tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29138548804866477842024-02-07T12:05:38.880-05:00grace4uA guide to daily devotion for busy catholics.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.comBlogger656125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-81390872303938586112014-02-03T01:00:00.000-05:002014-02-03T01:00:10.557-05:00Devotion for today: Set the goal, have a team, overcome the obstacles<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>2 Timothy 4:7:</b><b><sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></sup></b><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have fought the
good fight, I have finished<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the course, I have kept<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the faith;<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my favorite television shows is Ultimate
Survivor Alaska, a National Geographic program. In this show teams of men try
every week to be first in reaching a certain destination in order to pick up a
victory for that week. Now, they are in the back country of Alaska, so the
challenges that face them are enormous. If they do get to the weekly destinations,
however, they are one step closer to winning the huge prize at the end reserved
for the team with the most wins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love this show. First of all, the incredible
beauty of Alaska makes this show worth viewing. But more importantly, this show
reminds me so much of our struggle to get to heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I see three similarities in our struggle and the
struggle facing these men: the desire to reach a goal; the need to overcome
obstacles, and the necessity of a team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The goal for these men is simple. Each week they
must get to a preset destination before the other teams. The ultimate goal is
to be the best, or ultimate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their obstacles are unbelievable. I have watched
them as they scale mountains, kayak across raging waters, bushwhack though
thick foliage, and pull themselves out of quicksand. They have had to swim
through ice, dodge rock slides and distract wild animals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The amazing and beautiful part of all this is how
they work together as a team. Each member totally respects the specific and
special talents and abilities of his teammates. They defer to each other’s
knowledge and experience to plan their attack against the elements and reach
the goal. They need each other to stay alive in this battle against nature. One
man falls into the ice and other two are there to get him out. One man is swept
away by the current and the others are there to rescue him and pull him to
safety. One man broke his ankle, and although it could have cost the others the
entire race, they would not leave him behind just to win that day’s challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That is how it is for us in our spiritual lives.
Ultimately, we want to get to heaven. To do that, however, we must overcome
many, many challenges along the way. Society is filled with dangers that can
trap us at any time, that can cause us to lose our way or start to sink. We
cannot fight through the distractions and temptations that surround us if we do
not have our eyes firmly fixed on the goal. Each of us must have a plan, of course and the means
to fulfill it, just like the teams have a map and food for the journey (our Bible and Eucharist) but we must recognize that we cannot do it alone. Pope John Paul
II, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis I all speak of the New Evangelization as
the only hope for a world that closely resembles the wilds of Alaska. None of
us can battle today unless we have a good team to support us. We need each
other in order to survive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In every show I watch, at least one team member
states that he would have died had it not been for his teammates. So it is with
us. We have to have people in our lives who will show us when we are on the
wrong path, or sinking in the quicksand of sin, or trying to follow a dangerous
path that takes us away from our ultimate goal. The call is for us to put
ourselves out there in the world as well and be the special team member to
others: to youth who have no direction; to young adults who may not see how
God fits into the picture anymore, to the engaged couples in our parishes who
may need examples of what good holy marriage looks like. The list goes on and
on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We are
really crazy if we think we will make it today without a support group. We
cannot see the dangers and snares that await us at every turn. We must join
parish groups, prayer meetings, attend good lectures, help out in shelters and
homes for the elderly and find like-minded people who will save us when we
fall. Jesus came for everyone, but He surrounded Himself with 12 really good
friends. That is the example we must follow. Make a friend, be a friend and
bring a friend to Christ is the motto of the Cursillo movement in the Church. It
applies to us all. Let’s start today to be a team member in the struggle to get
to heaven, and let’s just be thankful every day that we don’t have to swim
through ice to do it!!!<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-58302376973595241892014-01-27T01:00:00.000-05:002014-01-27T01:00:01.857-05:00 Devotion for today: Use them or lose them<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT1yodG6LtJ5C48l-cXGqhIOvUuNfvNTVOaLlgO53sXOQmhIEKN" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Matthew 25:14-30:</b><sup> </sup>“For it
is just like a man about to go on a journey, who
called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. <sup> </sup>To
one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according
to his own ability; and he went on his journey. Immediately the one who
had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five
more talents. <sup> </sup>In the same manner the one who had
received the two talents gained two more. <sup> </sup>But
he who received the one talent went away, and dug a
hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<sup> </sup>“Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled
accounts with them. The one who had received the five talents came up
and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to
me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ <sup> </sup>His master
said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a
few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of
your master.’</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<sup> </sup>“Also the one who had received the
two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me.
See, I have gained two more talents.’ <sup> </sup>His master said to
him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things,
I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“And
the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I
knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where
you scattered no seed. <sup> </sup>And I was afraid, and
went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ <sup> </sup>“But
his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I
reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. <sup> </sup>Then
you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have
received my money back with interest. <sup> </sup>Therefore
take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“For
to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance;
but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. Throw
out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will
be weeping and gnashing of teeth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Footnotes: A talent was
worth about fifteen years’ wages of a laborer<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I helped an elderly aunt of mine move out of her house
into assisted living. When it came time to clean out her “medicine pantry” I
found seven beautiful lotion bottles that were given to her as gifts throughout
the years. “Auntie,” I exclaimed, “why didn’t you ever use these?” Most were so
old that the lotion inside had turned to some indescribable liquid, not pleasant,
or else had just dried up. Auntie explained that she was afraid if she used
them they would be gone and so would the memory of the people who gave them to
her. They were her little treasures. She didn’t see that they were given to her
to make her life better, to increase her joy in living by having soft, creamy
skin and that every time she would have used them she would have thanked the
person who gave her the gift. Now they were stale and useless and had to be
thrown away without any benefit to her or anyone else.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is how it is with the gifts God gives us. Everyone
one of us is as unique as a snowflake. Our physical features, our laugh, our
personalities, all have a “one of a kind” stamp on them. The Creator, our good
God, did that for a very special reason. We aren’t able to see it, but the
world God created is like a wondrous mosaic, with each tiny piece fulfilling a
purpose. It is cut to a specific size, chosen for its unique color, and polished
to brilliance. Then it is carefully laid in the exact spot where it is needed.
Voila! We now have the fulfillment of a purpose.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If we take inventory and work to discover the unique
qualities and gifts God has given to us, we will see that He has a very specific
purpose for us in the world. It doesn’t have to be grand or recognized by
society, but it is important to God nonetheless. Are we compassionate? Do we have
the rare gift of being a good listener? Are we able to explain truths without
arguing? Can we make sense of a mess, either in someone else’s personal life or
in the real world? Can we discern spirits and know immediately what is of God
and what is not? Whatever gifts we have, we must find a way to use them for the
purpose God had in mind when He formed us in our mothers' wombs. We must be
centered every minute of every day on God’s will for us at that moment, and
always begin and end every day in prayer. We must also learn the St. Michael’s
prayer whenever we hear a voice inside of us telling us to back away from our
special gifts and just coast through life. That can never be God telling us to
do that. Be tough, be determined, and be without fear. If God gave you the
gift, God will open the opportunities for you to use it. You, in turn, must
develop the ability to hear and see Him in the world around you.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Don’t let your gifts go stale and turn into something
unusable. Don’t let them be thrown away on worldly matters only, and not for
the purpose of evangelization. Pull them
out, dust them off and get to work. Using them will only make you a much better
person and the world a much finer place to live. Think of my dear Auntie. She
could have used her lotions for the purpose for which they were intended.
Instead, they had to be thrown out. If God can’t use us, He most definitely
will find someone He can. Remember my favorite explanation of the personal
judgment. We stand before Jesus with the report card of our life and say, “Here
Lord, this is what I did with what You gave me.” Hopefully He will look at it
and say, “Well done my good and faithful servant. Now enter into the home of my
Father.” God bless us as we do our part in the work of evangelization so
desperately needed in the world today. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As St. Francis of Assisi once said: <i>"Remember
when you leave this earth, you can take with you NOTHING that you have received,
only what you have given: A heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice
and courage."</i> <i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-51708742785577550292014-01-17T01:00:00.000-05:002014-01-17T01:00:03.764-05:00Devotion for today: Sometimes we have to change direction<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="chapternum"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="chapternum"><img src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="chapternum"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="chapternum"><b>John
21:1-6: </b></span><span class="text">After
these things Jesus</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">manifested Himself</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">again to the disciples at the</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">Himself</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">in this way.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup> </sup></b>Simon Peter, and</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">Thomas called</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">Didymus, and</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">the</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">sons</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">of Zebedee, and two others of His
disciples were together.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said
to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">that night they caught nothing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="text"><b><sup> </sup></b>But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the
beach; yet the disciples did not</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">know that it was Jesus.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">So Jesus said to them,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="woj">“Children,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="woj">you do not have</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="woj">any fish, do you?”</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">They answered Him, “No.”</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">And He said to them,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="woj">“Cast the net on the right-hand side of the
boat and you will find</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="woj">a catch.”</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">So they cast, and then they were not able
to haul it in because of the great number of fish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="text">So many times
in life we find ourselves stuck in a rut. We are doing what we always do. Or we
are following a plan we feel is right for us, although we are not realizing any
success. Sometimes we honestly believe we are doing what is necessary to
survive or even complete God’s will, yet things are not going well. Maybe we
are trying to care for others and putting our own needs aside, yet the joy and
satisfaction of living are long gone from our daily routines. Just like the
apostles, who caught nothing, we are frustrated. What to do?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="text">In the above
passage, Jesus has already risen from the dead. Many scholars ask why the
apostles are fishing at this point. They are aware that Jesus has miraculously
returned to them, and they were told to wait for Him. Yet here we see Peter
leading the others into the sea. Maybe they were hungry and this is how they
obtained food. Maybe Peter was tired of waiting, or confused or frustrated and
needed to do what was familiar. I think this is a key point. God reaches out to
us wherever we are in life. He comes to us in the ordinary aspects of our
lives. We do not necessarily find Him secluded in a church or during prayer
time. God wants us involved in life, and that is what happens here. I am
reading a wonderful, short but powerful book entitled, “Abandonment to Divine
Providence.” It is attributed to Jean Pierre de Caussade and this was a
favorite book of St. Therese of Lisieux. In every chapter the author reminds us
that simple daily living performed completely in abandonment to the will of God
is the only requirement for life. Easy to say, but how do we know the will of
God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="text">We see in our
passage that Jesus is standing on the shore but they do not recognize Him. I
thought it was strange that He called them children since these were His
closest friends, so I read some commentaries and it really is odd to use that
expression here. The word John used was </span><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">paidiai and </span></i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">literally means
<i>little children.</i> No wonder they didn’t know who was talking to them!
Jesus never called them that before. Plus, we are told many times in the other
gospels that the apostles didn’t recognize Jesus once he rose from the dead
since His body had undergone a miraculous change. It is for our benefit, I
think, that Jesus used the term for little children. What is a better
description of us when we are lost and confused and frustrated? How many times
has Jesus reached out to us in our lives in varied and unusual ways, and
because it was “different” from what we expected we didn’t listen. We need to
learn to expect a God of surprises to lead us in our daily lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Jesus offers the apostles advice. He tells them to throw their nets off
the right side of the boat, and they do. What a difference! Before their very
eyes, the nets are filled to the breaking point. That is what happens when we
listen to Jesus. That is what happens when we are humble enough to acknowledge
that the plan or idea we thought was so great, really isn’t so great because it
isn’t the one God had in mind for us. Repeated disappointments and failures in
life are sometimes the result of just not casting off on the other side of the
boat. If we follow the voice of God, we will always be successful in the will
He has for us. Don’t be afraid to change directions, or intentions. Don’t worry
if at first you can’t hear God speaking to you or you don’t recognize the voice
as His. Keep praying, and keep thinking about God. Make your life a prayer to
Him, every thought word and deed, and soon you will hear Him whispering in your
ear. God is always near us in our repeated failures and disappointments, ready
to turn them into successes. Pray without ceasing by making your life a prayer;
be humble, obedient and faithful to God, and then get ready for the big haul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I will not be doing a daily blog for awhile as I have decided to go
back to work full- time. I have been praying for a way to financially keep my
mom and aunt in the nursing home we chose for them. I really wanted a very rich
uncle from Italy that I didn’t know existed to write me a letter and send me a
check for a huge amount of money since he discovered I was his only living
relative. So, ok, this was not realistic, but I really had fun with the idea as
I prayed for a solution. Then out of nowhere I was offered a job that I
couldn’t refuse. Still sounds very Italian, I know, but hey, I am the
descendant of Italian immigrants, so I pray, dream and live the Italian way! I
will write my blogs as this new schedule permits. I love writing these, and I
thank all of you who gave me encouragement and kind comments. Just keep
checking, I’ll be posting, and let’s all keep casting our nets into the
unknown.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> Love you and God bless, or as they say in Italy, "Ti amo e che Dio benedica", <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Sandy</span><span class="text"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-40200165410813811092014-01-10T01:00:00.000-05:002014-01-10T01:00:08.103-05:00Devotion for today: 10 resolutions to live in love<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1 John 4:18:</b><sup> </sup>There
is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to
do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Did you ever hear a homily that hits so close to home,
you swear the priest crawled right into your soul and found out what you are
hiding, and what you need to set you free? That is what happened yesterday when
I casually turned on the Mass (EWTN). Fr. Wade Menezes, a Father of Mercy, gave
a homily on the freedom which comes from love. He explained that God does not
want slaves, people who love Him because they are afraid of the consequences if
they don’t, but He wants sons and daughters who love Him freely and
confidently. He explained that problems we have in life are based in fear, and
that the perfect love of Jesus for us is the way to release ourselves from the
fear that we are carrying, fear that we are not good enough or that we cannot
change the situations in our lives. He then gave the following 10 Social
Resolutions that will help us live out the beatitudes and commandments without
fear and with love.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1)
<!--[endif]--><b>Listen
without interrupting</b>. God could be trying to speak to you through the words
of others. <b>Proverbs 18:2</b>: Fools find
no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2)
<!--[endif]--><b>Speak
without accusing</b>. Just state the facts. <b>James 1:18</b>: In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by
the word of truth</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3)
<!--[endif]--><b>Give
without holding back</b>. Be generous. <b>2
Corinthians 8:13-15</b>:<b><sup> </sup></b>For I
do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter
of fairness <b><sup> </sup></b>your abundance at the present time
should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need,
that there may be fairness.<b><sup> </sup></b>As it is written, “Whoever
gathered much had nothing left over and whoever gathered little had no lack.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4)
<!--[endif]--><b>Pray
without ceasing</b>. All activities, including work and recreation, can be
forms of prayer if we offer them up to the Lord. <b>Colossians 1:9</b>: for<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> this
reason also,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>since the day we heard<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>of
it</i>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that
you may be filled with the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>knowledge
of His will in all spiritual<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>wisdom and understanding</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5)
<!--[endif]--><b>Answer
without arguing. </b>Stay calm.<b> Proverbs
17:1</b>: Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it than a house full of feasting
with strife.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">6)
<!--[endif]--><b>Share
without pretending.</b> Don’t tell “little white lies” or exaggerate to make
yourself seem more than you are. Be honest. Speak the truth and only the truth.
<b>Ephesians 4:15</b>: but speaking
the truth in love, we are to grow up in all <i>aspects</i> into
Him who is the head</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">7)
<!--[endif]--><b>Enjoy
without complaint.</b> Always find the good<b>.
Philippians 2:14</b>: <b><sup> </sup></b>Do all things without grumbling
or disputing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">8)
<!--[endif]--><b>Trust
without wavering.</b> Jesus, I trust in You. <b>1 Corinthians 13:7</b>:<b><sup><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></sup></b><span style="background-color: white;">bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
endures all things.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">9)
<!--[endif]--><b>Forgive
without punishing.</b> Desiring to somehow punish those who hurt you is the
work of Satan, causing you to stop any spiritual growth<b>. Colossians 3:13</b>:<b><sup><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></sup></b><span style="background-color: white;">bearing with one
another, and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint
against anyone;<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text">10)
</span><!--[endif]--><b>Promise
without forgetting.</b> Be honest. Keep your word. You are as good as your
word. <b>Proverbs 13:12</b>: <span class="text"><span style="background-color: white;">Hope deferred makes the heart sick,</span></span> <span class="text"><span style="background: white;">but desire</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">fulfilled is a tree of life.</span></span><span class="text"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Always remember: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24: </b><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white;">Now</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white;">may the
God of peace</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white;">Himself
sanctify you entirely; and may your</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white;">spirit and soul and body be preserved complete,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white;">without blame at</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white;">the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white;"><span id="en-NASB-29646">Faithful
is He who</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white;">calls
you, and He also will bring it to pass.</span></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-10063002729547511122014-01-09T01:00:00.000-05:002014-01-09T01:00:02.839-05:00Devotion for today: Life is good<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRAHLucCia05vmdIHt8ctbk2cPXNPv5rEOotId4f6Z_uu4YxyXE" /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Psalm 27:4<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<sup> </sup>One thing I ask from the Lord,<br />
this only do I seek:<br />
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord<br />
all the days of my life,<br />
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord<br />
and to seek him in his temple.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In my family we put up the Christmas decorations close to
Christmas day, and take them down at the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord,
which is this coming Sunday. It is a practice that I really like, since the
glow of Christmas lasts for me way past the Hallmark movies on TV and the rush
of shopping, wrapping, writing, and baking. Now I can sit and peacefully gaze
at the star on the tree and the baby Jesus in the manger. I can study the
figures in my nativity set and the angels on my buffet and wonder about that
blessed event so long ago. I don’t know about you, but I find such peace when
my home is decorated and the only lights I have on are the little white ones in
the tree and in the garland. I just can imagine being surrounded by the stars
in the calm sky on Christmas night. No, I am not in any hurry to get it all
down and get back to normal. I like bringing my troubles to the infant Jesus
and laying them at his feet. I like looking at the Magi and identifying with
them as they finally arrive at the Lord’s dwelling after an arduous journey
with many twists and turns. I feel at peace with Mary and Joseph as the gaze
upon their newborn son in wonder and awe.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I feel the same way in church. I like to arrive about a
half an hour early for daily Mass. The church is sparsely populated at this
time, and it is very peaceful and quiet. The lights are still dimmed and the
sanctuary candle standing vigilantly next to the tabernacle serves to draw my
attention to the host for this day’s meal. I always begin my holy half-hour by
thanking God for inviting me into His home for this banquet, for surrounding me
with the people who love Him so much, for giving me the opportunity to partake
of the only food I will ever really need in life. I rest in His presence and allow
my thoughts, worries and prayers float like incense to His altar on high. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I know, too, that the people who surround me in my quiet
church and in my hectic life are also the means by which I can gaze upon the
beauty of the Lord. He is present to me in them, hard as it may sometimes be to
believe, just as He was present to the
shepherds and wise men in the form of a helpless baby, hard as that was for
them to believe.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
One thing I truly ask of the Lord, and this is truly what
I seek, to live every day of my life in such a way that I can spend eternity in
His presence. One thing for which I am
constantly thankful is the gift from the Lord of Himself in the Eucharist,
present and available to me every day of my life. Yes, I love to dwell in the
house of the Lord here on earth, and to imagine an after-life in His heavenly
temple.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The decorations will come down next Monday and my home
will become normal once again. But for now, I think I will pour myself a cup of
hot cocoa, play some Christmas Carols, not holiday tunes, and visit with the
holy family for a few more days. Ahhh, life is good.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">One Thing I Ask, performed by Vineyard: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFd7_q2WsH4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFd7_q2WsH4</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-46890248482521648862014-01-08T01:00:00.000-05:002014-01-08T01:00:09.387-05:00Devotion for today: I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace…<img height="125" src="http://faithchurchteamrwanda.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/crossing-the-finish-line.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>1 Corinthians 2:</b>
And so it was with me, brothers and sisters.
When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I
proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while
I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. <b><sup> </sup></b>I
came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My
message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with
a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest
on human wisdom, but on God’s power.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Resolution</b>: noun<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->a firm decision to do or not to do something.</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="padding: 0in 1.5pt 0in 0in;" valign="top"></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="padding: 0in 1.5pt 0in 0in;" valign="top"></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="padding: 0in 1.5pt 0in 0in;" valign="top"></td>
<td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Goal</b>: noun</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<a href="" name="goal__3"></a><a href="" name="goal__8"></a><!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an
aim or desired result: <i>going to law school has become the most important
goal in his life</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<a href="" name="goal__9"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--> </a>the destination of a journey</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<a href="" name="goal__10"><!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--> </a>a point marking the end of a race.
(Oxford Dictionary)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Goals and Objectives<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Goal: </b>Broad spectrum, complex,
organizational, indication of program intentions.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Objectives:</b> Measurable, defined,
operational, simple steps, and specific. Objectives contribute to the
fulfillment of specified goals. Complete with a beginning and an end. (<a href="http://www.msu.edu/">www.msu.edu</a>)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in;">
My friend Frank and I had an interesting conversation the other night
over dessert and coffee. We were discussing the idea of making New Year’s
Resolutions. I complained that I have never really been successful at this
practice, and he explained that he never does it. He sets yearly goals and then
develops short but achievable ways to attain his goal. At first I thought we
were talking about the same idea in different words, but a quick trip through
the dictionary proved me wrong. After much pondering, I can see how both fit
into our disciplined lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in;">
That is, after all, what it is all about isn’t it…discipline? If I
resolve to cut back on the amount of time I spend playing video games, for example,
it is going to take discipline and will-power to change an event in my life
that gives me pleasure and relaxation. If I resolve to stop talking about
people behind their backs, the same principle applies. In both cases, I will
need to walk away from the situation of temptation and do something else.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in;">
I think that is why, in the case of sin, it is a resolution. We don’t say
we will set a goal of not viewing pornography by the end of the year, and
decide how much we can view every month until we achieve our goal. No, we have
to stop it. We have to find support groups or programs or good reading or a
spiritual adviser or a personal confession buddy who will hold us accountable
and strengthen us in our resolve. It is sin and it must stop.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in;">
For the betterment of our lives, both physical and spiritual, however, I
really like Frank’s idea of setting goals. If my goal for 2014 is to increase
my morning prayer time from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, then I can set the clear
objective of adding 2 minutes every month until I reach my goal. If I never
attend daily Mass and want to do so, then my objective could be to go once a
week for a month and then increase it by one day every month. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in;">
St. Paul tells us that he resolved to know nothing but Jesus, Christ
crucified, while he was with his followers. That is probably the best
resolution I can think of. The old Baltimore Catechism told us the true purpose
of life: to know, love and serve God in this world so that we can be happy with
Him in the next. Let’s put our time and energy this year into achieving that
goal by resolving to make God first in our lives, and then by setting clear and
attainable objectives to reaching the finish line. Sounds like a plan to me!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in;">
St. Paul, pray for us.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-69316310199705534922014-01-07T01:00:00.000-05:002014-01-07T01:00:07.042-05:00Devotion for today: Just a little becomes a lot<img height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/Saint_Andr%C3%A9_Bessette.jpg" width="134" /><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="chapternum"><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></b></span><span class="text"><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Luke
21:1-4:</span></b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> And He looked up
and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury,<b><sup> </sup></b>and
He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span id="en-NKJV-25830">So
He said,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">“Truly I say to you that this poor widow
has put in more than all;</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></span><span class="woj"></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span id="en-NKJV-25831">for
all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of
her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="woj"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Yesterday
was the feast day of St. Andre Bessete, one of my favorite saints. He was a
very humble man who was a member of the Holy Cross Fathers in Montreal, Canada.
He began his service to them in 1870, and because of his poor health was
assigned to be a door keeper and a barber. He had a vision, however, of
building a beautiful shrine to St. Joseph, to whom he was greatly devoted.
Although he received permission from the Archbishop and his order, he was told
he could only build what he could afford without going into debt. He had a few
hundred dollars which he accumulated from his haircutting and from a little pot
he placed next to an outdoor statue of St. Joseph, so he built a little wooded
structure for devotions to St. Joseph. He dreamed of more, however, and again
received approval but with the stipulation of not going into debt. Soon he was
able to earn the money to put a roof on his shrine, add heat and windows for
the many pilgrims who were coming. Long story short, if you visit Montreal
today, be sure to visit St. Joseph’s Oratory, one of the most beautiful Shrines
to St. Joseph you will ever see. And it exists today because St. Andre had a
dream, and wasn’t afraid to start small and trust in God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="woj"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">One
of the most fascinating parts of the St. Andre story is that people came from
around the world to be healed at his little shrine. He would take oil from a
lamp and pray to St. Joseph to bless it, then apply it to the sick people or
give them bottles of it to take home. Miraculous and documented healings began
to occur, and today the Shrine is filled with crutches, braces, etc. testifying
to the miracles which occurred from St. Andre’s “St. Joseph Oil”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="woj"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">When
I was in Montreal visiting St. Joseph’s Oracle, I purchased some of this oil.
Several months ago I developed a large walnut sized growth in my mouth between
my cheek and gum. It was painful, and the doctor thought that it was the
location of an abscess she had no luck in locating up to that point. I was very
sick and in great pain. Upon lancing the walnut, however, she discovered that
the abscess was not located there (she eventually found it and I am fine today)
but after repeated draining it did not go away. Those dreaded words, “You may
just have to learn to live with it” were uttered more than once. My husband
decided to take matters into his own hands and began applying the St. Joseph
Oil to the walnut every night before I fell asleep, asking for the intercession
of St. Andre and St. Joseph to heal me of this deformity. Sure enough, it
disappeared. I went back to the doctor to show her what had happened, and being
a Catholic, she was not afraid to simply state, “I think it is a miracle.” I
think so too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="woj"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">My
point in telling you this is simple. Do not be afraid to pray for physical
healing, and do not ever become so cynical that you do not believe in miracles.
God honors our requests, and if they are beneficial to our salvation, will
answer them with a miracle such as mine. It also helps to have friends,
relatives and spouses whose faith is strong and can take over when we are weak.
Also, never be afraid to start small and dream big. St. Andre had nothing, yet
with God’s help, he made his dream come true. St. Andre, pray for us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="woj"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">For more on St. Andre, visit </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=18">http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=18</a></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-18030404051783344322014-01-06T01:00:00.000-05:002014-01-06T01:00:03.917-05:00Devotion for today: I came, I saw, I stayed<img src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRNgdAbC8IPHDvXaO0BMvww4sniR8gqjux51MrR4qjZ7o1Isr_D" /><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>John 14:9</b>: Anyone
who has seen Me has seen the Father.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Matthew 2:1-2:</b>
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in
Judea,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> during the time of King Herod,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> Magi</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>from the east came to Jerusalem
and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?<span class="apple-converted-space"> We
saw his star</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> when it rose and have come to worship him.”</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I am so happy
my kings have finally arrived at my nativity scene. I put my set up a few weeks
before Christmas, but leave the manger empty. Just as my father taught me to do
so long ago, I ceremoniously place Jesus in the manger on Christmas morning,
and to be honest, I still feel the excitement I did when I was a little girl
and it was my turn to do the honors. The next step is to place the kings far
off on the side of the display area. My dad would bring the kings up on
Christmas morning and place them at a distance from the shepherds and the
stable. Little by little they would make their way across the buffet until
finally, on January 6<sup>th</sup>, the Feast of the Epiphany, they would
arrive at the stable and get close to the baby Jesus. How thrilling! I was always
so happy that they made it! To be honest, I still am!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Now that I am
somewhat older and hopefully wiser, I can see so much meaning behind the kings’
slow yet deliberate trek across my family’s buffet, or in the real story, from
the “east” to Bethlehem. They were seekers, men of great knowledge who knew
that all the words they had read and all the facts they possessed were not
enough. There was still something missing from their lives, and they were
determined to find it. They followed the star, which they knew from their
readings meant the birth of a great king, and they stayed true to their
purpose, never taking their eyes off the point of light which would bring
them to the truth, the ultimate wisdom, the ever-loving and powerful God of the
universe. They found a little baby, but they knew, and they fell to their knees
in worship. They were gentiles, foreigners, unwelcomed in the land in which
they traveled, yet they were welcomed and loved by the baby. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">We are the
kings, the seekers, the searchers of the world. We know a good deal about a lot
of things today, but as Christians, we are wisest in knowing that we will never
possess all the knowledge there is to possess about God. And so we fix our eyes
on the light of our faith, on the scriptures and the sacraments and the holy
men and women God has given to us to lead us to Him. And when we find ourselves
in front of Him in the Blessed Sacrament, in the manger in our nativity scenes,
and in our hearts, we fall in adoration and awe that such a mighty and powerful
God deigns to come to us in swaddling clothes, in a host, in the rays of love
which fill us and make us whole. We are the magi, we are the foreigners in a
world that understands us not, and yet we keep to our path and continue our
journey, no matter the cost. Unlike the magi, however, we do not need to return
to our homes. We have found our home in Christ, and it is with Him that we will
stay for all eternity. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-64471857495185531522014-01-04T01:00:00.000-05:002014-01-04T01:00:05.320-05:00Devotion for today: Meet God<img src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRPdoK-zkdH1wB-t3tWzwX3dsGOPMXG8RKM1rsjyq1dYy03cq6IrQ" /><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Matthew 5:3:</b> Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">Poor
in spirit: those who recognize their complete dependence on God.<span class="apple-converted-space"> (USCCB)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">Happy New Year to all of you! I pray the holidays found
you surrounded in the peace and the joy of the new born Christ-Child. It seems
that no matter what family problems we must face all year long, no matter how
annoying fellow workers can be, no matter how much heartache we suffer at the
hands of others, we can always find a place of solace and relief in front of
the manger and the outstretched hands of the baby Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;"> As it has been
said before, there is something so profoundly humbling about seeing the wood of
the manger cradling the baby Jesus, and realizing that prophetically it becomes
the wood of the cross that hung Him for our sins. His little outstretched arms
and reaching hands will one day be nailed to the wood and bleed for us. Yet,
here He is, like all of us: trusting, loving, and reaching out. We can see
ourselves in this little baby as we try to place ourselves in the world and at
the mercy of those in it. Sometimes it works out just great. We find solid
friendships and loving relationships just as Christ did with His apostles and
disciples. Sometimes our efforts are rejected, scorned and even hated by those
who don’t understand us or by those who feel threatened by us, like the holy
men of Jesus’ time. And then there is the beat of life which takes us into
situations over which we sweat blood and beg God to remove from our lives, just
as Christ did in the Garden of Olives. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">But for now, in the glow of the holy days, it is good
enough to gaze upon the baby Jesus, to soak in His innocent love and reach for
His little hands, to touch His little
fingers, and let Him know we love Him, and we know He loves us. As we look at
Mary with her eyes fixed on her son, let us remember to keep our eyes fixed on
Him as well in this New Year, and as we study Joseph, ever vigilant and prepared
to follow the messages of God, let us vow to do the same with our lives and the
lives of those we love. Let us vow to keep our souls free from the dangers of
the world and be prepared to flee from sin as quickly as Joseph fled with his
family from the terrors of Herod and his army. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">I have a little scene I like to play out in my mind as
I study my nativity scene: The shepherds and kings come to the stable, kneel
before the baby Jesus and look curiously at Mary. She smiles sweetly and says
to them: “My children, meet God.”</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-32814944039291258952013-12-17T16:06:00.000-05:002013-12-17T16:06:02.787-05:00Merry Christmas and Happy New Year<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://crazy-frankenstein.com/free-wallpapers-files/christmas-nativity-wallpapers/baby-jesus-christmas-nativity-wallpapers-1024x768.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<br />
Dear readers,<br />
<br />
I will be taking a break from my blogging until the new year. I pray you have a blessed Christmas and that the season of Christmas brings you the peace that only the Christ Child can bring.<br />
<br />
Much love,<br />
<br />
SandyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-32949863274967872432013-12-13T01:00:00.000-05:002013-12-13T01:00:13.940-05:00Devotion for today: but deliver us from evil…the Good News<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Romans 8:31-39: </b><b><sup><span style="font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></sup></b>What,
then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who
can be against us?<b><sup><span style="font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></sup></b>He
who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not
also, along with him, graciously give us all things? <b><sup><span style="font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></sup></b>Who
will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who
justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who
died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of
God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the
love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or
nakedness or danger or sword? <b><sup><span style="font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></sup></b>As it is written:</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“For your sake we face death all day long;<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 4.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span>we
are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”Psalm 44:22<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
No, in all these things we are more than
conquerors through him who loved us.<b><sup><span style="font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></sup></b>For I am convinced that
neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor
the future, nor any powers neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all
creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in
Christ Jesus our Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Yesterday we looked
at the final petition of The Our Father and identified the singular evil that
is at the heart of all evils in the world, and the biggest threat to our
holiness. Today we look at the Good News, the salvation won for us by Christ
Jesus. “If God is for us, who can be against?” We see in today’s commentary
that Jesus is with us always, and no power on earth or under the earth or
anywhere can harm us as long as we fill ourselves with Him and Him alone. Who
could ask for anything more?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Catechism of the Catholic Church: <a href="">2853</a></b><b> </b>Victory over the "prince of this world" was
won once for all at the Hour when Jesus freely gave himself up to death to give
us his life. This is the judgment of this world, and the prince of this world
is "cast out." "He pursued the woman" but had no
hold on her: the new Eve, "full of grace" of the Holy Spirit, is
preserved from sin and the corruption of death (the Immaculate Conception and
the Assumption of the Most Holy Mother of God, Mary, ever virgin). "Then
the dragon was angry with the woman, and went off to make war on the rest of her
offspring." Therefore the Spirit and the Church pray: "Come,
Lord Jesus," since his coming will deliver us from the Evil One.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Pope Benedict XVI
(Jesus of Nazareth, Ignatius Press, 2007): </b>Today, on the other hand, there
is also the ideology of success, of well-being that tells us, “God is just a
fiction. He only robs us of our time and our enjoyment of life. Don’t bother
with him! Just try to squeeze as much out of life as you can.” These temptations seem irresistible…. The Our
Father in general and this petition in particular are trying to tell us that it
is only when you have lost God that you have lost yourself; then you are
nothing more than a random product of evolution. Then the “dragon” really has
won. So long as the dragon cannot wrest God from you, your deepest being
remains unharmed, even in the midst of all the evils that threaten you…. This
then is why we pray from the depths of our souls not to be robbed of our faith,
which enables us to see God, which binds us with Christ. This is why we pray
that, in our concern for goods, we may not lose the Good itself; that even
faced with the loss of goods, we may not also lose the Good, which is God; that
we ourselves may not be lost: Deliver us from evil!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Cyprian, the
martyr bishop… finds a marvelous way of putting all of this: “When we say ‘deliver
us from evil’ then there is nothing further left for us to ask for. Once we
have asked for and obtained protection against evil, we are safely sheltered
against anything the devil and the world can contrive. What could the world
make you fear if you are protected in the world by God Himself? (de dominica oration
19; CSEL III, 27, p. 287)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Catechism of the Catholic Church: </b><a href="">2854</a>: When we ask
to be delivered from the Evil One, we pray as well to be freed from all evils,
present, past, and future, of which he is the author or instigator. In this
final petition, the Church brings before the Father all the distress of the
world. Along with deliverance from the evils that overwhelm humanity, she implores
the precious gift of peace and the grace of perseverance in expectation of
Christ's return By praying in this way, she anticipates in humility of faith
the gathering together of everyone and everything in him who has "the keys
of Death and Hades," who "is and who was and who is to come, the
Almighty." <b>Deliver us, Lord, we
beseech you, from every evil and grant us peace in our day, so that aided by
your mercy we might be ever free from sin and protected from all anxiety, as we
await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the
kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, now and forever. Amen.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-87721572730781389872013-12-12T03:00:00.000-05:002013-12-12T03:00:02.776-05:00Devotion for today: but deliver us from evil<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<em><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">John
17:15. "I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you
to protect them from the evil one."</span></b></em></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<em><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">John
8:40-44: As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has
told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You
are doing the works of your own father.”“We are not illegitimate children,”
they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.”Jesus said to them, “If
God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I
have not come on my own; God sent me. Why is my language not clear to
you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your
father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He
was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no
truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and
the father of lies.<o:p></o:p></span></b></em></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<em><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Romans
8:31: If God is for us, who is against us?<o:p></o:p></span></b></em></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<em><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Catechism
of the Catholic Church: <a href=""><span style="color: windowtext;">2851</span></a>: In
this petition, evil is not an abstraction, but refers to a person, Satan, the
Evil One, the angel who opposes God. The devil (dia-bolos) is the one who
"throws himself across" God's plan and his work of salvation
accomplished in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></em></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="" name="2852"></a><em><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2852: "A
murderer from the beginning, . . . a liar and the father of
lies," Satan is "the deceiver of the whole world." Through him
sin and death entered the world and by his definitive defeat all creation will
be "freed from the corruption of sin and death." Now "we know
that anyone born of God does not sin, but He who was born of God keeps him, and
the evil one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole
world is in the power of the evil one."<o:p></o:p></span></b></em></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<em><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Lord who has taken away your sin and pardoned your faults also protects you and
keeps you from the wiles of your adversary the devil, so that the enemy, who is
accustomed to leading into sin, may not surprise you. One who entrusts himself
to God does not dread the devil…</span></b></em><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We now come to the last
petition in the Our Father. In it we find Jesus addressing the presence of the
devil within our lives and within the world. As we look at the words Jesus uses,
we see that He has us pray in the plural as He does throughout the prayer. We
are reminded that the evil one attacks every human being on the face of the
earth. We note that we need to be delivered from this evil, that we cannot do
it ourselves, and that we need God to fill us with His grace to fight the
master of lies and deception. We need to pray for all our brothers and sisters
to be delivered from their personal sins as well. As we have noted time and
again in this blog, it is not enough to get ourselves to heaven, but it is
necessary to bring as many people with us as possible.</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> This is very difficult
today. It is not “correct” to even mention the reality of sin, the possibility that
actions accepted by the world are unacceptable to God. It is not “correct” to
call a sin “a sin” and to remind people that the devil exists, he is real, as
are his minions, and that they wreak havoc on the beautiful souls of the
beloved children God created in His image. </span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The world has always succumbed to
the dance of the devil in the acceptance of inhumane practices such as
euthanasia, human trafficking, abortion, sexual abuse, oppression of human
rights and the indifference of the rich towards the sick, the elderly, and the
poor. We cannot help but picture the devil sitting in a chair, puffing on a
fine Cuban cigar, wearing an Alexander Amosu suit and fine leather shoes,
smirking as he watches countless souls buy his lie. He must love it every time
someone clicks on a pornographic image, or fights for abortion rights, buys
another expensive unnecessary gadget and chooses to play games with strangers
on the internet instead of joining an organization to mentor youth, offer
financial support and personal time to help women in unwanted pregnancies, or
assist in programs which are designed to give the unemployed the skills they
need to get a job. Why does this make him happy? Because, it causes us to put
ourselves and our own desires ahead of the needs of others. We then become easy
targets for any action, even sin that will make us happy. </span></em><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We have become immune
to the feeling of shame in sinful thoughts, words, and deeds because we have
locked our consciences in a box and thrown away the key. </span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Not a single person in
the world, now or in the past, or in the days to come can escape the evil one.
The best we can do is tell ourselves He doesn’t exist, or blame the evil in the
world on everyone else, or waste our time asking “Where was God” when horrible crime
happens. Horrible crimes happen when horrible people commit them. Horrible
people exist because they threw God away, or never had the chance to meet Him. This
has been true throughout history: once societies decided they were better off
keeping God away from the people, stopped using the instruction manual God
created for the world, and came up with their own gods and laws, evil was
unleashed. For us today our freedom truly can be defined as “nothing left to
lose.” We have to be monitored everywhere by cameras because we can no longer
be trusted to respect our fellow man. We have to be stopped from living our
faiths in society because we cannot be tolerated as marching to a different
drummer.</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> The evil one, my friends, laughs all the way to hell, taking as many
hapless souls with him as he can. Remember Jesus’ words: deliver us from evil.
We must believe that Jesus is present in the Eucharist and receive Him often.
We must believe that the Bible holds the truth about living and follow its
commands. We must study Jesus, and live the way He lived. And we must frequent
confession. Once we are too proud to admit that we have sinned, and too proud
to get down on our knees and ask forgiveness, do penance and begin again, we
will have a tough time avoiding the temptations of the evil one.</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> A child might
not believe you when you tell him that fire is hot, but once he sticks his
finger in a burning candle he knows the laws of physics and the truth of a wise
parent. My friends, the fire exists, and it will burn you.</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Oh
my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls
to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy. Amen (prayer given to
the children at Fatima by the Blessed Virgin Mary, to be prayed after each
decade of the rosary)<o:p></o:p></span></b></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="" name="2851"></a><a href="" name="2853"></a><i><span style="background: #FBFAF8; font-size: 6.5pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-58003907920979036682013-12-10T03:00:00.000-05:002013-12-10T03:00:05.086-05:00Devotion for today: “and lead us not into temptation”<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>As we continue our
meditation of The Lord’s Prayer, we will consider the somewhat curious line “…and
lead us not into temptation.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>James 1:13: Let no
one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted
with evil and he himself tempts no one.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When I began to carefully study the Our Father, I was a
bit taken aback when I realized that I was not saying what I thought I was
saying. My mind said, “and pull us away from temptation” but what I was
actually praying was, “Oh Abba, (Oh Daddy), please don’t lead me into
temptation.” What child of a loving father ever asks his daddy not to lead him
into temptation? It sounds as though we are expecting God to take us directly
into temptation unless we ask Him not to do it. Given that this prayer comes
from the lips of Jesus Himself, I knew there had to be more. Obviously the clue
had to exist somewhere in the translation of the words ‘lead’ and ‘temptation’.
So I began to research. The answers that
I think are most succinct are from the Catechism and from Pope Emeritus
Benedict XVI. Let’s start with the Catechism of the Catholic Church.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Catechism of the
Catholic Church 2846: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>This petition goes to the root of the preceding one, for
our sins result from our consenting to temptation; we therefore ask our Father
not to "lead" us into temptation. It is difficult to translate the
Greek verb used by a single English word: the Greek means both "do not
allow us to enter into temptation" and "do not let us yield to
temptation." "God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself
tempts no one"; on the contrary, he wants to set us free from evil.
We ask him not to allow us to take the way that leads to sin. We are engaged in
the battle "between flesh and spirit"; this petition implores the
Spirit of discernment and strength.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Pope Benedict XVI
(Jesus of Nazareth, Ignatius Press, 2007): </b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>The way this petition is phrased is
shocking for many people: God certainly does not lead us into temptation. In
fact, as St. James tells us …. ‘He himself tempts no one’. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Okay, now I
understand that the word “lead” is not the literal English translation, so what
I had been praying and meaning were really the same thing. Now, let’s move onto
the word “temptation”.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>2847</b><b> The Holy Spirit makes us <i>discern </i>between
trials, which are necessary for the growth of the inner man, and
temptation, which leads to sin and death. We must also discern between
being tempted and consenting to temptation. Finally, discernment unmasks the
lie of temptation, whose object appears to be good, a "delight to the
eyes" and desirable, when in reality its fruit is death.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Pope Emeritus
Benedict XVI (Jesus of Nazareth): </b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>The Book of Job can also help us to
understand the difference between trial and temptation. In order to mature, in
order to make real progress on the path leading from a superficial piety into
profound oneness with God’s will, man needs to be tried. Just as the juice of
the grape has to ferment in order to become a fine wine, so too man needs
purifications and transformations; they are dangerous for him, because they
present an opportunity for him to fall, and yet they are indispensable as paths
on which he comes to himself and to God. Love is always a process involving
purifications, renunciations, and painful transformations of ourselves – and that
is how it is a journey to maturity… When we pray the sixth petition of the Our
Father, we must therefore, on the one hand, be ready to take upon ourselves the
burden of trials that is meted out to us. On the other hand, the object of the
petition is to ask God not to mete out more than we can bear, not to let us
slip from his hands. We make this prayer in the trustful certainty that Saint
Paul has articulated for us: “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted
beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of
escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Cor 10:13).<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Aha! That’s it! The
truth lies in the difference between a trial and a temptation. God always
allows trials. If we want to see how that works, we really should read the Book
of Job. Every one of us is constantly undergoing trials. Some of us are
surrounded by difficult people; others have constant illnesses, and still
others pray for the fulfillment of dreams that may never happen. God allows
trials because that is the only way we will grow in our faith. As Michael
Jordan discovered when he was cut from the freshman basketball team in high
school, our reaction to trial is what makes us failures or great people.
Michael worked and trained and threw himself into becoming an outstanding
basketball player. He didn’t give into the temptation to become discouraged,
hate the coach, and whine about not getting what he wanted. No, he turned
himself into a superstar on the basketball court. That is how we are to react
when God sends us yet another trial. We pray that we not yield to the
temptation to reject Him, to give up and to cave into the devastation of sin.
The trial is from God; the temptation to turn it into evil and sin is from the
devil. We pray to be delivered from those wicked hands, and to be place into
the loving hands of a loving Abba.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>A Prayer Against
Temptation<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Behold me, O my God, at Your feet! I do not deserve
mercy, but O my Redeemer, the blood which You have shed for me encourages me
and obliges me to hope for it. How often I have offended You, repented, and yet
have I again fallen into the same sin. O my God, I wish to amend, and in order
to be faithful to You, I will place all my confidence in You. I will, whenever
I am tempted, instantly have recourse to You. Until now, I have trusted in my
own promises and resolutions and have neglected to recommend myself to You in
my temptations. This has been the cause of my repeated failures. From this day
forward, be You, O Lord, my strength, and this shall I be able to do all
things, for “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” Amen.</b> <a href="http://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/prayers-against-temptation.html">http://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/prayers-against-temptation.html</a><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-66149604512150306362013-12-09T03:00:00.000-05:002013-12-09T03:00:17.658-05:00Devotion for today: take a risk<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="color: #5c1101; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today’s Monday meditation asks us to
evaluate our trust in God and our desire to risk everything for Him.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #5c1101; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 23:4<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<b><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></sup></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Yea,
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #5c1101; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Psalm
9:10<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #5c1101; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="text"><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></sup></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Those
who know your name</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">trust in you</span>,</span></span></h3>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">for you,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">, have
never forsaken</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">those who seek you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #5c1101; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">John
12:26<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="woj"><b><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also
will be.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">My Father will honor the one who serves me.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Be willing to go out on a limb with Me. If that is
where I am leading you, it is the safest place to be. Your desire to lead a
risk-free life is a form of unbelief. Your longing to live close to Me is at
odds with your attempts to </span><span style="line-height: 21.111112594604492px;">minimize</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> risk. You are approaching a crossroads in
your journey. In order to follow Me wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your
tendency to play it safe. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let me lead you step by step through this day. If your
primary focus is on Me, you can walk along perilous paths without being afraid.
Eventually, you will learn to relax and enjoy the adventure of our journey
together. As long as you stay close to Me, My sovereign Presence protects you
wherever you go. (<i>Jesus Calling, Sarah
Young, Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1993)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Selflessness
Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">O Dearly beloved Word of God, teach me to be generous, to serve Thee as
Thou dost deserve, to give without counting the cost, to fight without fretting
at my wounds, to labor without seeking rest, to spend myself without looking
for any reward other than that of knowing that I do Thy holy will. Amen.</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=195">https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=195</a><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-70137554957905167362013-12-07T03:00:00.000-05:002013-12-07T03:00:08.027-05:00I forgive<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<i>Pour yourself a cup of coffee or brew a cup of tea, and enjoy Jerry Vale remind you of God's power, love and mercy.</i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b>He</b><br />
<br />
performed by Jerry Vale<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;"><b>I forgive</b></span><br />
<b><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;">He can turn the tides and calm the angry sea</span></b><div>
<b><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;">He alone decides who writes a symphony</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;">He lights every star that makes a darkness bright</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;">He keeps watch all through each long and lonely night</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;">He still finds the time to hear a child's first prayer</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;">Saint or sinner call and always find Him there</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;">Though it makes Him sad to see the way we live</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;">He'll always say, I forgive</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;">He can grant a wish or make a dream come true</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;">He can paint the clouds and turn gray to blue</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;">He alone is there to find a rainbow's end</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;">He alone can see what lies beyond the bend</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;">He can touch a tree and turn the leaves to gold</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;">He knows every lie that you and I have told</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;">Though it makes Him sad to see the way we live</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 23px;">He'll always say, I forgive</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="line-height: 22.986112594604492px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><div>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1O3a-ccLaA">h</a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1O3a-ccLaA">ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1O3a-ccLaA</a></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-41685860715971879052013-12-06T03:00:00.000-05:002013-12-06T03:00:14.572-05:00Devotion for today: There is no relationship with God without forgiveness<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<img src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>(Rembrandt)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Matthew 6:14-15:
If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive
you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your
sins.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>We have spent the
last few days taking a look at what the Bible tells us about
the need to forgive others. There simply is no room in God’s kingdom for anyone
who can’t forgive as God forgives. We can’t even imagine how horrible life
would be if God didn't forgive those who trespass against Him. The why do we
justify our pride in feeling we are better than God when it comes to
withholding forgiveness? Henri Nouwen wrote an amazing book, “The Return of the
Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming.’” (1992, Doubleday Press). In it he covers
the issue of forgiveness from a look at the prodigal son, the older brother,
and the father. Of course, in reading the book we start to see ourselves in all
three roles throughout our lifetime. Here is a small section which helps to
clarify the issue of holding back on forgiveness. Here Nouwen is talking about
the role of the father in the forgiveness story. He has been wronged by his
younger son who basically declared his father dead when he asked for his
inheritance, something one gets upon the death of a parent, and by the older
son, who now reveals that his love for his father had a string attached: his
good deeds meant his father had to love him best – always.This is long, but you have all weekend to read it, and listen carefully to the attached song.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Nouwen writes: </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Can I give without wanting anything in return, love
without putting any conditions on my love? Considering my immense need for
human recognition and affection, I realize that it will be a lifelong struggle.
But I am also convinced that each time I step over this need and act free of my
concern for return, I can trust that my life can truly bear the fruits of God’s
Spirit…. It is through constant forgiveness that we become like the Father.
Forgiveness from the heart is very, very difficult. It is next to impossible.
Jesus said to his disciples: “When your brother wrongs you seven times a day
and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I am sorry’ you must forgive him.”</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I have often said, “I forgive you,” but even as I said
these words my heart remained angry or resentful. I still wanted to hear the
story that tells me that I was right after all; I still wanted to hear
apologies and excuses; I still wanted the satisfaction of receiving some praise
in return – if only the praise for being so forgiving!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
But God’s forgiveness is unconditional; it comes from a
heart that does not demand anything for itself, a heart that is completely
empty of self-seeking. It is this divine forgiveness that I have to practice in
my daily life. It calls me to keep stepping over all my arguments that say
forgiveness is unwise, unhealthy, and impractical. It challenges me to step
over all my needs for gratitude and compliments. Finally, it demands of me that
I step over that wounded part of my heart that feels hurt and wronged and that
wants to stay in control and put a few conditions between me and the one whom I
am asked to forgive.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This “stepping over” is the authentic discipline of
forgiveness. Maybe it is more “climbing over” than stepping over.” Often I have
to climb over the wall of arguments and angry feelings that I have erected
between myself and all those whom I love but who so often do not return that
love. It is a wall of fear of being used or hurt again. It is a wall of pride,
and the desire to stay in control. But every time that I can step or climb over
that wall, I enter into the house where the Father dwells, and there touch my
neighbor with genuine compassionate love….</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
There is a dreadful emptiness in this spiritual
fatherhood. No power, no success, no popularity, no easy satisfaction. But that
same dreadful emptiness is also the place of true freedom. It is the place
where there is “nothing left to lose”, where love has no strings attached, and
where real spiritual strength is found.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Prayer of St.
Teresa of Avila:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background: white;">Let nothing disturb you,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Let
nothing frighten you,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">All
things are passing away:</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">God
never changes.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Patience
obtains all things</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Whoever
has God lacks nothing;</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">God
alone suffices.</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="background: white;">-- St. Teresa of Avila</span></i><span class="jquote"><span style="background: #F5E3CF; color: #c00000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<i><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></i>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yPG79-qo8s">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yPG79-qo8s</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-14543043179394766212013-12-05T03:00:00.000-05:002013-12-05T03:00:13.197-05:00Devotion for today: Dear Lord, I forgive…<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSQ3BEs5sgAn7_6zPutRxRuCP5nGAHWvfA1JCeBlxy2thYQQWgDFA" /><a href="" name="3357777709393277309"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #5f497a;"><i>This is a long prayer, but if you find a quiet spot, or go to church, and
clear your mind, then pray this without interruption, and mean it, you should
begin to feel the inner stirrings of peace which can only come from forgiving,
and being forgiven.</i></span></b><b><span style="color: #5f497a;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #5f497a;">Forgiveness Praye</span></b><b><span style="color: #5f497a;">r:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #5f497a; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;"> L</span><span style="color: #5f497a;">ORD JESUS
CHRIST, I ask today to forgive everyone in my life. I know that You will give
me the strength to forgive and I thank You that You love me more than I love
myself and want my happiness more than I desire it for myself.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
Father, I forgive You for the times death has come into my family, hard times, financial
difficulties, or what I thought were punishments sent by You and people said
"It's God's will," and I became bitter and resentful towards You.
Purify my heart and mind today.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
Lord, I forgive MYSELF for my sins, faults and failings, and for all that is
bad in myself or that I think is bad. For any delving in superstition, using Ouija
boards, horoscopes, going to séances, using fortune telling or wearing
lucky charms, I reject all that superstition and choose You alone as my Lord
and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
I further forgive myself for taking Your name in vain, not worshiping You by
attending church, for hurting my parents, getting drunk, fornication, adultery….
You have forgiven me; today I forgive myself. Also, for abortion, stealing,
lying, defrauding, hurting peoples' reputation, I forgive myself.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
I truly forgive my MOTHER. I forgive her for all the times she hurt me, she
resented me, she was angry with me and for all the times she punished me. I
forgive her for the times she preferred my brothers and sisters to
me. I forgive her for the times she told me I was dumb, ugly, stupid, the worst
of the children or that I cost the family a lot of money. For the
times she told me I was unwanted, an accident, a mistake or not what she
expected, I forgive her.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
I forgive my FATHER. I forgive him for any non-support, any lack of love,
affection, or attention. I forgive him for any lack of time, for not giving me
his companionship, for his drinking, arguing and fighting with my mother or the
other children. For his severe punishments, for desertion, for being away
from home, for divorcing my mother or for any running around, I do forgive him.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
Lord, I extend forgiveness to my SISTERS AND BROTHERS. I forgive those who
rejected me, lied about me, hated me, resented me, competed for my parents'
love, those who hurt me, who physically harmed me. For those who were too
severe on me, punished me or made my life unpleasant in any way, I do forgive
them.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
Lord, I forgive my SPOUSE for lack of love, affection, consideration, support,
attention, communication; for faults, failings, weaknesses and those other acts
or words that hurt or disturb me.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
Jesus, I forgive my CHILDREN for their lack of respect, obedience,
love, attention, support, warmth, understanding; for their bad habits, falling
away from the church, any bad actions which disturb me.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
My God, I forgive my IN-LAWS, my mother-in-law, father-in-law,
son/daughter-in-law and other relatives by marriage, who treat my family
with a lack of love. For all their words, thoughts, actions or omissions which
injure and cause pain, I forgive them.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
Please help me to forgive my RELATIVES, my grandmother and grandfather, aunts,
uncles, cousins who may have interfered in our family, been possessive of my
parents, who may have caused confusion or turned one parent against another.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
Jesus, help me to forgive my CO-WORKERS who are disagreeable or make life
miserable for me. For those who push their work off on me, gossip about me,
won't cooperate with me, try to take my job, I do forgive them.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
My NEIGHBORS need to be forgiven, Lord. For all their noise, letting their
property run down, not tying up their dogs, who run through my yard, not taking
in their trash barrels, being prejudiced and running down the neighborhood, I
do forgive them.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
I now forgive all priests, ministers, nuns, my parish, parish organizations, my
pastor, bishop, the Pope, and the church for their lack of support,
affirmation, bad sermons, pettiness, lack of friendliness, not providing my
family with the inspiration we needed, for any hurts they have inflicted on me
or my family, even in the distant past, I forgive them today.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
Lord, I forgive all those who are of different PERSUASIONS, those of opposite
political views who have attacked me, ridiculed me, discriminated against me,
made fun of me, economically hurt me.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
I forgive those of different religious DENOMINATIONS who have tried to convert
me, harassed me, attacked me, argued with me, forced their views on me.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
Those who have harmed me ETHNICALLY, have discriminated against me, mocked me,
made jokes about my race or nationality, hurt my family physically, emotionally
or economically, I do forgive them today.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
Lord, I forgive all PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE who have hurt me in any way: doctors,
nurses, lawyers, judges, politicians and civil servants. I forgive all
service people: policemen, firemen, bus drivers, hospital workers and
especially repairmen who have taken advantage of me in their work.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
Lord, I forgive my EMPLOYER for not paying me enough money, for not
appreciating my work, for being unkind and unreasonable with me, for being
angry and unfriendly, for not promoting me, and for not complimenting me on my
work.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
Lord, I forgive my SCHOOLTEACHERS AND INSTRUCTORS of the past as well as the
present. For those who punished me, humiliated me, insulted me, treated me
unjustly, made fun of me, called me dumb or stupid, made me stay after school,
I truly forgive them.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
Lord, I forgive my FRIENDS who have let me down, lost contact with me, do not
support me, were not available when I needed help, borrowed money and did not
return it, gossiped about me.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
Lord Jesus, I especially pray for the grace of forgiveness for that ONE PERSON
in life who has HURT ME THE MOST. I ask to forgive anyone who I consider my
greatest enemy, the one who is the hardest to forgive, the one I said I will
never forgive.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
Lord, I beg pardon of all these people for the hurt I have inflicted on them,
especially my mother and father, and my marriage partner. I am
especially sorry for the three greatest hurts I have inflicted on them.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
Thank you, Jesus, that I am being freed of the evil of unforgiveness. Let your
Holy Spirit fill me with light and let every dark area of my mind be
enlightened.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #5f497a;">
AMEN.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="http://ourcatholicprayers.blogspot.com/2008/11/forgiveness-prayer.html">http://ourcatholicprayers.blogspot.com/2008/11/forgiveness-prayer.html</a><b><span style="color: #5f497a; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-71834378320721432132013-12-04T03:00:00.000-05:002013-12-04T03:00:11.933-05:00Devotion for today: Our death is in the details, or in the little word “as”<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 5.95pt;">
<b style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6:12&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Matthew 6:12</span></a>:
</b><span style="background-color: transparent;">And </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">forgive</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> us our
trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>This petition in
The Lord’s Prayer, given to us by Jesus Himself, has a qualifier in it, the
only one that does. Jesus is telling us in no uncertain terms that God will
forgive us “as” we forgive others. Plain and simple: this is not hard to
understand. We cannot hold back forgiveness, continue to punish others for
actual or perceived wrongs, stand in judgment of others and declare them
unworthy of our forgiveness, or continue to exact payment for wrongs once the
offenders have said they are sorry unless we want God to do this to us when we
die. Our offenses against God, every day of our lives, are horrible when we
realize that God is pure love, and we are not. It is like mixing pure white
snow with snow from the street. One is so beautiful, the other, well, not so
much. If we honestly feel justified in withholding forgiveness and love from
someone who we believe has offended us, then let us meditate on the Scripture
passages below. It doesn’t get any clearer than this. We will continue our
meditation tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In answer to the question: Is it that important to forgive
even if I believe I have been seriously wronged, meditate on Jesus’ words:</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6:14&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Matthew 6:14</span></a>-15:
</b>For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your
heavenly Father will also forgive you<i>.
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your
sins.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Matthew 18:34-35: </b>In
anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should
pay back all he owed. <i>“This is how
my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or
sister from your heart.”</i> (parable of the servant who was forgiven a large
debt by his master, but refused to forgive a small debt owed to him)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Matthew 18:21-22:</b><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></sup></b></span>Then Peter came to Jesus and asked,
“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me- up
to seven times?” Jesus answered, “<i>I
tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26:28&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Matthew 26:28</span></a>:
</b><i>This
is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the </i><i>forgiveness
of sins.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+11:25&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Mark 11:25</span></a>:
</b>And when you stand praying, if you
hold anything against anyone, forgive them, <i>so
that your Father in heaven may</i><i> </i><i>forgive </i><i>you
your sins.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6:37&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Luke 6:37</span></a>:
</b>Do not judge, and you will not be
judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. <i>Forgive,
and you will be </i><i>forgiven</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Luke 7:41-44: </b>Two people owed money
to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other
fifty.<b> </b><span class="woj">Neither of them had the money to pay him back,
so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”</span><b> </b><span class="text">Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the
bigger debt forgiven.”</span><b> </b><span class="woj">“You have judged correctly,”</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">Jesus said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+7:47&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Luke 7:47</span></a>:
</b>Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great
love has shown. But <i>whoever has been forgiven
little loves little</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+17:3&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Luke 17:3</span></a>:
</b>So watch yourselves. If your brother
or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and <i>if they repent, forgive</i><i> </i><i>them.<b><o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+17:4&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Luke 17:4</span></a>:
</b>Even if they sin against you seven
times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ <i>you must</i><i> </i><i>forgive </i><i>them</i>.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23:34&version=NIV"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Luke 23:34</span></a>:
</b>Jesus said, “<i>Father, forgive them,
for they do not know what they are doing</i>.” And they divided up his clothes
by casting lots.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Prayer for the
grace to forgive:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Dear Lord, I come
to you with a heart that is heavy with resentment. The hurt I carry with me is
taking its toll… slowly closing the door of my heart to love. I have been
unjustly hurt and I don’t want to forgive, yet, I beg you to grant me the grace
to forgive the one who has hurt me, even though the very thought of doing so is
painful to me.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased !important; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<i>Turn my eyes now to you
and show me your wounds. Show me your bloody face. Show me your torn flesh.
Help me to always remember that you are the True Victim who was suffered the
most unjust hurt ever know to humankind. Give me the grace to be sorrowful for
my sins that nailed you to the cross and whisper in my ear your loving words,
“Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” With your tenderness, O
Lord, I know my heart will melt and be filled with your love, that I may
forgive my offender. Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased !important; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased !important; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<em style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased !important; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">But
I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute yo</span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">u</span></span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></i></span><i>(Matthew 5:44)</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased !important; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<a href="http://www.catholicmatch.com/institute/2012/09/a-prayer-for-the-grace-to-forgive/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.catholicmatch.com/institute/2012/09/a-prayer-for-the-grace-to-forgive/</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-44068440446042258702013-12-02T03:00:00.000-05:002013-12-02T03:00:16.447-05:00Devotion for today: I have no voice, except an inner cry…<img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSKKh4utBbVV-wwUCOuyxmm6wSTsJciXFSVnlOrP1xpRbxo2FarQw" /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>I was talking to a
friend last week who is going through a really rough time. She told me that the
glitz and glamour of this commercial holiday season makes her feel terrible,
like there is something wrong with her. Her sadness is deep, and real. She
finds herself believing the lie that everyone is walking around beaming and
laughing and going to a million parties all bedecked in gorgeous clothes,
walking into gorgeously decorated homes. Holiday madness makes her so sad. She
wants to feel happy, yet she cannot. Many of us have times like these. The
holly jolly season gets lost on those of us who have children deployed or
wounded by war, spouses who have lost their jobs, loved ones who have died,
illnesses and wounds (mental and physical) that keep us weak and frustrated,
and a host of other sad events that strip us of any desire to trim a tree and
tie a bow. What can we do? It is tough. To tell someone to pray is, of course,
the best answer, but to know how deep the sadness runs, we need a prayer that
speaks to really deep sadness, sadness this commercial Christmas season may
bring to a head. Commercial Christmas, you ask? Yes, this, for us Catholics, is
Advent, a solemn time of year when we meditate on the second coming of Christ,
when we clean our personal homes of the heart and soul and mind for a renewed
love of all things that belong to God, and when we wait for the time when He
will be among us forever. The secular world is celebrating Christmas now
because they have no idea why they are even celebrating. We begin on the 25<sup>th</sup>,
the birth of Christ, because our reason for joy will then enter our lives. But for now, for those whose hurt is so deep,
here is a prayer I found in the November issue of the Magnificat (<a href="http://www.magnificat.com/">www.magnificat.com</a>). Let us pray daily for those of us who are
suffering at this time. (We will return to our meditation on The Lord’s Prayer
tomorrow.)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Matthew 26:38: Then
he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and
watch with me.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Persecution and Perseverance<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Lord Jesus, I am struck dumb,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
immobile,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
inside and outside.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My heart is shrouded by this misery;</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
my eyes, which look upon your holy face, are stricken,
assaulted by the light,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
aching red, longing to be shut beneath their lids.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I have no voice</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
except an inner cry,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
a mute, distressed animal whimper</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
that cannot even summon itself to ask for mercy.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My fingers drift</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
away from my hands,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
and the tokens of your love</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
are beyond their reach.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
How do I pray?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
O Lord, where is the longing of my prayer?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Jesus, Mercy,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
hear the scream inside</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
the shaken contours of this skull,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
with brain pierced</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
by some fiery blade.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
O God, Love!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Hear the endless noise,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
the pounding,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
the howling of skin and nerve,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
muscle and joint;</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
this cacophony of pain</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
that groans all through the place</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
where I once felt that I had a body.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Jesus, Mercy, forgive me.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Jesus, Love.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Jesus, I offer.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I long for these to be my words to you,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
but lips are speechless quiver,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
and thought and heart are frozen in exhaustion.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Prayer is ice that does not flow.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Prayer is a voice of distant memory;</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
it feels like a still corpse</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
beneath my soul’s total turmoil.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In the end there is nothing</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
but the hollowness of a thing called me</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
wanting You.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I want You, Jesus.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>John Janaro<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-33129460342815004602013-11-30T03:00:00.000-05:002013-11-30T03:00:08.522-05:00Devotion for today: Food for thought<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; margin-bottom: 9.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.75pt; mso-outline-level: 5;">
<b style="line-height: 14.8pt;"><i><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">We spent Thursday concentrating on food for
the tummy. Now let us partake of some food for thought from Pope Francis I.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; margin-bottom: 9.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.75pt; mso-outline-level: 5;">
<b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; margin-bottom: 9.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.75pt; mso-outline-level: 5;">
<b><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Pope
Francis: Times of Persecution Mean the Lord Is Near<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-outline-level: 6;">
<b><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Pontiff
Warns of Worldly Temptation to Keep Religion Private<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222;">VATICAN CITY,</span><span style="color: #222222;"> November
28, 2013 </span><span style="color: #222222;">(<a href="http://www.zenit.org/?utm_campaign=dailyhtml&utm_medium=email&utm_source=dispatch" target="_blank">Zenit.org</a>)
- Worldly powers that wish to make religion something private exists in this
world. This was the warning Pope Francis gave this morning during Mass at Casa
Santa Marta.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">The Holy Father reflected on the first reading
where Daniel is thrown in the Lion’s den for praying to God, while the Gospel
recalled Jesus’ description of the end of days.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Speaking on the final battle described by
Jesus, the Pope said that there is an underlying temptation that will be faced
by all which he called “the universal temptation”: the desecration of the
temple, the desecration of faith.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">“What does this mean? It will be like the
triumph of the prince of this world: the defeat of God. It seems that in that
final moment of calamity, he will take possession of this world, that he will
be the master of this world,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">An example of this desecration of faith can be
shown in the book of Daniel who is condemned to death for adoring God. This
desecration has a specific name: “the prohibition of worship.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">“[There] religion cannot be spoken of, it is
something private, no? Publicly it is not spoken about. Te religious signs are
taken down. The laws that come from the worldly powers must be obeyed. You can
do so many beautiful things except adore God. Worship is prohibited,” the Pope
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">“This is the center of this end. And when this
arrives in its fullness - to the ‘kairos’ of this pagan attitude, when this is
fulfilled - then yes, He will come: ‘And they will see the Son of man come on a
cloud with great power and glory.’ Christians who have suffered in times of
persecution, in times of the prohibition of worship are a prophecy of that
which will happen to all.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Concluding his homily, Pope Francis called on
the faithful to be loyal and patient. The times of persecution mean that that
the victory of Jesus Christ is near.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 14.8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">“This week it will do us well to think of this
general apostasy, which is called the prohibition of adoration and ask
ourselves: ‘Do I adore the Lord? Do I adore Jesus Christ, the Lord? Or is it
half and half, do I play the play the prince of this world,” he said. “To adore
till the end, with loyalty and faithfulness: this is the grace that we should
ask for this week.” (J.A.E.)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-37809467082021819012013-11-29T03:00:00.000-05:002013-11-29T03:00:10.155-05:00Devotion for today: Give us this day our physical and spiritual bread.<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="bibleverse"><b>John 6:48-54</b></span><b>:</b> <i>“</i><i>I am
the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the desert, and have died.
This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that if anyone eats of it, he
will not die. ... If anyone eats of this bread he shall live forever; and the
bread that I will give is My flesh for the life of the world.”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Many disciples grumbled at this,
"How can this man give us His flesh to eat?" "Amen, amen I say
to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink of His blood, you
shall not have life in you. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has life
everlasting and I will raise him up on the last day.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I am sure that we
all understand the meaning of the petition in” The Our Father” which asks God
to provide us with our daily physical bread. We are not asking for more
physical bread than we need lest we become gluttonous, nor do we ask to be
ignored when it is time to pass out the daily allotment of food, lest we become
desperate and criminal in our attempt to eat. No, we ask God to provide for us
in the best way He can, so that we can care for our bodily needs. In using the pronoun
“us” we acknowledge that we belong to the family of God and must do for others
what God does for us. It will always be this way. Pay it forward, as the
popular expression goes. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>2831</b>
<b>But the presence of those who hunger
because they lack bread opens up another profound meaning of this petition. The
drama of hunger in the world calls Christians who pray sincerely to exercise
responsibility toward their brethren, both in their personal behavior and in
their solidarity with the human family. This petition of the Lord's Prayer
cannot be isolated from the parables of the poor man Lazarus and of the Last
Judgment. (Lk 16:19-31; Mt 25:31-46).<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
There is more to life, however, than satiating our
physical appetites. There is a hunger, a need in each and every one of us to be
fed the Bread of Life. Jesus left us the gift of Himself in the Eucharist for
this very purpose. Again, we see in the Catechism:</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2837 <b><i>"Daily"
(epiousios)</i> occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. Taken in a
temporal sense, this word is a pedagogical repetition of "this day," to
confirm us in trust "without reservation." Taken in the qualitative
sense, it signifies what is necessary for life, and more broadly every good
thing sufficient for subsistence. Taken literally (<i>epi-ousios:</i> "super-essential"),
it refers directly to the Bread of Life, the Body of Christ, the "medicine
of immortality," without which we have no life within us.<sup> </sup> Finally
in this connection, its heavenly meaning is evident: "this day" is
the Day of the Lord, the day of the feast of the kingdom, anticipated in the
Eucharist that is already the foretaste of the kingdom to come. For this reason
it is fitting for the Eucharistic liturgy to be celebrated each day.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>The Eucharist is
our daily bread. The power belonging to this divine food makes it a bond of
union. Its effect is then understood as unity, so that, gathered into his Body
and made members of him, we may become what we receive.... This also is our
daily bread: the readings you hear each day in church and the hymns you hear
and sing. All these are necessities for our pilgrimage.<sup> </sup><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>The Father in
heaven urges us, as children of heaven, to ask for the bread of heaven.
[Christ] himself is the bread who, sown in the Virgin, raised up in the flesh,
kneaded in the Passion, baked in the oven of the tomb, reserved in churches,
brought to altars, furnishes the faithful each day with food from heaven.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When we partake daily of the Bread of Life, we literally
touch God with our hands, and consume God into our bodies. We consume Him, and
He consumes us. We touch Him, and He touches us. To feed ourselves on the body
of Christ is to understand that we daily need to come to the source of true
life, to partake of the only food we ever will really need in our lives. At
Mass the priest proclaims the words of Christ: “Take this, all of you, and eat
of it, for this is my Body,
which will be given up for you.” To take and eat, of course, also means to take
up the cross, as Christ did after the Last Supper.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In the book <i>The
Redeemer’s Call to Consecrated Souls (Logus Institute Press), </i>Our Lord
speaks to a French nun in the 1930’s. He reveals to her His desire for us to
become “hosts” as He is “host”. Here is what He says:</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>There is no more
perfect model of abandonment than my Eucharistic Host. See how, without the
least trace of resistance, not even unyieldingness, It lets Itself be touched,
carried, given, allowing Itself to be hidden in the back of the Tabernacle as
well as exposed in the bright light of the monstrance. And even allowing Itself
to be profaned by ungrateful hearts…. Meditate often on this marvelous attitude
of abandonment by the Host, that you may imitate it. Renew again and again this
return of your soul, for while it requires a courageous abdication of self, its…fruit
is an ever deeper divine takeover, a celestial hold on you that transforms you
more and more.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Let us pray to become a perfect “host” as Jesus has
taught us to be.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-9907453530198324282013-11-28T03:00:00.000-05:002013-11-28T03:00:11.963-05:00Devotion for today: Thank you, God, and let me be generous<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<img height="186" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As we thank God today for what we have, let us remember that “to
whom much is given, much is expected.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lord, teach me to be
generous,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to serve you as you
deserve,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to give and not to count
the cost,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to fight and not to heed
the wounds,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to toil and not to seek
for rest,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to labor and not to look
for any reward,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">save that of knowing that
I do your holy will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>St. Ignatius of Loyola</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-56119314678731360562013-11-27T03:00:00.000-05:002013-11-27T03:00:03.345-05:00Devotion for today: Give us this day our daily bread, part one<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Matthew 5:43-48: </b>You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall
love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your
enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of
your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the
good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who
love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And
if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not
even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as
your heavenly Father is perfect.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Ps 104:27-30</b><span class="text">: </span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">These all
look to you</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 4.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">to give them their food in
due season;</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">when you
give to them, they gather it up;</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 4.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">when you open your hand, they
are filled with good things.</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">When you
hide your face, they are dismayed;</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 4.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">when you take away their
breath, they die</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 4.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">and return to their dust.</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">When you
send forth your spirit, they are created;</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 4.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt;">and you renew the face of the
earth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>In our meditation on The Lord’s Prayer, today
we look at the petition to ‘give us this day our daily bread’. We begin with
one of the beautiful explanations found in the Catechism of the Catholic
Church:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2828 <i>"Give us"</i>: The trust of
children who look to their Father for everything is beautiful. "He makes
his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the
unjust." He gives to all the living "their food in
due season."<sup> </sup>Jesus teaches us this petition,
because it glorifies our Father by acknowledging how good he is, beyond all
goodness.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We need to remember, when we come to this petition in The
Lord’s Prayer, that we began this conversation with God by calling Him ABBA,
that is, DADDY. We let Him know we honored Him, that we truly recognized His
power and might, and that we wanted Him to take away every part of our will and
fill it with His, because we know and trust that by giving up our selfish
attachments to things of earth, we will be filled with God’s heavenly love. Now
we come before Him asking Him to give us something else. Just like kids, right?
But the word “give” implies an unspoken and yet confident knowledge that what
we ask for, we will receive. None of us ever asks for help from someone we know
won’t help us. We avoid people who are selective and stingy in the giving of
their time and love. So when we ask God, Daddy, to give us something, we feel
pretty sure He is going to do it. And what does Jesus teach us to ask God for? He
teaches us to ask for our daily bread.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Of course, this has many meanings on
many levels. Today, however, we will examine one. Our daily bread is what we
need for life, not just physical life, but spiritual life. We have already told
God we want Him to take out our pride, anger, self-righteousness and
attachments to things of this earth and create in us a heavenly spirit. God, as
a loving father, knows just what we need to separate us from our personal
demons and replace those now empty spaces with His love. Picture a parent of a
new born. In the beginning, the parent needs to be sure the baby is clean, fed
and rested. He can pretty easily provide that. As the child grows and matures,
however, that is not enough. Soon discipline, structure, education, stern
lectures, loving hugs, words of encouragement, punishments, and rewards all
come into play. The needs of a child, a teenager, a young adult change almost
daily. So, too, then does the parent adapt and provide for that daily need.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
All
the great saints talk about the levels of spirituality one must pass through to
come to a full communion with God. Most of us never get to the top level because
it requires a complete and total abandonment to God’s will, holding back
nothing: not family, not health, not recognition, nothing. Now just as a parent
will do what it takes to bring out the best in his child, even if the child
doesn’t want to be his best, so, too, God does what it takes to bring us to the
full version of ourselves He had planned for us from the beginning of time. And
He does it every day. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The bread we need daily is the work God needs to do in us
today, right now. We were not always so angry with a family member; we didn’t
always put our job before our family; we were not always so hungry for
recognition from the outside world, or attached to our possessions. So God looks
at us every single day and decides what we need to pull those weeds out of our
soul and replace them with goodness and love. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When we ask God to daily give us
what we need, we must mean it. He balances justice with mercy,
hugs with reprimands, and “yeses” with “no’s”. Let us ask for our daily bread
today knowing we will get just what we need for our salvation. It is the
greatest gift a loving Daddy can give. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
(Friday we will look at “our daily
bread” as the Eucharist.)</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-88633542194369404022013-11-26T03:00:00.000-05:002013-11-26T03:00:08.271-05:00Devotion for today: Thy will for my life is my will for my life<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Today we conclude
our look at the petition in The Lord’s Prayer: Thy will be done on earth as it
is in heaven.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Here is what I
wrote last Monday:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
God’s will for you is the dream He had for you when He
placed you in your mother’s womb. Every talent, every ability, every physical
feature, where and when you were born, were all part of His plan for you. He
embedded in your heart the desire to become what He needs in the world at this
time in history. He blessed you with faith and hope and love in order to get
yourself and everyone He placed in your life back to Him. Ralph Martin tells us
in his book “The Fulfillment of all Desire” that “God’s will for us is our
total perfection, our total conformity to love of God and neighbor.” Examine
your life, study your gifts and compare your life to that of Jesus’. How are
you doing so far?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mark 14:33-34: </b>he
took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and
troubled. And he said to them ‘<i>My soul is very sorrowful</i>, even to death;
remain here, and watch”.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Mark 12:36: </b>“<i>Abba</i>,
Father, all things are possible to you; remove this cup from me; yet not what I
will, but what you will”.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dear brothers and sisters, every day in the prayer of the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Our Father<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>we ask the Lord: “thy will be
done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Mt 6:10). In other words we recognize that
there is a will of God with us and for us, a will of God for our life that must
become every day, increasingly, the reference of our willing and of our being;
we recognize moreover that “heaven” is where God’s will is done and where the
“earth” becomes “heaven”, a place where love, goodness, truth and divine beauty
are present, only if, on earth, God’s will is done.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In Jesus’ prayer to the Father on that terrible and marvelous
night in Gethsemane, the “earth” became “heaven”; the “earth” of his human
will, shaken by fear and anguish, was taken up by his divine will in such a way
that God’s will was done on earth. And this is also important in our own prayers:
we must learn to entrust ourselves more to divine Providence, to ask God for
the strength to come out of ourselves to renew our “yes” to him, to say to him
“thy will be done”, so as to conform our will to his. It is a prayer we must
pray every day because it is not always easy to entrust ourselves to God’s
will, repeating the “yes” of Jesus, the “yes” of Mary.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Gospel accounts of Gethsemane regretfully show that
the three disciples, chosen by Jesus to be close to him, were unable to watch
with him, sharing in his prayer, in his adherence to the Father and they were
overcome by sleep. Dear friends, let us ask the Lord to enable us to keep watch
with him in prayer, to follow the will of God every day even if he speaks of
the Cross, to live in ever greater intimacy with the Lord, in order to bring a
little bit of God’s “heaven” to this “earth”.<span style="color: #663300; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span>BENEDICT XVI</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i>GENERAL AUDIENCE</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Paul VI Audience Hall<br />
Wednesday, 1 February 201</i>2</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2913854880486647784.post-71727619148578815122013-11-25T03:00:00.000-05:002013-11-25T03:00:11.083-05:00Devotion for today: God’s will is love: continuing meditation on The Lord’s Prayer<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;">Resuming our look at God’s
will, today we meditate on the third point of last Monday’s outline on several
meanings of “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” I wrote:</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt;">God’s
will is love. Heaven is the perfect existence of love. God is love; those in
His presence are filled with love of God, those who die filled with love of God
and His will die filled with God. Hence they have done God’s will on earth and
will now be doing it in heaven. The old expression is true: You die the way you
lived. If you die filled with the little demons of loving secular life too
much, and loving your own will too much, you cannot enter into pure love. You have
too much pride in your own beliefs, and as a result, you have chosen to do your
will instead of God’s. As C. S. Lewis so brilliantly states: “There are only
two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and
those to whom God says, ‘Thy<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>will
be done.’ All that are in hell choose it. Without that self-choice, there could
be no hell.” Doing God’s will is simply choosing God in every thought, word and
deed of your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Psalm 91:14-16:</b><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span>Because he cleaves to me in love,
I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When
he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I
will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him
my salvation.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<b>Scripture: <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Mark 3:31-35</b>: And his mother and his brothers came; and
standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting about him; and they
said to him, "Your mother and your brothers are outside, asking for
you." And he replied, "Who are
my mother and my brothers?" And looking around on those who sat about him,
he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother,
and sister, and mother."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>1 John 4:8:<sup> </sup></b>He who does not love
does not know God; for God is love.<b><span style="color: #5c1101;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Meditation:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Who do you love and cherish the most? God did
not intend for us to be alone, but to be with others. He gives us many
opportunities for developing relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and
co-workers. Why did Jesus, on this occasion, seem to ignore his own relatives
when they pressed to see him? His love and respect for his mother and his
relatives was unquestionable. Jesus never lost an opportunity to teach his
disciples a spiritual lesson and truth about the kingdom of God. On this
occasion when many gathered to hear Jesus he pointed to another higher reality
of relationships, namely our relationship with God and with those who belong to
God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What is the
essence of being a Christian? It is certainly more than doctrine, precepts, and
commandments. It is first and foremost a relationship – a relationship of trust,
affection, commitment, loyalty, faithfulness, kindness, thoughtfulness,
compassion, mercy, helpfulness, encouragement, support, strength, protection,
and so many other qualities that bind people together in mutual love and unity.
God offers us the greatest of relationships – union of heart, mind, and spirit
with himself, the very author and source of love (1 John 4:8,16). God's love
never fails, never forgets, never compromises, never lies, never lets us down
nor disappoints us. His love is consistent, unwavering, unconditional, and
unstoppable. We may choose to separate ourselves from him, but nothing will
make him ignore us, leave us, or treat us unkindly. He will pursue us, love us,
and call us to return to him no matter what might stand in the way. It is his
nature to love. That is why he created us – to be united with him and to share
in his love and unity of persons (1 John 3:1). God is a trinity of persons –
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – and a community of love. That is why Jesus
challenged his followers and even his own earthly relatives to recognize that
God is the true source of all relationships. God wants all of our relationships
to be rooted in his love. <a href="http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings/mark3v31.htm">http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings/mark3v31.htm</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593419978447122155noreply@blogger.com0