Today's Readings:
Acts 17:15, 22-18:1
Ps 148:1-2, 11-14
Jn 16:12-15
http://www.fatherryan.org
We believe the Spirit guides us to the will of the Father, but what is that will for us? We know the general answer: to live good Christian lives, loving God and neighbor; but what specifically am I being called to today? Each of us must choose to follow God's will in our lives, but before we do this, we have to attempt to understand what it is God is calling us to. To know this, we must be open to his Holy Spirit and ready to follow him when he calls. Today let ask the Spirit to reveal what the Father wishes for us and to follow him wherever he may call. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Speak Lord, your servant is listening...
Saint of the Day - St. Nereus, St. Achilleus, & St. Pancras
Nereus and Achilleus were Roman soldiers who died around 304. They were probably Praetorian guards under Emperor Trajan. We know little else about them. But what we do know comes from two popes who lived in the fourth century, Pope Siricius and Pope Damasus. In 398, Pope Siricius built a church in their honor in Rome. Pope Damasus wrote a brief tribute to the martyrs. He explained that Nereus and Achilleus were converted to the Christian faith. They left behind their weapons forever. They were true followers of Jesus even at the cost of their own lives. Nereus and Achilleus were sent into exile to the island of Terracina. There they were beheaded. In the sixth century, a second church was built in another part of Rome to honor these two martyrs. St. Pancras, a fourteen-year-old orphan, lived at the same time. He could possibly have been killed on the same day. Pancras was not a native of Rome. He was brought there by his uncle who looked after him. He became a follower of Jesus and was baptized. Although just a boy, he was arrested for being a Christian. Pancras refused to give up his faith. For that, he was sentenced to death. Pancras was beheaded. He became a very popular martyr in the early Church. People admired him for being so young and so brave. In 514, a large church was built in Rome to honor him. In 596, the famous missionary, St. Augustine of Canterbury, went to bring the Christian faith to England. He named his first church there after St. Pancras.
Reflection: With the help of the prayers of these three saints, may we understand what it means to be members
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/may/0512.asp
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
God's Right Hand
Today's Readings:
Acts 16:22-34
Ps 138:1-3, 7-8
Jn 16:5-11
Christ prepares his disciples and us for the coming of the Holy Spirit that will fill us with the knowledge that truly, God's right hand has saved us. Through trials and triumphs, the hand of the Lord remains steadfast in his care for his children, for those who have heard his Word and follow it in their lives. Today let us do just that and take some time to thank the Spirit for his continued presence and love in our lives. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, enkindle in us the fire of your love...
Saint of the Day - St. Ignatius of Laconi
Ignatius was the son of a poor farmer in Laconi, Italy. He was born on December 17, 1701. When he was about seventeen, he became very ill. He promised to be a Franciscan if he would get better. But when the illness left him, his father convinced him to wait. A couple of years later, Ignatius was almost killed when he lost control of his horse. Suddenly, however, the horse stopped and trotted on quietly. Ignatius was convinced, then, that God had saved his life. He made up his mind to follow his religious vocation at once. Brother Ignatius never had any important position in the Franciscan order. For fifteen years he worked in the weaving shed. Then, for forty years, he was part of the team who went out from house to house. They requested food and donations to support the friars. Ignatius visited families and received their gift. But the people soon realized that they received a gift in return. Brother Ignatius consoled the sick and cheered up the lonely. He made peace between enemies, converted people hardened by sin and advised those in trouble. They began to wait for his visits. There were some difficult days, too. Once in a while, a door was slammed in his face, and often the weather was bad. Always, there were miles and miles to walk. But Ignatius was dedicated. Yet people noticed he used to skip one house. The owner was a rich moneylender. He made the poor pay back much more than they could afford. This man felt humiliated because Ignatius never visited his home to ask for donations. He complained to Brother Ignatius' superior. The superior knew nothing about the moneylender so he sent Ignatius to his home. Brother Ignatius never said a word, but did as he was told. He returned with a large sack of food. It was then that God worked a miracle. When the sack was emptied, blood dripped out. "This is the blood of the poor," Ignatius explained softly. "That is why I never ask for anything at that house." The friars began to pray that the moneylender would repent. Brother Ignatius died at the age of eighty, on May 11, 1781. He was proclaimed a saint by Pope Pius XII in 1951.
Reflection: This saint showed us that one of the best gifts we can give anyone is good example. What message to others does my example give?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/may/0511.asp
Acts 16:22-34
Ps 138:1-3, 7-8
Jn 16:5-11
Christ prepares his disciples and us for the coming of the Holy Spirit that will fill us with the knowledge that truly, God's right hand has saved us. Through trials and triumphs, the hand of the Lord remains steadfast in his care for his children, for those who have heard his Word and follow it in their lives. Today let us do just that and take some time to thank the Spirit for his continued presence and love in our lives. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, enkindle in us the fire of your love...
Saint of the Day - St. Ignatius of Laconi
Ignatius was the son of a poor farmer in Laconi, Italy. He was born on December 17, 1701. When he was about seventeen, he became very ill. He promised to be a Franciscan if he would get better. But when the illness left him, his father convinced him to wait. A couple of years later, Ignatius was almost killed when he lost control of his horse. Suddenly, however, the horse stopped and trotted on quietly. Ignatius was convinced, then, that God had saved his life. He made up his mind to follow his religious vocation at once. Brother Ignatius never had any important position in the Franciscan order. For fifteen years he worked in the weaving shed. Then, for forty years, he was part of the team who went out from house to house. They requested food and donations to support the friars. Ignatius visited families and received their gift. But the people soon realized that they received a gift in return. Brother Ignatius consoled the sick and cheered up the lonely. He made peace between enemies, converted people hardened by sin and advised those in trouble. They began to wait for his visits. There were some difficult days, too. Once in a while, a door was slammed in his face, and often the weather was bad. Always, there were miles and miles to walk. But Ignatius was dedicated. Yet people noticed he used to skip one house. The owner was a rich moneylender. He made the poor pay back much more than they could afford. This man felt humiliated because Ignatius never visited his home to ask for donations. He complained to Brother Ignatius' superior. The superior knew nothing about the moneylender so he sent Ignatius to his home. Brother Ignatius never said a word, but did as he was told. He returned with a large sack of food. It was then that God worked a miracle. When the sack was emptied, blood dripped out. "This is the blood of the poor," Ignatius explained softly. "That is why I never ask for anything at that house." The friars began to pray that the moneylender would repent. Brother Ignatius died at the age of eighty, on May 11, 1781. He was proclaimed a saint by Pope Pius XII in 1951.
Reflection: This saint showed us that one of the best gifts we can give anyone is good example. What message to others does my example give?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/may/0511.asp
Monday, May 10, 2010
Strength in Christ
Today's Readings:
Acts 16:11-15
Ps 149:1-6, 9
Jn 15:26-16:4
In our Gospel Jesus prepares his disciples for times of trouble that were to come for the early Church, but he is also preparing us for those times as well. With recent events many of us are experiencing those troubled times now; times of unsurity, instability, confusion, sadness and loss, even anger. Through them all though we believe that our Lord is with us; the Holy Spirit guides us, even in our darkest hour. We trust that our God has a plan, though we may not know what that plan is. Today let us appeal to the Holy Spirit to be with us and guide us and strengthen us as we continue our journey of faith. God Bless.
Prayer: My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone. - Thomas Merton
Saint of the Day - St. Antoninus
St. Antoninus lived in the fifteenth century. Even as a boy he showed that he had good sense and will power. The story is told that when he was fifteen, he asked to join the Dominican order. He looked young, and he was small. The prior studied him for a moment and then said, "I'll accept you when you know 'Gratian's Decree' by heart." "Gratian's Decree" was a book, several hundred pages long. So, in other words, the prior was telling Antoninus "no." But Antoninus accepted the challenge. One year later he returned. It would be hard to describe the prior's amazement when he found that Antoninus had memorized the whole decree! Needless to say, he was accepted at once. (It was not his ability to memorize that changed the prior's mind, though. It was because he had proved he was serious about his vocation.) Though just sixteen, Antoninus continued to surprise everyone by the way he lived the life of his order. As he grew older, he was given one important position after another. He was a good influence on his fellow Dominicans. They loved and respected him. This is proved powerfully in the life of Blessed Anthony Neyrot whose feast is April 10. In March, 1446, Antoninus became the archbishop of Florence, Italy. "The father of the poor" was the name given this saint. He never refused to help anyone. When he had no more money, he would give his clothes, his shoes, his furniture or his one mule. Many times this mule was sold to help someone. Then it would be bought back for him by wealthy citizens. Of course, he would sell it again to help someone else! Often St. Antoninus would say, "A successor of the apostles should not own anything except the wealth of virtue." St. Antoninus died in 1459. He was proclaimed a saint in 1523.
Reflection: "A successor of the apostles should not own anything except the wealth of virtue."-St. Antoninus
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/may/0510.asp
Acts 16:11-15
Ps 149:1-6, 9
Jn 15:26-16:4
In our Gospel Jesus prepares his disciples for times of trouble that were to come for the early Church, but he is also preparing us for those times as well. With recent events many of us are experiencing those troubled times now; times of unsurity, instability, confusion, sadness and loss, even anger. Through them all though we believe that our Lord is with us; the Holy Spirit guides us, even in our darkest hour. We trust that our God has a plan, though we may not know what that plan is. Today let us appeal to the Holy Spirit to be with us and guide us and strengthen us as we continue our journey of faith. God Bless.
Prayer: My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone. - Thomas Merton
Saint of the Day - St. Antoninus
St. Antoninus lived in the fifteenth century. Even as a boy he showed that he had good sense and will power. The story is told that when he was fifteen, he asked to join the Dominican order. He looked young, and he was small. The prior studied him for a moment and then said, "I'll accept you when you know 'Gratian's Decree' by heart." "Gratian's Decree" was a book, several hundred pages long. So, in other words, the prior was telling Antoninus "no." But Antoninus accepted the challenge. One year later he returned. It would be hard to describe the prior's amazement when he found that Antoninus had memorized the whole decree! Needless to say, he was accepted at once. (It was not his ability to memorize that changed the prior's mind, though. It was because he had proved he was serious about his vocation.) Though just sixteen, Antoninus continued to surprise everyone by the way he lived the life of his order. As he grew older, he was given one important position after another. He was a good influence on his fellow Dominicans. They loved and respected him. This is proved powerfully in the life of Blessed Anthony Neyrot whose feast is April 10. In March, 1446, Antoninus became the archbishop of Florence, Italy. "The father of the poor" was the name given this saint. He never refused to help anyone. When he had no more money, he would give his clothes, his shoes, his furniture or his one mule. Many times this mule was sold to help someone. Then it would be bought back for him by wealthy citizens. Of course, he would sell it again to help someone else! Often St. Antoninus would say, "A successor of the apostles should not own anything except the wealth of virtue." St. Antoninus died in 1459. He was proclaimed a saint in 1523.
Reflection: "A successor of the apostles should not own anything except the wealth of virtue."-St. Antoninus
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/may/0510.asp
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Christ's Light
Today's Readings:
Acts 12:24-13:5
Ps 67:2-3,5-6,8
Jn 12:44-50
Jesus states he came into the world to save it, not condemn it; just as we were created to be united with God, not a part from him. Through sin we pull ourselves away from Christ but through our turning away from sin we grow closer to him. The first stanza of our Responsorial Psalm speaks to this struggle when it states:" May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation." Today let us as the Lord to bless us and keep us close to him so we too may know his salvation. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, let you light shine upon us and show us the way to you both now and forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. Peter Chanel
St. Peter Chanel was born near Belley, France, in 1803. From the time he was seven, he took care of his father's sheep. Though poor, he was intelligent and loved his faith, too. One day, a good parish priest met him. He thought so much of Peter that he asked his parents if he could educate the boy. In this priest's little school, and later in the seminary, Peter studied hard. When he became a priest, he was sent to a parish where just a few Catholics still practiced their faith. Father Chanel was prayerful. He was kind and patient with everyone. In just three years there was a big improvement. Many people became full of love for Jesus and his Church again. St. Peter Chanel had a great desire to become a missionary. He joined a religious order called Marist missionaries. He hoped he would be sent to bring the Gospel to people who did not yet believe in God. After a few years, his wish came true. He and a group of Marist missionaries were sent to the islands of the South Pacific. Father Chanel and one brother were assigned to the island of Futuna. There the people willingly listened to Father Chanel preach. "This man loves us," one of the people said. "And he himself practices what he teaches us to do." Unfortunately, the chief of this tribe became jealous of the priest's success. When the chief's own son was baptized, he was furious. He sent a band of his warriors to kill the missionary. All the priest said as he lay dying was, "It is well with me." St. Peter Chanel was killed on April 28, 1841. Within a short time after his martyrdom, the whole island became Christian. Peter was declared a saint by Pope Pius XII in 1954.
Reflection: Do I desire and hope to bring the gospel to people who do not yet believe in God?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/april/0428.asp
Acts 12:24-13:5
Ps 67:2-3,5-6,8
Jn 12:44-50
Jesus states he came into the world to save it, not condemn it; just as we were created to be united with God, not a part from him. Through sin we pull ourselves away from Christ but through our turning away from sin we grow closer to him. The first stanza of our Responsorial Psalm speaks to this struggle when it states:" May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation." Today let us as the Lord to bless us and keep us close to him so we too may know his salvation. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, let you light shine upon us and show us the way to you both now and forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. Peter Chanel
St. Peter Chanel was born near Belley, France, in 1803. From the time he was seven, he took care of his father's sheep. Though poor, he was intelligent and loved his faith, too. One day, a good parish priest met him. He thought so much of Peter that he asked his parents if he could educate the boy. In this priest's little school, and later in the seminary, Peter studied hard. When he became a priest, he was sent to a parish where just a few Catholics still practiced their faith. Father Chanel was prayerful. He was kind and patient with everyone. In just three years there was a big improvement. Many people became full of love for Jesus and his Church again. St. Peter Chanel had a great desire to become a missionary. He joined a religious order called Marist missionaries. He hoped he would be sent to bring the Gospel to people who did not yet believe in God. After a few years, his wish came true. He and a group of Marist missionaries were sent to the islands of the South Pacific. Father Chanel and one brother were assigned to the island of Futuna. There the people willingly listened to Father Chanel preach. "This man loves us," one of the people said. "And he himself practices what he teaches us to do." Unfortunately, the chief of this tribe became jealous of the priest's success. When the chief's own son was baptized, he was furious. He sent a band of his warriors to kill the missionary. All the priest said as he lay dying was, "It is well with me." St. Peter Chanel was killed on April 28, 1841. Within a short time after his martyrdom, the whole island became Christian. Peter was declared a saint by Pope Pius XII in 1954.
Reflection: Do I desire and hope to bring the gospel to people who do not yet believe in God?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/april/0428.asp
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The True "Happy Place"
Today's Readings:
Acts 11:19-26
Ps 87:1-7
Jn 10:22-30
When things get rough or stressful, sometimes we joke around saying "I just want to go my happy place." While I can admit to saying this myself from time to time, Jesus tells us in our Gospel the only true "happy place", which is in the Father's hands. Here no matter what the world throws at, we know we are safe. Jesus states no one can remove us from God's hands; we can remove ourselves through sin, but even then Christ continues to call us back to himself. Today let us find that "happy place" in our Father's hands and allow the love and mercy our God has for us to comfort us in all of our trials. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. Zita
Zita is known as the patron saint of domestic workers. She was born in the village of Monte Sagrati, Italy, in 1218. Her parents were deeply religious and raised Zita in a loving, Christian way. It was the custom of poor couples to send their teenage daughters to trustworthy families who could afford servants. The young women would live with the families for a time and were employed to do the domestic tasks. Zita was sent to the Fatinelli family in Lucca when she was twelve. Mr. and Mrs. Fatinelli were good people who had several workers. Zita was happy to be able to work and send money to her parents. She tried to live responsibly. She formed habits of praying that fit in with her schedule. She rose early to go to daily Mass. Zita was diligent in her work. She felt it was part of her very self. But the other workers were annoyed. They tried to do as little as they could get away with. They began to pick on Zita and oppose her without their employers noticing. Zita was hurt but she prayed for patience. She never told on the workers. She insisted on doing her work as well as possible no matter what they thought. When one of the workers tried to kiss her, Zita fought him off. He left the room with several scratches on his face. Mr. Fatinelli questioned her privately about the incident. She told him honestly what had happened. After that, Zita became the head housekeeper. The Fatinelli children were placed under her care. Best of all, the other workers stopped persecuting her. Some even began to imitate her. Zita spent her whole life with the Fatinelli family. While others came and went, she stayed. She served them lovingly. She loved them like she loved her own family. By her example, she helped people see that work is beautiful when it is done with Christian love. Zita died peacefully on April 27, 1278. She was sixty years old.
Reflection: The life of this saint tells us that work is beautiful when it is done with Christian love. How do I value my work?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/april/0427.asp
Acts 11:19-26
Ps 87:1-7
Jn 10:22-30
When things get rough or stressful, sometimes we joke around saying "I just want to go my happy place." While I can admit to saying this myself from time to time, Jesus tells us in our Gospel the only true "happy place", which is in the Father's hands. Here no matter what the world throws at, we know we are safe. Jesus states no one can remove us from God's hands; we can remove ourselves through sin, but even then Christ continues to call us back to himself. Today let us find that "happy place" in our Father's hands and allow the love and mercy our God has for us to comfort us in all of our trials. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. Zita
Zita is known as the patron saint of domestic workers. She was born in the village of Monte Sagrati, Italy, in 1218. Her parents were deeply religious and raised Zita in a loving, Christian way. It was the custom of poor couples to send their teenage daughters to trustworthy families who could afford servants. The young women would live with the families for a time and were employed to do the domestic tasks. Zita was sent to the Fatinelli family in Lucca when she was twelve. Mr. and Mrs. Fatinelli were good people who had several workers. Zita was happy to be able to work and send money to her parents. She tried to live responsibly. She formed habits of praying that fit in with her schedule. She rose early to go to daily Mass. Zita was diligent in her work. She felt it was part of her very self. But the other workers were annoyed. They tried to do as little as they could get away with. They began to pick on Zita and oppose her without their employers noticing. Zita was hurt but she prayed for patience. She never told on the workers. She insisted on doing her work as well as possible no matter what they thought. When one of the workers tried to kiss her, Zita fought him off. He left the room with several scratches on his face. Mr. Fatinelli questioned her privately about the incident. She told him honestly what had happened. After that, Zita became the head housekeeper. The Fatinelli children were placed under her care. Best of all, the other workers stopped persecuting her. Some even began to imitate her. Zita spent her whole life with the Fatinelli family. While others came and went, she stayed. She served them lovingly. She loved them like she loved her own family. By her example, she helped people see that work is beautiful when it is done with Christian love. Zita died peacefully on April 27, 1278. She was sixty years old.
Reflection: The life of this saint tells us that work is beautiful when it is done with Christian love. How do I value my work?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/april/0427.asp
Monday, April 26, 2010
Time for God
Today's Readings:
Acts 11:1-18
Ps 42:2-3, 43:3-4
Jn 10:1-10
Jesus states that he is the gate through which we enter his Kingdom, and all those who enter hear his voice. The question are listening for that call? It is so easy to get caught up in our daily activities that we forget to stop and pray, but that is the only way in which we can hear our Lord call us. All the work we do means nothing unless we allow the Lord to be a part of it. Today let us take some time to stop and listen for that call so that we may enter that gate that is Christ and have the life he promises us. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Speak Lord, your servant in listening...
Saint of the Day - St. Radbertus
This saint lived in ninth-century France. No one knows who his parents were. They left their newborn infant on the doorstep of Notre-Dame convent. The nuns loved and cared for the baby. They named him Radbertus. When he was old enough to be educated, Radbertus was sent to the monks of St. Peter nearby. The boy loved learning and especially enjoyed the Latin classics. When he grew up, he lived a quiet, scholarly life. He remained a lay person for several years. Then he felt the call to become a monk. He joined a community led by two fervent abbots, St. Adalhard and his brother who succeeded him, Abbot Wala. Radbertus tried to be a holy monk. He often accompanied the two abbots on their journeys. He wrote their biographies after they died. Radbertus became a Scripture scholar. He wrote a long commentary on the Gospel of St. Matthew. He produced other explanations of parts of the Bible, too. But his most well-known work is called "The Body and Blood of Christ." Radbertus did not feel that he had a vocation to be a priest. But he was persuaded to accept the appointment of abbot for a seven-year term. Then he insisted that he return to his life of prayer, meditation, study and writing. His term as abbot was very difficult for him although he did the best he could. He spent the rest of his life praying, writing and doing the tasks assigned him. Radbertus died in 860.
Reflection: May we always praise God for the gift of our life.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/april/0426.asp
Acts 11:1-18
Ps 42:2-3, 43:3-4
Jn 10:1-10
Jesus states that he is the gate through which we enter his Kingdom, and all those who enter hear his voice. The question are listening for that call? It is so easy to get caught up in our daily activities that we forget to stop and pray, but that is the only way in which we can hear our Lord call us. All the work we do means nothing unless we allow the Lord to be a part of it. Today let us take some time to stop and listen for that call so that we may enter that gate that is Christ and have the life he promises us. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Speak Lord, your servant in listening...
Saint of the Day - St. Radbertus
This saint lived in ninth-century France. No one knows who his parents were. They left their newborn infant on the doorstep of Notre-Dame convent. The nuns loved and cared for the baby. They named him Radbertus. When he was old enough to be educated, Radbertus was sent to the monks of St. Peter nearby. The boy loved learning and especially enjoyed the Latin classics. When he grew up, he lived a quiet, scholarly life. He remained a lay person for several years. Then he felt the call to become a monk. He joined a community led by two fervent abbots, St. Adalhard and his brother who succeeded him, Abbot Wala. Radbertus tried to be a holy monk. He often accompanied the two abbots on their journeys. He wrote their biographies after they died. Radbertus became a Scripture scholar. He wrote a long commentary on the Gospel of St. Matthew. He produced other explanations of parts of the Bible, too. But his most well-known work is called "The Body and Blood of Christ." Radbertus did not feel that he had a vocation to be a priest. But he was persuaded to accept the appointment of abbot for a seven-year term. Then he insisted that he return to his life of prayer, meditation, study and writing. His term as abbot was very difficult for him although he did the best he could. He spent the rest of his life praying, writing and doing the tasks assigned him. Radbertus died in 860.
Reflection: May we always praise God for the gift of our life.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/april/0426.asp
Friday, April 23, 2010
Growing in Christ
Today's Readings:
Acts 9:1-20
Ps 117:1-2
Jn 6:52-59
In receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist, we receive the body, blood, soul, & divinity of Christ. It is through this receiving of the sacrament that we hopefully also become more like Christ, that we continue to grow in holiness. Even if we do not receive we can still participate in the Mass and receive "grace upon grace" through our worship of our God. It is only through this worship that we can truly experience the life that Jesus speaks about in our Gospel. Today let us offer our hearts, minds, and our entire self to our living God giving him thanks for all he has done and continues to do for us. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, help me to grow in holiness this day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. George
Pictures of St. George usually show him killing a dragon to rescue a beautiful lady. The dragon stands for wickedness. The lady stands for God's holy truth. St. George is slaying the dragon because he has won the battle against the devil. Not much is known about St. George except that he was a martyr. He was a soldier in the army of Diocletian, a pagan emperor. Diocletian was a bitter enemy of the Christians. In fact, he put to death every Christian he could find. It is believed that St. George was one of Diocletian's favorite soldiers. When George became a Christian, he went to the emperor and scolded him for being so cruel. Then he gave up his position in the Roman army. St. George paid a very high price for his bravery. He was cruelly tortured and beheaded. So boldly daring and so cheerful was St. George in declaring his faith that people felt courage when they heard about it. Many songs and poems were written about this martyr. Soldiers, especially, have always been devoted to him. He was named the patron of England in 1222.
Reflection: Am I willing to give up something when I know it hinders my relationship with God?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/april/0423.asp
Acts 9:1-20
Ps 117:1-2
Jn 6:52-59
In receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist, we receive the body, blood, soul, & divinity of Christ. It is through this receiving of the sacrament that we hopefully also become more like Christ, that we continue to grow in holiness. Even if we do not receive we can still participate in the Mass and receive "grace upon grace" through our worship of our God. It is only through this worship that we can truly experience the life that Jesus speaks about in our Gospel. Today let us offer our hearts, minds, and our entire self to our living God giving him thanks for all he has done and continues to do for us. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, help me to grow in holiness this day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. George
Pictures of St. George usually show him killing a dragon to rescue a beautiful lady. The dragon stands for wickedness. The lady stands for God's holy truth. St. George is slaying the dragon because he has won the battle against the devil. Not much is known about St. George except that he was a martyr. He was a soldier in the army of Diocletian, a pagan emperor. Diocletian was a bitter enemy of the Christians. In fact, he put to death every Christian he could find. It is believed that St. George was one of Diocletian's favorite soldiers. When George became a Christian, he went to the emperor and scolded him for being so cruel. Then he gave up his position in the Roman army. St. George paid a very high price for his bravery. He was cruelly tortured and beheaded. So boldly daring and so cheerful was St. George in declaring his faith that people felt courage when they heard about it. Many songs and poems were written about this martyr. Soldiers, especially, have always been devoted to him. He was named the patron of England in 1222.
Reflection: Am I willing to give up something when I know it hinders my relationship with God?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/april/0423.asp
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