Jack’s Winning Words 2/28/17
“Ever Wonder Why?”  (Book by Douglas Smith)  Curious people would like Smith’s book.  It answers lots of question, like:  “Why are black cats considered unlucky?...Why do jumping beans jump?...Why is zero in tennis called, love?”  Sometimes I wish that God would write a book like that.  For example, “Why do bad things happen to good people?...Why do you allow evil?...Why do people eat paczki today?”  We all have God-questions.  What’s yours?    ;-)  Jack

FROM BS IN ENGLAND:  Black cats in England are lucky and today, Shrove Tuesday, we will eat pancakes.====JACK:  Don't they have a "pancake race" in England where ladies try to see who's the fastest runner while flipping a pancake in a frying pan.  Have you ever done that?

FROM TARMART REV:  What's taking Him sooooo looooong to come back for the faithful still faithfully waiting  . . . 0;-)====JACK:  The early disciples asked the same question.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Why do we try so hard to be good and fail nearly every time?  Why did you make no-see-ems?====JACK:  If we could be good on our own, there'd be no need for the grace of God when it comes to salvation.  No-like-um-that!====JUDY: I'm so deeply grateful to God for his Grace and Mercy!!'  It's what gets us through!

FROM THE PEW IN FRONT OF ME:  I like the one from one of your sermons.  Is there really only one path to see God?====JACK:  I think that the verse, "No one comes to the Father but through me," needs some interpretation.  God does not intend for us to leave our brain with the car in the parking lot when we go to church.  Of course I believe that Jesus is God, coming to us in human form to help us understand the unknowable.  And God reveals himself in other ways, too.  Today I had lunch with my friend, the Imam (Shaykh Mohamed Almasmari) from the Muslim Unity Center.  If anyone exudes the spirit of Jesus, he is that person.  ...a long answer to a short question...and it could be longer.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Why couldn't you give us a few more details about "heaven" and the place you prepared for us when we "cross over"? Inquiring minds would love to know!!!  I know, "that's where Faith comes in..."  The book sounds interesting!====JACK:  Gates of pearl and streets of gold don't impress me.  No more crying and answered questions do..====OAKS:  I'm certainly not expecting those either, and expect to be greeted with unconditional love, because that's what God is!

FROM FM IN WISCONSIN:  Why is getting old more difficult than growing up?====JACK: The younger people only read about the limitations of aging.   The older people experience them.

FROM LBP IN PLYMOUTH:  Isn't the last one like all other "Fat Tuesday " feasts? To use up the larder before the big fast?====JACK:  To use up the lard (meat and all meat-related products before Lent begins)...  Traditionally, Catholics have eaten only fish during Lent and on Fridays as a reminder to concentrate on the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday.  As you may recall, the Greek word for fish, ΙΧΘΥΣ, is an acrostic which, translated into English, is, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.  So, force yourself to eat fish instead of meat (and lard-ed paczki), and you will think of Jesus.====LBP:   I had fish for lunch. Kind of coincidentally. Just grabbed leftovers :)