he stands for, ‘for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, all the days of our lives’. In other words, he asks us to be faithful, regardless of the circumstances of our lives, knowing that he will be faithful to us.

 And/Or

(ii) Monday, Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

In this morning’s gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus is very clear about the demands involved in following him and becoming his disciple. He declares to a scribe who wants to become a disciple that following him will often mean having no place to call home, having nowhere to lay one’s head. To someone who is already a disciple Jesus declares that following him takes priority over even the most sacred of family duties such as burying one’s father. The demands that Jesus highlights in our gospel reading are particular to the circumstances of Jesus’ own public ministry. Yet, it remains the case that following Jesus, living as his disciple, will always make demands on us, regardless of the circumstances of our lives. The call of the gospel is not easy. The particular path that Jesus puts before us is hugely challenging. It will always stretch us. We only have to think of the message of the Sermon on the Mount. It is when we are most aware of the challenge of the gospel that we need to hear most clearly that other aspect of the gospel message, the promise of the Lord’s help for those who take his path. At one point in Matthew’s gospels, the disciples ask, ‘Who can be saved?’ to which Jesus replies, ‘For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible’. Only with God’s help can we take the path that Jesus calls us to take.

 And/Or

(iii) Monday, Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

The scribe who approaches Jesus at the beginning of this morning’s gospel reading speaks in a way that suggests that he has a generosity of spirit and the best of intentions, ‘Master, I will follow you wherever you go’. In response, Jesus tempers his enthusiasm with the reality of what lies ahead for him if he becomes a disciple, ‘the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head’. He will be following someone who is always on the move, without a real home to call his own. Sometimes our generosity of spirit and our enthusiasm can come up against the harsher realities of life and in response we can become less generous and less enthusiastic. Jesus’ closest disciples seemed full of enthusiasm when they left their nets by the Sea of Galilee to follow him, but when the cross came into view for Jesus and for them, they fell away. It is not always easy to retain our idealism, our enthusiasm, our generosity of spirit over the long haul, especially when the cross comes our way in one shape or form. It is then that we realize that our own enthusiasm and generosity of spirit is not enough. We need the Lord to be our strength when we lose heart, our inspiration when we are tempted to settle for less, and our refuge when we come face to face with the storms of life. We can only be faithful to our following of the Lord if we allow the Lord at the same time to be our resource, our food for the journey. That is what he wants to be. He does not ask us to go it alone but to rely on him every step of the way.

 And/Or

(iv) Monday, Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

When people show enthusiasm for some project we are involved in, we would normally welcome their enthusiasm and give them every encouragement. This would be especially true if there was a general lack of enthusiasm for what we were doing or, even, a great deal of opposition towards it. In the gospel reading this morning, Jesus encounters a man who shows great enthusiasm towards Jesus and all he stands for. He comes up to Jesus and says to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go’. In monetary terms it is the equivalent of giving Jesus a blank cheque! Yet, rather than respond to this man’s enthusiasm with an equal display of enthusiasm, Jesus almost seems to pour cold water on his enthusiasm. He reminds this potential disciple that the person he is so enthusiastic to follow will often find himself with nowhere to lay his head. If that is true of Jesus, it will also be true of anyone who would follow him. Jesus is suggesting that the man’s enthusiasm needs to be tempered with a good dose of reality. As disciples of the Lord today, we need both something of this man’s enthusiasm and something of Jesus’ somber realism. We may be fortunate to have a place to lay our head, but following Jesus remains a challenging path. Taking the way that Jesus calls us to take will involve a readiness to deny ourselves in the service of the Lord and his people, a willingness to empty ourselves so that others can be filled. Our enthusiasm for the Lord and our recognition that following him will not be easy are two contrasting poles that we need to keep holding in tension.

Fr. Martin Hogan, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin, D03 AO62, Ireland.

Email: sjtbclontarf@eircom.net or  revmartinhogan@gmail.com

Parish Website: www.stjohnsclontarf.ie  Please join us via our webcam.

Twitter: @SJtBClontarfRC.

Facebook: St John the Baptist RC Parish, Clontarf.

Tumblr: Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin.

[solatgif]

THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY: WEEKEND ROUNDUP FOR OCTOBER 18, 2019

We are halfway through October and going strong with our focus on worship, creativity, and art! Don’t forget we are giving away bundles of books recommended in SOLA Book Recommendations for College Students (and Beyond), so follow us on Facebook and Instagram to find out how you can add a few of these to your collection.

Our upcoming SOLA Leaders’ Dialogue seeks to equip pastors and church leaders to thrive and aims to address various aspects of becoming healthy leaders. Tim St. John (Lighthouse Community Church) will speak on cultivating emotional health. Michael Lee (All Nations Community Church) will speak on cultivating organizational health. And Harold Kim (Christ Central Southern California) will speak on cultivating relational health. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 24th from 9:30AM - 12:00PM at Living Hope Community Church in Brea, California. Register for free and RSVP on our Facebook event page.

Subscribe today to get our next installment of our monthly newsletter, which will be sent out next Friday. We will share our most popular articles and some behind-the-scenes details. If you have any links or recommendations to share, please tweet me @musicgoon or email me at aaron@musicgoon.com.

LINK ROUNDUP

1. Ed Stetzer: Why Minority Churches Matter in the Multiethnic Church Discussion

Writing for Chrisitanity Today, Ed Stetzer openly asks people like himself in majority culture to consider majority/minority dynamics, language churches, and minority culture.

2. Mike Ives and Lam Yik Fei: At Hong Kong Protests, Art That Imitates Life

“Instagram-ready works of art and graphic design — sometimes whimsical, mostly anonymous — are defining features of the city’s antigovernment demonstrations.”

3. Charlene Hao: 5 Prayers for My Best Friend

When different colleges separate high school best friends, FCBC Walnut member Charlene Hao points us to the power of prayer and showing long-distance love.

4. J. Ryan Lister: 5 Myths about Teaching Theology to Youth

As a high school Sunday School teacher, I encourage us all to not look down on our youth because they are young, but exhort them to set an example for all believers.

5. Jonathan Hayashi: How to Evaluate Your Worship Service

A look at how the participation of congregational singing should be a key factor in the success of a Sunday morning worship set.

6. Hannah Chao: God and Gravity

SOLA editor Hannah Chao writes in her newsletter about the glory of God.

WEEKEND RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The Gospel Coalition: Discipling Asian American Millennials

“Michael Lee, Steve Bang Lee, and Alex Choi talk about complexities of Asian-American ministry and how it shapes their explanation of Christian spirituality, practices of community, and approaches to discipleship.”

2. Albert Mohler: The Showdown Between the NBA and China: Why Are American Corporations Abandoning Conscience When It Comes to China?

“China is considered to be the coming thing economically and North America, the going thing. Central to the claims of the Chinese Communist Party is that it represents the wave of the future. All of those global companies that are now practicing the art of capitulation are actually helping the Chinese Communist Party to make that very point.” For further reading: LeBron James Missed His Shot When He Entered the Controversy Between the NBA and China: The Moral Perils of Economic Involvement.

3. Aaron Lee: Book Reviews

This week I reviewed The Joy Project by Tony Reinke.

FROM SOLA

1. Angela Hom: 5 Ways to Handle the Transition to College

“It’s been a few weeks since school has started. The exciting last days of summer have now faded into papers, midterms, and late-night studying binges. But despite having lived at your new home for a few weeks, you still feel out of place. You don’t have friends to sit with during lunch, but everyone else looks like they’re so comfortable. You ask yourself, ‘Is there something wrong with me?’”

2. Moses Y. Lee: What John Calvin Taught (Me) About Refugees

“This question set me on a journey to rediscovering John Calvin, an endeavor that’s produced a newfound appreciation for the great reformer and his pastoral heart for “the other.” As an immigrant myself, it’s difficult to describe the validation I experienced as I read Calvin, the most respected theologian of the Reformation, defend the newly arrived Protestant refugees and immigrants flooding into the city of Geneva against xenophobic, native Genevans and their elite. Consequently, what Calvin has to say about refugees and immigrants is more relevant than ever for Christians in America today.”

3. Aaron Lee: 6 Special Challenges for Asian American Worship Teams

“We know that God has given church leaders the authority and responsibility to shepherd our sheep. For those of us in Asian American contexts, we must think critically about how our cultural history and practices affect what we do and why we do them. For worship leaders in Asian American churches, that means being knowledgeable about the musicians on our teams and the congregation we lead in praise. Here are 6 challenges that I have observed leading music in an Asian American church, and I hope it will help you to lead your people well.”

4. Jason Chao: What To Do if You Didn’t Like Sunday’s Sermon

“Yes, a preacher’s job is to correctly interpret the Word of God and proclaim the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His sermon should be moderately prepared, organized, and easy to follow. He also should avoid eisegesis and passage isolationism. But what does it say about us when we hear the Gospel faithfully proclaimed and we find it unmoving and unenjoyable?”

5. Thank God It’s Friday: Weekend Roundup

In case you missed it, here are some headlines from last week: The 20 best Asian American films of the last 20 years, Screens Are Changing the Way We Read Scripture, The Missing Backdrop to the NBA and China, and Why Are There So Many Filipino Nurses in California?

[2sweet2bsour-blog]

It was in middle school, I was offically an eighth grader when my soulmates name started appearing on my left wrist. Which meant I have ran into him, but then it was just a smudge and untill I could fully make out the name I questioned it, who was it who was my soulmate. The night before it showed up I was at concert for my favorite band back then which obviously was the well known pretty boy band "With out doubt". the lead singer, Patrick had the dreamest hazel eyes that reminds me of a spring evening sky after it rans and he caputured everybody's soul with his poetic lyrics and stained glass smile with teeth that were just the perfect shade of nicotine and coffee and just crooked enough to capture and steal your heart. My soulmate could be anyone from that night. but the name didn't become readable untill my 10th grade year, I was sixteen, I was one rebellious teenage girl and I was developing one interesting personality. I wanted to be an individual. I want to choose who I spend the rest of my life with. Not fall in love with this person because its what destiny expects me to do. I want to explore my options, is there other plans for me. Is there people who think like this too, could there be someone else out there?

If I could romanticize about Patrick the lead singer from my favorite band, how could we just have one soulmate. Obviously the possibilties are limitless.

I dreaded going to school that morning, I tried to fake an illness to get out of school but my parents werent having it. I was afraid I'd run into this boy and my name fully appeared on his wrist that morning and I knew he'd be looking for me.

Im a late bloomer most people find their soulmates name spelled out on their wrist as if the vains rearanged to spell out the rest of their lives. I dont even know if I wanna get married. Ever in life actually.

Its difficult to love the person printed on my wrist, from what I hear from what people say hes a troublesome boy from a poor low life family. I come from money, my dads a best selling author and my moms a judge my Grandpa Jack preaches every sunday morning, It wouldn't be an idea for our worlds to come together. Its a glitch in the system, my soulmate is lost and I have to find him before he finds the person who appeared on his wrist and makes a comfortable life with them. I have to pull him out of it before he has met her and she steals my love away. Or I will never be happy.

I know that Samuel Mathes isnt going to Dutchmount High because he would of ran into me by now. Its been a week since Ive known his name, maybe mine hasn't appeared yet on him.

Until I come across someone who captures my heart I'm going to focus on me do everything I need to do without being influenced by my so called destiny of falling in love. I won't let myself fall for the wrong one, the right one will catch my eye and fate will be rewritten.

I was minding my own business at the museum of lost souls,

Yes its an actual museum with artwork and pieces of history that is supposed to capture your soul in such a beautiful way you begin to question everything in life. That's why its called The Museum of lost souls, the real art work is in the uniqueness of the people that come. The people looking for a different way of life. Their minds buggle me, we come here to find answers or to develop our uniqueness. Whatever you come here for you never find.

But that day I did. I found him. I was twenty-two years old, living with my Grandpa the preacher I spoke of earlier my Nana passed away and he needed the company in his time of being alone. I dont believe he doesnt deserve to ever find love like that. Ever again.

While I was busy working up a plan to approach him sitting at a chair placed by the bathrooms and a water fountain. I may necer run into this man again people from far and wide come here he could be from anyway. My phone rings and its my grandpa, I answer it but I can't make out what hes saying so I hang up and start stumpling through my phone to message him quickly to see what he needed. I hear a silent simmer from an echo cooming down the hall. The most gorgeous man I ever laid eyes on was walking down the hall with golden brown eyes that remind me of the way light from the oven bounces off almost baked brownies.

First thing I checked, no ring yet. What does this mean for me? It could be good. Or it could mean he just hasnt had the money for a wedding.

But it all started with a hello and 7 years later we were halfway across the country in Alaska with two little boys and fleeing not only from the government whom was trying to push marriage on us to our destined soulmates. We were being haunted down by the indivduals whos names were printed on our wrist, they desired to kill us before they were thirty-five so that they could recieve a new name stained on your wrist. Laws of fate state that if your loved ones dies before thirty five you will be granted a new one. that neither of us wanted. It was us against the world us and our illegitmate family that wasnt accepted by anyone. We were in love and on the run.

Everyone has the name of their supposed soulmate printed on the inside of your wrist. You, however, are defiant, and begin dating someone that’s not your soulmate. It turns out that not meeting someone with the magic expectation that you’re ‘meant to be for each other and will get married and live happily ever after’ actually made you two get along pretty well, and you’re now deeply in love with them. However, after several years of dating this person, both your and your S.O.’s real ‘soulmates’ find you, and they’re both furious that you didn’t wait for them.

[profoundgardenertree-blog]

What kind of life insurance would be better for my mother, term or permanent?

"What kind of life insurance would be better for my mother, term or permanent?

She's 53 years of age, with high blood pressure, heart failure and other medical conditions. What type of insurance would be the best to purchase for her? Her health is really bad and she could go at any time. I want to be prepared to pay all her funeral costs, bills, debts, etc. I'm her only child, I am 25. Please let me know. Thank you all.

BEST ANSWER:  Try this site where you can compare quotes: : http://saleinsurancequotes.xyz/index.html?src=tumblr 

RELATED QUESTIONS: 

Is insurance expensive if i buy a 2005 scion tc??

I am turning 18 in a week, and am looking to buy a car. I love the scion tc, but they are new cars (they came out in 20050 so i dont know if it is affordable for me. Ive never been in a car accident so my insurance is at its normal level right now, but how much will the insurance be?""

""How much do you pay for car insurance in dorchester,ma ?

2006 Nissan Murano SL AWD or similar car.

Why is car insurance so expensive for me?

just passed my driving test this month and i checked how much car insurance would be for me and its 3000+ :'O when my younger female cousin passed she got her insurance for 900 on the same car!!! how can i get it cheaper? =[ im 17 male

Can I insure a vehicle I don't legally own? ?

Can I insure a vehicle I don't legally own? ?

Car insurance websites and Brokers? What's your suggestion?

About to hit that time of the year where the dreaded Car insurance renewal occurs. Just wanting your opinions on what would your best websites, brokers, advice will be for insurance. Who? Where? Pricecomaprison websites? discuss and help me in the process : ) Many thanks Incidently im 23 and have a 1.6vetec Honda Civic""

Do any car insurance companies do insurance for one month?

Hi So I only want car insurance for one month cause I want to use my car for work purposes (usually it's off road). I have 5 years no claims but for some reason companies are charging like 250 for the month when it'd usually only cost me 700 for the year!? Does anyone recommend any companies that don't charge as much? Thanks in advance

""I just got my m2 on the weekend and i need to find the best motorcycle insurance rate I can, 18 M in Ontario?

recieved my motorcycle m1 in march this year and m2 lastweekend. I hold my G license since january 2011 and have a perfect driving record. I need to find a insurance company that will insure me. 18 year old male in Ontario looking at a bike between 250 and 500cc. Thanks

When do you get your infrant car seat base installed by the California highway patrol?

Do they check for insurance on the vehicle?

""Lets be honest, will a 2000 mustang gt run a 17 year old over 150 per month on insurance?""

State or no state, tennessee. Will it run in 200's or more? Just need to know before i go looking. Don't give me your opinion, i get it has horses and can kick, im not looking for a preacher to praise down on me. thanks""

How much does car insurance cost.?

I am 18 and ready to get my drivers license but how much does car insurance cost per month on average.?

Can you help me wit this maths question please?

Greg sells car insurance and home insurance Car insurance 200 Home insurance 350 His basic pay is 530  And 5% of each car insurance sold And 10 % of each choke insurance He sells 6 car insurance And 4 home insurance What is the total amount of money Greg earned in may ?

Question about Michigan auto insurance! URGENT!?

I have a son that has his drivers license and he doesn't have a car. He does NOT drive my car! Does he have to be on MY policy? If he's on my insurance it raises it 500 dollars for 6 months! HELP!

Health insurance For Football?

I'm going to play football in highschool soon. And i was wondering if i needed health insurance to play or its not required?

Should i sue my auto insurance company?

On the morning of Sept 14, 2011 my sister woke me up at home asking me where my car was. I went outside to discover my vehicle was gone. So I call the police to come and take a report but of course there wasn't enough officers on duty to send one out so I wake up my brother to get a ride to the station. Keep in mind this is between 2:30-5:00am and the last time I actually saw my car was Sept 13, 2011 at approx 11pm. I arrive at the police station where I make a report, they take down all the info and send me home with the report. Approx 1 hour later they call me and say my vehicle was recovered in a nearby city and they gave me the number to that police station. So I hurry to call them but of course they were closed until 8am. At 8am I call them they said bring my ID and insurance info to recover the vehicle. I go down there and ask questions but they told me they weren't allowed to disclose any information about who, what, were, or when the incident occurred because of confidentiality. They told me I would have to pay the towing and storage fee to recover my car from the impound. So I left and went to the impound paid $218.00 to discover that my vehicle had been totaled. So I had it towed to my house where I called the insurance company to report this. After I reported this incident they took a recorded statement and gave me a claim number. I waited for 2days for my adjuster to call me back and he never did. about 2 weeks later my adjuster calls and leaves me a message saying he needed another recorded statement and to call him back. I call back and got his voice mail. I spoke to one of his colleagues and they said they would send him and his manager a memo to call me back..well that never happened. 1 week after that I get a packet in the mail asking for my cell phone records, keys to the vehicle, and a notarized affidavit. I sent these things back and then a detective from the insurance company calls me and said there were red flags and he needed to get a video recorded statement. I agreed and went to give the statement. A few days later a detective from the police department where my car was recovered from calls me and tells me that my youngest son's father was with some friends at a nightclub were a drive-by shooting occurred and my son's father wasn't shot but the young man he was with was and as a result of them trying to escape the scene my car was crashed. As they arrived to the scene and asked questions about what happened my son's father would not admit he was driving the vehicle, and because they didn't actually see him driving or pull him over they could not prosecute. The detective asked me did I know anything about this incident and I replied hell no! The night of the incident my son's father had came to my house around 3am but never mentioned anything of course because he knows I would have tried to kill him. He also knows I would have been pissed because I never let him drive my car for the 3 years that I have known him, he has never had a license. She ask me was it ok to list him as a suspect and I told her Yes! I let her know that he did not have permission to drive my car under any circumstances. The very next day the detective from the insurance company called me and ask me what was my son's father name and what where the numbers that where called on my cell phone records. He asked why did he call me at 2:54am, I explained he wanted to let me know he was on his way over which wasn't out of the ordinary for him to do. So then the detective tells me my story stinks and I need to withdraw my claim because on my interview I didn't disclose that my boyfriend had come to my house. I told him why did I need to disclose who was sleeping in my bed if it had nothing to do with my car. I mean we know now he had something to do with it but I didn't know then. He told me the police detective also had the keys to my car which was a lie. It clearly states on the impound record that they had no keys. Not to mention the car has broken locks and loose wires I guess he didn't read that part of the report. He also told me I was trying to cover for my son's dad to get the car covered. I told him he could arrest him for GTA for all I care. My car was stolen and no matter who stole it I'm the victim and of course I want my car covered. He then said he was denying the claim and sending the case to the Department of Insurance to see if fraud was committed. Im beyond frustrated because I have nothing to do with what my son's dad did. Should I sue?""

Does 4x4 make auto insurance more expensive?

I wanted to buy a '95 Jeep Wrangler but I noticed it was a 4x4. Will my insurance go up because it has four wheel drive?

Allied car insurance coverage?

my 17 year old daughter wants to drive my car but i keep telling her that i have to add her to my insurance so if she did get into an accident the car would be covered. I went online looking for the policys that Allied car insurance had and i couldnt find the answer i was looking for... but i did some searching online and some other companies allow a person that lives within the household they would be covered, or i seen that some companies would provide coverage for new drivers and my daughter got her license about 3 months ago soo i suppose she is a new driver. The other thing i saw was that some companies put coverage only on the car but not the driver. So if anyone knows what Allied car insurance policy is, go ahead and post an answer for me, also please don't just post a link to their site and say well take a look for your self, I will be picking best answer. -Thanks""

How much would my insurance be?

I'm thinking about buying a 2000 Dodge Intrepid R/T. I'm trying to determine if I have the money, though, and I'm not sure how much my insurance would be. I'm an 18 year old female, I'm a student and I work part-time, and I have a squeaky-clean driving record. Can somebody please give me an estimate of how much my car insurance payments would be? Thanks!""

Car insurance switches?

i have a nissan sentra 93 my insurance is through allstar but, my cars transmission finally went out so i got another car but its not insured yet...i was wondering will my insurance company let me switch my coverage from my nissan to my new saturn??,, with out having to pay for another deposit and do i keep the tag from my other car and use it for the new one or do i give that back?? and is there anyway to find out how much a new tag and taxes will cost on my new car?? or do i just have to find out when i go to the dmv??""

Is it true you get percent off your insurance?

like i have a drivers ed. class and im 16. u need to pass the drivers ed test with a 80+, but my friend said if you get a 90 or above you get like money off of your insurance. I just wanted to know if that statement is true?Oh and i live in NJ""

""What is the lowest, best Liability auto Insurance in Dallas?""

btw anyone tried Geico and are they really cheap? I know that billionaire guy owns the company, but is it any good?""

Auto Insurance Rates?

So, I got into an accident a year ago in June when I was 17 so I have 2 points on my record, I was declared at fault, which was bullsh*t btw, but I haven't driven since and I'll be 19 soon in June. I'm looking for a car now because I really need it to get to school. I will be under my parents account and will get liability coverage, generally how much higher will insurance rates be (by %) in CA for me? Intelligent answers only thanks.""

What car colors are more expensive for insurance?

I am buying a new car and I have found the one I want but I need lower insurance so what color is cheapest and what is most expensive.

Does anyone knows an affordable weight loss camp for a 20 years old?

I am desperate to lose weight and i need a healthy, but affordable way to do so in the Florida area OR new England""

Who's insurance covers a hit and run driver in California?

My girlfriends car was hit by a hit and run driver in the state of California. The driver of the vehicle that hit her bailed from their car and fled the scene of the accident. The vehicle was not reported stolen however we are not sure at this time who was actually driving the vehicle. When the police arrived on scene they did retrieve the insurance information from the vehicle. My question is whos insurance covers this accident? will it be claimed against our uninsured motorist on our policy? though I know that uninsured motorist does not cover vehicular damage when the driver has not been positivley I.D'ed OR does the vehicle owners uninsured motorist coverage hit us as they are liable for damages caused by their vehicle? I'm really not exactly sure of how any of this works so any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Car insurance site for 18 year old !!?

does any body no of a decent car insurance for an 18 year old ?

What kind of life insurance would be better for my mother, term or permanent?

She's 53 years of age, with high blood pressure, heart failure and other medical conditions. What type of insurance would be the best to purchase for her? Her health is really bad and she could go at any time. I want to be prepared to pay all her funeral costs, bills, debts, etc. I'm her only child, I am 25. Please let me know. Thank you all.

How much would insurance cost? (motorcycle)?

Hey guys, I was just wondering how much approximately insurance would be for a starter that just got his license, with the training course. This would probably be with a CBR125 (lol, just want to get used to it first) in Toronto Canada.""

BEST AFFORDABLE MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR NEWLYWEDS (NO KIDS)?

HUSBAND MAKES MORE, SO NOW NO LONGER QUALIFY FOR MY INSURANCE. WHICH IS THE BEST INSURANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH NO KIDS, AND WHICH IS THE BEST WHEN WE DECIDE TO HAVE KIDS? AND WHY? THANKS SO MUCH, THIS IS A PAIN IN THE REAR...""

How much would insurance be for...?

A 2001 Audi TT, Turbo I think. It would be for a 16-17 year old. Kept in the drive way or a locked garage. I think the car itself is about $6,000 without tax. Dont tell me abunch of stuff like all these statistics and stuff like depending on .... I just want your personal opinoin/rough estimate how much it would be per year or month. I would probably be the occasional driver, and my dad would probably be the primary driver, even though Id drive it more often. Just give me a rough estimate in your opinoin.""

Suggestions on where to purchase good health insurance?

My husband and I are looking to purchase health insurance. We are young (under 25), healthy (non-smokers) and looking for coverage mainly for doctor's office visits and prescriptions. Can anyone recommend a good website or insurance company that we can look at to choose a plan? We live in Michigan if that makes a difference too.""

CAR INSURANCE FOR 18 YEAR OLD GIRL?

Planning to buy a car. Prefably Vauxhall Corsa or Toyota Yaris. How much would the insurance be. Corsa is 3E and Toyota is 2E but toyota is more expensive to buy compared to the corsa. How much approximately would insurance cost for 3E or 2E insurance group for an 18 year old female in london? Any cars you would recommend as a first car? Cheap insurance? Thanks

""Im 17,i need help with my car insurance?

im 17 and car insurance at my age is really expensive but about 9 months ago i went to an insurance agency and they gave me an reallllllllyyyy good quote well something happen and had to cancel my insurance with them now i bought a new car and i want to knw if i can go back to them and get the same good car insurance price because ive been shoping and geting quotes online and its sooo dang expensive

What will have the cheapest insurance payment? 2003 escalade or a 2012 camry hybird?

It will be my first car which one is easier to afford and which one looks better

Can you get car insurance just for a few days?

1st time driving (well With my license) lmao, have drove be4. but i got my g1 a month ago, and bought an suv 2days ago wht i play on gettin rid of as i found at theres no way i can get it safty as it needs a weld. but i would at least like to drive it for a few days on a Trip permit, but u need insureance in order to get tht. and i was told there is a pay-by-day insurance that u can get. so i am wondering how much would insurance be for only 10days? as thts how long a trip permit is good for ps.. i live in belleville ontario""

Florida motorcycle insurance?

So I have a small 49 cc scooter that is street legal and I drive through the roads like everyone else. In Florida it's not necessary to have insurance on this small of an engine bike, so I don't. My question is, in the case of an accident that's NOT MY fault such as a car rear ends me at a traffic light or any other incident, can I still claim anything? Will the other persons insurance still fix or replace my bike? Will the other persons insurance cover me in any needed doctor visits?""

How much does motorcycle insurance cost in California? I'm 20 years old and thinking of getting a bike.?

I'm thinking of getting a Yamaha R6. Still don't know what year? Anyone got any tips of what year i should get?

Is life insurance a good ivnestment?

Is it wise to ivnest in a life insurance? Have you heard of Manulife?

Where can i get less expensive car insurance for an 18 year old student with a 2000 mustang?

Well this may sound like a long shot, but I just recently bought my son a 2000 Ford Mustang, Now its insurance time, hes 18, gets A's in school and has had drivers ed. Why do the quotes from Progressive and esurance estimate its going to cost nearly $500 a month, even with a 1990 honda junker it still cost nearly $400 do these prices seem reasonable, i can't recall them being that high, when i first got insurance, thanks.""

What is the cheapest sr22 insurance in texas?

driver insurace

Need cheap insurance 18 year old in UK?

hello can anyone tell me where i can get cheap car insurance for my son who is 18 years old. its been 1 year since hes passed. i have 6 years no claim bounes. the best quote i have got so far is 2700 on a corsa 1.2. is it possbile to get any driver car insurance?

Car insurance switching cars after 2months?

Bought a car from auction and got it insured ( my first car) but not liking it so looking to re-sell at auction. Just wondering how the insurance will work if i wan tto change it to a new car after such a short time??? willl it cost me alot to change ] thanks

I totaled my car. Car insurance question?

I got a new car that was worth about $19,000 last year. Ive only had the car for a year and 2 months. I had an accident and my car was totalled. I have full coverage insurance. I havent paid off the car, so I still owe quite a bit of money on it. Does the insurance pay off the rest of my car, or will I keep having to make payments on it and pay off the loan? Im so confused. Someone please explain this to me. Thanks in advance!""

Car insurance question?

Hello, I had car insurance on my Cadillac, and the car insurance coincidentally ended a few days after my Cadillac broke down. For the time being, I don't plan on getting it repaired (looking to sell it). My mother offered to let me borrow her car, which she has insured. She seems to think I need car insurance to be able to drive her car. Is that the case? (I don't live at my parents house anymore, and my name isn't on their policy fwiw)""

When you car is totaled and you have full insurance coverage...?

What does your insurance company do with the wrecked car? do they take it and put it in a junkyard or do they let you keep whats left of it, or what?""

I need affordable health insurance I do not fit into any categories such as low income Help!?

I need affordable health insurance I do not fit into any categories such as low income Help!?

Cheaper auto insurance if my parents add me to their policy?

I'm 20, financing a car.""

""I damaged my car, i got a quote off the garage, and the insurance said they will pay,?""

so i let the garage send a quote and the insurance said i can leave my car in, but now i have found another garage nearer to my house and he will match the quote, plus repair it at weekend , so i dont need the car. can i change to this garage .. i live in Ireland thanks""

What factors go into car insurance policy fees? Im going to be a brand new driver?

Im 22 yr old female. I don't have the car yet but I am taking a drivers education course and was wondering how much the insurance would be( estimated). what would be the cheapest big name company right now?

Can a named driver get covered for business insurance on the policy insurance company sayin no is this correct?

Can a named driver get covered for business insurance on the policy insurance company sayin no is this correct?

I need as much help and info about mopeds (UK) as possible please!?

What are the best types/ names of mopeds suitable for a girl? Do you have to take a test or lessons to drive a moped? If so how much does this cost? How much on average would insurance be for an 18 year old first time driver for a moped? How fast can mopeds go, and can you drive them on motorways? Any other useful information would be appreciated, thanks if you can help!""

Car insurance is abnormally expensive for me (18yrs old)? What am I doing wrong?

I go on gocompare, confuse.com, comparethemarket, etc. to check prices of different cars but I keep getting insurance at the price of 7,000+?! And the crazy thing is, it was for a Peugeot 2002 106 which is like 1.1 litre. which came to the lowest I found. Which was 7,000+. I fill in the details truthfully, such as locked home garage, very low miles per year, etc, but I can't seem to get cheap insurance? Everyone online says they get insured for around 2,000 on a Corsa, Peugeot 106, Citroen C1 and on like 1.4L+ cars etc. HOW TO HELL? Should I just buy my 1st car then insure it on my parents name then ask me to be put on as a named driver? My friends do that and pay around 1,000-1,200 on 1.6L cars.. Also, can you recommend me a good 1st car? (England) Thanks!""

What kind of life insurance would be better for my mother, term or permanent?

She's 53 years of age, with high blood pressure, heart failure and other medical conditions. What type of insurance would be the best to purchase for her? Her health is really bad and she could go at any time. I want to be prepared to pay all her funeral costs, bills, debts, etc. I'm her only child, I am 25. Please let me know. Thank you all.

Mandatory insurance?!?

Here in Massachusetts EVERYONE has to have health insurance, and if you wanna drive you have to have car insurance. How can this be legal? How can the government force me into buying a product or service?! Whats next, are they going to make it mandatory for everyone to buy 7th generation ipods? This is ridiculous. What if i dont want insurance? What if i cant afford it? WTF?!! Is their any legal way around this? Or are they going arrest me if i dont get any insurance? Should i board up my windows and stock up on guns?""

Where can I get laibality insurance for a medical assistant?

I am looking for insurance to covoer myself for Medical assistant

How much does teen car insurance cost?

I'm 16, and I'm about to get my drivers license. My dad is insured through the aarp people because its cheaper for him. he called them to ask how much it would cost to put me on his insurance, and they said 120 dollars a month. I thought this seemed a little unreasonable, because i'm just going to drive a three thousand dollar car like twice a week. How much do you/ your parents pay for car insurance for young drivers? I have good grades. can that get me a discount?""

No car insurance automatically suspends CA driver's license?

So apparently in CA, if you stop paying your car insurance (I had to), your vehicle registration is revoked and your license is suspended automatically, and you get a notice in the ...show more""

I'm getting quote 3000-5000 for insurance on a 1.4 Cityrover Solo ?!?

Shalom! I tried different cars with bottom insurance groups too, it's not going lower then 3k. Thats ridiculuous, anybody out there thats 19yrs old too and getting a better deal and HOW? Tried all comparison websites, direct co-op tesco everything!!! What can I do?! PLEASE advise. Thanks in advance.""

Reasonable and Reputable Auto Insurance Companies?

What are some names of reasonable and reputable Insurance Companies in Canada for Auto Insurance?

How much would it cost me to get a basic insurance for an used R1?

In London?I' m 41 years old,i ' ve hold my driving licence since 1994 and i'm getting it converted into the UK one .""

Where can I find out insurance rates for US postal services with letters to the UK?

Each envelope would contain an item worth around the $30 mark, but as they would be going international I want them to be insured. I can find UPS rates, but not USPS rates for insurance.""

Need help with my car insurance. . . ?

i need some help cos i'm pretty confused so i bought a car at the start of the year, took out a loan to get it, etc and I have been having no problems paying it off so that was going fine. than two months ago i had a huge crash which totalled my car. It wasn't deemed my fault or the other person's fault. I did have full comprehensive insurance, but i missed two payments. I remember recieving a letter saying if i kept missing these payments then my insurance would be cancelled. Than when i put my claim in to get my insurance on my car through after the crash, they said i had recieved a letter syaing that my insurance had been cancelled due to lack of payments. I'm confused, i didn't get that letter. now, i have no car and am still paying off that loan. Is there any way I can fix this. I don't think i would be able to get another loan for another car, and i don't want to put myself into that much debt, but i really do need a car help?!?!?!""

Can I get car insurance on my dad's policy for me for only a day or two?

Okay so I live in CA, and my car is in the shop and my insurance has been stopped because my car needs a new transmission and I don't have the money to fix it yet. Anyways, what I wanted to ask was my Dad is going out of town for a few days and is leaving his car at home, I wanted to know if I could get insurance for myself on his car though his insurance company (AARP) for use of his car for only 2 days? Please get back to me, and put a source if possible, Easy 10 points.""

Does car insurance get cheaper after my teen years?

I'm am a 16yr male and car insurance is ridiculous. I asked some of my friends, ages 19-21, at work how much their insurance is and they said it isn't too bad. What's the average cost? I don't want to go through insurance websites and get quotes, blah blah blah. Thanks""

Car insurance to help disabled grandparents?

My grandfather is ill in hospital and my nan is finding it difficult to drive to the hospital and back on a daily basis. Aunt has MS so she cares for her too, thus I was wondering if anyone knows of a type of car insurance that will enable me to help out with their daily living. I obviously know that standard insurance would work, but I'm a 21 yo male and don't have the funds to get full independent insurance. Thanks for any help.""

How much will a speedping ticket raise my car insurance in California?

Hi, Last night I got my first speeding ticket ever. I am a 18 year old male. The officer claims I was going 84 but I dont believe him because he said he lasered me at 1am and usually I am under 80mph. Anyways, If I go to court and do drivers school and remove this ticket, what will happen to my insurance rate? I have all state.""

I want to finance a car. Can the registration and insurance be under my brothers' name?

Will a car dealership allow me to register the car under my brother? I want to put the car in my brothers name because the insurance will be cheaper. His credit is in better than mine.

Am I already covered under my parents car insurance?

I just bought a car and my parents said they would take care of the insurance so they put my car under there names when I explained I needed to be under it my mom said its too expensive and it fine as long as u have insurance she's wrong right?

Should I switch to a $20/month health insurance plan?

Alright, I have health insurance through my employer and I pay over $100/month. My friend has an individual policy and only pays $20/month. He thinks I should switch to have the same health insurance as him. What's the catch? Should I change health insurance policies?""

Insurance Types?

Is there a type of insurance that covers any type of damages you cause? Specifically destruction of a mattress.

Mercury insurance teen driver rates?

hi i am 16 and i just got my permit. i was wondering, do u need insurence when driving with a permit? also how much are mercury insurance teen driver rates (estimate $$) because thts what my mom has as insurace. please if anybody has any idea what the rates are or if there are specials for teenagers? thank you :] sarah""

Insurance + Payment options?

I would like to purchase a used car, but I would have to open up a loan. It would be good for me to open up a car loan to raise my credit a bit, since I have no prior loans out. Anyway, would I be able to buy the car on my name with the loan, and have one of my parents as the driver so that the insurance will not be so much since I am only 20? Or will I just have to have them buy it? How does this work?""

Best Car Insurance Quotes?

Hi I'm about to turn 18, am female and passed my driving test on Monday. I just bought a car. It's so tedious getting insurance quotes. I've checked all the comparison ...show more""

How much is medical insurance?

I plan on moving to the U.S some day but how much would i have to pay per month for medical insurance? Strange how its free here but costs over there.

""I'm not covered by car insurance by my parents insurance, I still live at home,..?

They don't allow me to drive the cars because I'm not covered. Can I drive the car when it's in another house that they own?

Car insurance in Canada?

What is the typical car insurance cost in Ontario?

Best New York Health Insurance?

i got married 2 months ago, I m waiting to start the process for green card! at this time I wanted to get a good health insurance, my husband doesn t know aythin about it so please help me!!!""

Average PLPD insurance for car?

Im wanting to buy a 1989 Toyota Supra and im wondering how much PLPD would be on it.

What kind of life insurance would be better for my mother, term or permanent?

She's 53 years of age, with high blood pressure, heart failure and other medical conditions. What type of insurance would be the best to purchase for her? Her health is really bad and she could go at any time. I want to be prepared to pay all her funeral costs, bills, debts, etc. I'm her only child, I am 25. Please let me know. Thank you all.

Good auto insurance company in St. Jonh's Canada?

I'm looking for a cheap auto insurance companies in NL. Can anybody help me on this please? I'm from New Zealand and was paying $70 a year for my car insurance and was blew away with the amount of the insurance in Canada. I know it's depends on car type driving record etc, but I just need names of companies which is generally cheap.""

Insurance doesn't pay or wanna fix my car?

a drunk guy hit my parked car and he had a suspended license and the car is under his girlfriend's name. Now the insurance says it cant do anything because its under the girlfriend's name. now i dont know what to do

Should I put a claim in with my auto insurance?

Today at a light a car rear ended me. My rear bumper has some small scratches and some paint marks from the other car. No dents or anything else. the car that hit me seemed to have worse damage to his front bumper. We called the police and they did a report. The other guy said he is not going to put in a claim with his insurance. He admitted fault and apologized over and over. I was wondering if it is worth me putting in a claim with my insurance? I don't want my rates to go up and even though I am not at fault, i wonder how aggressively my insurance will pursue a claim with the other guy's insurance since damage is so minor. I actually wonder if it was worth calling the police, when I really think about it. I was just shaken up at the time. I think re painting the bumper would actually be less than my deductible. I don't really have any pain and no noticeable injuries. I had a friend say I should put in a claim for minor back pain, but even if i was in minor pain, i have heard the 10,000 most companies give always go to lawyers and chiropractors I don't want to lie and don't want to spend time going to chiropractors too end up not getting anything and still having to pay to repaint bumper, have my rates go up and be aggravated. any advice?""

Whats the best landlords insurance?

we are looking for landlords insurance for a property rented to our local council. Which would you recommend?

Can I cancel my motorcycle insurance?

Do I have to have insurance on my motorcycle (in IL) during the winter when I don't even ride it? Can't I just cancel it for the Winter and then start it up again in the Spring?

I'm trying to make a car insurance for eu driving license?

Hi, everytime when I make a quote on e.g. (comparethemarket.com or moneysupermarket.com) I get a car insurance around 7000 ponds. Is there any way how I can get cheaper insurance? I'm in UK.""

Should I take health Insurance?

I am 30 years old and have no medical history. Should I take Medical Insurance?

Car insurance situation.....?

one of our cars', 93 Toyota Tercel just got totalled out in a fender bender that was caused by another driver. since we only have collision insurance with AmFam on it, the other woman's company made the pay out to us (~$2K) and let us keep the car. we decided to fix the car up mechanically, and give it a bit of a face lift on the mangled front side fender, but didnt really put too much money into it. so the question is.... as we continue to drive the car, and G*d Forbid, anything similar should happen again, when we are not at fault and there's no bodily damage, just car damage, would we be able to get the other insurance company to pay for the car repairs? or will they say, well, you already had it totalled out once, we're not gotta give you $ to fix a car that not worth much... or how does this work? anyone have any experience with this? anyone here an insurance adjuster? thanks in advance""

Insurance on a 1998 Toyota Camry 16 y/old about to be 17?

Ok so i need your help. I am 16 years old and about to be 17 im going back to the u.s. and have a old 1998 toyota camry waiting for me (btw yuck) ok and my parents said to drive this until my insurance lowers and theyll get me a new car by graduation which is next june. So my question is how much do you think my insurance will be? Its a fairly old car and not in a good condition and i have had 1 accident which was pretty big but not completly my fault like 60%

Home Mortgage Insurance question?

Okay I need some info on mortgage insurance.i am currently living in my parents home which was built on their property, we don't live with my parents. My husband and I pay the mortgage, taxes, and the insurance. We are going to refinance everything into our name but in the mean time we are saving money for any down payments on the refinance(if any).Since we have not refinanced yet, what type of insurance do we buy, home owners or renters insurance?""

Any advice on GAP Insurance?

Just signed up to buy new SMART car with Mercedes dealer on 1,000 deposit then 111 a month for 3 yrs with option to buy car for balance at end or hand car back. Finance guy has advised me to buy GAP insurance cost 300 for 3 years. (This is on top of normal insurance) Has anybody had any dealings with this or can they advise please? I would appreciate serious replies only THANKS A LOT""

Does anyone know of an insurance company that would insure a car for a newbie?

Looking for cheap car insurance Does anyone know of an insurance company that would insure a car for a newbie? I am looking at buying a used car ASAP to get to work.

Insurance for 16-20 year old Male?

Hello all, I am currently 16, and i have my drivers license. I am on my parents plan and i pay about $100 a month for full coverage with my parents cars. But here is my real question, I have been saving for a while (5 years) and i have enough to buy a car i have dreamed of buying for a long time. So i am going to, but my question is what would my insurence be if i did? the car is a 2002 BMW M3 SMG. It has 76,200 Miles on it. I am paying $20,000 for it. I am going to buy it weather the insurance is $1,000 or $100. I have a job and can pay for $1,000 if needed.. so if anyone knows a estimate of what it would be, let me know. If it helps, i have had my drivers license for a month. Also after i buy it, i may just not drive it, if it is too much $$$.. so if it would go down for me when im say 17-20 let me know how much =] Here are some pictures of the car: http://picasaweb.google.com/evanesterman/2002BMWM3SMG# Thanks""

Young persons car insurance?

Having passed my test a week ago and being 17 I have been on the hunt for cheap (as possible!) car insurance. I am being quoted at best 2750 to 14000 all my friends have retrieved quotes much lower than this. I have been looking at ones regarding a 2004 ford ka. Any suggestions how to lower it or any websites to use?

How much can i expect to get from my insurance company if they write off my car?

I crashed my 2003 seat ibiza on the motorway on sat. the damage dosnt look too bad ( front bumper & rear bumper off but as i was traveling at speed there prob is more damage underneath). Im still waiting on the insurance company to tell me how much my car is now worth.. people have told me that they wil only offer me the bottom book price that the car was worth on the day of the smash can anyone tell me what the bottom book price might likely be?? i paid 3750 for the car in sept 2007 and the car was in near perfect condition with a minor stain on the front seat

08 lancer gts or 08 altima coupe what would be best for 17 year old and cheaper on insurance?

I want one that's fun to drive it has to be reliable I don't want to race but I do want a little speed I want whatever is cheaper on insurance and I'm stuck between these two cars what do you guys think?

Most affordable health insurance?

I know its going to be expensive regardless, I can't afford to go through my work's insurance (over $200 a month). Researching online for medical/dental coverage. Anyone know a good insurance to go through?""

Auto Insurance policy changes?

Would a auto insurance company be able to tell if you changed your deductibles after a wreck or comprehensive damage? If you changed it and then waited a couple of days or a week from say, 1000 to 500$ and then filed the claim. Do they check for recent changes in policy coverages?""

First time Car Owner Getting Insurance?

I'm a college student, not living with my parents, which means I will need to start my own parents. and I'm looking to buy my first car, which might be an out-of-state title. Say I eventually, locked on a deal. The question is: Do I have to buy insurance before paying for the car. But then how does the insurance company assess the quote since I haven't had a car yet. Do I just tell them the make and year of the car I'm Going to buy for sure or how does it work? What if I bought the insurance, but the deal didn't work out, and I have to choose other car/ make/ year? Or, can I get it insured soon After I make the purchase? If so, what happens between I picked up it from the seller and driving it to get it insured. Do I get screw if I had an accident during this time. I probably sound pretty stupid by now.. but dude help me out here.""

Question about car insurance ?!?!?!?

Ok so i am 17 and male so car insurance is tricky. i have a 1.3 toyota corolla,provisional licence, no driving experience. Most quotes are 4,000 at the cheapest. I cant afford this. Does anyone know how to get this cheaper. Is it possible to get insurance for around 2,000 ? My only option is to go as a named driver under my parents policy and have the car registered to them. Preferrably i want my own policy though. Any suggestions appreciated thanks :)""

Looking for a good insurance company?

Im barley getting by as it is so i need an insurance company that can help pay for expensive monthly inhalers, and i need dental insurance. But like i said im barley making it as it is, is there anyone out there that is paying for there on plan and what are you paying? Im 19 my moms 55 and we both need coverage. Any suggestions would be really appreciated.""

How much did your car insurance rate increase when your 16 year old began driving?

he amount my insurance went up may have nothing to do with your insurance increase. There are way, way too many variables""

Anyone has geico car insurance? please help!?

I take my drivers test real soon, 2 weeks after school starts, so the first two weeks i have to ride the bus. i'm a junior, and i have many activities going on after school, i don't want my dad to keep dropping me off and picking me up. So i was wondering how long does Geico car insurance take process. I am not allowed to drive right after getting my license because i don't have car insurance. I have to get it after i get my license but how long does it take to get the car insurance? will the geico car insurance be done within few day so i can drive the car to school?""

Question about my car insurance?

My current insurance is with state farm; just a question; if i got hit by someone without car insurance and is their fault; they dont have any money to pay for my damage; since i dont have the uninsure motor coverage but i have collision with deductible of 500 dollar; would my collision cover me after i pay the 500 dollar? i guess my real question is what is the point of having uninsure motor coverage when i have collision coverage? would i need both? or just collision would be sufficient?

What's an affordable car insurance for new teen driver?

I'm 16, i live in the bay area and today i just got my drivers license. So with that being said i need to figure out what kind of car insurance i can get that is affordable because i know all insurance for young new drivers is very expensive, So can you give me any names that i can look up please? Also i've been driving my families 2004 Chevy Cavalier Ls to get me started but it's kind of small for me and can anyone give me any good brand names for cars that have great safety to it? I love the toyota camry's and solalra's are those good cars to get? Thank you if you can help me :) ~Robert""

What kind of life insurance would be better for my mother, term or permanent?

She's 53 years of age, with high blood pressure, heart failure and other medical conditions. What type of insurance would be the best to purchase for her? Her health is really bad and she could go at any time. I want to be prepared to pay all her funeral costs, bills, debts, etc. I'm her only child, I am 25. Please let me know. Thank you all.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/austin-texas-cheap-car-insurance-quotes-zip-78750-monica-croftoon/"

[fancycollectionfury-blog1]

Where can I buy cheap auto insurance?

Why is my car on Motor Insurance Database (MID) while I havent bought insurance yet?<br/>Ive just bought a used car for my son, received the new log book; however, I havent bought insurance yet, as I intend to keep the car off road at the moment. But when I checked my car on the Motor Insurance Database (MID), it recognized my car. Apparently it is ok to drive this car, although I havent bought insurance for it. Do you think this is ok, or will I be stopped by the police driving this car?<br/><br/>BEST ANSWER Try this site where you can compare quotes from different companies: http://insureinfo.xyz?src=scoop<br/><br/>RELATED QUESTIONS<br/><br/>What does it mean for insurance to be underwritten?<br/>I have a quote submitted to Hagerty Collector Car insurance and they told me that it is being underwritten, what does that mean? <br/><br/>Are older cars cheaper to insure?<br/>Are older cars cheaper to insure?<br/><br/>How can I find out how much my drugs will cost after HMSA insurance (how much the copay is)?<br/> My doctor called in two prescriptions (one is a medicated shampoo, one is a steroid medicine for my scalp condition) into the Walgreens pharmacy.    I need to know the cost, so I can get the money from my dad to pick them up. They don t accept check or credit card unless the person is there with their picture ID, and they don t do billing. But my dad won t drive down there and won t give me cash unless he knows exactly how much.    I called and the pharmacist said without insurance it would cost $250 total. But I have HMSA, Group: 249   <br/><br/>Does a stop sign violation increase your insurance in Sacramento?<br/>I just a stop sign violation about an hour ago, I was planning on paying it because I do not know enough to fight the ticket in court. Will the citation increase my insurance rate? I have AAA. And the violation occured in Sacramento, CA few blocks from my house. <br/><br/>Who Have The Best Insurance Rates?<br/> I Hope Im Calling It Right, I Just Got My Drivers License In August, I Dont Have A Car Yet. I Just Wanted To Know For The People Who Have Cars, What The Best Company To Get, When I Do Get A Car. People Tell Me Car Insurance Compnays Go By Age To. Im Only 21 So I Know Is Gonna Be High. But I Juat Wanna Know Whats The Best One To Get And Why For Car Insurance.    Thank You    To All Who Answers <br/><br/> How is it that mandatory car insurance is illegal in the us, but we are still forced to buy it? <br/>It is illegal, the government is not allowed to force you to buy any product. <br/><br/>How do I figure how much life insurance I will need?<br/>How do I figure how much life insurance I will need?<br/><br/>AAA insurance? (Even if it s insured under my mom s name am i allowed to drive the car)?<br/> So i passed my drivers license test today. We have 3 bmws. one is mine, one is moms, and one is dads, respectively. ALL 3 cars are insured under BOTH my parents names. But mom won t allow me to take out the car, saying that if i take it out and get into an accident, it won t be covered because my car is insured only under her and my dads name...   but a friend of mine got into a car accident recently... and she purchased a new car, which is insured under her mothers name, because if the car was insured under her name, it would be expensive. However, my friend still gets to drive her car saying that it is insured for her even when she gets into an accident. Im not sure what type of insurance she has though. And she s 19 years old.   And then i asked my brother, who doesn t live with us, and he said even if i get into an accident, it will be insured because it is under both my parents names and we live under the same household. Then i told mom about this, and she was like Well if your under 18 <br/><br/> What is the pros and cons of 3rd party,fully comp and no insurance? <br/>What is the pros and cons of 3rd party,fully comp and no insurance? <br/><br/>State farm teen quote?<br/> hi so i was wondering how much my mom would have to pay when i get my license ive taken drivers ed and passed im under 21 and a girl and the car im looking at is a 2014 Toyota Corolla but i d lease instead of buying i want to know if i would be worth it because theres a chance i ll have to pay my own insurance and i need a solid estimate on how much i ll need to pay monthly for insurance<br/><br/>How much will my auto insurance cost?<br/>Just bought a new car. im 20 years old and am a student in pennsylvania. iv had two tickets in the past 3 years for going 15 over. my credit score is 700. any guesses?<br/><br/>If i put the car insurance under my fathers name would i have to put the car under his name also?<br/> Im going to lease a car for work but since i am 20 years old the insurance will be outrageously expensive. Would the car have to be under his name if i put the insurance under his name? Or can the car be under my name and have the insurance under this name? Can someone please explain these things to me? Would he be the policy holder and put me as the driver? If the car is under my name and the insurance under his what would happen if there was an accident?<br/><br/> Direct line car insurance named driver no claims discount , is it the same  rate  as regular no claim discount <br/>Direct line car insurance named driver no claims discount , is it the same  rate  as regular no claim discount <br/><br/>Should Americans be forced to buy Health Insurance just like they must buy Auto Insurance?<br/> Obama has said you should be forced to buy Health Insurance just like you must buy auto insurance. http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/...   One major problem with this moronic statement is, NO IS FORCED TO DRIVE A CAR BY THE GOVERNMENT, THERE FOR NO ONE HAS TO BUY AUTO INSURANCE!!!!!!.   Even if you ignore this fact, most STATES mind you require liability insurance, you do not have to cover yourself or your car. So following this logic we will be required to buy Health insurance the covers people we come in contact with, in case we make them sick. Can you see collecting on that, Joe Smith coughed on me last week, his insurance needs to pay for this office visit Dr. Jones!   Ya, right.   Does the President really think the American public is stupid enough to buy into his bull? <br/><br/>I thought health insurance cost was going down?<br/>This article says they are all going up. What happened to Obama caree?  http://www.ctnow.com/health/hc-health-in...    He promised me my family would save $2500 on health insurance. What happened?<br/><br/>If you receive SSI Disabilty can you stay on your spouse s health insurance?<br/>Yes, I am 29, actually. My husband is the one with the health insurance coverage at his work. Thanks for the great info everyone! <br/><br/>Whats the cheapest car insurance for a young driver?<br/> Im 19 and i have got my test in october, my driving instructor has moved away and so i thought I will get a car, and i had recently bought one it is a renault clio grande 1149cc, im looking for a good insurance quote and an insurance quote that will drop in price when i pass my test because many insurance company s rise in price after the test <br/><br/>What car should i get?<br/> hi all i live in new zealand and i am looking for my first car    i have narrowed it down to 2 cars they are: 1999 nissan skyline gt and a mitsubishi lancer evo IV (4)     does anyone no like which one would be cheaper to mod and which car would have more mod parts that will fit it? im looking at chucking in a few things like some performance parts and yer things that will make it sound good and make it go faster.     any links to sites that sell quality performance parts would be good thanks :)<br/><br/>Which is cheaper for a 16 year old Car insurance or Motorcycle insurance?<br/>I live in Tennessee. It would be cheap and low power with good gas.<br/><br/>What s the best pet insurance ?<br/> I ve been shopping for pet insurance for awhile now and I need to hear others experiences before I make up my mind on which company to go thru so please tell me the good the bad and the ugly on any and all companies you ve dealt with past and present. Is it evan worth getting or am I better off continuing to put money aside weekly for future vet bills?<br/><br/>Why is my car on Motor Insurance Database (MID) while I haven t bought insurance yet?<br/>Ive just bought a used car for my son, received the new log book; however, I havent bought insurance yet, as I intend to keep the car off road at the moment. But when I checked my car on the Motor Insurance Database (MID), it recognized my car. Apparently it is ok to drive this car, although I havent bought insurance for it. Do you think this is ok, or will I be stopped by the police driving this car?<br/><br/>Teen health insurance for a baby?<br/>I am expecting a baby on the way and I am a teen, but I am also getting married in December, would I still be qualified for Medicaid? Or would I have to look somewhere else? We both have low income and we re kinda lost. <br/><br/>How much would it cost to ship my car from Atlanta to Los Angeles?<br/>I need to know how much it would cost to ship my car from Atlanta GA to Los Angeles, CA    I have a 1996 Handa Accord and I would like to know how much money it would cost to ship it, I plan to ship by truck instead of plane <br/><br/>I recently got into an accident How much will my insurance go up?<br/>So im 16 and just got my license and i side swiped someone, my parents are already paying $1,000 for 6 months, how much will it go up,is it better to just not make a claim and pay out of pocket? <br/><br/> Lets be honest, will a 2000 mustang gt run a 17 year old over 150 per month on insurance? <br/>State or no state, tennessee. Will it run in 200 s or more?    Just need to know before i go looking. Don t give me your opinion, i get it has horses and can kick, im not looking for a preacher to praise down on me. thanks <br/><br/>Why did her home insurance agent charge her a fee ?<br/>Her check did NOT bounce. Her check was in escrow from the mortgage company but he had to wait because they would not send the check right away.<br/><br/>What is your opinion on having to obtain car insurance?<br/>I am doing a essay on car insurance. I would be much appreciated if everyone could give me their input on it and how they feel about having to have it.   thank you so much for your help!<br/><br/>How much should a motorcycle insurance cost?<br/> A little about me:   -age 23   -driving licence for both cars and bikes since 2008 (European version)   -have no previous claims or penalties   -I do drive cars for the company I m working for   -the bike is a 600, 2013 model   -I ll buy a security device soon   -was thinking of having a 150 pounds voluntary excess <br/><br/>I just broke my glasses and I have to go to work tomorrow?<br/> I can barely see my computer screen as I type this (I m seriously squinting about three inches away from the darn thing)   I ve had my glasses for about a year, and they ve been good. I took them off to clean the lenses, gently like I normally do, and the arm just broke off! Not from a screw or anything, just the metal broke.   They are the kind with no bottom frame, so they have an almost fishing wire type thing holding the lenses in place.   My insurance only covers the exam, not the lenses or frmes, so that s why I have only the one pair...    I have work tomorrow, and I really can t see anything more than a blur. What do I do? It s after midnight, so it s too late to call in tonight. I work closing shift (2:30 - 11) so should I just call in the morning? Will that give them enough time to find somebody to take over my shift?   Is I broke my glasses and can t see   a good enough excuse for calling in and missing work at the last minute? I work in a deli <br/><br/>Auto insurance quote with unreported accidents? What will happen?<br/> A friend has 3 accidents in her driving record. She got an auto insurance quote without mentioning any accidents. The company sold her the insurance without any further verifications.    Is that a big problem? In case of an incident in the future will the company check her records and create any problems like not approving claims or so? Should she just ask for a refund to prevent further problems.     What is the worst that can possibly happen? We are kind of newbies here. Please advise...<br/><br/>Will I get insure on a range rover?<br/>I have just turned 17 and live in the UK and I am at sixth form full time and I really want the new Range Rover sports or a Mercedes G wagon. (The car will be fully paid for by myself not my parents money) will the insurance company insure me and if so how much roughly?<br/><br/>Just discovered a long forgotten whole life insurance policy?<br/> $10,000.oo death benefit   $1,400.oo cash value    $7,600.oo loan debt that has paid the policy.....the loan is at 8% interest and the  policy grows at 6%......if I do nothing as i have been for 20 years the loan will overtake the policy and i will have to pay tax on the loan debt once the policy cancels......what s my best option here....also, if i can find away to pay off the loan debt the policy value increases to $17,600.oo and the cash value to $9,000.oo   thank for the help <br/><br/>Base salary start for insurance office in california?<br/>How much do you estimate I d get as an administrative assistant in an insurance office? I have a possible job opportunity to consider for them to help me become a licensed agent and get commision and bonuses. The boss man said he does base salary.<br/><br/>DMV has sent me a notice about not having insurance?<br/>Hello , I just moved from Nyc and currently live in VA. I haven t registered or transferred my license there, but i do however have insurance in VA now. Today I recieved a notice from DMV in nyc saying they would suspend my license if i dont provide proof of insurance,BUT I DONT LIVE THERE ??!!!! What do I do ???? <br/><br/>How much would insurance for three months cost?<br/>I m in a sport, wrestling, and i need insurance for at least three months soon. If you know how much insurance like that costs for a company like choc, that would be great because that s where I got it from last time, also i prefer it to be cheap. Also, it s health insurance that i need <br/><br/>Audi a4 2003 insurance cost?<br/>i have a 2005 honda civic lx, and im planning to buy a audi a4. currently im paying 110 for insurance, how much more expensive would my insurance be if i decide to buy an audi <br/><br/>How hard is it for police to verify that you REALLY do have car insurance?<br/>With all the different companies that offer insurance, how would a police officer know if if the insurance card is a fake or not or if the policy number is real during a traffic stop? <br/><br/>Buying a car from an out of state private seller?<br/> I am currently looking at a car that is in California, but I live in Las Vegas, Nevada.  I will be applying for a loan to get the car, but I have a few questions regarding it.   1: Will I be able to take the loan across the state border to California to get the car?   2: Being a private seller are there any sort of documents or papers I will need to get the car from California to Nevada?  3: If there are papers or documents, where would I get them? Would I get them at my bank, or at the Nevada DMV or would I have to go to the California DMV?  I have never bought a car out of state so I really don t know if it s any different, or how it s different... <br/><br/>When do I need to get the car insurance? Before buying the car or after?<br/>When do I need to get the car insurance? Before buying the car or after?<br/><br/>What kind of car insurance covers takeaway deliveries?<br/> Hi, I am soon starting a (very) part-time job delivering chinese food one day a week, 5 hours. I have been trying to find out what sort of insurance I need for my car as I am only covered for SD&P. I got a quote for one company who insured for business use, but they wouldn t cover takeaway deliveries! And my current insurer doesn t do anything like it. I know that places like Domino s and Pizza Hut provide supplemental insurance for their drivers, but this place doesn t do anything of the sort and I don t want to get caught out, especially for something like this? Thanks :) <br/><br/>Life insurance/critical illness? HELP!?!?<br/> ok so im in the middle of sorting out my life and critical illness cover. im 24 married with a child on the way and we have a relatively low mortgage so we ve done quite well so far. we have some savings put away for a  rainy day  but we are already have illness/life insurance but are changing it so that it covers the amount of the mortgage- im wondering tho if one that incorporates a savings plan too is better so that im actually investing in something rather than just paying a monthly amount each month and not recieving anythin at the end of it...plz advice as much as you can it would be gr8 thanks in advance :)<br/><br/>Why is my car on Motor Insurance Database (MID) while I haven t bought insurance yet?<br/>Ive just bought a used car for my son, received the new log book; however, I havent bought insurance yet, as I intend to keep the car off road at the moment. But when I checked my car on the Motor Insurance Database (MID), it recognized my car. Apparently it is ok to drive this car, although I havent bought insurance for it. Do you think this is ok, or will I be stopped by the police driving this car?<br/><br/>Leaving my car sit for 6 months. need to winterize it and decide what to do with the insurance.?<br/> im leaving for california for 6 months (jan till june) and i have to leave my car (1997 mercury sable) sit at home.     what should i do to winterize it before i leave. fluids (especially gas and oil) etc.     will the tires go flat or rot, if so what to do to prevent this   my battery is weak and i do not want to buy another one. should i let it go dead for force my fiancee to start it even now and again, if so how often, or should i get a new battery, and if so, make her start it every now and again. or can i simply let it go dead and just not start it then bring the car back from the dead when i get home.   also, the insurance, it would be awesome to stop insuring it, or maybe put it on hold? what are the pros and cons, i know i have to turn in my plate, would it be cost effective? i pay 40 a month. i know i would have to pay fees for plate and possibly for starting the insurance back up.   just want to know what you would do and if you have sound advice. thanks so so much for you time <br/><br/>All nevada insurance?<br/>All Nevada Insurance at Martin Luther King Blvd., Las Vegas,  Nevada 89106.  Have they moved? <br/><br/>Does anyone know about pacific life insurance?<br/>I need more info on Pacific Life Insurance<br/><br/>Can I cancel my car insurance at any time?<br/> I ve been with Zurich car insurance for 1 year and 10months, insured on my mums car as named driver. The time has come to get myself a car on my own insurance. We pay the current insurance monthly. There are two months left on the current policy, is there normally any cancellation fee s? If so, ruffly how much should I be looking at? Also.. Would I have any NCB as I was named driver on the policy? Thanks. <br/><br/>How much is car insurance for a new driver?<br/>age 16-17 with a 2003    grandam through statefarm like how much a month<br/><br/>Is Texas a no-fault insurance state?<br/>My G-Friend recently met with a car accident and we are still waiting for the accident report to determine the fault. She was not hurt but the other driver was hospitalized. Your opinions and suggestions welcome about how to handle this with Insurance company and attorney if required.<br/><br/>What is the cheapest auto insurance for college students?<br/> There are so many companies I can t check them all. I should mention that I live in Michigan.  I m not a full time student so I generally don t apply for those discounts. But I have a clean driving record and have had my license for almost six years.  So far I have found the esurance is the cheapest. But I was wondering if there is anything cheaper out there?<br/><br/>Would this work? (Named driver question)?<br/> My good friend has her car and she is insured on that. She takes out another insurance policy for which I can be named driver on, but I drive the car always. We live at separate addresses. If I crash, she will only lose her ncb on the 2nd policy right? Which I will pay for just as a way to get insurance cheap. Also what if I dont crash, does she get 2 years worth of ncb in one year for having 2 policies? <br/><br/>Health Insurance for 24 year old male?<br/>Son has Blue Cross but it is now $137 per month......anyone know of any comparable insurance that is cheaper and has similar benefits?  It is just him....no wife or no kids.  Thanks.<br/><br/>Most reliable auto insurance company?<br/>How much would my monthly premium be for auto insurance?    I m male and 18, no accidents and responsible. I drive an old sedan, silver.  I drive to work, to college, to the market and back home. No joy rides, no trips or visits.    What auto insurance company is the best? <br/><br/>Used Car Financing Question! I Need Help!?<br/> hey guys, if anyone knows about financing please i need your help. My sister is trying to get a car, a 3-series sedan and the vehicle costs about 23,000. The guy at the used car dealership said that with a co-signer, who she has, my dad. My dad has about 780+ credit score and he wants to put $5,000 down. The guy said with a 72 month payment plan it will be 12% interest rate. Doesnt that sound alittle too high? even with my dad co-signing for her. Btw we live in CA if that helps. <br/><br/>How to cancel car insurance after paying ?<br/> Hi everyone,   I ve just bought a car insurance from Access Insurance Company this morning for a period of 6 months.   The effective day will be from 11/20/2012.   But suddenly there s some reason that I change my mind to use All State Insurance.   So, is it possible for me to cancel Access and get a full refund ?   It s been 4 days until the effective day. <br/><br/>Can i write off my home owners insurance on my taxes?<br/>Can i write off my home owners insurance on my taxes?<br/><br/>What is an insurance recovery vehicle?<br/> I am looking at buying a car and one dealership offers insurance recovery vehicles for pretty cheap.   I think that they they have been recovered after theft but I m not really sure.   Are they like salvaged vehicles and what problems could be found with buying an insurace recovery car?  Have you had any experience with buying one? any knowledge would be appreciated.<br/><br/>I tried to renew my medicaid insurance and they said i cannot qualify?<br/> I told them that I worked at Duane Reade and that I make minimum wage there  I dont even make that much money there but they (New york state of health) said based on my income i am inelgible for medicaid. it doesnt make any sense to me, does getting a job hurt your chances of successfully renewing your medicaid plan or what? cause last year when i renewed it everything was fine and i was working then too <br/><br/>If you can t afford health insurance for your family and the government says you make too much...?<br/> Star- there are no promotions where my husband works.  He s the highest paid person there and he s salary.  If they give him a raise, it would be a miracle.  At the moment though that s where he is.  He hasn t stopped looking for a better job, but in this economy we are thankful he has a job anyhow.   I don t make money from home.  Being pregnant at the moment takes a lot out of me physically and I d rather pour the energy I have into caring for my home and children.  And yes most of the time we do buy second hand and my daughter gets a lot of free hand me downs from families at church with older girls.    Bottom line again is this:  sometimes people just can t afford it.  We do what we can, but no matter what we cut out cost wise or add on income wise, we will not be able to come up with an extra $800 a month unless I work a full time job which I won t do.  My husband wants me home to be there for the kids and I want to be here for them too.  Further more, any income I make outside the  <br/><br/>Ideas on first car?<br/> To BklynNative,    Japanese cars just refuse to die, which is what I want. I m in the UK, American cars like Acuras etc are hard to come by here.    Also, Japanese cars are first choice for car modders who crash them and push up the insurance costs. A small engined Jap would do great, I don t mind what it looks like, how fast it goes, etc.    I just want reliability and low running costs, because I m broke.    Cheers. <br/><br/>Homeowners insurance in Valrico FL?<br/> I am interested in buying a home in Valrico FL. Particularly Diamond Hill, a golf course community. Great price, but we are new at buying and have no idea what insurance might be on this place.Just to factor it in for our monthly cost. It is a 3/2/2 1800 sq ft @ $110k. no pool. I mean were talking just a rough estimate, close figure something. Again we have not the slightest clue as to what it could be. Any advice is really appreciated. <br/><br/>How expensive is insurance for an Impreza WRX?<br/>Also, what would that be compared to the STI? <br/><br/>Im 15 planning on getting license when 18 need know how much insurance will cost?<br/> ok i am 15 and parents told me i can get my license if i can afford insurance i just need to know how much it will cost when im 18 cause i need 2 years driving experience before i can get my license.. how can i find this out.i havent gotten my perrmit yet plan on getting it on my b-day when my parents leave me alone..my little 16th b-day present to me<br/><br/>Why is my car on Motor Insurance Database (MID) while I haven t bought insurance yet?<br/>Ive just bought a used car for my son, received the new log book; however, I havent bought insurance yet, as I intend to keep the car off road at the moment. But when I checked my car on the Motor Insurance Database (MID), it recognized my car. Apparently it is ok to drive this car, although I havent bought insurance for it. Do you think this is ok, or will I be stopped by the police driving this car?<br/><br/>What is the average cost for insurance on a 2009 Yamaha  R6?<br/>Im going to get it tomorrow. I am almost 19, and i have one accident. I think it was a fault from both drivers. not sure. just let me know what you are paying and on what kind of bike thanks. <br/><br/>How many more illegal aliens will be emboldened to sneak in by Obama s amnesty? How many does he need to insure that Dems win in 2016?<br/>How many more illegal aliens will be emboldened to sneak in by Obama s amnesty? How many does he need to insure that Dems win in 2016?<br/><br/> Getting a New Car, Insurance question? <br/>Hey, so i m going to be getting a 2011 toyota yaris and i was wondering how much the insurance on it would be, i m 19 years old. <br/><br/>What auto insurance coverage do I need?<br/> I am questioning what coverages I actually need. Do I need property damage? I have medical insurance so I assume I don t need medical payments? My car is worth about $4000 and if I got into an accident I guess I would want it fixed, but does the insurance only insure it for what it is worth? So if I get into an accident and the damages were $5,000 would they only pay blue book value? <br/><br/>How much do you think my car insurance would be/added on to my mother s insurance?<br/> I m 18 and just now getting my license.     My car is a 2001 Ford Focus ZX5 that I bought for $2500.     My mom is going to add me to her insurance which is $50 per month (I know that is outrageously cheap I m so jealous lol).    I just want a loose loose estimate because I m also in college so I m only working 15 hours a week at minimum wage.<br/><br/>Advice on cheap car insurance ? UK?<br/>hello i am a 17 year old who is currently learning to drive and hoping to buy a car afterwards, however insurance is very expensive and am seeking advice on how to get cheap car insurance, E.G. what car to buy, where to look etc. <br/><br/>Monthly payment for Car Insurance?<br/> Hi, I m 18 and I want to get a car, but I am not sure if I can afford car insurance.  I was told I can put my name under a relative s insurance (He is around 50).  So I have a question for you guys.  How much money do you pay for car insurance a month?  I know it varies amongst states and ages, but I want to get an idea of the amount of money I may be paying.  I live in New York so I know it will probably be way higher than other states.  Please provide your age, state, and car insurance monthly estimate.  Thank you!  =] <br/><br/>I am 19 years old and live in a suburb of Illinois. How much will my car insurance be on a 2001 Nissan Xterra?<br/>I am 19 years old and live in a suburb of Illinois. How much will my car insurance be on a 2001 Nissan Xterra?<br/><br/>What type of bike have the cheapest insurance?<br/>Obviously a Harleys insurance is going to be huge, but what would be cheaper a 125cc supermoto, a 125cc naked bike or a 125cc sports bike? Also what make of bike would be cheapest like yamaha or Suzuki, but none of the Chinese crap <br/><br/>Do I Need Car Insurance to drive my parents car?<br/>I live in ct and i was wondering can i drive my parenst car as long as they have car insurance on a registered car or do i have to be on a policy too?<br/><br/>Motorcycle insurance?<br/>I just bought a new 2013 triumph thruxton and I was wondering how much insurance would cost me I got a quote from progressive and it ended up being 3744 every six months can anyone shed some light on why its so expensive by the way I m 18 and I paid the bike in full no loans it s paid for completely<br/><br/>Car insurance help?<br/>If I am not on my boyfriends car or my name is not on his insurance...    then what happens if I get in an accident while driving his car? Does his insurance still cover it? or do I have to be on the insurance for that to happen?    He has NATIONWIDE INSURANCE  FULL COVERAGE and we live in MICHIGAN.<br/><br/>How much does Jay Leno pay  on insurance for all his  vehicles?<br/>Does he have a special contract with an insurance company? Because I heard he drives a different car every day.<br/><br/>Can I get a pet even if my lease says no?<br/> My lease for the house that I am renting says no Pets but it also says pets aren t allowed without managers approval in writing. What does that mean and Is there any way around this and what are the possible consequences of getting a pet anyway? I don t have any pets now  but since I might be living here for 4 years a pet down the road would be nice.<br/><br/>How to get seen by a doctor without health insurance?<br/> I have no health insurance but I need to see a doctor!   I have the mirena IUD, a week ago I was sexually assaulted, but was unable to get a rape kit because of the insurance issue. But now I am having cramps, alot of pressure in my uterus area, my lower abdomen is bloated out, I ended my period 6  days ago and every day a few times a day, when I wipe its a little pink with what looks like some skin particles? It feels like I am constantly leaking discharge, I can feel it leaking out!    Idk if he moved my mirena, or if he gave me and STD but I need to see a doctor. Is there a way I can see one and make payments on the bill or what? I live in California <br/><br/>I am in phoenix arizona. What insurance company is best for a 18 year old driver with a DUI?<br/>I know he should not be allowed to drive but he needs to get to college. No he is not going to take the bus!<br/><br/>Cheaper medical care / insurance in NJ?<br/>I ve just been laid off, and I no longer have medical care or insurance. Now what do I do? Any info would be greatly appreciated. <br/><br/>Is United Auto Insurance a good insurance company?<br/>Is United Auto Insurance a good insurance company?<br/><br/>How much should insurance for a 20 year old male driving an 81 corolla cost. no tickets at all?<br/>How much should insurance for a 20 year old male driving an 81 corolla cost. no tickets at all?<br/><br/>I want an insurance quote?<br/>I want to the difference in insurance between a 93 v6 Camaro and a 93 Camaro Z28<br/><br/>Why is my car on Motor Insurance Database (MID) while I haven t bought insurance yet?<br/>Ive just bought a used car for my son, received the new log book; however, I havent bought insurance yet, as I intend to keep the car off road at the moment. But when I checked my car on the Motor Insurance Database (MID), it recognized my car. Apparently it is ok to drive this car, although I havent bought insurance for it. Do you think this is ok, or will I be stopped by the police driving this car?<br/><br/> https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/car-finance-insurance-phyllis-clayton

[phantasmagloria]

All right now,

For all you boppers in the big city, this is the Soundtrack Special. Seems appropriate, as some really incredible music has been written for the big (and small) screen.

We kick it off with a retribution concept that’s dear to me, followed by the bombastic opening music to Preacher. I was thrilled when they announced that the amazing comic book series by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon would be taken to the screen, though I was initially a bit disappointed with the result. I was expecting something closer to the graphic novels, though I did eventually warm up to the series and I look forward to the next season. Cassidy for eva!

We also listen to something from the empowering cult movie Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! that made quite an impression on me when I saw it in high school. Another movie that really stuck with me was Sweet Bunch, by Nikos Nikolaidis, one of Greece’s greatest underground and experimental filmmakers. His whole filmography is deeply interesting and I highly recommend it. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas could of course not be missing from this show – I’ve been a Gonzo fan for half my life, and the soundtrack to that movie is part of the fabric of the stories he tells, whether real or parts of an unwinding drug trip.

The Craft was also one of my favourite movies growing up (Fairuza Balk was my style icon!) and I always remember that scene where the mother says, “Since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted in life a jukebox that played nothing but Connie Francis records.” How delightful. The proverbial adult apple didnt’t fall too far from the teenage entertainment tree, and now I indulge in Good Behavior, a show about a woman called Letty Raines and her poor choices. While I can relate to some of the storyline, I mostly watch it for the (mildly fucked up) relationship Letty shares with Javier. As with Weeds, the opening music of which we hear at the end of this show, I’m drawn to good-looking South American male characters.

If you’ve ever been to New York and not seen The Warriors, then what the hell are you doing with your life? The radio scene, with Lynee Thigpen’s face only visible from the nose down, is both weirdly sensual and also a highly appropriate way of showing the power of the radio. Familiar voices without a face, trusted company in dark or lonely times, and often a guide towards the light. Though we didn’t include the blind radio producer from the epic movie Vanishing Point, he alone is reason enough to prep a second soundtrack special in the future.

Of course we also check in with classic composers like John Carpenter, John Williams and Mark Snow (obviously I’m a massive horror, Star Wars, and X-Files fan), and though admittedly we don’t delve too deep into the soundtracks of cult Italian cinema from the ’60s and ’70s, we will be dedicating a whole show to the many great composers of that time (Morricone, Alessandroni, Umiliani, Piccioni, Ortolani, etc) as their scores deserves more attention.

We also pull some tracks from television, namely, the killer new show Stranger Things (a nod to the analog age, as evidently heard in the warm sound of the synths used in the theme music) and the equally addictive The Expanse, taking place in a future time of a colonized solar system and one of the few sci-fi shows that actually takes space physics into consideration (like different gravitational forces, time warping, vacuum pressure, etc). The song we hear is “de new banga, fresh outta Eros! … Hottest beats-maker on Tycho.” On that note, if you’re into string theory and/or the interaction of multiple dimensions, I recommend the movie Interstellar (with music by Hans Zimmer of course). Lastly, we couldn’t exclude Akira and The Ghost in the Shell, two Japanese anime movies that became famous for their stunning, detail-heavy animation and their gripping music scores.

We draw to a close with a couple tracks from The Nile Hilton Incident (an excellent 2017 Egyptian movie, a must-watch for noir fans), Only Lovers Left Alive (now a classic among Jarmusch and vampire lovers alike) and Baby Driver (an unexpectedly great movie with a sort of timeless aesthetic and well-picked soundtrack).

Of course there’s lots more to listen to, from Mulatu Astatke and Philip Glass to Goblin and T. Rex, so click that Play button for two hours of cinematic brilliance. This week and moving forward we return to one-hour shows (quality trumps quantity) and we’ve got a couple guest shows in the works in preparation of a special live show, hopefully coming to Athens in April – so boppers, stay tuned!

With love from outer space,

—Obsessionist

SS_34 TRACKLIST

ALAN FORD – Nemesis (Snatch) DAVE PORTER – Preacher main title theme TEO USUELLI – Alla Ricerca Del Piacere Seq. 3 IGOR KANTOR, BERT SHEFTER & PAUL SAWTELL – Mysterioso Minor (Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!) RIZ ORTOLANI – Theme from Fantasma D’amore ANGELO BADALAMENTI – Dinner Party Pool Music (Mulholland Drive) GIORGOS HATZINASIOS – Theme from Sweet Bunch JOHNNY DEPP & RAY COPPER – A Drug Score Part 1 (Acid Spill) (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) CONNIE FRANCIS – Fallin (The Craft) SEINABO SEY – Hard Time (Good Behavior) TEO USUELLI – Alla Ricerca Del Piacere Seq. 15 LYNNE THIGPEN – All You Boppers (The Warriors) BARRY DE VORZON – Theme from The Warriors ZOMBIE ZOMBIE – Halloween main theme) MICHAEL STEIN & KYLE DIXON – Stranger Things Theme (live at the ASCAP Screen Music Awards) MARK SNOW – I Want to Believe (UNKLE remix) JOHN CARPENTER – Theme from The Fog CLINTON SHORTER – Eros Song (The Expanse) TSUTOMU ŌHASHI – Kaneda’s Theme (Akira) KENJI KAWAI – Chant 1 – Making of Cyborg (The Ghost in the Shell) PHILIP GLASS – Mishima Closing (Mishima) GOBLIN – Suspiria (Celesta and Bells) KENJI KAWAI – Nightstalker (Ghost in the Shell) RY COODER – Theme from Paris, Texas T. REX – Cosmic Dancer (Billy Elliot) ARIEL PINK – Baby (I Do…Until I Don’t) LOVE – Always See Your Face (High Fidelity) NICO – These Days (The Royal Tenenbaums) THE VENUS IN FURS – 2HB (Velvet Goldmine) LOUD REED – This Magic Moment (Lost Highway) ANGELS & PETER SKELLERN – One More Kiss Dear (Blade Runner) ANGELO BADALAMENTI – Rita Walks – Sunset Boulevard – Auth Ruth (Mulholland Drive) BONNIE BEECHER – Come Wander With Me (The Twilight Zone) MELINA MERKOURI – Agapi Pou Gines Dikopo Macheri (Stella) IBTIHAL EL SERETY – Gina’s Song (The Nile Hilton Incident) YASMINE HAMDAN – Hal (Only Lovers Left Alive) MULATU ASTATKE – Gubèlyé (Broken Flowers) DAVID MCCALLUM – The Edge (Baby Driver) JOHN WILLIAMS – Binary Sunset (Star Wars IV: A New Hope) MALVINA REYNOLDS – Little Boxes (Weeds)

Listen back to Storm Stereo 34: Soundtrack Special, featuring music from sci-fi, cult and indie films, plus TV show themes, Japanese anime, and much more. All right now, For all you boppers in the big city, this is the Soundtrack Special. Seems appropriate, as some really incredible music has been written for the big (and small) screen.

[romancatholicreflections]

29th January >> Fr. Martin’s Gospel Reflection on Mark 5:1-20 for Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: ‘Everyone was amazed’. Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Gospel (Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Australia & Canada) Mark 5:1-20 Jesus and his disciples reached the country of the Gerasenes on the other side of the lake, and no sooner had Jesus left the boat than a man with an unclean spirit came out from the tombs towards him. The man lived in the tombs and no one could secure him any more, even with a chain; because he had often been secured with fetters and chains but had snapped the chains and broken the fetters, and no one had the strength to control him. All night and all day, among the tombs and in the mountains, he would howl and gash himself with stones. Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and fell at his feet and shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What do you want with me, Jesus, son of the Most High God? Swear by God you will not torture me!’ – for Jesus had been saying to him, ‘Come out of the man, unclean spirit.’ ‘What is your name?’ Jesus asked. ‘My name is legion,’ he answered ‘for there are many of us.’ And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the district. Now there was there on the mountainside a great herd of pigs feeding, and the unclean spirits begged him, ‘Send us to the pigs, let us go into them.’ So he gave them leave. With that, the unclean spirits came out and went into the pigs, and the herd of about two thousand pigs charged down the cliff into the lake, and there they were drowned. The swineherds ran off and told their story in the town and in the country round about; and the people came to see what had really happened. They came to Jesus and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his full senses – the very man who had had the legion in him before – and they were afraid. And those who had witnessed it reported what had happened to the demoniac and what had become of the pigs. Then they began to implore Jesus to leave the neighbourhood. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed begged to be allowed to stay with him. Jesus would not let him but said to him, ‘Go home to your people and tell them all that the Lord in his mercy has done for you.’ So the man went off and proceeded to spread throughout the Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed. Gospel (USA) Mark 5:1-20 Unclean spirit, come out of the man! Jesus and his disciples came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes. When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him. The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain. In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones. Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!” (He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”) He asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.” And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that territory. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside. And they pleaded with him, “Send us into the swine. Let us enter them.” And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they were drowned. The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened. As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine. Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed. Reflections (7) (i) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time There is a lot of aggression in both of the readings today. In the first reading, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, the same tribe as Saul, Israel’s first king, speaks very aggressively to David, Israel’s second king, who had replaced Saul. The reading says that this man ‘uttered curse after curse and threw stones at David’ and the words of his curse were ‘Be off, be off, man of blood, scoundrel!’. In the gospel reading, a very disturbed person speaks very aggressively to Jesus, ‘What do you want with me, Jesus, son of the Most High God? Swear by God you will not torture me!’ David did not respond to the Benjaminite’s aggression with aggression of his own, even though one of David’s soldiers asked David for permission to cut the man’s head off. David simply said in response, ‘Let him curse on if the Lord has told him to’. Likewise, in the gospel reading, Jesus did not respond aggressively to the disturbed person’s aggressive approach towards him. Whereas David’s response was to let his aggressor alone, Jesus went much further. He engaged his aggressor in a very personal way, asking him, ‘What is your name?’ Up to now, the only response of people to this man’s aggression was to put him in chains. However, this only served to make him more aggressive. His aggressive strength enabled him to snap his chains and break his fetters. Just before this scene in Mark’s gospel, Jesus had calmed a disturbance in nature, a storm that threatened to sink the boat in which he and his disciples were sailing. Now he calmed the disturbance in this man’s spirit by relating to him as a human being, as distinct from some kind of an animal. The people of the region came and saw the man sitting beside Jesus, ‘clothed and in his full senses’. The reading suggests that the Lord can take anything we throw at him and remain calm. Our disturbance does not disturb him, but, rather his calm can calm us. Prayer is a moment when we can bring ourselves before the Lord, including our disturbed and angry selves, and allow the Lord of life to calm us, to give us rest, to bring us peace. We rise from prayer to bring his calming presence to others, just as in the gospel reading, Jesus called on the man who had been becalmed to ‘go home to your people and tell them all that the Lord in his mercy has done for you’. And/Or (ii) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time The gospel reading this morning puts before us probably the most disturbed person in the whole gospel story. He loved alone among the tombs; he was so violent that he could not be secured even with fetters and chains. He howled among the tombs night and day and regularly inflicted serious injury on himself. Here is someone who is out of control who, from a Jewish perspective, is living in territory that is out of bounds, a graveyard in a Gentile region. Yet, he was not out of bounds, as far as Jesus was concerned. Jesus met with him and spoke to him. After his meeting with Jesus he ceased to be out of control. Indeed, we are told that, in response to the call of Jesus, he went on to spread the word about all that Jesus had done for him throughout a very large region. This very disturbed person became an evangelist, the preacher of the gospel to the Gentiles. It is hard to imagine a greater transformation in someone’s life. We all need to be transformed in one way or another. We all need the Lord to help change us for the better. We too can find ourselves out of bounds, out of control. We ask the Lord this morning to bring us within the bounds of his love and to free us to submit to his control. And/Or (iii) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time This morning’s gospel reading is one of the most unusual miracle stories in the four gospels. The story is set in pagan territory and at its centre is a very disturbed person who was a danger to himself and probably to others. The response of those in his neighbourhood was to secure him with chains and to place him among the tombs with the dead. There was no place for him among the living. When Jesus arrived in this territory, this disturbed man approached him, and even though the man’s initial approach to Jesus was very aggressive, Jesus engaged him in conversation. By the end of the conversation, the man was freed from what had left him so disturbed and not only that but he had taken on a ministry. In response to Jesus’ invitation, he proclaimed throughout the region all that Jesus had done for him - all that God had done for him through Jesus. He became a preacher of the gospel. Jesus had just calmed the storm at sea; now he had calmed the storm in this man’s life, and released him to serve others. The risen Lord continues to calm the storms in all of our hearts if we approach him in confidence. When he does so, it will be with a view to releasing us to share in some way in his own work. And/Or (iv) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time This morning’s gospel reading follows directly on in Mark’s gospel from Saturday’s gospel reading. There Jesus calmed the storm at sea and calmed the panic of his own disciples. As Jesus and his disciples reach land they are met with another storm, this time a storm of the human spirit, a man who was so disturbed that people had him chained so that he couldn’t harm himself or others. He had also been banished to the local graveyard, to the tombs. He was living among the dead, cut off from the living. The Lord’s response to him was not to chain him up but to release him, to release him not only from his chains but from the spirit that left him so disturbed. We have an image here of how the Lord works. He works to free people from all that diminishes and dehumanizes them. This is not only the Lord’s work, but it is also the work of the church, the work of his followers, our work. That work of helping people to live a freer and fuller life is work we are called to engage in each day of our lives. If we are to engage in that work of the Lord, we need to open up our own lives to the Lord’s healing and life-giving presence. It is always as broken people in need of the Lord’s healing that we engage in his work of healing the broken. And/Or (v) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time The central character of the gospel story is one of the most disturbed people that we find in the gospels. He was someone out of control, completely alienated from himself and from others. He was more dead than alive, as is shown by his living among the tombs. He was the total outsider. Yet, Jesus engaged with him and as a result of his encounter with Jesus he was restored to himself and to the community from which he came. Having just calmed a storm at sea, Jesus calmed the storm in this man’s psyche and spirit and sent him out as a messenger of good news to his community. We may never be as disturbed as this man evidently was, but we can all find ourselves out of joint from time to time, out of sorts with ourselves and with others, feeling only half alive within ourselves, tossed and thrown about. It is then that we need to come before the Lord as the man in the gospel did. His initial approach to the Lord was quite aggressive; it was full of anger, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?’ That can be our starting point too when we come before the Lord in prayer. Yet, he is never put off by our disturbance within. If we allow him, he will pour his peace into our hearts; he will calm us as he calmed the storm, and having done so he will send us out to share his peace and mercy with others, just as he sent out the man in the gospel reading. And/Or (vi) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time The gospel reading is a story of how Jesus transforms a very disturbed man. There is an extraordinary transformation in the man between the beginning and the end of this story. At the beginning of the story he is living among the tombs on the outskirts of the town because people could not manage him. He could not be kept under control and so he was banished to a place where nobody but the dead lived. The temptation can be great to banish those who are considered too troublesome to keep. An important part of Jesus’ work consisted in bringing in from the cold those who had been excluded and restoring to the community those who had been banished to the margins. Jesus did not try to get rid of this man when he approached and spoke to Jesus in a very aggressive way. Rather, he calmed the storm within him and brought him to a place of inner calm. It is curious that when Jesus healed the man, the people reacted to Jesus in the way they had earlier reacted to the man. They wanted Jesus to leave their neighbourhood. There was something unsettling about someone who could show that a very disturbed person was not all that different from anyone else after all. Having healed the man, Jesus sent him home to his people to tell them all that Jesus had done for him. The one who had been expelled by the community now became their evangelist, sent by Jesus to proclaim the gospel, the presence of God’s kingdom in Jesus. The story suggests that those we might be tempted to expel or remove from our company can become messengers through whom the Lord preaches the gospel to us. And/Or (vii) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time This is one of the most graphically narrated of Jesus’ miracles. Jesus is on the far side of the Sea of Galilee, mostly pagan territory. The man at the centre of the story is a very disturbed person. A powerful storm is raging within him. The community’s response to him was to chain him and exile him to the tombs outside the town. They considered him as good as dead and consigned him to live among the dead. Yet, his spirit would not be chained. Although he continued to live among the tombs, he broke free of his chains. When he saw Jesus at a distance, he ran to him. He left the tombs and threw himself at the feet of the Life Giver. We are given a picture of someone who is desperately trying to move beyond his situation of enslavement and death. Through his encounter with Jesus, the storm within him is calmed. The community who were so determined to enslave him and to be rid of him now find him sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. Whereas the community only succeeded in making the storm within the man worse, Jesus calmed his storm and restored him to himself. The Lord invites us all to come before him in our need, with whatever storm may be brewing within us. If we open ourselves to the Lord’s life-giving presence, as we do in prayer, he will calm us as he calmed the storm; he will restore us to ourselves and to others. There is a striking contrast between the reaction of the man’s neighbours to what had happened and the reaction of the man himself. The neighbours implored Jesus to leave; the man begged to be allowed to stay with Jesus. The neighbours found Jesus’ presence disturbing; he had disturbed their ordered lives, restoring someone to the community who had been judged not to belong there. The man found Jesus’ presence calming; he had calmed the disturbance within him. We are being reminded that the Lord can both disturb the calm and calm the disturbed. It is striking that Jesus would not allow the man to go with him as he requested. Having received the gift of wholeness from Jesus, he now had a mission among his own people, the very people who had treated him so badly. He was to proclaim in this pagan region the gospel of the Lord’s mercy to the broken. Whenever we receive the Lord’s mercy, in whatever form, he sends us out as messengers of his mercy to others. What we receive in prayer, we give with our lives. Fr. Martin Hogan, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin, D03 AO62, Ireland. Email: sjtbclontarf@eircom.net or frmartinhogan@gmail.com Parish Website: www.stjohnsclontarf.ie Please join us via our webcam. Twitter: @SJtBClontarfRC. Facebook: St John the Baptist RC Parish, Clontarf. Tumblr: Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin.

[abcmerpaderp]

reunited

so i locked myself out of this account awhile back, and i realize i [mostly] come here when i’m at my lowest. at first it was a good idea for me to not remember my password so i wouldn’t be able to come back here an reread my old posts & whatnot. Now that i’ve regained access and start briefly looking back at my most recent posts, i cringe and couldnt even continue to scroll down anymore.

and so why did i feel the need to come back? the last time i wrote in here wasn’t even that long ago, it was at the end of winter quarter of my junior year.now i’m near the end of my fall quarter of my senior year, still within 2017 but for some reason i felt like so much has changed and i’ve faced some of the biggest difficulties within these past few months that broke me down to the core. i feel like the strong foundation i built myself from the winter quarter of my 1st year to now is completely shattered. i’ve been in a really vulnerable place these past few months and it’s been incredibly hard for me. it’s hard for me in that i feel the need / and have the only option of supporting myself -- with my job and the position i’m in, i’m expected to be a pro at counseling, a pro at mastering and encompassing all healthy habits of self-care, self-love; with what i study, there’s nothing else i should know better than mental health; and with everyone’s perception of me as the happy, optimistic person -- all of these makes it so hard for me to seek solace in others. 

and so with that, i became that same person that i started college with -- a person that kept everything to myself, because i felt embarrassed, ashamed, weak, and there’s nothing i hate more than being vulnerable and weak around so many successful, productive people. 

i don’t even know where to start because these past few months have been an emotional rollercoaster and me just digging deep and writing it all out isn’t going to be as easy as i thought:

1. my backpack was stolen

-- my backpack, which had everything valuable to me -- my laptop, my wallet, etc. was stolen during my second-to-last, yet most successful, thousand dollar event that i hosted and worked sleeplessly on. i was scared because all my shit was stolen, but i was also sad because my laptop, which costed my $780 (covered by a scholarship) had a lot of memories on it that i didn’t upload to an external source. now, this sounds toxic and unhealthy, but i’m a person that keeps all memory keep-sake things, even if some of them were related to past relationships/friendships. so, in that laptop, i had a lot of pictures from a brief, happy yet toxic period that i had with someone who’s important to me. i never uploaded the pictures onto any social media, and i never thought to use google photos, and now all those pictures/memories from those 4 months are gone. i think about it in that it’s a good thing because it was such a toxic period and i deserved better, but i woud still like to have those pictures with me. second point, my mom’s fortune teller knows this very well about me, but i’m a person that stresses day & night over finances. i’ve called my mom crying about the stress of college, LA, etc so much over these past 4 years. trust me, i know i’m lucky than others because essentially, in the end, i am and have had the opportunity to be in LA for the past 4 years, but there’s been a lot of emotional baggage/ guilt that i’ve felt knowing that my parents do everything [which may include lying] to give me the ease of being here -- every year, my dad would tell me about all the new cars that come out and asks me if i needed a car yet and that he’s been having enough/been prepared to get me a car and that i shouldnt worry about anything; he would ask me if i needed more money to spend, and if i did, he was just a few phone calls away; he would tell me that if i ever missed home, to just buy a plane ticket home regardless of the price. however, my parents know i’m hardheaded and they know that i refuse to use their money and all the money i’ve been using these past 4 years have been my own. it wasn’t until my laptop was gone that i had to ask my parents for help. everyone told me “just get a macbook, it’s worth it” yadiyaya, but bruh, if i could afford a macbook for the beginning of college, i probably would. i woul get a macbook in a heartbeat. when i hd to buy my second laptop, i bought a PC first because it was cheaper, and after my parents spent hours lecturing me, telling me to stop being cheap and stingy and hardheaded, that they said they would “lend” me money to just buy the most up-to-date apple laptop (of course, i didnt cus that shit is 1k+) idk, this is hard to explain in words but there was a lot of pain in the fact that i had to buy a new laptop because i was basically wasting 1000 that was unnecessary and stupid. it just broke my heart and it’s unfair because i’ve never never never stolen anyting from anyone; i’ve never stolen anything from a store, and i dont know what the fuck i did to deserve getting my backpack stolen. it just breaks my heart because im a firm believer of karma and as much as i do have anger for people, i never wish the worst for people. alot of things also spiraled from my backpack getting stolen. i lost my passport even though i was leaving the country in 6 weeks and bitch i needed my passport. so my passport was another $200 that i had to drop and a lot of traeling to the passport agency to have to deal with. idk there was a lot of bullshit tied to my backpack getting stolen and i was just at my lowest point and ready to go home for that quarter.

2. my grandpa passed away. and oh my god, i honestly don’t even know if i can write about this. yes, i know, people pass away -- it’s a part of life. but for me, it was just incredibly incredibly difficult and all the memories from that week were so vivid -- i was full of fear, sadness, regret, shame. it’s very hard for me to go into detail right now because it’s still very sensitive to me, but i just want to say i’m really grateful for my grandpa and all the things that he did for me when i was younger. he took care of me while my parents were at work, him and my grandma would take me to the bus to school. my grandpa knew no english what so ever, yet he bought me a fisher-price toy that had the alphabet, and i would press on each letter and it would tell me the letter and a word example for that letter; he bought me paper and pens to let me draw and practice my abcs; he bought AND MADE toys for me because my mom didn’t believe in buying us toys; and i never realized how important and relevant it is until now, but he was a preacher, he was a narrator, and he always, always talked about his history, his stories about Vietnam, and how how how important it was for kids to know history and for kids to go on with education. and look where i am, from high school to now, i’ve always been involved in SEA stuff and i never realized how much my grandpa played into that. and now, i teach others of the importance of knowing our parents/grandparents histories and teaching others how education for us allows us to uplift our community. there’s a lot more i have to say but him passing away was hard and continues to still be really, really hard for me. i cried probably every week in japan, and on his 30th day, i did praers in japan, i called my mom crying tell her what to tell him, i told jimmy what to tell him for me. i wished i could have been there for him, and i’m really really angry at myself that i couldn’t. and even when i couldnt be there for him, he still visited me while i was in japan. he told me even when i’m incredibly stressed, he told me that everything will be okay and that i’ll be able to get through it. i couldnt be there for him when he needed support the most, yet he’s still able to be loving and supportive enough to reassure me. gong gong, i’ll always hold my childhood memories with you deep and close to my heart.

3. a slap into reality -- me thinking i’ve been the best version of myself, the good and supportive friend to all my friends only to realize i’ve been nothing but full of myself and my own illusions; me realizing the terrible person that i actually have been and my lack of awareness and sensitivity to those around me. how tf am i a counselor if i can’t even be there for my friends? me wanting to be there for everyone, while also being scared to reach out and ask the hard questions or even taking the first step. this further led me to being more disappointed in myself -- not being there for my grandpa, not being there for my friends -- how can i say i want to help/support others when i’m the biggest culprit in hurting those around me? 

4. and then there’s me, being vulnerable, and letting others care for me only to realize that i should have never let anyone care for me in that sense to begin with; i’m better off carrying my own emotional baggage than letting someone know my emotional baggage, then disappearing and realizing that my baggage with them was just dumped into the dumpster. please do not let me open up to you, do not let me tell you about my insecurities, do not allow me to trust you, do not allow me to cry to you, do not let me do/share my happy things/activities with you if you’re not going to be in my life for the long run. (this has always been a problem for me, and i know ive been trying to work on it but it’s so hard) but one of my biggest flaws?? idek what to call it -- but one of my biggest things is that i don’t let myself be loved; i dont let others care for me or show me any affection. sure, maybe a piece of that has to do with the fact that i feel undeserving of love (i know, i know, i need to love myself and realize my worth yadiaya, but it ain’t easy) but it’s also because if i let you into my life, i’d do my best and exert all my energy to support you, make you happy, etc (even though, going back to point #3, i’m clearly not good at it). i put so much work into building a wall between me and the world, so please don’t make me tear down years of hard work for something/someone that is just only temporary. and if i start opening up to you, and you start seeing the emotional wreck that is my life (yeah i’m a wreck to others, but to mself, i’m a work in progress so w/e) and you can’t handle this beautiful mess, then just walk out as soon as possible. do not stay because you feel sorry or you feel the need to help me, because trust me, you’re only making things worse. i open up to others and let others in on the wreck of my life not because i expect others to fix me or help me, but to just have someone on the sidelines to cheer me on and be like girl, you is doing good making progress making a beautful work of art etc. it’s like how i love to support people at their dance competitions/sports games/drama or music performances because i know they worked hard on what they’re passionate about, and at the end of all their hardwork, they want to share with others the beautiful artwork that they’ve worked so hard on.  i dont got no talents (lmao) but something i’m struggliing with but still am working on is myself -- and you know at the end of the day, at each tiny milestone that i reach, it’s nice to know people are in the audience cheering me on or taking me out on breaks to rejuvenate myself so i dont overwork myself. so all in all, dont come into my life if youre not gonna stay for the long run. it’s too much energy on my part to break down my walls for others. but you know what, it’s okay because i’m getting better at goodbyes *cue Sam Smith -- Too Good at Goodbyes* <-- you dont know how many times i’ve listened to this && have cried to this bc it’s so good.

I know you're thinking I'm heartless I know you're thinking I'm cold I'm just protecting my innocence I'm just protecting my soul

I'm never gonna let you close to me Even though you mean the most to me 'Cause every time I open up, it hurts So I'm never gonna get too close to you Even when I mean the most to you In case you go and leave me in the dirt

I'm way too good at goodbyes

also, because of all of this, i don’t let anyone, not even my roommates or my closest friends, show any sort of affection/care/love towards me. period. those who are close to me know that i don’t like/do hugs, but it’s gotten worse after this. hugs trigger me. hugs are deceiving. they can feel so real and warm but leave you so cold the next moment. i shiver / sweat when people hug me because it reminds me of the times i get close to people and had to relearn time and time again that i’m not one to get affectiontely close to others. there were two instances where i was really out of it/sad and my roommate hugged me. at the moment of the hug, i felt nothing, but as soon as he let go, i went down this spiral and just started crying omgg; and then a second time with my other roommate, she hugged me so warmly, and i pushed her off and said “no, hugs trigger me please don’t” and i walked out of the room (lol). but i can’t explain this people so i gotta forcibly do the world’s most awkward hugs to everyone around me. but if i’m really close with you, i’ll hold your elbow -- thats my way of showing others im grateful for you in forms other than a hug. 

wow who knew writing could relieve so much. here’s to my roommates for giving me space and not questining me while im crying and typing on the sofa at 4 am. but here’s to hopefully being one step closer in getting over these rough mountains. 

[walcutt]

i was tagged by @eruditetyro for this

1. Nicknames? 

None

2. Gender?

i dont really have an identity im comfortable with at the moment, but ive stuck with he/him in the meantime while i sort things out on that end

3. Star sign?

Leo

4. Height?

5′10″

5. Time?

9:50pm

6. Birthday?

august 15th

7. Favorite Bands?

I’ve always loved okkervil river, the national, and arcade fire. i’ve also been digging yo la tengo recently

8. Favorite solo artists?

I don’t listen to many solo artists, most of the music i listen to is groups

9. Song stuck in my head?

ive had parts of deeper into movies and the story of yo la tango, both by yo la tengo, stuck in my head lately

10. Last movie I watched?

I think it was kubo of the two strings, but it might have been a documentary on bottled water

11. Last show watched?

I watched preacher with my family when i was at home–its been a couple weeks now though

12. When did you create your blog?

fall of my freshman year, which I think was like october 2011?? what the fuck its been that long?

13. What do I post?

posts. i dont really classify the stuff i post i just sorta feel it in an ad-hoc sense

14. Last thing I googled?

the roanoke star, because a friend of mine didn’t think it was real

15. do you have other blogs?

i have some hoarded urls but otherwise no. one of these days, when i get more active and consistent in game development, i might make a sideblog (maybe moving my current url to it bc i like it as a name/identity, but i dont know for sure)

16. Do you get asks?

not super often, but i also dont send many and so its understandable . we are part of the problem

17. Why did you choose your url?

I was feeling super nostalgic one day right after graduating high school, and i felt like i was losing a lot of the parts of home i liked. and so i chose the name of a street on the way to an old friend of mine’s as something to hold onto i guess

18. Following?

239 people, probs only 2/3 of them are active tho lol bc ive never cleared out old ppl

19. Followers?

461, again with questionable amounts of active people

20. Favorite colors?

pale blues & deep greys

21. Average hours of sleep?

It’s actually been about 8-10 lately. iml ike the only person who sleeps better at college than at home

22. lucky number?

BB(17)

23. Instruments?

I play ukulele with pretty mediocre ability, but its more for fun than being any good anyways. I have a tenor and a baritone with me

24. What am I wearing?

standard white boy college in the summer outfit of graphic tee + khaki shorts, because honestly there’s no fashionable options that have any semblance of being reasonable

25. How many blankets do I sleep with?

usually just a comforter and a sheet. id like more but unfortunately i get super overheated if i sleep with like, any more,

26. Dream job?

no job. but honestly i’d like to be in game design/game development for a while at least, while im still young enough to manage the hours

27. Dream trip?

a long, unstructured backpacking trip in the appalachians would be ideal. maybe with some close friends but not necessarily, some quiet would be equally nice

28. Favorite food?

Pasta with (good) sauce. bad sauce is all too common at my school’s dining halls tragically

29. Nationality?

american, my dad’s side is italian but i’d be like a 4th generation immigrant so it’s not really of any significance

30. Favorite song?

Oh Man. Oh man. i have a lot at any given time. Here are a few recommendations:

Deeper into Movies and Black Flowers by Yo la Tengo

The Trapeze Swinger and Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron and Wine

Unless It’s Kicks by Okkervil River

The Collapse of the Great Tide Cliffs by The Dear Hunter

most of my friends on here have already been tagged but if u see this and want to do it. i honorarily bestow upon u the honor of tagging

[frmartinshomiliesandreflections]

3rd February >> Fr. Martin’s Gospel Reflections / Homilies on Mark 5:1-20 for Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: ‘Everyone was amazed’.

Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel (Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Australia & Canada)

Mark 5:1-20

The Gadarene swine

Jesus and his disciples reached the country of the Gerasenes on the other side of the lake, and no sooner had Jesus left the boat than a man with an unclean spirit came out from the tombs towards him. The man lived in the tombs and no one could secure him any more, even with a chain; because he had often been secured with fetters and chains but had snapped the chains and broken the fetters, and no one had the strength to control him. All night and all day, among the tombs and in the mountains, he would howl and gash himself with stones. Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and fell at his feet and shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What do you want with me, Jesus, son of the Most High God? Swear by God you will not torture me!’ – for Jesus had been saying to him, ‘Come out of the man, unclean spirit.’ ‘What is your name?’ Jesus asked. ‘My name is legion,’ he answered ‘for there are many of us.’ And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the district.

Now there was there on the mountainside a great herd of pigs feeding, and the unclean spirits begged him, ‘Send us to the pigs, let us go into them.’ So he gave them leave. With that, the unclean spirits came out and went into the pigs, and the herd of about two thousand pigs charged down the cliff into the lake, and there they were drowned. The swineherds ran off and told their story in the town and in the country round about; and the people came to see what had really happened. They came to Jesus and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his full senses – the very man who had had the legion in him before – and they were afraid. And those who had witnessed it reported what had happened to the demoniac and what had become of the pigs. Then they began to implore Jesus to leave the neighbourhood. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed begged to be allowed to stay with him. Jesus would not let him but said to him, ‘Go home to your people and tell them all that the Lord in his mercy has done for you.’ So the man went off and proceeded to spread throughout the Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed.

Gospel (USA)

Mark 5:1-20

Unclean spirit, come out of the man!

Jesus and his disciples came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes. When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him. The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain. In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones. Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!” (He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”) He asked him, “What is your name?” He  replied, “Legion is my name.  There are many of us.” And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that territory.

Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside. And they pleaded with him, “Send us into the swine.  Let us enter them.” And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they were drowned. The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened. As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine. Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

Reflections (9)

(i) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

When David was cursed by one of his opponents in today’s first reading, he did not do what one of his soldiers suggested to him, namely to have this man’s head cut off. Instead, David absorbed the man’s curse and went on his way. In the gospel reading, Jesus is related to in a similarly threatening way by a very disturbed person, ‘What do you want with me, Jesus, son of the Most High God?’ Like David, Jesus did not return aggression for aggression. However, Jesus went beyond what David did. He did not simply continue on his way, like David, but, rather, he addressed his opponent in a very personal and respectful manner, ‘What is your name?’ and then went on to heal him of his demons, restoring him to himself and to his community. At the end, the disturbed man was so touched by Jesus that he wanted to stay with Jesus and join him on his journeys. David, and to a greater extent, Jesus, reveals to us something of God’s way of relating to us. God is not put off by our resistance to him, or even by our hostility towards him. Rather, regardless of how we relate to God, God continues to relate to us out of the goodness in his own heart. He keeps asking us, ‘what is your name?’ inviting us to reveal ourselves to him, to open our hearts to him, even when darkness lurks there. As Jesus shows in the gospel reading, God works in our lives to rid us of our demons, to restore us to harmony with ourselves and with others. What the Lord needs from us in response is some openness of mind, heart and spirit to his healing and life-giving presence, the kind of openness shown by the man in the gospel reading after his healing, when he begged to be allowed to stay with Jesus.

And/Or

(ii) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The gospel reading this morning puts before us probably the most disturbed person in the whole gospel story. He loved alone among the tombs; he was so violent that he could not be secured even with fetters and chains. He howled among the tombs night and day and regularly inflicted serious injury on himself. Here is someone who is out of control who, from a Jewish perspective, is living in territory that is out of bounds, a graveyard in a Gentile region. Yet, he was not out of bounds, as far as Jesus was concerned. Jesus met with him and spoke to him. After his meeting with Jesus he ceased to be out of control. Indeed, we are told that, in response to the call of Jesus, he went on to spread the word about all that Jesus had done for him throughout a very large region. This very disturbed person became an evangelist, the preacher of the gospel to the Gentiles. It is hard to imagine a greater transformation in someone’s life. We all need to be transformed in one way or another. We all need the Lord to help change us for the better. We too can find ourselves out of bounds, out of control. We ask the Lord this morning to bring us within the bounds of his love and to free us to submit to his control.

 And/Or

(iii) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

This morning’s gospel reading is one of the most unusual miracle stories in the four gospels. The story is set in pagan territory and at its centre is a very disturbed person who was a danger to himself and probably to others. The response of those in his neighbourhood was to secure him with chains and to place him among the tombs with the dead. There was no place for him among the living. When Jesus arrived in this territory, this disturbed man approached him, and even though the man’s initial approach to Jesus was very aggressive, Jesus engaged him in conversation. By the end of the conversation, the man was freed from what had left him so disturbed and not only that but he had taken on a ministry. In response to Jesus’ invitation, he proclaimed throughout the region all that Jesus had done for him - all that God had done for him through Jesus. He became a preacher of the gospel. Jesus had just calmed the storm at sea; now he had calmed the storm in this man’s life, and released him to serve others. The risen Lord continues to calm the storms in all of our hearts if we approach him in confidence. When he does so, it will be with a view to releasing us to share in some way in his own work.

 And/Or

(iv) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

This morning’s gospel reading follows directly on in Mark’s gospel from Saturday’s gospel reading. There Jesus calmed the storm at sea and calmed the panic of his own disciples. As Jesus and his disciples reach land they are met with another storm, this time a storm of the human spirit, a man who was so disturbed that people had him chained so that he couldn’t harm himself or others. He had also been banished to the local graveyard, to the tombs. He was living among the dead, cut off from the living. The Lord’s response to him was not to chain him up but to release him, to release him not only from his chains but from the spirit that left him so disturbed. We have an image here of how the Lord works. He works to free people from all that diminishes and dehumanizes them. This is not only the Lord’s work, but it is also the work of the church, the work of his followers, our work. That work of helping people to live a freer and fuller life is work we are called to engage in each day of our lives. If we are to engage in that work of the Lord, we need to open up our own lives to the Lord’s healing and life-giving presence. It is always as broken people in need of the Lord’s healing that we engage in his work of healing the broken.

 And/Or

(v) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The central character of the gospel story is one of the most disturbed people that we find in the gospels. He was someone out of control, completely alienated from himself and from others. He was more dead than alive, as is shown by his living among the tombs. He was the total outsider. Yet, Jesus engaged with him and as a result of his encounter with Jesus he was restored to himself and to the community from which he came. Having just calmed a storm at sea, Jesus calmed the storm in this man’s psyche and spirit and sent him out as a messenger of good news to his community. We may never be as disturbed as this man evidently was, but we can all find ourselves out of joint from time to time, out of sorts with ourselves and with others, feeling only half alive within ourselves, tossed and thrown about. It is then that we need to come before the Lord as the man in the gospel did. His initial approach to the Lord was quite aggressive; it was full of anger, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?’ That can be our starting point too when we come before the Lord in prayer. Yet, he is never put off by our disturbance within. If we allow him, he will pour his peace into our hearts; he will calm us as he calmed the storm, and having done so he will send us out to share his peace and mercy with others, just as he sent out the man in the gospel reading.

 And/Or

(vi) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The gospel reading is a story of how Jesus transforms a very disturbed man. There is an extraordinary transformation in the man between the beginning and the end of this story. At the beginning of the story he is living among the tombs on the outskirts of the town because people could not manage him. He could not be kept under control and so he was banished to a place where nobody but the dead lived. The temptation can be great to banish those who are considered too troublesome to keep. An important part of Jesus’ work consisted in bringing in from the cold those who had been excluded and restoring to the community those who had been banished to the margins. Jesus did not try to get rid of this man when he approached and spoke to Jesus in a very aggressive way. Rather, he calmed the storm within him and brought him to a place of inner calm. It is curious that when Jesus healed the man, the people reacted to Jesus in the way they had earlier reacted to the man. They wanted Jesus to leave their neighbourhood. There was something unsettling about someone who could show that a very disturbed person was not all that different from anyone else after all. Having healed the man, Jesus sent him home to his people to tell them all that Jesus had done for him. The one who had been expelled by the community now became their evangelist, sent by Jesus to proclaim the gospel, the presence of God’s kingdom in Jesus. The story suggests that those we might be tempted to expel or remove from our company can become messengers through whom the Lord preaches the gospel to us.

 And/Or

(vii) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

This is one of the most graphically narrated of Jesus’ miracles. Jesus is on the far side of the Sea of Galilee, mostly pagan territory. The man at the centre of the storyis a very disturbed person. A powerful storm is raging within him. The community’s response to him was to chain him and exile him to the tombs outside the town. They considered him as good as dead and consigned him to live among the dead. Yet, his spirit would not be chained. Although he continued to live among the tombs, he broke free of his chains. When he saw Jesus at a distance, he ran to him. He left the tombs and threw himself at the feet of the Life Giver. We are given a picture of someone who is desperately trying to move beyond his situation of enslavement and death. Through his encounter with Jesus, the storm within him is calmed. The community who were so determined to enslave him and to be rid of him now find him sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. Whereas the community only succeeded in making the storm within the man worse, Jesus calmed his storm and restored him to himself. The Lord invites us all to come before him in our need, with whatever storm may be brewing within us. If we open ourselves to the Lord’s life-giving presence, as we do in prayer, he will calm us as he calmed the storm; he will restore us to ourselves and to others. There is a striking contrast between the reaction of the man’s neighbours to what had happened and the reaction of the man himself. The neighbours implored Jesus to leave; the man begged to be allowed to stay with Jesus. The neighbours found Jesus’ presence disturbing; he had disturbed their ordered lives, restoring someone to the community who had been judged not to belong there. The man found Jesus’ presence calming; he had calmed the disturbance within him. We are being reminded that the Lord can both disturb the calm and calm the disturbed. It is striking that Jesus would not allow the man to go with him as he requested. Having received the gift of wholeness from Jesus, he now had a mission among his own people, the very people who had treated him so badly. He was to proclaim in this pagan region the gospel of the Lord’s mercy to the broken. Whenever we receive the Lord’s mercy, in whatever form, he sends us out as messengers of his mercy to others. What we receive in prayer, we give with our lives.

 And/Or

(viii) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time 

There is a lot of aggression in both of the readings today. In the first reading, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, the same tribe as Saul, Israel’s first king, speaks very aggressively to David, Israel’s second king, who had replaced Saul. The reading says that this man ‘uttered curse after curse and threw stones at David’ and the words of his curse were ‘Be off, be off, man of blood, scoundrel!’. In the gospel reading, a very disturbed person speaks very aggressively to Jesus, ‘What do you want with me, Jesus, son of the Most High God? Swear by God you will not torture me!’ David did not respond to the Benjaminite’s aggression with aggression of his own, even though one of David’s soldiers asked David for permission to cut the man’s head off. David simply said in response, ‘Let him curse on if the Lord has told him to’. Likewise, in the gospel reading, Jesus did not respond aggressively to the disturbed person’s aggressive approach towards him. Whereas David’s response was to let his aggressor alone, Jesus went much further. He engaged his aggressor in a very personal way, asking him, ‘What is your name?’ Up to now, the only response of people to this man’s aggression was to put him in chains. However, this only served to make him more aggressive. His aggressive strength enabled him to snap his chains and break his fetters. Just before this scene in Mark’s gospel, Jesus had calmed a disturbance in nature, a storm that threatened to sink the boat in which he and his disciples were sailing. Now he calmed the disturbance in this man’s spirit by relating to him as a human being, as distinct from some kind of an animal. The people of the region came and saw the man sitting beside Jesus, ‘clothed and in his full senses’. The reading suggests that the Lord can take anything we throw at him and remain calm. Our disturbance does not disturb him, but, rather his calm can calm us. Prayer is a moment when we can bring ourselves before the Lord, including our disturbed and angry selves, and allow the Lord of life to calm us, to give us rest, to bring us peace. We rise from prayer to bring his calming presence to others, just as in the gospel reading, Jesus called on the man who had been becalmed to ‘go home to your people and tell them all that the Lord in his mercy has done for you’.

 And/Or

(ix) Monday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

We are all aware of the phenomenon of violence in our world, both in far off places and closer to home. We can be shocked at how violent people can be towards others, especially towards the most vulnerable. As well as violence done to others, sometimes people can do violence to themselves. Our natural instinct is to protect ourselves, but when some people are in a dark place that natural instinct can be abandoned and they can end up harming themselves. We have an example of that kind self- harm in today’s gospel reading. It features someone who is probably the most disturbed person in all of the gospels. He was so disturbed that the local community had banished him to the tombs, the graveyard, outside their town, and they had tried to chain him there. Such was his disturbed strength that he broke the chains and harmed himself, gashing himself with stones. He was a total outsider; he knew that no one wanted him. Yet, according to the gospel reading, when Jesus arrived in the area, he ran up to Jesus. Perhaps, he sensed that Jesus could help him. Whereas others shunned him, Jesus went on to engage with him, asking him his name, and, finally, releasing him from his demons, freeing him from his disturbance. The people were amazed to see the man sitting beside Jesus, properly clothed and in his full senses. It is strange that they should then implore Jesus to leave their neighbourhood. It’s as if they were disturbed by Jesus’ capacity and power to release this man from his disturbance. The story reminds us that there is no human situation or condition so disturbed that the Lord cannot touch in a healing and life-giving way. It can be tempting to write off certain people or even ourselves as lost causes. We give up on what seems like a lost cause, just as the people in the gospel reading gave up on this member of their community. Yet, the Lord never gives up on us. He can calm even the most disturbed and disturbing of human spirits. The power of the Lord’s calming presence can never be underestimated. We can open ourselves to his calming presence in prayer, so that we become a calming influence, the Lord’s calming influence, on those we come across in life.

Fr. Martin Hogan, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin, D03 AO62, Ireland.

Email: sjtbclontarf@eircom.net or  revmartinhogan@gmail.com

Parish Website: www.stjohnsclontarf.ie  Please join us via our webcam.

Twitter: @SJtBClontarfRC.

Facebook: St John the Baptist RC Parish, Clontarf.

Tumblr: Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin.