Today's Readings:
Gal 4:22-24, 26-27, 31, 5:1
Ps 113:1-7
Lk 11:29-32
In today's Gospel we see the crowds pressing Jesus for signs rather than seeing Christ as the sign; the sign of God's unwavering love and hope for all people, the sign of our redemption and salvation. God wishes to reveal himself to us each and every day, the questions do we allow Christ to do this for us? If we can not see Christ in the small events in our lives, then how can we see God in the larger ones? Today let us strive to allow God to reveal himself to us in whatever way he wishes, and rejoice in that great revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Have a great day and God Bless.
Saint of the Day - St. Edward the Confessor
King St. Edward was one of the best loved of all the English kings. He lived in the eleventh century. Because of enemies in his own country, he had to live in Normandy, France, from the time he was ten until he was forty. However, when he came back to rule, all the people welcomed him with great joy. St. Edward was a tall, well-built man, but he was never healthy. Still he was able to rule his country well and keep peace most of the time. This was because he trusted in God and held firm when necessary. King Edward went to daily Mass. He was a gentle, kind man who never spoke sternly. To poor people and foreigners, he showed special charity. He also helped monks in every way he could. It was his justice to everyone and his love for God's Church that made St. Edward so popular with the English people. They would cheer him as he rode out of the castle. Although he was a king with great power, St. Edward showed his honesty by the way he kept his word-to God and to people. While he was still living in Normandy, he had made a promise to God. He said that if his family would see better times, he would go on a pilgrimage to St. Peter's tomb in Rome. After he was made king, he wanted to keep his vow. But the nobles knew that there would be no one to keep the peace among the warlike people in the land. So, although they admired his devotion, they did not want him to go. The whole matter was brought to the pope, St. Leo IX. He decided that the king could stay home. He said that King Edward was to give to the poor the money he would have spent on the trip. He also was to build or repair a monastery in honor of St. Peter. Obediently, the king carried out the pope's decision. He died in 1066 and was buried in the marvelous monastery he had rebuilt. He was proclaimed a saint by Pope Alexander III in 1161. This holy king tried throughout his life to use the gifts he had been given in order to help others. How do I use the gifts I have to do good?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
United in Christ
Today's Readings:
Gal 3:7-14
Ps 111:1-6
Lk 11:15-26
In the Gospel today Jesus is accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, or by the power of evil, yet in response he states that in fact it is by the power of God he does these things. He says if a house is divided against itself, it will surely fall...In this we are also being warned to stand together as the one Body of Christ, otherwise we are only fighting against ourselves. If we stand together in defense of the Gospel then we are able to show Christ to the world, but if we are to concerned with divisions, then we stand divided and will ultimately fail. Today let us put aside our differences and divisions and stand together as the one Body of Christ and let the world see the love that our God has to offer. God Bless and have a great day.
Saint of the Day - Saint Francis Borgia
Born to the nobility, great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI; grandson of King Ferdinand of Aragon; son of Duke Juan Borgia. Raised in the court of King Charles V and educated at Saragossa. Married Eleanor de Castro in 1529, and the father of eight children. Accompanied Charles on his expedition to Africa, 1535, and to Province, 1536. Viceroy of Catalonia, 1539-1543. Duke of Gandia, 1543-1550. Widower in 1546. Friend and advisor of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Joined the Jesuits in 1548. Ordained in 1551. Notable preacher. Given charge of the Jesuit missions in the East and West Indies. Commissary-general of the Jesuits in Spain in 1560. General of the Jesuits in 1565. Under his generalship the Society established its missions in Florida, New Spain and Peru, and greatly developed its internal structures. Concerned that Jesuits were in danger of getting too involved in their work, he introduced their daily hour-long meditation. His changes and revitalization of the Society led to him being sometimes called the "Second Founder of the Society of Jesus". He worked with Pope Saint Pius V and Saint Charles Borremeo in the CounterReformation.
Gal 3:7-14
Ps 111:1-6
Lk 11:15-26
In the Gospel today Jesus is accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, or by the power of evil, yet in response he states that in fact it is by the power of God he does these things. He says if a house is divided against itself, it will surely fall...In this we are also being warned to stand together as the one Body of Christ, otherwise we are only fighting against ourselves. If we stand together in defense of the Gospel then we are able to show Christ to the world, but if we are to concerned with divisions, then we stand divided and will ultimately fail. Today let us put aside our differences and divisions and stand together as the one Body of Christ and let the world see the love that our God has to offer. God Bless and have a great day.
Saint of the Day - Saint Francis Borgia
Born to the nobility, great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI; grandson of King Ferdinand of Aragon; son of Duke Juan Borgia. Raised in the court of King Charles V and educated at Saragossa. Married Eleanor de Castro in 1529, and the father of eight children. Accompanied Charles on his expedition to Africa, 1535, and to Province, 1536. Viceroy of Catalonia, 1539-1543. Duke of Gandia, 1543-1550. Widower in 1546. Friend and advisor of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Joined the Jesuits in 1548. Ordained in 1551. Notable preacher. Given charge of the Jesuit missions in the East and West Indies. Commissary-general of the Jesuits in Spain in 1560. General of the Jesuits in 1565. Under his generalship the Society established its missions in Florida, New Spain and Peru, and greatly developed its internal structures. Concerned that Jesuits were in danger of getting too involved in their work, he introduced their daily hour-long meditation. His changes and revitalization of the Society led to him being sometimes called the "Second Founder of the Society of Jesus". He worked with Pope Saint Pius V and Saint Charles Borremeo in the CounterReformation.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Our Father
Today's Readings:
Gal 2:1-2, 7-14
Ps 117:1-2
Lk 11:1-4
In today's Gospel reading we hear the disciples asking Jesus how they are to pray, and in response Jesus gives us the Lord's Prayer. Yet when we pray this, or any prayer, do we pay attention to what it is we are saying? In the 'Our Father' we are asking his will to be done, but are our actions in accord with that will? We ask to be forgiven our sins as we forgive others, but are we really willing to forgive? We ask to be not led into temptation, but do we place ourselves in situations where we know we will be tempted? Today as we spend time in prayer, let ask our Father to help us to not only pray, but to live out our prayer in our daily life. Have a great day and God Bless
Saint of the Day - Saint Simeon
Holy Simeon lived in the first century. In Luke's Gospel, chapter two, Joseph and Mary bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. That is where they meet Simeon. The holy man had waited patiently for the Lord to grant him a request: he wanted to live to see the Messiah, the Savior of the world. But he did not know who that person would be, or when and if his prayer would be fulfilled. The young couple from Nazareth approached him with their baby. He looked into the eyes of the Child and felt a burst of joy in his heart. His eyes glowed. He lifted Jesus into his arms, then held him up and prayed: "Now, my God, I can die in peace. I have seen with my own eyes the world's salvation. You have prepared this for all your people." Mary and Joseph looked at one another. They were silently amazed. Then the old man turned to Mary. His eyes became sad as he said softly, "Your own soul will be pierced by the sword." Mary did not understand what this meant, and she prayed to God for courage. Holy Simeon had received his request from God. He remained in joyful thanksgiving as the couple and their baby left. When Simeon held Jesus in his arms, he knew him to be the Messiah. What would happen if I were to recognize the presence of Jesus in my own life more often?
Gal 2:1-2, 7-14
Ps 117:1-2
Lk 11:1-4
In today's Gospel reading we hear the disciples asking Jesus how they are to pray, and in response Jesus gives us the Lord's Prayer. Yet when we pray this, or any prayer, do we pay attention to what it is we are saying? In the 'Our Father' we are asking his will to be done, but are our actions in accord with that will? We ask to be forgiven our sins as we forgive others, but are we really willing to forgive? We ask to be not led into temptation, but do we place ourselves in situations where we know we will be tempted? Today as we spend time in prayer, let ask our Father to help us to not only pray, but to live out our prayer in our daily life. Have a great day and God Bless
Saint of the Day - Saint Simeon
Holy Simeon lived in the first century. In Luke's Gospel, chapter two, Joseph and Mary bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. That is where they meet Simeon. The holy man had waited patiently for the Lord to grant him a request: he wanted to live to see the Messiah, the Savior of the world. But he did not know who that person would be, or when and if his prayer would be fulfilled. The young couple from Nazareth approached him with their baby. He looked into the eyes of the Child and felt a burst of joy in his heart. His eyes glowed. He lifted Jesus into his arms, then held him up and prayed: "Now, my God, I can die in peace. I have seen with my own eyes the world's salvation. You have prepared this for all your people." Mary and Joseph looked at one another. They were silently amazed. Then the old man turned to Mary. His eyes became sad as he said softly, "Your own soul will be pierced by the sword." Mary did not understand what this meant, and she prayed to God for courage. Holy Simeon had received his request from God. He remained in joyful thanksgiving as the couple and their baby left. When Simeon held Jesus in his arms, he knew him to be the Messiah. What would happen if I were to recognize the presence of Jesus in my own life more often?
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The Better Part
Today's Readings
Gal 1:13-24
Ps 139:1-3, 13-15
Lk 10:38-42
In our Gospel today we see two very different types of people, Martha, who is very active and Mary who is much more contemplative and prayerful. Jesus commends Mary on her prayerful life and encourages Martha to remain prayerful as well, even as she goes about her work. Each of us are called to do the same. Even with our busy lives, we are called to spend time in prayer as well. Then when we go about our work, we can be reminded that it is ultimately for the Lord for whom we are working. Today as we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, let choose the "better part" as Mary did reflecting and listening to Christ in prayer. Have a great day and God Bless.
Saint of the Day - Our Lady of the Rosary
It was St. Dominic in the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries who encouraged everyone to say the Rosary. St. Dominic was greatly saddened by the spread of a terrible heresy called Albigensianism. With the members of his new Order of Preachers, he was trying his best to destroy this dangerous heresy. He begged the Blessed Virgin for help, and it is said that she told him to preach devotion to the Holy Rosary. St. Dominic obeyed and he was very successful in stopping the heresy. The Holy Rosary is a simple devotion which can be practiced by all people-old and young, learned and unlearned. It can be said anywhere, at any time. While we say the Our Father, ten Hail Marys and Glory to the Father, we think about great moments in the lives of Jesus and Mary. In this way, we grow closer and closer to Jesus and his Blessed Mother. We learn to imitate their holy lives. Mary is very pleased when we say the Holy Rosary often and well. She used to say it with St. Bernadette when she appeared to her at Lourdes. The three little children of Fatima learned from Mary the power of the Rosary. Mary taught them that the Rosary obtains graces and saves sinners from hell. A Dominican pope, Pius V, established today's feast. It is to show our gratitude to Mary for a military victory over the Turks at Lepanto on October 7, 1571. By prayerfully meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, we are able to follow the example of Mary who "heard the Word of God and cherished it in her heart."
Gal 1:13-24
Ps 139:1-3, 13-15
Lk 10:38-42
In our Gospel today we see two very different types of people, Martha, who is very active and Mary who is much more contemplative and prayerful. Jesus commends Mary on her prayerful life and encourages Martha to remain prayerful as well, even as she goes about her work. Each of us are called to do the same. Even with our busy lives, we are called to spend time in prayer as well. Then when we go about our work, we can be reminded that it is ultimately for the Lord for whom we are working. Today as we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, let choose the "better part" as Mary did reflecting and listening to Christ in prayer. Have a great day and God Bless.
Saint of the Day - Our Lady of the Rosary
It was St. Dominic in the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries who encouraged everyone to say the Rosary. St. Dominic was greatly saddened by the spread of a terrible heresy called Albigensianism. With the members of his new Order of Preachers, he was trying his best to destroy this dangerous heresy. He begged the Blessed Virgin for help, and it is said that she told him to preach devotion to the Holy Rosary. St. Dominic obeyed and he was very successful in stopping the heresy. The Holy Rosary is a simple devotion which can be practiced by all people-old and young, learned and unlearned. It can be said anywhere, at any time. While we say the Our Father, ten Hail Marys and Glory to the Father, we think about great moments in the lives of Jesus and Mary. In this way, we grow closer and closer to Jesus and his Blessed Mother. We learn to imitate their holy lives. Mary is very pleased when we say the Holy Rosary often and well. She used to say it with St. Bernadette when she appeared to her at Lourdes. The three little children of Fatima learned from Mary the power of the Rosary. Mary taught them that the Rosary obtains graces and saves sinners from hell. A Dominican pope, Pius V, established today's feast. It is to show our gratitude to Mary for a military victory over the Turks at Lepanto on October 7, 1571. By prayerfully meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, we are able to follow the example of Mary who "heard the Word of God and cherished it in her heart."
Monday, October 6, 2008
Who is neighbor?
Today's Readings:
Gal 1:6-12
Ps 111:1-2, 7-10
Lk 10:25-37
Christ reminds us today that our neighbor is anyone who is in need, anyone who we encounter; we are called to love them all. We may not always get along or agree with each other, yet we are to still see the dignity that is within each person and ourselves. Today let us strive to truly be neighbors to all we meet and in doing so honor the Lord's command to "love the Lord, you God with all your heart, with all your, strength, and with all your mind, and to love you neighbor as yourself." May God Bless you all and have a great day.
Saint of the Day
St. Bruno
Bruno was born around 1030. This founder of the Carthusian order of monks was at first not a hermit at all. For eighteen years he was a professor of theology in his own country of France. He tried his best to bring his students closer to God. Then he was given an important position in the diocese of Rheims. But Bruno was not impressed with the honors or frightened by responsibilities. He became aware that his heart was longing to be alone with Jesus. St. Hugh of Grenoble gave Bruno and his friends a hidden desert land called Chartreuse. There they built a church and little huts to live in. This was the beginning of the Carthusian order. They were very happy there, working their fields, fasting and praying, hidden in God. After six years, however, Pope Urban II, one of Bruno's former students, required a great sacrifice of him. He asked him to go to Rome to be his advisor. It broke the saint's heart, but he obeyed. He left one of the monks in charge at Chartreuse. Bruno served Pope Urban II well. Then finally he was allowed to live his monk's life nearer to Rome. So with new disciples, Bruno began all over again in Calabria, Italy. As we know by his letters, St. Bruno was always a cheerful, active man. He did not want to see any of his monks sad. He describes their hard life in delightful expressions. Bruno urged a close friend to come see for himself. St. Bruno died in 1101. His order continues today. It is the only religious order in the Church that has never had to be reformed. The followers of St. Bruno keep his loving, self-sacrificing spirit alive. A special love of silence characterized the life of St. Bruno. How often do I take a few prayerful moments in quiet during the day?
Gal 1:6-12
Ps 111:1-2, 7-10
Lk 10:25-37
Christ reminds us today that our neighbor is anyone who is in need, anyone who we encounter; we are called to love them all. We may not always get along or agree with each other, yet we are to still see the dignity that is within each person and ourselves. Today let us strive to truly be neighbors to all we meet and in doing so honor the Lord's command to "love the Lord, you God with all your heart, with all your, strength, and with all your mind, and to love you neighbor as yourself." May God Bless you all and have a great day.
Saint of the Day
St. Bruno
Bruno was born around 1030. This founder of the Carthusian order of monks was at first not a hermit at all. For eighteen years he was a professor of theology in his own country of France. He tried his best to bring his students closer to God. Then he was given an important position in the diocese of Rheims. But Bruno was not impressed with the honors or frightened by responsibilities. He became aware that his heart was longing to be alone with Jesus. St. Hugh of Grenoble gave Bruno and his friends a hidden desert land called Chartreuse. There they built a church and little huts to live in. This was the beginning of the Carthusian order. They were very happy there, working their fields, fasting and praying, hidden in God. After six years, however, Pope Urban II, one of Bruno's former students, required a great sacrifice of him. He asked him to go to Rome to be his advisor. It broke the saint's heart, but he obeyed. He left one of the monks in charge at Chartreuse. Bruno served Pope Urban II well. Then finally he was allowed to live his monk's life nearer to Rome. So with new disciples, Bruno began all over again in Calabria, Italy. As we know by his letters, St. Bruno was always a cheerful, active man. He did not want to see any of his monks sad. He describes their hard life in delightful expressions. Bruno urged a close friend to come see for himself. St. Bruno died in 1101. His order continues today. It is the only religious order in the Church that has never had to be reformed. The followers of St. Bruno keep his loving, self-sacrificing spirit alive. A special love of silence characterized the life of St. Bruno. How often do I take a few prayerful moments in quiet during the day?
Friday, October 3, 2008
Recognizing Christ
Today's Readings:
Job 38:1, 12-21, 40:3-5
Ps 139:1-3, 7-10, 13-14
Lk 10:13-16
In our Gospel today we hear Jesus warning the people to see the things God has done and repent, rather than sit and do nothing. Though we may not see Jesus physically do great deeds in our midst, he still is very much at work if we pay attention. Each morning we given the gift of another day to worship and praise our Lord, we are given another day to strive to grow closer to Christ, to witness his becoming present to us in the Eucharist. But do we take these opportunities, or do we simply allow them to go by unnoticed? Today let us not allow Jesus to slip by us without recognizing him, let us try to see him in all those around us and let him be present in us as well, and let all we do this day be for God's great glory. God Bless and have a great day.
Saint for the Day
ST. GERARD OF BROGNE
Gerard was born at the end of the ninth century in France. His family was wealthy, but Gerard was not proud. In fact, he was known because of his friendly, kind ways. After a hunting trip, he and his friends returned to his estate tired and hungry. After he invited the others inside for refreshments and rest, he left. Gerard went out and slipped into a little chapel that was on his property. He prayed for a long time. His tired body seemed rested and he forgot all about his hunger. The idea occurred to Gerard that if people only realized the joy of praying, they would be so much more willing to pray. Then he thought about the monks who spend their life praising God. Imagine how privileged they are, he thought. He prayed over the possibility of a religious vocation and joined the monastery of Saint-Denis. Gerard loved the life he had chosen and after studies became a priest. He had been a monk for eleven years when he was given permission to start a monastery on his own property at Brogne. The monastery flourished but Gerard felt there was too much activity and excitement. He built himself a little hermitage next to the church. He lived there quietly and alone. But he was not allowed to stay in peace for very long. His superiors asked Gerard to visit the monasteries in Flanders and Normandy. The monks needed some guidance and help in becoming more fervent. This work took Gerard on many journeys for some twenty years. All of his life Gerard lived a strict life filled with sacrifices. He did this because he wanted to show Jesus that he loved him. He showed that love by willingly offering little acts of self-denial. When he knew his life on earth was nearly over, he asked to be able to return to his little hut back in Brogne. He was given permission to do that. Gerard died peacefully on October 3, 959. St. Gerard discovered the joy of prayer that comes from a close relationship with God. Is there a way that I can foster a closer relationship with God in my own life?
Job 38:1, 12-21, 40:3-5
Ps 139:1-3, 7-10, 13-14
Lk 10:13-16
In our Gospel today we hear Jesus warning the people to see the things God has done and repent, rather than sit and do nothing. Though we may not see Jesus physically do great deeds in our midst, he still is very much at work if we pay attention. Each morning we given the gift of another day to worship and praise our Lord, we are given another day to strive to grow closer to Christ, to witness his becoming present to us in the Eucharist. But do we take these opportunities, or do we simply allow them to go by unnoticed? Today let us not allow Jesus to slip by us without recognizing him, let us try to see him in all those around us and let him be present in us as well, and let all we do this day be for God's great glory. God Bless and have a great day.
Saint for the Day
ST. GERARD OF BROGNE
Gerard was born at the end of the ninth century in France. His family was wealthy, but Gerard was not proud. In fact, he was known because of his friendly, kind ways. After a hunting trip, he and his friends returned to his estate tired and hungry. After he invited the others inside for refreshments and rest, he left. Gerard went out and slipped into a little chapel that was on his property. He prayed for a long time. His tired body seemed rested and he forgot all about his hunger. The idea occurred to Gerard that if people only realized the joy of praying, they would be so much more willing to pray. Then he thought about the monks who spend their life praising God. Imagine how privileged they are, he thought. He prayed over the possibility of a religious vocation and joined the monastery of Saint-Denis. Gerard loved the life he had chosen and after studies became a priest. He had been a monk for eleven years when he was given permission to start a monastery on his own property at Brogne. The monastery flourished but Gerard felt there was too much activity and excitement. He built himself a little hermitage next to the church. He lived there quietly and alone. But he was not allowed to stay in peace for very long. His superiors asked Gerard to visit the monasteries in Flanders and Normandy. The monks needed some guidance and help in becoming more fervent. This work took Gerard on many journeys for some twenty years. All of his life Gerard lived a strict life filled with sacrifices. He did this because he wanted to show Jesus that he loved him. He showed that love by willingly offering little acts of self-denial. When he knew his life on earth was nearly over, he asked to be able to return to his little hut back in Brogne. He was given permission to do that. Gerard died peacefully on October 3, 959. St. Gerard discovered the joy of prayer that comes from a close relationship with God. Is there a way that I can foster a closer relationship with God in my own life?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Christ First
Today's Readings:
Job 9:1-12, 14-16
Ps 88:10-15
Lk 9:57-62
In today's Gospel we see Christ calling people to himself, yet they seem occupied by other things. Christ reminds them that God must be first in their lives, only then can they follow him. Let us look into our own lives this day and see those things that are keeping us from the Lord. Let us put these to the side and know that Jesus must be our first priority, then everything else will fall into place. Today let us place all our faith, hope, and love in our God and know that he will provide whatever else we might need. Have a great day and God Bless.
Feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus - Virgin and Doctor of the Church:
Popularly known today as “the Little Flower,” Thérèse Martin was born in Alencon in France in 1873. Whilst still young she entered the Discalced Carmel of Lisieux, where she lived in the greatest humility and evangelical simplicity and confidence in God. By word and example she taught the novices these same virtues. Offering her life for the salvation of souls and the spread of the Church, she died after a long and painful illness on September 30th 1897. She was canonized in 1925 and successive popes have referred to her as “the greatest saint of modern times.” She was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope John Paul II in 1999. She is co-patroness of the Missions and secondary patron of France.
Prayer
God our Father,
you promised your kingdom
to those who are willing to become like little children.
Help us to follow the way of St Thérèse with confidence
so that by her prayers
we may come to know your eternal glory.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Job 9:1-12, 14-16
Ps 88:10-15
Lk 9:57-62
In today's Gospel we see Christ calling people to himself, yet they seem occupied by other things. Christ reminds them that God must be first in their lives, only then can they follow him. Let us look into our own lives this day and see those things that are keeping us from the Lord. Let us put these to the side and know that Jesus must be our first priority, then everything else will fall into place. Today let us place all our faith, hope, and love in our God and know that he will provide whatever else we might need. Have a great day and God Bless.
Feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus - Virgin and Doctor of the Church:
Popularly known today as “the Little Flower,” Thérèse Martin was born in Alencon in France in 1873. Whilst still young she entered the Discalced Carmel of Lisieux, where she lived in the greatest humility and evangelical simplicity and confidence in God. By word and example she taught the novices these same virtues. Offering her life for the salvation of souls and the spread of the Church, she died after a long and painful illness on September 30th 1897. She was canonized in 1925 and successive popes have referred to her as “the greatest saint of modern times.” She was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope John Paul II in 1999. She is co-patroness of the Missions and secondary patron of France.
Prayer
God our Father,
you promised your kingdom
to those who are willing to become like little children.
Help us to follow the way of St Thérèse with confidence
so that by her prayers
we may come to know your eternal glory.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)