Today's Readings:
Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25
Ps 71:3-6, 16-17
Lk 1:5-25
In our readings today, we see two women who were barren and unable to have children. In both instances the Lord intervened and the women conceived a child. They trusted in their God and he acted on their faith. As we journey closer to the birth of our Savior, let us re-establish our trust in our God and allow him to act in our lives. Let us allow Christ to be brought forth by each of us through all that we say and do, bringing about the Kingdom of God that Christ came to establish. Have a great day and God Bless.
Have a merry Christmas and a safe New Year - Fr. Nick
Saint of the Day - Blessed Urban V
Blessed Urban's name before he became pope was William de Grimoard. He was born at Grisac, Languedoc in France. He became a Benedictine monk in Chirac near his home. As a priest he taught canon law, then became Vicar General, later the Abbot of a big Monastary and advisor to the Queen. He was finally chosen Pope and took the name Urban V. At this time, the Pope lived in a city called Avignon, in France. He loved the Benedictine order so much that even after becoming Pope, he still wore the Benedictine habit (long robe). After many years Urban made up his mind to go to Rome, because that is where the Pope should live. The Pope is the bishop of Rome, and Urban knew that his place was in Rome. There were many difficulties. The people in France objected to his going, but Urban did what he felt was right. The people of Rome were overjoyed to have the Pope back. They were especially joyful to have such a holy man as was Urban V. He set about at once to repair the great churches of Rome. He worked very hard to unite the Eastern and Western Churches. He helped the poor, and encouraged the people to be fervent and holy again. Emperor Charles V showed great respect to the Holy Father. But Urban had many problems. He was getting sicker and weaker all the time. Many of his cardinals kept advising him to go back to Avignon and at last he gave in. As he prepared to leave Rome, the people of the city begged him to stay. He was very sad, but left anyway. About three months later, he died. It was not right for Urban to leave Rome, because as the bishop of Rome he belonged there. But aside from this weakness, he was a very holy and good man and he was called "a light of the world and a way of truth."
Reflection: Sometimes we are faced with difficult decisions to make. At these times, let us pray for the light of Christ to guide us.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/kids/saints/1219.asp
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Ordinary People
Today's Readings:
Gn 49:2, 8-10
Ps 72:1-8, 17
Mt 1:1-17
In today's Gospel we hear the genealogy of Christ, from Adam all the way to Jesus. Though this reading is a listing of names, we can still gain a lot from it. Each of those names has a story behind it, many of those stories we find in the Old Testament. God uses ordinary people just like us and those who names we hear today to complete his saving work on earth, the question is whether we allow him to use us or not? In that list of names we find some great saints and some great sinners, men and women just like us. Today let allow our Lord to use to complete his work on earth. God Bless and have a great day.
Saint of the Day - St. Olympias
This saint was born around the year 361. She belonged to a great family of Constantinople. When she was left an orphan, she was given into the care of a wonderful Christian woman. Olympias had inherited a large fortune and was both sweet and attractive. So her uncle found it easy to marry her to Nebridius, a man who had been governor of Constantinople. St. Gregory Nazianzen apologized for not being able to attend the wedding. He even sent a poem full of good advice for Olympias. Nebridius died very soon afterward, however, and the emperor urged Olympias to marry again. She answered: "Had God wished me to remain a wife, he would not have taken Nebridius away." And she refused to marry again. St. Gregory called her "the glory of the widows in the Eastern Church." With a number of other pious ladies, Olympias spent her life performing works of charity. She dressed plainly and prayed much. She gave her money away to everyone. Finally, St. John Chrysostom had to tell her to be careful in giving away her goods. "You must not encourage the laziness of those who live upon you without necessity," he said. "It is like throwing your money into the sea." St. John Chrysostom became archbishop of Constantinople. As their archbishop, he guided St. Olympias and her disciples in their works. The women started a home for orphans and they opened a chapel. They were able to give help to great numbers of people. St. John Chrysostom became Olympias' dearest guide. When he was exiled, she was deeply grieved. She then had to suffer persecution, too. Her community of widows and single women was forced to stop their charitable works. Besides this, Olympias was in poor health and was being criticized. Yet St. John wrote to her: "I cannot stop calling you blessed. The patience and dignity with which you have borne your sorrows, your prudence, wisdom and charity have won you great glory and reward." St. Olympias died in 408, when she was about forty. Someone described her as "a wonderful woman, like a precious vase filled with the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: The generosity of St. Olympias touched the lives of many people. How might I become more giving to those around me today?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/december/1217.asp
Gn 49:2, 8-10
Ps 72:1-8, 17
Mt 1:1-17
In today's Gospel we hear the genealogy of Christ, from Adam all the way to Jesus. Though this reading is a listing of names, we can still gain a lot from it. Each of those names has a story behind it, many of those stories we find in the Old Testament. God uses ordinary people just like us and those who names we hear today to complete his saving work on earth, the question is whether we allow him to use us or not? In that list of names we find some great saints and some great sinners, men and women just like us. Today let allow our Lord to use to complete his work on earth. God Bless and have a great day.
Saint of the Day - St. Olympias
This saint was born around the year 361. She belonged to a great family of Constantinople. When she was left an orphan, she was given into the care of a wonderful Christian woman. Olympias had inherited a large fortune and was both sweet and attractive. So her uncle found it easy to marry her to Nebridius, a man who had been governor of Constantinople. St. Gregory Nazianzen apologized for not being able to attend the wedding. He even sent a poem full of good advice for Olympias. Nebridius died very soon afterward, however, and the emperor urged Olympias to marry again. She answered: "Had God wished me to remain a wife, he would not have taken Nebridius away." And she refused to marry again. St. Gregory called her "the glory of the widows in the Eastern Church." With a number of other pious ladies, Olympias spent her life performing works of charity. She dressed plainly and prayed much. She gave her money away to everyone. Finally, St. John Chrysostom had to tell her to be careful in giving away her goods. "You must not encourage the laziness of those who live upon you without necessity," he said. "It is like throwing your money into the sea." St. John Chrysostom became archbishop of Constantinople. As their archbishop, he guided St. Olympias and her disciples in their works. The women started a home for orphans and they opened a chapel. They were able to give help to great numbers of people. St. John Chrysostom became Olympias' dearest guide. When he was exiled, she was deeply grieved. She then had to suffer persecution, too. Her community of widows and single women was forced to stop their charitable works. Besides this, Olympias was in poor health and was being criticized. Yet St. John wrote to her: "I cannot stop calling you blessed. The patience and dignity with which you have borne your sorrows, your prudence, wisdom and charity have won you great glory and reward." St. Olympias died in 408, when she was about forty. Someone described her as "a wonderful woman, like a precious vase filled with the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: The generosity of St. Olympias touched the lives of many people. How might I become more giving to those around me today?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/december/1217.asp
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Good Shepherd
Today's Readings:
Is 40:1-11
Ps 96:1-3, 10-13
Mt 18:12-14
Jesus reminds us today that just as the Good Shepherd goes out to look for the lost sheep, so to does our God come to find us. Jesus states that "it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost..." This season of Advent gives us the opportunity to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ into the world, for it is through that coming that God reaches out to us and saves us; and there is not one of us that God does not wish to save. Today let us place ourselves in the hands of the Good Shepherd with full confidence that he truly will lead us on our way back to the Father and to eternal life. God Bless and have a great day.
Saint of the Day - Blessed Juan Diego
Juan Diego is well-known because the Mother of God appeared to him. It was to Juan Diego that Mary first introduced herself to the world as Our Lady of Guadalupe. He lived in the sixteenth century when Mexico City was known as the Valley of Anahuac. Juan was a member of the Chichimeca people. They called him the talking eagle. His Christian name was Juan Diego. After Juan's particular mission was completed, it is said that he became a hermit. He spent the rest of his life in prayer and penance. His little hut was near the first chapel that was built on Tepeyac Hill. He was greatly esteemed. Parents considered it their fondest wish to have their children grow up to be like Juan Diego. Juan took care of the little church and met the pilgrims who began to come there to honor their Mother of Guadalupe. He would show them the miraculous tilma or cloak that preserves Mary's beautiful image. Pope John Paul II declared Juan Diego "blessed" on May 14, 1990. The pope personally visited the magnificent church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He prayed there for all of the people of Mexico. He prayed especially for those who were killed during the terrible persecution of the Church in the early part of this century. He prayed for all the pilgrims who come to this beautiful church with such faith in the Mother of God.
Reflection: Juan's encounter with Mary changed his life in a profound way. How can I allow the example of the Blessed Mother to affect the way that I live?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/december/1209.asp
Is 40:1-11
Ps 96:1-3, 10-13
Mt 18:12-14
Jesus reminds us today that just as the Good Shepherd goes out to look for the lost sheep, so to does our God come to find us. Jesus states that "it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost..." This season of Advent gives us the opportunity to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ into the world, for it is through that coming that God reaches out to us and saves us; and there is not one of us that God does not wish to save. Today let us place ourselves in the hands of the Good Shepherd with full confidence that he truly will lead us on our way back to the Father and to eternal life. God Bless and have a great day.
Saint of the Day - Blessed Juan Diego
Juan Diego is well-known because the Mother of God appeared to him. It was to Juan Diego that Mary first introduced herself to the world as Our Lady of Guadalupe. He lived in the sixteenth century when Mexico City was known as the Valley of Anahuac. Juan was a member of the Chichimeca people. They called him the talking eagle. His Christian name was Juan Diego. After Juan's particular mission was completed, it is said that he became a hermit. He spent the rest of his life in prayer and penance. His little hut was near the first chapel that was built on Tepeyac Hill. He was greatly esteemed. Parents considered it their fondest wish to have their children grow up to be like Juan Diego. Juan took care of the little church and met the pilgrims who began to come there to honor their Mother of Guadalupe. He would show them the miraculous tilma or cloak that preserves Mary's beautiful image. Pope John Paul II declared Juan Diego "blessed" on May 14, 1990. The pope personally visited the magnificent church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He prayed there for all of the people of Mexico. He prayed especially for those who were killed during the terrible persecution of the Church in the early part of this century. He prayed for all the pilgrims who come to this beautiful church with such faith in the Mother of God.
Reflection: Juan's encounter with Mary changed his life in a profound way. How can I allow the example of the Blessed Mother to affect the way that I live?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/december/1209.asp
Monday, December 8, 2008
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today's Readings:
Gn 3:9-15, 20
Ps 98:1-4
Eph 1: 3-6, 11-12
Lk 1:26-38
In the first creation, we inherited sin from our first parents Adam and Eve; in the re-creation, we inherited the forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation. This gift is given to us by God, by Christ death and resurrection thus recreating us through Baptism in Christ. Christ is the 'new Adam' and Mary is 'the new Eve' in this re-creation; now it is up to us as to whose example we will follow. We can choose the example to sin or the example of grace. Today let us put our faith in Christ and with the prayers of his holy mother follow the example of grace and thus leave the example of sin behind. Have a great day and God Bless.
Saint of the Day - Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Our first parents offended God by sinning seriously. Because of the fall of Adam and Eve, every baby is born into the world with original sin. We are all children of our first parents. Therefore, we all inherit their sin. This sin in us is called original sin. But the Blessed Virgin Mary was given a marvelous privilege. She was conceived in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, without this original sin. Our Lady was to be the mother of Jesus, God's only Son. The evil one, the devil, should have no power over Mary. There was never the slightest sin in our all-beautiful mother. That is why one of the Church's favorite hymns to Mary is: "You are all-beautiful, O Mary, and there is no sin in you." This great privilege of Our Lady is called her Immaculate Conception. In 1854, Pope Pius IX proclaimed to the whole world that there was no doubt at all that Mary was conceived without sin. Four years later, she appeared to Bernadette at Lourdes. When St. Bernadette asked the lovely lady who she was, Mary joined her hands and raised her eyes toward heaven. She said, "I am the Immaculate Conception."
Reflection: "You let her share beforehand in the salvation Christ would bring by his death, and kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception." -Pope Sixtus IV
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/december/1208.asp
Gn 3:9-15, 20
Ps 98:1-4
Eph 1: 3-6, 11-12
Lk 1:26-38
In the first creation, we inherited sin from our first parents Adam and Eve; in the re-creation, we inherited the forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation. This gift is given to us by God, by Christ death and resurrection thus recreating us through Baptism in Christ. Christ is the 'new Adam' and Mary is 'the new Eve' in this re-creation; now it is up to us as to whose example we will follow. We can choose the example to sin or the example of grace. Today let us put our faith in Christ and with the prayers of his holy mother follow the example of grace and thus leave the example of sin behind. Have a great day and God Bless.
Saint of the Day - Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Our first parents offended God by sinning seriously. Because of the fall of Adam and Eve, every baby is born into the world with original sin. We are all children of our first parents. Therefore, we all inherit their sin. This sin in us is called original sin. But the Blessed Virgin Mary was given a marvelous privilege. She was conceived in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, without this original sin. Our Lady was to be the mother of Jesus, God's only Son. The evil one, the devil, should have no power over Mary. There was never the slightest sin in our all-beautiful mother. That is why one of the Church's favorite hymns to Mary is: "You are all-beautiful, O Mary, and there is no sin in you." This great privilege of Our Lady is called her Immaculate Conception. In 1854, Pope Pius IX proclaimed to the whole world that there was no doubt at all that Mary was conceived without sin. Four years later, she appeared to Bernadette at Lourdes. When St. Bernadette asked the lovely lady who she was, Mary joined her hands and raised her eyes toward heaven. She said, "I am the Immaculate Conception."
Reflection: "You let her share beforehand in the salvation Christ would bring by his death, and kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception." -Pope Sixtus IV
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/december/1208.asp
Friday, December 5, 2008
Do You Believe
Today's Readings:
Is 29:17-24
Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14
Mt 9:27-31
Jesus gives us an important requirement for miracles in today's Gospel...Faith. Two blind men ask Christ to heal them and his first question to them is "Do you believe that I can do this?" As stated before, our faith does not have to be perfect; but we do have to believe that God wants to and will work in our lives if we let him. Christ came into this world to save us from our sins, the question for us is - Do we believe? Today let us ask ourselves this question and truly strive to believe, and when we find it hard to do this, we can simply turn to God and ask his help with our unbelief. Have a great day and God Bless
Saint of the Day - St. Sabas
Sabas, born in 439, is one of the most famous monks of Palestine. His father was an officer in the army. When the officer had to go to Alexandria, Egypt, he left his young son with his brother-in-law. Since his aunt treated him badly, young Sabas ran away to another uncle. When an argument arose between the two uncles, Sabas felt terrible. He liked to see people at peace. So he ran away to live in a monastery. His two uncles felt ashamed of themselves. They told Sabas to come out and they would give him all his property. But by this time, Sabas was too happy in the monastery. He did not want to leave. Even though he was the youngest monk, he was the most fervent. When he was eighteen, Sabas went to Jerusalem. He wanted to learn to live alone with God. He was advised to live in another monastery there for a while because he was still young. He obeyed and joyfully did all the hard work. He chopped wood for the fires and carried the heavy jugs of water. One day, St. Sabas was sent to Alexandria, Egypt, as the traveling companion of another monk. There he saw his father and mother! They tried their best to make him come with them. They wanted him to enjoy the same honors his father had won. Not Sabas! He would not even take the money they tried to give him. Finally he accepted three gold pieces. Then when he got back to the monastery, he gave them to the abbot. At last, he was able to spend four years completely alone, as he desired. But after that, he had to start a new monastery. Many disciples came to him to learn how to be monks. Before long, he was put in charge of all the monks in Palestine. Sometimes Sabas was sent to the emperor on important Church affairs. Even then, he wore his poor cloth habit, and kept to his hours of prayer. St. Sabas died in 532.
Reflection: Although at times there was turmoil in Sabas' family, he learned to put his trust in God's care for him. In moments of uncertainty and confusion, God's grace sustained him.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/december/1205.asp
Is 29:17-24
Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14
Mt 9:27-31
Jesus gives us an important requirement for miracles in today's Gospel...Faith. Two blind men ask Christ to heal them and his first question to them is "Do you believe that I can do this?" As stated before, our faith does not have to be perfect; but we do have to believe that God wants to and will work in our lives if we let him. Christ came into this world to save us from our sins, the question for us is - Do we believe? Today let us ask ourselves this question and truly strive to believe, and when we find it hard to do this, we can simply turn to God and ask his help with our unbelief. Have a great day and God Bless
Saint of the Day - St. Sabas
Sabas, born in 439, is one of the most famous monks of Palestine. His father was an officer in the army. When the officer had to go to Alexandria, Egypt, he left his young son with his brother-in-law. Since his aunt treated him badly, young Sabas ran away to another uncle. When an argument arose between the two uncles, Sabas felt terrible. He liked to see people at peace. So he ran away to live in a monastery. His two uncles felt ashamed of themselves. They told Sabas to come out and they would give him all his property. But by this time, Sabas was too happy in the monastery. He did not want to leave. Even though he was the youngest monk, he was the most fervent. When he was eighteen, Sabas went to Jerusalem. He wanted to learn to live alone with God. He was advised to live in another monastery there for a while because he was still young. He obeyed and joyfully did all the hard work. He chopped wood for the fires and carried the heavy jugs of water. One day, St. Sabas was sent to Alexandria, Egypt, as the traveling companion of another monk. There he saw his father and mother! They tried their best to make him come with them. They wanted him to enjoy the same honors his father had won. Not Sabas! He would not even take the money they tried to give him. Finally he accepted three gold pieces. Then when he got back to the monastery, he gave them to the abbot. At last, he was able to spend four years completely alone, as he desired. But after that, he had to start a new monastery. Many disciples came to him to learn how to be monks. Before long, he was put in charge of all the monks in Palestine. Sometimes Sabas was sent to the emperor on important Church affairs. Even then, he wore his poor cloth habit, and kept to his hours of prayer. St. Sabas died in 532.
Reflection: Although at times there was turmoil in Sabas' family, he learned to put his trust in God's care for him. In moments of uncertainty and confusion, God's grace sustained him.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/december/1205.asp
Thursday, December 4, 2008
A Solid Faith
Today's Readings:
Is 26:1-6
Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27
Mt 7:21, 24-27
Jesus states today that not everyone who calls upon him will be admitted into the Kingdom of Heaven...For to be admitted into this Kingdom, we must be steadfast in our faith. This does not mean we do not struggle with doubts, or never wrestle with our faith; it simply means that when those times occur, we do not allow them to take over. We must continue to persevere in prayer and in good works, and in doing so, will be like the one whom Jesus speaks about in the Gospel who built his house on solid ground rather than on sand. Today let us continue to strengthen our faith by prayer and working with the grace God gives us, so that we truly may have a house built firmly on solid ground. God Bless and have a great day.
Saint of the Day - St. John Damascene
St. John lived in the eighth century. He was born in the city of Damascus of a good Christian family. When his father died, he became the governor of Damascus. At this time, the emperor made a law. It forbade Christians from having statues or pictures of Our Lord and the saints. St. John Damascene knew the emperor was wrong. He joined with many others to defend this practice of the Christians. The pope himself asked John to keep telling people that it is a good thing to have statues and holy pictures. They make us think of Our Lord, the Blessed Mother and the saints. But the emperor would not give in to the Holy Father. He continued to forbid statues to be put in public places. St. John bravely wrote three letters. He told the emperor to give up his wrong ideas. The emperor became so furious that he wanted revenge. John decided he should resign as governor. He gave away all his money to the poor and became a monk. He kept on writing marvelous books to defend the Catholic religion. At the same time he did all kinds of humble work in the monastery. One day he even went to sell baskets in the streets of Damascus. Many of those who had known him before were mean enough to laugh at him. Here was the man who had once been the great governor of the city now selling baskets. Imagine how St. John must have suffered. But he knew that the money received would be put to good use at the monastery. He thought of Jesus, the Son of God, who wanted to be born in a stable. Then he felt happy to imitate Our Lord's humility. St. John died a peaceful, happy death in the year 749.
Reflection: Although St. John was a very intelligent and educated person, he possessed a deep humility, shown in a line he once wrote, calling himself "a lowly and useless servant, who would do better to confess his sins to God than to become involved in theological and political matters."
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/december/1204.asp
Is 26:1-6
Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27
Mt 7:21, 24-27
Jesus states today that not everyone who calls upon him will be admitted into the Kingdom of Heaven...For to be admitted into this Kingdom, we must be steadfast in our faith. This does not mean we do not struggle with doubts, or never wrestle with our faith; it simply means that when those times occur, we do not allow them to take over. We must continue to persevere in prayer and in good works, and in doing so, will be like the one whom Jesus speaks about in the Gospel who built his house on solid ground rather than on sand. Today let us continue to strengthen our faith by prayer and working with the grace God gives us, so that we truly may have a house built firmly on solid ground. God Bless and have a great day.
Saint of the Day - St. John Damascene
St. John lived in the eighth century. He was born in the city of Damascus of a good Christian family. When his father died, he became the governor of Damascus. At this time, the emperor made a law. It forbade Christians from having statues or pictures of Our Lord and the saints. St. John Damascene knew the emperor was wrong. He joined with many others to defend this practice of the Christians. The pope himself asked John to keep telling people that it is a good thing to have statues and holy pictures. They make us think of Our Lord, the Blessed Mother and the saints. But the emperor would not give in to the Holy Father. He continued to forbid statues to be put in public places. St. John bravely wrote three letters. He told the emperor to give up his wrong ideas. The emperor became so furious that he wanted revenge. John decided he should resign as governor. He gave away all his money to the poor and became a monk. He kept on writing marvelous books to defend the Catholic religion. At the same time he did all kinds of humble work in the monastery. One day he even went to sell baskets in the streets of Damascus. Many of those who had known him before were mean enough to laugh at him. Here was the man who had once been the great governor of the city now selling baskets. Imagine how St. John must have suffered. But he knew that the money received would be put to good use at the monastery. He thought of Jesus, the Son of God, who wanted to be born in a stable. Then he felt happy to imitate Our Lord's humility. St. John died a peaceful, happy death in the year 749.
Reflection: Although St. John was a very intelligent and educated person, he possessed a deep humility, shown in a line he once wrote, calling himself "a lowly and useless servant, who would do better to confess his sins to God than to become involved in theological and political matters."
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/december/1204.asp
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Childlike Faith
Today's Readings:
Is 11:1-10
Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Lk 10:21-24
Jesus states today that: "although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike..." To have faith does not require us to be experts at prayer, theology, or anything else; we simply must allow Christ into our hearts and let him direct our lives. This faith does require us to humble ourselves at times, yet it is the way that our God wishes to work within us; not by force, but by our submission of will. Like a child, we must allow our Lord to pick us up and guide us along our way. Today let us give ourselves into the loving hands of our God, knowing that he will care for us if we let him.
Saint of the Day - St. Bibiana
Bibiana's father Flavian had been prefect of the city of Rome in early Christian times. He and his wife were known as fervent Christians. In fact, when Emperor Julian left the Catholic faith, he began persecuting it. That is when Flavian was arrested. He was branded on the face with a hot iron and then exiled. After he died, his wife Dafrosa was also made a prisoner in her own house. This was only because of her good Christian life. Then she, too, was put to death. Left alone with her sister, Demetria, Bibiana tried with all her heart to trust in God and pray. Everything they had was being taken from them. Then the two young women were brought to court. Poor Demetria was so frightened that she dropped dead at the judge's feet. Bibiana was handed over to a sinful woman, who was supposed to make the girl as evil as she was. This woman tried by sweet words and many clever tricks to make Bibiana fall. However, the saint could not be moved. She was brought back to court and beaten. Yet she held to her faith and purity as strongly as ever. St. Bibiana was beaten to death with leaden scourges. A priest buried her at night beside her mother and sister.
Reflection: Sometimes we must suffer for doing what we know to be right. We can pray for the grace of perseverance in doing good in our lives.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/december/1202.asp
Is 11:1-10
Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Lk 10:21-24
Jesus states today that: "although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike..." To have faith does not require us to be experts at prayer, theology, or anything else; we simply must allow Christ into our hearts and let him direct our lives. This faith does require us to humble ourselves at times, yet it is the way that our God wishes to work within us; not by force, but by our submission of will. Like a child, we must allow our Lord to pick us up and guide us along our way. Today let us give ourselves into the loving hands of our God, knowing that he will care for us if we let him.
Saint of the Day - St. Bibiana
Bibiana's father Flavian had been prefect of the city of Rome in early Christian times. He and his wife were known as fervent Christians. In fact, when Emperor Julian left the Catholic faith, he began persecuting it. That is when Flavian was arrested. He was branded on the face with a hot iron and then exiled. After he died, his wife Dafrosa was also made a prisoner in her own house. This was only because of her good Christian life. Then she, too, was put to death. Left alone with her sister, Demetria, Bibiana tried with all her heart to trust in God and pray. Everything they had was being taken from them. Then the two young women were brought to court. Poor Demetria was so frightened that she dropped dead at the judge's feet. Bibiana was handed over to a sinful woman, who was supposed to make the girl as evil as she was. This woman tried by sweet words and many clever tricks to make Bibiana fall. However, the saint could not be moved. She was brought back to court and beaten. Yet she held to her faith and purity as strongly as ever. St. Bibiana was beaten to death with leaden scourges. A priest buried her at night beside her mother and sister.
Reflection: Sometimes we must suffer for doing what we know to be right. We can pray for the grace of perseverance in doing good in our lives.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/december/1202.asp
Monday, December 1, 2008
Season of Hope
Today's Readings:
Is 2:1-5
Ps 122: 1-9
Mt 8:5-11
As we enter the Advent season, we enter a season of waiting and a season of hope. We are called to be prepared for the coming of Christ, not just in celebrating Christmas, but be prepared for his coming again. We do this by preparing our hearts each and every day for an encounter with Christ in all those we meet and have faith that God truly will be with us. We also are called to be a people of hope, a people of faith, a people that knows God will never leave their side and will always comfort them in their time of need. Today let us place our trust and hope in our Lord, knowing that just as the Father was there for Christ his Son,he will always be there for us as well. God Bless and have a great day.
Saint for the Day - St. Edmund Campion
Edmund lived in the sixteenth century. He was a very popular young English student who was a great speaker. In fact, Edmund was chosen to deliver a welcoming speech to Queen Elizabeth when she visited his college. A group of his fellow students were attracted by his happy nature and his many talents. They made him their leader. Even the queen and her chief ministers were fond of this attractive young man. But Edmund was troubled about his religion. He kept thinking that the Catholic Church might be the only true Church. He did not hide his feelings. Therefore, the government, which was persecuting Catholics, became very suspicious of him. Edmund knew that he would lose the queen's favor and all his chances for a great career if he chose to become a Catholic. The young man prayed and reached his decision. He would become a Catholic anyway. After he had escaped from England, Edmund studied to become a priest. He entered the Society of Jesus. When the Holy Father decided to send some Jesuits to England, Father Campion was one of the first to go. The night before he left, one of his fellow priests felt urged to write over his doorway: "Father Edmund Campion, martyr." Although he knew what danger faced him, the holy priest set out cheerfully. In fact, he had many a laugh because of his disguise as a jewel merchant. In England he preached with great success to Catholics who had to meet with him in secret. Spies of the queen's men were everywhere trying to catch him. He wrote: "I won't escape their hands much longer. Sometimes I read letters that say 'Campion has been caught'!" It was a traitor who finally brought about the Jesuit's capture. Edmund was visited in jail by the government officials who had been so fond of him. It seems that even Queen Elizabeth came. But none of their threats or promises could make him give up the Catholic faith. Nor could tortures break him. In spite of all his sufferings, he still defended himself and his fellow priests in such a marvelous manner that no one could answer him. Yet the enemies of the Church condemned him anyway. Before he was put to death, St. Edmund forgave the man who had betrayed him. He even helped save the man's life. St. Edmund Campion died in 1581. He was about forty-one years old.
Reflection: Edmund was able to extend forgiveness even when it seemed impossible. Is there an area of my life that needs the healing grace of forgiveness?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/december/1201.asp
Is 2:1-5
Ps 122: 1-9
Mt 8:5-11
As we enter the Advent season, we enter a season of waiting and a season of hope. We are called to be prepared for the coming of Christ, not just in celebrating Christmas, but be prepared for his coming again. We do this by preparing our hearts each and every day for an encounter with Christ in all those we meet and have faith that God truly will be with us. We also are called to be a people of hope, a people of faith, a people that knows God will never leave their side and will always comfort them in their time of need. Today let us place our trust and hope in our Lord, knowing that just as the Father was there for Christ his Son,he will always be there for us as well. God Bless and have a great day.
Saint for the Day - St. Edmund Campion
Edmund lived in the sixteenth century. He was a very popular young English student who was a great speaker. In fact, Edmund was chosen to deliver a welcoming speech to Queen Elizabeth when she visited his college. A group of his fellow students were attracted by his happy nature and his many talents. They made him their leader. Even the queen and her chief ministers were fond of this attractive young man. But Edmund was troubled about his religion. He kept thinking that the Catholic Church might be the only true Church. He did not hide his feelings. Therefore, the government, which was persecuting Catholics, became very suspicious of him. Edmund knew that he would lose the queen's favor and all his chances for a great career if he chose to become a Catholic. The young man prayed and reached his decision. He would become a Catholic anyway. After he had escaped from England, Edmund studied to become a priest. He entered the Society of Jesus. When the Holy Father decided to send some Jesuits to England, Father Campion was one of the first to go. The night before he left, one of his fellow priests felt urged to write over his doorway: "Father Edmund Campion, martyr." Although he knew what danger faced him, the holy priest set out cheerfully. In fact, he had many a laugh because of his disguise as a jewel merchant. In England he preached with great success to Catholics who had to meet with him in secret. Spies of the queen's men were everywhere trying to catch him. He wrote: "I won't escape their hands much longer. Sometimes I read letters that say 'Campion has been caught'!" It was a traitor who finally brought about the Jesuit's capture. Edmund was visited in jail by the government officials who had been so fond of him. It seems that even Queen Elizabeth came. But none of their threats or promises could make him give up the Catholic faith. Nor could tortures break him. In spite of all his sufferings, he still defended himself and his fellow priests in such a marvelous manner that no one could answer him. Yet the enemies of the Church condemned him anyway. Before he was put to death, St. Edmund forgave the man who had betrayed him. He even helped save the man's life. St. Edmund Campion died in 1581. He was about forty-one years old.
Reflection: Edmund was able to extend forgiveness even when it seemed impossible. Is there an area of my life that needs the healing grace of forgiveness?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/december/1201.asp
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