Thursday, June 28, 2012

Introducing, Prodigal

Getting to Know Prodigal
An Interview with Cory Larmour
It is funny that I am doing this, cause Cory and I have never actually met in person, but we had some mutual friends and more importantly, we both see our Catholic Faith as the most important thing. We connected because of that, and now I find myself blogging about him. Hopefully you all enjoy the interview!

Myself:
Hey man, first off, start with introducing yourself if you don't mind, and let the public know who you are.

Cory:
 Hey everybody.. my name is Cory. I go by the stage name Prodigal. I am currently working on an album entitled Unafraid. I am so glad to have a few free minutes to chat with you Brendan. I really like what you are doing with this blog. I'm sure that you will be able to touch many and lead them to Christ.
Myself:
Thanks man, means alot. I am just trying to spread the gospel message, even though I am very flawed myself. Blessed Mother Teresa said, "We can do no great things, only small things, with great Love." I try and follow that. This blog is not very popular, but I know that even though it doesn't reach the masses, some people do read it, and I hope it has some effect on them. I find it humbling to remember that no matter what I do, it is still not enough. St. Francis Assisi said, "Up until now, we have done nothing." He meant it also, so it pushes me to never stop trying. If a Saint didn't think he did enough, I know I can't be complacent.  But on to question number two. Why is your rapper name Prodigal?

Cory:
I chose the name Prodigal because I really think that the parable of the Prodigal Son really connects to my life and the lives of so many other people that I know. I mean.. like a majority of high school and college students, I knew about God, knew about Jesus, had been going to church for sometime.. but I put limits on Faith. I would coin phrases like "yeah I believe in God... But I'm not that into it". Thinking that my faith life was similar to following a sport or a show on the television. When I went away to school for the first time, I fell out of church. I started to work at night clubs, and doing everything I was told was sinful as I was growing up. I really didn't care about who I was hurting as long as I was "cool" and making money. One night, while I was out, I experienced a tradgedy that really made me change my perspectives and in my time of need I opened myself to Jesus and his healing. And ever since that day, the day I was saved, my life has never been more fufilling. Yeah I might have given up a lot of the things I used to place value on, but now I know that Christ Jesus is all I need. The parable of the Prodigal Son shows a child leaving his father, acting out, getting himself into trouble, leading a sinful life, and coming back to his father when he is struggling to ask for mercy and forgiveness. That's pretty much my life. I turned away from God.. my pride took over.. and then I failed. Without Gods support I could not stand on my own. And it took me a complete fall to go back and seek his love.


Myself:
That is awesome dude. It's funny to go to Franciscan, cause you see alot of complacentcy, and it comes from the people who have stayed the straight path most of their lives. They always have stayed away from the parties, and all the real bad "sin", but then they just don't seem to be on fire, you know? Then you hear stories like yours, and you can sense a real passion and longing for Christ. Your realization for how important Christ is really shows. Don't get me wrong, the people who have been "good" their whole lives are a great witness, and its by the grace of God that they are in that spot, but with that, we must not become complacent. You're story, though I have only heard a small portion, is awesome and inspires me to want to continue growing.
Another question I'd like to ask you is, When it comes to christian artists, who is your favorite? any funny stories?

Cory:
That's a tough question. Growing up I was a rock kind of guy. So I love groups like Tenth Avenue North. Mike Donehey, vocalist, is incredible. If you get the chance go on YouTube and check out his video journals. As a rapper.. I have to say my 116 clique/Reach Records family. Lecrae, Trip Lee, Andy Mineo, KB, Tedashi, and everyone else. They are great musicians and even greater examples of what it means to be Men of Christ. Also I grew up with Righteous B.. he was the youth minister at my church when I was a youngin. As far as funny stories go.. I have so many. From forgetting entire song lyrics to seeing one of the most shy guys I know who won't even talk backstage, go out on stage with courage and proclaim the gospel to nearly 10,000 people at a time... No names. I feel that Christian music as a whole is gaining popularity. And to be able to associate myself with Christian hip hop and be able to work with movements like 116 and be "Unashamed" of the gospel is an incredible honor. I am able to use means that quite frequently glorifies all the things that ruin ones relationship with God... And flip the script to teach kids growing up in the hip-hop culture that religion and God can be cool.

Myself:

Yeah dude, and we need that. My sister taught at a Catholic High School and had my brother and I come in and talk to them about Manhood, and for the most part, these kids were so lost. I used the phrase, "You are a product of your enviorment" and it reigned true with a lot of them. Kids want to break out of the sin and stuff, but it is not easy when "everyone" is doing it. Hopefully you'll find kids listening to your music over the radio stuff, which for the most part, does not have positive messages. It is really sad, cause most people I know listen to radio music, and they have no idea what they are listening to and singing. The songs are garbage, and there is no reason to listen to it. Enough from me though. Another question. Why did you decide to transfer to Franciscan?

Cory:
Transferring to Francsiscan University was a no brainer for me. I decided that i wanted to go to school for Cathetics and to learn about my faith and in my humble opinion their is no better place. I have had so many friends go through and graduate and love every minute they spent there. Also so many people who grew up in towns around me now live in Steubenville. Bob Rice, who teaches at the university, Righteous B, Kelly Pease Lombardi. Plus the campus is stunning.


Myself:
I couldn't agree more bro. I work in Admissions and people are always calling and asking me if I like it here. I can't say enough good things. Only school I applied to and with good reason. Such an amazing place. But anyway, care to tell the reader about some other things you do and other talents? 

Cory:
God has been good to me and blessed me with many talents. I'm trying to glorify him in all that I do.. because without his Grace.. I would not be able to do anything. First, I really consider myseld a musician rather than a rapper. I play drums (work as a drumline instructor), piano, bass, and sing. I work as a producer and run my own studio. I am a certified personal trainer and currently work at a gym. I play lacrosse. I love to cook. I used to be a magician. And I am conference/retreat speaker. I stay really busy but I wouldn't have it any other way.



Myself:
That is amazing dude. All we can do is thank the Lord for what we've been given, and use it for His greater glory! Well thank you for the interview bro, and I look forward to getting to know you better while you're at Franciscan. Check out Cory's music on fbook -

www.Facebook.com/prodigalrap
Also "Unafraid" is due to drop on itunes July 25th.

Cory:
God bless everyone and remember that life comes from God.. so every moment that you have. Be grateful.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

The Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God
&
Our Daily Pursuit

As a Catholic, I am called to pursue holiness, hoping for eternal life with God. Jesus died and rose from the dead so that all could live with him and partake in his everlasting inheritance. This sounds pretty nice, but sometimes, it is difficult to pursue.
Why?
As humans, we often need to see to believe.
St. Paul said, "for we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7
Though St. Paul said this, it is a difficult task. Sometimes, we find ourselves comparable to St. Thomas, doubtful until seeing. We want to pursue heaven, and do the will of God, but with no sight of God's kingdom on earth, it sometimes seems too much.

I guess what I am saying is, as great as faith is, and walking by it, it not something we just go with. The desire to live for God is very real, and we can even find ourselves praying often and making sacrifices for others, but at the end of the day, we still fall short for we don't have that "mustard seed faith."
Fr Michael Scanlan T.O.R. speaks about this and says:
"Thinking with a kingdom mentality can simplify many of the decisions we need to make in the course of our lives. The key question to ask is: Does this job, this relationship, this school, this amusement, take me closer to God or further away?"

It is easy to approach our day to day with a faithful mindset, but even with that, we don't always give it ALL. We are normally willing to go part of the distance, but never ALL the way. This is what shows the difference between the Saints and just good Catholics. Fr. Dominic Foster T.O.R. calls it "Crucifying oneself." With this, we do the Lord's will and not our own.

 It is possible to do OUR will and still be faithful but are we truly giving the Lord our best effort? We want to be well off, work that perfect job and with that, we'll go to Mass on Sunday. When we die, we want to go to heaven. All of that is good, but it sounds like the man in scripture who asks the Lord what he needs to do to get to the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus tells him he is doing well, but needs to give up everything and follow him.Then scripture says he walks away sad because he has many possessions. The man was not ready to give God everything. Scripture never reveals to us what happens to him, but I know when I read that part of the bible, I worry. I see myself in that man!

I want to be as faithful as possible, so that when I die, I can really feel like I've done the best I could. I want to "Crucify my will."

 I want to be a Saint!

How can this be done though?

I personally believe it begins with putting away the worldly possessions that hinder us, and living not for wealth and personally success, but for the Lord! I've grown up in a middle class family, but we've never been spoiled with gifts or vacations. My family has lived simply, and because of this, I've seen the fruits of not worrying about worldly comforts. Don't get me wrong, I have nice things, and I really enjoy them, but I don't find myself worried about money like so many people I know.

I was asking my friend why he chose his major and one of the biggest reasons was because he thought the money would be good. I dug deeper and asked if he liked anything else, and he did, but he didn't want to major in it because the money was not as good. He preferred the one, but chose the other due to financial reasons.

I understand that people want to have families and want to be financially okay, but when this person said that to me, I was surprised by their lack of faith in God. He will provide, if we just call upon him! No Saint ever died rich, and that is because they knew that the real riches were not earthly, but heavenly.
I personally, at this point, am looking into teaching, at a Catholic School none the less, and have been told by people that I'm stupid, because I will not make money. Well, they're correct that I am stupid, but I like to think that God will provide for this stupid person.

We are not on this earth to do well for ourselves first, and then do things for God. God needs to come first. I am not saying that you have to be poor to be a good Catholic, but in a way, you're better off if you are, and the Saints have proven that. If you are well off, you need to put that money towards helping less fortunate people, and remember that everything you have, is because of God, and needs to be used to better his kingdom.

It is a choice we all have to make. Either live for God and "Crucify your will," or do your own thing and hope it is enough. You can get to heaven either way. but we all know the saying, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:24

Well I'd rather not risk that. I've never seen a camel go through a needle.
Life for him completely, or you will probably regret it.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Hi, My Name is Brendan

Is this weird? 
I don't know. 
Do I care? 
Try not to.
I have decided that I am going to write a Blog all about myself.
Why? 
I want to really try and let people understand me better. If you read this, cool. If not, that is cool too. I think an explanation for who I am could go along way. I don't want people to judge me when they don't even know me. And yes, I know I struggle with judging people myself. I am working on it.
Anyways. Let us start with "The Beginning."
If you don't know, that is the name of my blog. When I named it that, it was just a stupid name and had little meaning, but now it makes sense. In all things, we must go to the start to have it make sense. You don't watch a movie after it is an hour in. You don't skip the first 10 chapters in a book. You don't understand Christianity without the Old Testament. Like I said, you need to go to the root, the Beginning. This is my story. Well, some of it. 










Okay, that is me on the left when I was little. Mike, is right next to me. He is my best friend in the whole wide world. God has given me a lot in life and Mike, who has always been there for me, is one of the best things. 

This is me now -
Just kidding.

This is me now. I'm 18 years young and just happy to be alive. 
So where to begin. 
Like I said, Mike is my brother and best friend. Do I have other best friends? Yes, and they know who they are. 
When it comes down to it, the thing I desire most in life, is Sainthood. When I type this, I can't help but think of how bad I am at this, but then I also remember the good I've done, and I like to think God looks at that and is pleased. 
I have been Catholic my whole life, and I don't like to think about where I'd be with out that, cause guess what? I have been raised that way, and I am most thankful for it. I am the 4th of 8 beautiful children, son of Kurt and Rooney Gotta. Gosh, I love my family. Here is a picture of us all - 
Alissa is the oldest, then Kailey, Mike, myself, Michaela, Collin, Aidan and Kellen. I can honestly say, I LOVE them all, and my biggest prayer is that one day we can all be joined in Heaven. Alissa is getting married to the lovely fellow in the corner, Sean. He is a very Holy and faithful man, and I am so happy for them. 
When I say this all, I begin to smile. Kellen is the little talker in the family, Aidan is the inventor and the laid back one. Michaela is the pretty and crazy girl, Mike is the strong and humble one, Kailey is the most faithful of us all, and Alissa is the leader of the family. I didn't forget Collin. I just thought he deserved to be mentioned last, because he is my families biggest intercessor, a Saint in Heaven. Collin is a Saint, and I don't just say that. He died at 3 months old and was baptized, dying free of sins. What a way to go out! Never had to deal with the problems of the World, but was taken to the Father. I don't mind telling people about him because he is a Saint, and he is another person I have praying for me. His Death hurt, but my family knows it was God's will.
Well that is my siblings. 
My parents are both great people. Kurt and Rooney got married 32 years ago and are still going. They've always stressed the importance of the faith and I thank them for that!
Now back to me.
I can honestly say, I was spoiled growing up. Not with money and gifts, cause we've never had a lot of that, but with my parents and siblings love. I had four friends growing up, and they were all my siblings. I was quite happy. My family would describe me in different ways, but one thing that Icertainly was is happy. Always smiling, eating and singing. Nothing has really changed. I am now a Sophomore in College, at Franciscan, the best University in the country, purely for the fact that the faith comes first. The people who teach and work there truly want the student body to leave school as better people, taking Christ with them, and I love that. 
At this point in my life, I am finally making my faith my own. I've been going to daily mass on my own will for this past year, and its the best thing ever. I've been going my whole life, but now with a better understanding of it, it is even greater. I can honestly say I am always thinking about God, and so when I find myself sinning, it is a slap in the face, knowing I should do better. He never has once treated me in any way other than as his own child, with a loving embrace, and I love him all the more for it. His mercy is endless. 
I am very prideful. With these desires, the Devil finds ways to deform them, and get me to think the good that I do is because of me, from me, about me. I have to remind myself daily that all that I have is from God, all that I do is for God, and what I need to long for is God. It is not a simple task, let me tell you. 
I spend a lot of time reflecting and thinking; I love it, being able to talk to the Lord. Honestly, it is the thing that brings the most joy to my life. When I reflect on things, I sometimes find my pride coming out, and have to try and see things in a different light. I have a huge desire to be loved, wanted, needed, and only when I think of the Litany of Humility, and the line that says, "That others may be preferred to me, Jesus grant me the grace to desire it," do I try to put these things behind. I am easily hurt by people, and when I am put aside by people, the devil goes to work, and tries to make me worry about it, putting thoughts into my head that people don't care about me or need me. 
As I said, I am prideful and this is what brings about these earthly problems. I think because I struggle so mightily with the feelings of being  forgotten, I tend to want to make sure others do not feel that way. If you are one of my friends, you know I love to build people up. People deal with enough crud in their lives that they don't need their friends making it worse. I know I hate the fact that people love getting me upset. People think it is hilarious when I am frustrated, but that makes it even worse. I'll admit, sometimes it can be funny, but normally people take it too far. I don't like being upset or angry, and it only becomes worse when it is my friends doing it to me. I am definitely a culprit of making one too many jokes or mean comments, but at the same time, I really do try and not do it. I sometimes need to be reminded, and I also need to be forgiven for my failures at being charitable, but I do try and make a active effort to not do it. Sometimes my sarcasm can hinder me, and I apologize. That is another thing I need to work on. 
But like I was saying, I love building people up. Sometimes, we just need to be told we are beautiful, talented, gifted. Christ did this, loving all, and it is recored with his apostles, telling them the great plans he had for them. They were all middle class men with little education, but Christ put them in charge of the Church, making St. Peter the first Pope. This would not have been done if Jesus had spent his whole ministry condemning people. He knew the way to the Heavenly Father was through love, for "If you do not love, you do not know God, for God is love." 1 John 4:8  We must do the same. Tell people how wonderful they really are! Let them know God's love for them. 
So yes, I am prideful, but I also have a huge heart. I really do care for people. I have been making a very active attempt to pray for my friends and family, because I know the power prayer has. 
Another struggle I have? I like to be right! Please stop nodding your head! It is one of my biggest downfalls, but I'll be honest, it only gets harder when I work on it, and then no one sees the growth. I need people to understand, I am working on this, and I am aware that I've made great strides with it, but it is not a finished product. Help me out if you can. Be charitable! :)
What else do I struggle with? Well, I've been told I am a flirt, and I got to be honest, I've agreed with people on this one, but honestly, I'm not, so yeah, I lied. I love women, and I try and thank the Lord for you all as often as possible, but with that, I don't only speak to you to  hoping to maybe get you to like me or something. I mean, I like women, and if I like someone it might become noticeable if you know me well, but my friendliness is just who I am. I am not at all trying to mess with girls heads. Just know, I am sincere when I am nice to you, when I compliment you, and through all this, it is just how I am. If I am being too nice though, let me know.
So then there is envy. Yes, I get envious. Sorry, I said I want people to love me, so when people prefer someone else to me, kind of is tough. Working on it though. It is weird, cause the stuff I hate others doing to me, I've struggled with myself, but know I am trying to make strides.
What else do I struggle with? Sometimes I wear my heart on my sleeve a little too much. It is normally pretty obvious when my day is not going so hot, but this is just who I am, and I don't want to change who I am too much, cause I like me, though not a finished product.
Something I do alot is Shaddy Bounce. I am just at the point where I am not gonna live to please everyone, cause when you do that, you normally forget to take care of yourself. If I don't want to do something, I don't. Some people think this is selfish, and I'd agree that at times I can be, but it not on purpose. I'm selfish by habit, not desire. I want to make others happy and stuff, but like I said, I need to take care of myself as well.

I am running out of things to say. I guess I just want people to understand me, and this seemed like a good way. Understand, I didn't do this cause I am depressed, upset or anything of that degree. Honestly, I am at a point in my life where I couldn't be a whole lot happier. The Lord has been doing so much and its incredible. I feel like if I died today (right after confession that is) I would be happy with my life, and I think we all need to have that feeling. If you look at your own life and don't have that, you are doing something wrong, and the answer to your problems is on the cross.

Well, I tried to explain myself. Not so sure I did well, but if you want to ask me any questions, shoot. Thanks for reading this.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Blessed Adam Arakawa

Blessed Adam Arakawa
Sainthood is a pursuit that normally seems impossible, but as the Saints show, it can be done.
How?
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me." Philippians 4:13
Sainthood can only be achieved through and with Christ.


I try and pursue Holiness, though my actions often show otherwise. I desire Sainthood, and because of that, I love reading about the Holy men and women of our church History, with either the Blessed or Saint in front of their name.
I don't know how many Saint Profiles I'll be doing, or Saint discussions, but we'll see where it goes. I know you will all like reading about this guy. I read about Blessed Adam Arakawa in this Month's Magnificat and now I will tell you about him.

Blessed Adam Arakawa - Martyr 1554-1614 -
Blessed Adam Arakawa, a Catholic villager on the Japanese island of Chichi (Bonin Islands), was entrusted by missionary priests with the duties of baptising infants, visiting the sick, and burying the dead.
In 1614 Japan’s pagan regime, intent upon persecuting Catholics, arrested Blessed Adam.
On the Friday before Palm Sunday, the pagans stripped him, paraded him through the streets, and bound him between two columns. He was left thus for eight days, spending Holy Week bound in this manner until Holy Saturday. He was then put under house arrest. Blessed Adam’s Chinese Catholic wife Mary apostatised after being threatened by the pagans, but Blessed Adam persuaded her to return to the faith.
During Blessed Adam’s imprisonment, the pagans amputated his fingers and toes one by one. He declared himself willing to suffer everything for the love of God and in expiation of his sins. Shortly afterwards, he experienced a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding a cross between her hands. Adam saw this vision as foreshadowing his own martyrdom. On 5th June 1614, he was beheaded. Pagan witnesses testified that when Blessed Adam’s head fell from his body it was heard to pronounce the name of Jesus twice.

What a boss.