"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13
LIKE & SHARE this if you think you can do all things through your maker!!!
Friday 30 September 2011
Saturday, October 01, 2011 {St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Virgin, Doctor of the Church (Memorial)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Think well. Speak well. Do well. These three things, through the mercy of God, will make a man go to Heaven.
-- St. Camillus de Lellis
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29
(Comfort for Jerusalem)
5 Take courage, my people, you are the ones who keep Israel's name alive.
6 You were sold to Gentile nations, but not to be destroyed. Because you made God angry, he handed you over to your enemies.
7 When you offered sacrifices to demons instead of to God, you angered the one who made you.
Think well. Speak well. Do well. These three things, through the mercy of God, will make a man go to Heaven.
-- St. Camillus de Lellis
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29
(Comfort for Jerusalem)
5 Take courage, my people, you are the ones who keep Israel's name alive.
6 You were sold to Gentile nations, but not to be destroyed. Because you made God angry, he handed you over to your enemies.
7 When you offered sacrifices to demons instead of to God, you angered the one who made you.
St. Vincent de Paul (Patron of charitable societies)
St. Vincent de Paul
Feastday: September 27
Patron of Charitable Societies
St. Vincent was born of poor parents in the village of Pouy in Gascony, France, about 1580. He enjoyed his first schooling under the Franciscan Fathers at Acqs. Such had been his progress in four years that a gentleman chose him as subpreceptor to his children, and he was thus enabled to continue his studies without being a burden to his parents. In 1596, he went to the University of Toulouse for theological studies, and there he was ordained priest in 1600.
In 1605, on a voyage by sea from Marseilles to Narbonne, he fell into the hands of African pirates and was
Feastday: September 27
Patron of Charitable Societies
St. Vincent was born of poor parents in the village of Pouy in Gascony, France, about 1580. He enjoyed his first schooling under the Franciscan Fathers at Acqs. Such had been his progress in four years that a gentleman chose him as subpreceptor to his children, and he was thus enabled to continue his studies without being a burden to his parents. In 1596, he went to the University of Toulouse for theological studies, and there he was ordained priest in 1600.
In 1605, on a voyage by sea from Marseilles to Narbonne, he fell into the hands of African pirates and was
Thursday 29 September 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011 {St. Jerome, Priest, Doctor of the Church (Memorial)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The way to Heaven is strait and narrow: they who wish to arrive at that place of bliss by walking in the paths of pleasure shall be disappointed; and therefore few reach it, because few are willing to use violence to themselves in resisting temptations.
-- St Alphonsus de Liguori
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Baruch 1:15-22
(A Confession of Sin)
15 This is the confession you should make: “The Lord our God is righteous, but we are still covered with shame. All of us—the people of Judah, the people of Jerusalem,
16 our kings, our rulers, our priests, our prophets, and our ancestors have been put to shame,
17 because we have sinned against the Lord our God.
The way to Heaven is strait and narrow: they who wish to arrive at that place of bliss by walking in the paths of pleasure shall be disappointed; and therefore few reach it, because few are willing to use violence to themselves in resisting temptations.
-- St Alphonsus de Liguori
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Baruch 1:15-22
(A Confession of Sin)
15 This is the confession you should make: “The Lord our God is righteous, but we are still covered with shame. All of us—the people of Judah, the people of Jerusalem,
16 our kings, our rulers, our priests, our prophets, and our ancestors have been put to shame,
17 because we have sinned against the Lord our God.
Wednesday 28 September 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011 {Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels (Feast)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Our actions have a tongue of their own; they have an eloquence of their own, even when the tongue is silent. For deeds prove the lover more than words.
-- St. Cyril of Jerusalem
READINGS FOR TODAY
Our actions have a tongue of their own; they have an eloquence of their own, even when the tongue is silent. For deeds prove the lover more than words.
-- St. Cyril of Jerusalem
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or Revelation 12:7-12Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
(The Vision of the One Who Has Been Living Forever)
9 While I was looking, thrones were put in place. One who had been living forever sat down on one of the thrones. His clothes were white as snow, and his hair was like pure wool. His throne, mounted on fiery wheels, was blazing with fire,
10 and a stream of fire was pouring out from it. There were many thousands of people there to serve him, and millions of people stood before him. The court began its session, and the books were opened.
13 During this vision in the night, I saw what looked like a human being. He was approaching me, surrounded by clouds, and he went to the one who had been living forever and was presented to him.
(The Vision of the One Who Has Been Living Forever)
9 While I was looking, thrones were put in place. One who had been living forever sat down on one of the thrones. His clothes were white as snow, and his hair was like pure wool. His throne, mounted on fiery wheels, was blazing with fire,
10 and a stream of fire was pouring out from it. There were many thousands of people there to serve him, and millions of people stood before him. The court began its session, and the books were opened.
13 During this vision in the night, I saw what looked like a human being. He was approaching me, surrounded by clouds, and he went to the one who had been living forever and was presented to him.
BOKO HARAM_May God Help us all in JESUS WONDERFUL NAME....AMEN!!!
Can this really happen , I thought we Africans are scared Chickens!!!
Following the attacks by Boko Haram against Government Agencies and Christians in the North, a Militant group from the Niger Delta region has asked the islamist sect to cease attack on Christians or be prepared for war.
The group christened Egbesu Mightier Fraternity of Izon Land in a press statement made available to Pointblanknews.com warn that the life and properties of Northerners living in the South will not be spared if Boko
The group christened Egbesu Mightier Fraternity of Izon Land in a press statement made available to Pointblanknews.com warn that the life and properties of Northerners living in the South will not be spared if Boko
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011 (Weekday)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The poor stretch out the hand, but God receives what is offered.
-- St. Peter Chrysologus
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Nehemiah 2:1-8
(Nehemiah Goes to Jerusalem)
1 One day four months later, when Emperor Artaxerxes was dining, I took the wine to him. He had never seen me look sad before,
2 so he asked, “Why are you looking so sad? You aren't sick, so it must be that you're unhappy.”I was startled
3 and answered, “May Your Majesty live forever! How can I keep from looking sad when the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”
The poor stretch out the hand, but God receives what is offered.
-- St. Peter Chrysologus
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Nehemiah 2:1-8
(Nehemiah Goes to Jerusalem)
1 One day four months later, when Emperor Artaxerxes was dining, I took the wine to him. He had never seen me look sad before,
2 so he asked, “Why are you looking so sad? You aren't sick, so it must be that you're unhappy.”I was startled
3 and answered, “May Your Majesty live forever! How can I keep from looking sad when the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”
Monday 26 September 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 {St. Vincent de Paul, Priest (Memorial)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
A truly humble person never believes that he can be wronged in anything. Truly, we ought to be shamed to resent whatever is said or done against us; for it is the greatest shame in the world to see that our Creator bears so many insults from His creatures, and that we resent even a little word that is contradictory.
-- St. Teresa
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Zechariah 8:20-23
20 The Lord Almighty says, “The time is coming when people from many cities will come to Jerusalem.
21 Those from one city will say to those from another, ‘We are going to worship the Lord Almighty and pray for his blessing. Come with us!’
22 Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to worship the Lord Almighty and to pray for his blessing.
23 In those days ten foreigners will come to one Jew and say, ‘We want to share in your destiny, because we have heard that God is with you.’”
A truly humble person never believes that he can be wronged in anything. Truly, we ought to be shamed to resent whatever is said or done against us; for it is the greatest shame in the world to see that our Creator bears so many insults from His creatures, and that we resent even a little word that is contradictory.
-- St. Teresa
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Zechariah 8:20-23
20 The Lord Almighty says, “The time is coming when people from many cities will come to Jerusalem.
21 Those from one city will say to those from another, ‘We are going to worship the Lord Almighty and pray for his blessing. Come with us!’
22 Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to worship the Lord Almighty and to pray for his blessing.
23 In those days ten foreigners will come to one Jew and say, ‘We want to share in your destiny, because we have heard that God is with you.’”
Sunday 25 September 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011 (Weekday)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Before you receive Jesus Christ, you should remove from your heart all worldly attachments which you know to be displeasing to Him.
-- St. Augustine
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Zechariah 8:1-8
(The Lord's Promises to Zion)
1 The Lord All-Powerful said to me:
2 I love Zion so much that her enemies make me angry.
3 I will return to Jerusalem and live there on Mount Zion. Then Jerusalem will be known as my faithful city, and Zion will be known as my holy mountain.
Before you receive Jesus Christ, you should remove from your heart all worldly attachments which you know to be displeasing to Him.
-- St. Augustine
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Zechariah 8:1-8
(The Lord's Promises to Zion)
1 The Lord All-Powerful said to me:
2 I love Zion so much that her enemies make me angry.
3 I will return to Jerusalem and live there on Mount Zion. Then Jerusalem will be known as my faithful city, and Zion will be known as my holy mountain.
Is Pope Benedict considering resigning next year when he turns 85?
The Vatican dismissed an Italian newspaper report on Sunday that Pope Benedict was considering resigning next year when he turns 85.
"The pope's health is excellent," Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said. "We don't know anything about it. Ask the person who wrote it."
Saturday 24 September 2011
News from the Papal
Pope Benedict said on Saturday the Catholic Church could not accept gay marriage and urged young people to root out evil in society and shun a "lukewarm" faith that damages their Church. The 84-year-old pope ended the third day in his homeland with a rally for more about 30,000 young people at a fairground outside the southern city of Freiburg, a Catholic area where he received the warmest welcome of his trip so far.
Sunday, September 25, 2011 (Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
All the wealth in the world cannot be compared with the happiness of living together happily united.
-- Blessed Margaret d'Youville
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28
25 “But you say, ‘What the Lord does isn't right.’ Listen to me, you Israelites. Do you think my way of doing things isn't right? It is your way that isn't right.
26 When a righteous person stops doing good and starts doing evil and then dies, he dies because of the evil he has done.
27 When someone evil stops sinning and does what is right and good, he saves his life.
28 He realizes what he is doing and stops sinning, so he will certainly not die, but go on living.
All the wealth in the world cannot be compared with the happiness of living together happily united.
-- Blessed Margaret d'Youville
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28
25 “But you say, ‘What the Lord does isn't right.’ Listen to me, you Israelites. Do you think my way of doing things isn't right? It is your way that isn't right.
26 When a righteous person stops doing good and starts doing evil and then dies, he dies because of the evil he has done.
27 When someone evil stops sinning and does what is right and good, he saves his life.
28 He realizes what he is doing and stops sinning, so he will certainly not die, but go on living.
Friday 23 September 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011 {Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Do you ask how to resist anger? As soon as you feel the slightest resentment, gather together your powers, not hastily or impetuously, but gently and seriously. For as in some law courts, the criers make more noise in their efforts to preserve quiet than those they seek to still, so, if we are impestuous in our attempts to restrain our anger, we cause greater discomposure in our hearts than before; and once thrown off its balance, the heart is no longer its own master.
-- St. Francis de Sales
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15
(The Exiles Are Called to Come Home)
5 The Lord has promised that he himself will be a wall of fire around the city to protect it and that he will live there in all his glory.”
6-7 The Lord said to his people, “I scattered you in all directions. But now, you exiles, escape from Babylonia and return to Jerusalem.
Do you ask how to resist anger? As soon as you feel the slightest resentment, gather together your powers, not hastily or impetuously, but gently and seriously. For as in some law courts, the criers make more noise in their efforts to preserve quiet than those they seek to still, so, if we are impestuous in our attempts to restrain our anger, we cause greater discomposure in our hearts than before; and once thrown off its balance, the heart is no longer its own master.
-- St. Francis de Sales
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15
(The Exiles Are Called to Come Home)
5 The Lord has promised that he himself will be a wall of fire around the city to protect it and that he will live there in all his glory.”
6-7 The Lord said to his people, “I scattered you in all directions. But now, you exiles, escape from Babylonia and return to Jerusalem.
THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY
WOW!!!
ANOTHER WEEKEND AROUND THE CORNIER....thank God it's Friday!!!
Baba God.....Jehovah got ma Back...donno abt u, but i'm interested cos i care oh!!!!.......morning peeps.
http://dailyscriptures4u.blogspot.com
ANOTHER WEEKEND AROUND THE CORNIER....thank God it's Friday!!!
Baba God.....Jehovah got ma Back...donno abt u, but i'm interested cos i care oh!!!!.......morning peeps.
http://dailyscriptures4u.blogspot.com
Thursday 22 September 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011 {St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Priest (Memorial)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
He does much in the sight of God who does his best, be it ever so little.
-- St. Peter of Alcantara
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Galatians 2:19-20
19 So far as the Law is concerned, however, I am dead—killed by the Law itself—in order that I might live for God. I have been put to death with Christ on his cross,
20 so that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me.
He does much in the sight of God who does his best, be it ever so little.
-- St. Peter of Alcantara
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Galatians 2:19-20
19 So far as the Law is concerned, however, I am dead—killed by the Law itself—in order that I might live for God. I have been put to death with Christ on his cross,
20 so that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me.
Wednesday 21 September 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011 (Weekday)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Depression comes from not having faults but from refusal to face them. There are tens of thousands of persons today suffering from fears which in reality are nothing but the effects of hidden sin. The examination of conscience will cure us of self- deception. It will also cure us of depression!
-- Bishop Fulton Sheen
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Haggai 1:1-8
1 In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet to Zerub'babel the son of She-al'ti-el, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehoz'adak, the high priest,
2 "Thus says the LORD of hosts: This people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD."
3 Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet,
Depression comes from not having faults but from refusal to face them. There are tens of thousands of persons today suffering from fears which in reality are nothing but the effects of hidden sin. The examination of conscience will cure us of self- deception. It will also cure us of depression!
-- Bishop Fulton Sheen
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Haggai 1:1-8
1 In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet to Zerub'babel the son of She-al'ti-el, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehoz'adak, the high priest,
2 "Thus says the LORD of hosts: This people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD."
3 Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet,
Tuesday 20 September 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 {St. Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist (Feast)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Suppose an evil person would offend you, or one whom you judge to be evil or even imagine so. Would you abandon so many others who are good?-- St. Augustine
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13
(The Unity of the Body)1 I urge you, then—I who am a prisoner because I serve the Lord: live a life that measures up to the standard God set when he called you.
2 Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. 3 Do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together.
Monday 19 September 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 {Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest, Martyr, Paul Chong Hasang, Martyr and Their Companions, Martyrs (Memorial)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
We ought to respect the image of God in everyone.
-- Blessed Raphaela Mary
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Ezra 6:7-8, 12, 14-20
(The Passover)
7 and do not interfere with its construction. Let the governor of Judah and the Jewish leaders rebuild the Temple of God where it stood before.
8 I hereby command you to help them rebuild it. Their expenses are to be paid promptly out of the royal funds received from taxes in West-of-Euphrates, so that the work is not interrupted.
12 May the God who chose Jerusalem as the place where he is to be worshiped overthrow any king or nation that defies this command and tries to destroy the Temple there. I, Darius, have commanded. My command is to be fully obeyed.”
We ought to respect the image of God in everyone.
-- Blessed Raphaela Mary
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Ezra 6:7-8, 12, 14-20
(The Passover)
7 and do not interfere with its construction. Let the governor of Judah and the Jewish leaders rebuild the Temple of God where it stood before.
8 I hereby command you to help them rebuild it. Their expenses are to be paid promptly out of the royal funds received from taxes in West-of-Euphrates, so that the work is not interrupted.
12 May the God who chose Jerusalem as the place where he is to be worshiped overthrow any king or nation that defies this command and tries to destroy the Temple there. I, Darius, have commanded. My command is to be fully obeyed.”
Sunday 18 September 2011
Translate the Blog
Hi Everyone,
Just want to wish you all a wonderful and blessed week ahead as you step out today. I also want to inform everyone that foreign language translations has been enabled on these pages, so, lets enjoy this week with thoughts of the Lord in out hearts.
Well, here is also a quick link to get translating languages into English Languages and many others:
http://translate.google.com/
http://translate.google.com/
Bede
Christians in China: Faith crisis or not?
More people go to church on Sunday in China than in the whole of Europe. I noticed this on comparing my trips to Asia and Europe in the second Quarter of the year.
Many of China's churches are overflowing, as the number of Christians in the country multiplies. In the past, repression drove people to convert - is the cause now rampant capitalism?
It is impossible to say how many Christians there are in China today, but no-one denies the numbers are exploding. The government says 25 million, 18 million Protestants and six million Catholics. Independent estimates all agree this is a vast underestimate. A conservative figure is 60 million. There are already more Chinese at church on a Sunday than in the whole of Europe.The new converts can be found from peasants in the remote rural villages to the sophisticated young middle class in the booming cities.
Driven underground
There is a complexity in the structures of Chinese Christianity which is little understood in the West. To start with, Catholicism and Protestantism are designated by the state as two separate religions. Throughout the 20th Century, Christianity was associated with Western imperialism. After the Communist victory in 1949, the missionaries were expelled, but Christianity was permitted in state-sanctioned churches, so long as they gave their primary allegiance to the Communist Party.
Many of China's churches are overflowing, as the number of Christians in the country multiplies. In the past, repression drove people to convert - is the cause now rampant capitalism?
It is impossible to say how many Christians there are in China today, but no-one denies the numbers are exploding. The government says 25 million, 18 million Protestants and six million Catholics. Independent estimates all agree this is a vast underestimate. A conservative figure is 60 million. There are already more Chinese at church on a Sunday than in the whole of Europe.The new converts can be found from peasants in the remote rural villages to the sophisticated young middle class in the booming cities.
Driven underground
There is a complexity in the structures of Chinese Christianity which is little understood in the West. To start with, Catholicism and Protestantism are designated by the state as two separate religions. Throughout the 20th Century, Christianity was associated with Western imperialism. After the Communist victory in 1949, the missionaries were expelled, but Christianity was permitted in state-sanctioned churches, so long as they gave their primary allegiance to the Communist Party.
Monday, September 19, 2011 {St. Francis Mary Croese of Camporosso (Memorial)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The Infinite Mass causes the whole heavenly court to rejoice. It alleviates the pain of the souls in purgatory. It draws down all types of blessings upon earth, and gives more glory to God than all the sufferings of all the martyrs together, more glory than the penances of all the saints, than all the tears shed by them since the beginning of the world and all that they may do till the end of time.
-- St. John Vianney
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Ezra 1:1-6
(Cyrus Commands the Jews to Return)
1 In the first year that Cyrus of Persia was emperor, the Lord made what he had said through the prophet Jeremiah come true. He prompted Cyrus to issue the following command and send it out in writing to be read aloud everywhere in his empire:
2 “This is the command of Cyrus, Emperor of Persia. The Lord, the God of Heaven, has made me ruler over the whole world and has given me the responsibility of building a temple for him in Jerusalem in Judah.
3 May God be with all of you who are his people. You are to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is worshiped in Jerusalem.
The Infinite Mass causes the whole heavenly court to rejoice. It alleviates the pain of the souls in purgatory. It draws down all types of blessings upon earth, and gives more glory to God than all the sufferings of all the martyrs together, more glory than the penances of all the saints, than all the tears shed by them since the beginning of the world and all that they may do till the end of time.
-- St. John Vianney
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Ezra 1:1-6
(Cyrus Commands the Jews to Return)
1 In the first year that Cyrus of Persia was emperor, the Lord made what he had said through the prophet Jeremiah come true. He prompted Cyrus to issue the following command and send it out in writing to be read aloud everywhere in his empire:
2 “This is the command of Cyrus, Emperor of Persia. The Lord, the God of Heaven, has made me ruler over the whole world and has given me the responsibility of building a temple for him in Jerusalem in Judah.
3 May God be with all of you who are his people. You are to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is worshiped in Jerusalem.
Saturday 17 September 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011 (Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The Holy Rosary is the storehouse of countless blessings.
-- Blessed Alan de la Roche
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9
6 Turn to the Lord and pray to him, now that he is near.
7 Let the wicked leave their way of life and change their way of thinking. Let them turn to the Lord, our God; he is merciful and quick to forgive.
8 “My thoughts,” says the Lord, “are not like yours, and my ways are different from yours.
9 As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways and thoughts above yours.
The Holy Rosary is the storehouse of countless blessings.
-- Blessed Alan de la Roche
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9
6 Turn to the Lord and pray to him, now that he is near.
7 Let the wicked leave their way of life and change their way of thinking. Let them turn to the Lord, our God; he is merciful and quick to forgive.
8 “My thoughts,” says the Lord, “are not like yours, and my ways are different from yours.
9 As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways and thoughts above yours.
Friday 16 September 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011 {The Sacred Stigmata of Saint Francis of Assisi (Feast)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Don't be anxious about what you have, but about what you are!
-- Pope St. Gregory the Great
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Galatians 6:14-18
14 As for me, however, I will boast only about the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; for by means of his cross the world is dead to me, and I am dead to the world.
15 It does not matter at all whether or not one is circumcised; what does matter is being a new creature.
16 As for those who follow this rule in their lives, may peace and mercy be with them—with them and with all of God's people!
17 To conclude: let no one give me any more trouble, because the scars I have on my body show that I am the slave of Jesus.
18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, my friends. Amen!!!
Don't be anxious about what you have, but about what you are!
-- Pope St. Gregory the Great
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Galatians 6:14-18
14 As for me, however, I will boast only about the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; for by means of his cross the world is dead to me, and I am dead to the world.
15 It does not matter at all whether or not one is circumcised; what does matter is being a new creature.
16 As for those who follow this rule in their lives, may peace and mercy be with them—with them and with all of God's people!
17 To conclude: let no one give me any more trouble, because the scars I have on my body show that I am the slave of Jesus.
18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, my friends. Amen!!!
Thursday 15 September 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011 {St. Cornelius, Pope, Martyr and St. Cyprian, Bishop, Martyr (Memorial)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
The Servant of Charity must go to bed each night so tired from work that he will think he has been beaten!
-- St. Louis Guanella
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 Timothy 6:2-12
(False Teaching and True Riches)
2 Slaves belonging to Christian masters must not despise them, for they are believers too. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their work are believers whom they love. You must teach and preach these things.
3 Whoever teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching of our religion
4 is swollen with pride and knows nothing. He has an unhealthy desire to argue and quarrel about words, and this brings on jealousy, disputes, insults, evil suspicions,
5 and constant arguments from people whose minds do not function and who no longer have the truth. They think that religion is a way to become rich.
6 Well, religion does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have.
7 What did we bring into the world? Nothing! What can we take out of the world? Nothing!
8 So then, if we have food and clothes, that should be enough for us.
9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and are caught in the trap of many foolish and harmful desires, which pull them down to ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. Some have been so eager to have it that they have wandered away from the faith and have broken their hearts with many sorrows.
11 But you, man of God, avoid all these things. Strive for righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.
12 Run your best in the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself; for it was to this life that God called you when you firmly professed your faith before many witnesses.
Psalms: Psalm 49:6-10, 17-20
6 by evil people who trust in their riches and boast of their great wealth.
7 We can never redeem ourselves; we cannot pay God the price for our lives,
8 because the payment for a human life is too great. What we could pay would never be enough
9 to keep us from the grave, to let us live forever.
10 Anyone can see that even the wise die, as well as the foolish and stupid. They all leave their riches to their descendants.
17 he cannot take it with him when he dies; his wealth will not go with him to the grave.
18 Even if someone is satisfied with this life and is praised because he is successful,
19 he will join all his ancestors in death, where the darkness lasts forever.
20 Our greatness cannot keep us from death; we will still die like the animals.
Gospel: Luke 8:1-3
(Women Who Helped Jesus / Women Who Accompanied Jesus)
1 Some time later Jesus traveled through towns and villages, preaching the Good News about the Kingdom of God. The twelve disciples went with him,
2 and so did some women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (who was called Magdalene), from whom seven demons had been driven out;
3 Joanna, whose husband Chuza was an officer in Herod's court; and Susanna, and many other women who used their own resources to help Jesus and his disciples.
Wednesday 14 September 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011 {Our Lady of Sorrows (Memorial))
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Perfect love leads a man on to perfect fear. Such a man fears and keeps to God's will, not from fear of punishment, not to avoid condemnation, but because he has tasted the sweetness of being with God; he fears he may fall away from it.
-- St. Dorotheos of Gaza
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Hebrews 5:7-9
7 In his life on earth Jesus made his prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God, who could save him from death. Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him.
8 But even though he was God's Son, he learned through his sufferings to be obedient.
9 When he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him,
Perfect love leads a man on to perfect fear. Such a man fears and keeps to God's will, not from fear of punishment, not to avoid condemnation, but because he has tasted the sweetness of being with God; he fears he may fall away from it.
-- St. Dorotheos of Gaza
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Hebrews 5:7-9
7 In his life on earth Jesus made his prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God, who could save him from death. Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him.
8 But even though he was God's Son, he learned through his sufferings to be obedient.
9 When he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him,
Tuesday 13 September 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 {Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Feast)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Love shows us what we have to do. It takes us out of ourselves, makes us emulate the virtues of our Lord, and withdraws us from this world into Him. The reason why so many Christians get no farther than the threshold of virtue is that they will not break the chains that hold them back and will not give themselves up confidently to our Lord's guidance. They feel that if they go to Communion they will be unable to resist the love of Jesus and will be forced to give themselves in return. So they content themselves with books, with words, and do not dare turn to the Master Himself. Oh, my brothers, I pray you to take Jesus Christ Himself for your Teacher! Receive Him within you and let Him direct all your actions.
-- St. Peter Eymard
Love shows us what we have to do. It takes us out of ourselves, makes us emulate the virtues of our Lord, and withdraws us from this world into Him. The reason why so many Christians get no farther than the threshold of virtue is that they will not break the chains that hold them back and will not give themselves up confidently to our Lord's guidance. They feel that if they go to Communion they will be unable to resist the love of Jesus and will be forced to give themselves in return. So they content themselves with books, with words, and do not dare turn to the Master Himself. Oh, my brothers, I pray you to take Jesus Christ Himself for your Teacher! Receive Him within you and let Him direct all your actions.
-- St. Peter Eymard
Monday 12 September 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011 {}St. John Chrysostom, Bishop, Doctor of the Church (Memorial)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
As long as a single passion reigns in our hearts, though all the others should have been overcome, the soul will never enjoy peace.
-- St. Joseph Calasanctius
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-13
(Leaders in the Church)
1 This is a true saying: If a man is eager to be a church leader, he desires an excellent work.
2 A church leader must be without fault; he must have only one wife, be sober, self-controlled, and orderly; he must welcome strangers in his home; he must be able to teach;
As long as a single passion reigns in our hearts, though all the others should have been overcome, the soul will never enjoy peace.
-- St. Joseph Calasanctius
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-13
(Leaders in the Church)
1 This is a true saying: If a man is eager to be a church leader, he desires an excellent work.
2 A church leader must be without fault; he must have only one wife, be sober, self-controlled, and orderly; he must welcome strangers in his home; he must be able to teach;
Sunday 11 September 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011 {The Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Optional Memorial)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
A father thinks that it is quite enough to maintain good order in his house; he will not have anyone swearing or using obscene words. That is very good. But he has no scruple about allowing his boys to go to amusements, to fairs, and all sorts of pleasures. This same father permits work to be done on Sundays on the slightest pretext. However, you see him in church adoring God. Carry on my poor friend, you are blind. Do you not see that you are doing the work of Pontius Pilate, who recognized Jesus Christ and then condemned Him. Go and learn your duties, then you may come to offer your prayers to God.
-- St. John Vianney
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-8
How To Pray / Church Worship
1 First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them.
2 Pray for kings and others in power, so that we may live quiet and peaceful lives as we worship and honor God.
3 This kind of prayer is good, and it pleases God our Savior.
4 God wants everyone to be saved and to know the whole truth, which is,
5 There is only one God, and Christ Jesus is the only one who can bring us to God. Jesus was truly human, and he gave himself to rescue all of us.
6 God showed us this at the right time.
7 This is why God chose me to be a preacher and an apostle of the good news. I am telling the truth. I am not lying. God sent me to teach the Gentiles about faith and truth.
8 I want everyone everywhere to lift innocent hands toward heaven and pray, without being angry or arguing with each other.
Psalms: Psalm 28:2, 7-9
2 Hear me when I cry to you for help, when I lift my hands toward your holy Temple.
7 The Lord protects and defends me; I trust in him. He gives me help and makes me glad; I praise him with joyful songs.
8 The Lord protects his people; he defends and saves his chosen king.
9 Save your people, Lord, and bless those who are yours. Be their shepherd, and take care of them forever.
Gospel: Luke 7:1-10
Jesus Heals a Roman Officer's Servant
1 When Jesus had finished saying all these things to the people, he went to Capernaum.
2 A Roman officer there had a servant who was very dear to him; the man was sick and about to die.
3 When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to ask him to come and heal his servant.
4 They came to Jesus and begged him earnestly, “This man really deserves your help.
5 He loves our people and he himself built a synagogue for us.”
6 So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the officer sent friends to tell him, “Sir, don't trouble yourself. I do not deserve to have you come into my house,
7 neither do I consider myself worthy to come to you in person. Just give the order, and my servant will get well.
8 I, too, am a man placed under the authority of superior officers, and I have soldiers under me. I order this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; I order that one, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and I order my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”
9 Jesus was surprised when he heard this; he turned around and said to the crowd following him, “I tell you, I have never found faith like this, not even in Israel!”
10 The messengers went back to the officer's house and found his servant well.
A father thinks that it is quite enough to maintain good order in his house; he will not have anyone swearing or using obscene words. That is very good. But he has no scruple about allowing his boys to go to amusements, to fairs, and all sorts of pleasures. This same father permits work to be done on Sundays on the slightest pretext. However, you see him in church adoring God. Carry on my poor friend, you are blind. Do you not see that you are doing the work of Pontius Pilate, who recognized Jesus Christ and then condemned Him. Go and learn your duties, then you may come to offer your prayers to God.
-- St. John Vianney
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-8
How To Pray / Church Worship
1 First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them.
2 Pray for kings and others in power, so that we may live quiet and peaceful lives as we worship and honor God.
3 This kind of prayer is good, and it pleases God our Savior.
4 God wants everyone to be saved and to know the whole truth, which is,
5 There is only one God, and Christ Jesus is the only one who can bring us to God. Jesus was truly human, and he gave himself to rescue all of us.
6 God showed us this at the right time.
7 This is why God chose me to be a preacher and an apostle of the good news. I am telling the truth. I am not lying. God sent me to teach the Gentiles about faith and truth.
8 I want everyone everywhere to lift innocent hands toward heaven and pray, without being angry or arguing with each other.
Psalms: Psalm 28:2, 7-9
2 Hear me when I cry to you for help, when I lift my hands toward your holy Temple.
7 The Lord protects and defends me; I trust in him. He gives me help and makes me glad; I praise him with joyful songs.
8 The Lord protects his people; he defends and saves his chosen king.
9 Save your people, Lord, and bless those who are yours. Be their shepherd, and take care of them forever.
Gospel: Luke 7:1-10
Jesus Heals a Roman Officer's Servant
1 When Jesus had finished saying all these things to the people, he went to Capernaum.
2 A Roman officer there had a servant who was very dear to him; the man was sick and about to die.
3 When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to ask him to come and heal his servant.
4 They came to Jesus and begged him earnestly, “This man really deserves your help.
5 He loves our people and he himself built a synagogue for us.”
6 So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the officer sent friends to tell him, “Sir, don't trouble yourself. I do not deserve to have you come into my house,
7 neither do I consider myself worthy to come to you in person. Just give the order, and my servant will get well.
8 I, too, am a man placed under the authority of superior officers, and I have soldiers under me. I order this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; I order that one, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and I order my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”
9 Jesus was surprised when he heard this; he turned around and said to the crowd following him, “I tell you, I have never found faith like this, not even in Israel!”
10 The messengers went back to the officer's house and found his servant well.
Saturday 10 September 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011 (Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
No, my dear brethren, this gracious virtue of purity is not known to those young men whose eyes and hands are defiled by glances and...Oh God, how many souls does this sin drag down to Hell...This beautiful virtue is not known to those worldly and corrupt girls who make so many preparations and take so many cares to draw the eyes of the world towards themselves, who by their affected and indecent dress announce publicly that they are evil instruments which hell makes use of to ruin souls--those souls which cost so much in labors and tears and torments to Jesus Christ. Look at them, these misfortunates, and you will see that a thousand devils surround their heads and their breasts. An even more astounding thing to understand is how their mothers endure them in a state unworthy of a Christian. I would tell these mothers they are worth no more than their daughters.
-- St. John Vianney
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Sirach 27:30 -- 28:9
Anger, Revenge, and Forgiveness (Sirach 27:30)
30 Taking revenge in anger is disgusting—yet sinners just won't give it up.
Arguments (Sirach 28:9)
9 And remember, it is sinful to start an argument that destroys a friendship.
Psalms: Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12
The Love of God
1 Praise the Lord, my soul! All my being, praise his holy name!
2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and do not forget how kind he is.
3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
4 He keeps me from the grave and blesses me with love and mercy.
9 He does not keep on rebuking; he is not angry forever.
10 He does not punish us as we deserve or repay us according to our sins and wrongs.
11 As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is his love for those who honor him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our sins from us.
Second Reading: Romans 14:7-9
7 We do not live for ourselves only, and we do not die for ourselves only.
8 If we live, it is for the Lord that we live, and if we die, it is for the Lord that we die. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
9 For Christ died and rose to life in order to be the Lord of the living and of the dead.
Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, if my brother keeps on sinning against me, how many times do I have to forgive him? Seven times?”
22 “No, not seven times,” answered Jesus, “but seventy times seven,
23 because the Kingdom of heaven is like this. Once there was a king who decided to check on his servants' accounts.
24 He had just begun to do so when one of them was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. 25 The servant did not have enough to pay his debt, so the king ordered him to be sold as a slave, with his wife and his children and all that he had, in order to pay the debt.
26 The servant fell on his knees before the king. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay you everything!’
27 The king felt sorry for him, so he forgave him the debt and let him go.
28 “Then the man went out and met one of his fellow servants who owed him a few dollars. He grabbed him and started choking him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he said.
29 His fellow servant fell down and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back!’
30 But he refused; instead, he had him thrown into jail until he should pay the debt.
31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were very upset and went to the king and told him everything.
32 So he called the servant in. ‘You worthless slave!’ he said. ‘I forgave you the whole amount you owed me, just because you asked me to.
33 You should have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you.’
34 The king was very angry, and he sent the servant to jail to be punished until he should pay back the whole amount.”
35 And Jesus concluded, “That is how my Father in heaven will treat every one of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
Friday 9 September 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011 {Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Do not be suspicious of your brother, for you will lose purity of heart!!
-- St. John of the Cross
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 Timothy 1:15-17
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 I thank him who has given me strength for this, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful by appointing me to his service,
13 though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and insulted him; but I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,
14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Psalms: Psalm 113:1-7
1 Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD!
2 Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore!
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to be praised!
4 The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!
5 Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high,
6 who looks far down upon the heavens and the earth?
7 He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
Gospel: Luke 6:43-49
43 "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit;
44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.
45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure produces evil; for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
46 "Why do you call me `Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?
47 Every one who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like:
48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep, and laid the foundation upon rock; and when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it had been well built.
49 But he who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation; against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
Do not be suspicious of your brother, for you will lose purity of heart!!
-- St. John of the Cross
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 Timothy 1:15-17
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 I thank him who has given me strength for this, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful by appointing me to his service,
13 though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and insulted him; but I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,
14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Psalms: Psalm 113:1-7
1 Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD!
2 Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore!
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to be praised!
4 The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!
5 Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high,
6 who looks far down upon the heavens and the earth?
7 He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
Gospel: Luke 6:43-49
43 "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit;
44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.
45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure produces evil; for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
46 "Why do you call me `Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?
47 Every one who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like:
48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep, and laid the foundation upon rock; and when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it had been well built.
49 But he who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation; against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
Thursday 8 September 2011
Friday, September 09, 2011 {St. Peter Claver, Priest (Memorial)}
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 I thank him who has given me strength for this, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful by appointing me to his service,
13 though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and insulted him; but I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,
14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Psalms: Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 11
1 Preserve me, O God, for in thee I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, "Thou art my Lord; I have no good apart from thee."
5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; thou holdest my lot.
7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
11 Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fulness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.
Gospel: Luke 6:39-42
39 He also told them a parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?
40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but every one when he is fully taught will be like his teacher.
41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
42 Or how can you say to your brother, `Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
I pray You to destroy in me all that is not of You. Grant that I may live but in You, by You and for You, so that I may truly say, with St. Paul, "I live - now not I - But Christ lives in me.
-- St. John Gabriel
Wednesday 7 September 2011
Thursday, September 08, 2011 {The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Feast)}
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Micah 5:1-4 or Romans 8:28-30
Micah 5:1-4
1 Now you are walled about with a wall; siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike upon the cheek the ruler of Israel.
2 But you, O Bethlehem Eph'rathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in travail has brought forth; then the rest of his brethren shall return to the people of Israel.
4 And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.
OR
Romans 8:28-30
28 We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren.
30 And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Psalms: Psalm 13:6
6 I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 or 1:18-23
Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,
3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram,
4 and Ram the father of Ammin'adab, and Ammin'adab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon,
5 and Salmon the father of Bo'az by Rahab, and Bo'az the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse,
6 and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uri'ah,
7 and Solomon the father of Rehobo'am, and Rehobo'am the father of Abi'jah, and Abi'jah the father of Asa,
8 and Asa the father of Jehosh'aphat, and Jehosh'aphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzzi'ah,
9 and Uzzi'ah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezeki'ah,
10 and Hezeki'ah the father of Manas'seh, and Manas'seh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josi'ah,
11 and Josi'ah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoni'ah was the father of She-al'ti-el, and She-al'ti-el the father of Zerub'babel,
13 and Zerub'babel the father of Abi'ud, and Abi'ud the father of Eli'akim, and Eli'akim the father of Azor,
14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eli'ud,
15 and Eli'ud the father of Elea'zar, and Elea'zar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob,
16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit;
19 and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
20 But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit;
21 she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
22 All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us).
OR
Matthew 1:18-23
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit;
19 and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
20 But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit;
21 she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
22 All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us).
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Faithfulness in little things is a big thing.
-- St. John Chrysostom
Tuesday 6 September 2011
Wednesday, September 07, 2011 (Weekday)
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Colossians 3:1-11
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
3 For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
7 In these you once walked, when you lived in them.
8 But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices
10 and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
11 Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scyth'ian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.
Psalms: Psalm 145:2-3, 10-13
2 Every day I will bless thee, and praise thy name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
10 All thy works shall give thanks to thee, O LORD, and all thy saints shall bless thee!
11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and tell of thy power,
12 to make known to the sons of men thy mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of thy kingdom.
13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.
Gospel: Luke 6:20-26
20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 "Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. "Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh.
22 "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man!
23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.
24 "But woe to you that are rich, for you have received your consolation.
25 "Woe to you that are full now, for you shall hunger. "Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
26 "Woe to you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
We should have frequent recourse to prayer, and persevere a long time in it. God wishes to be solicited. He is not weary of hearing us. The treasure of His graces is infinite. We can do nothing more pleasing to him than to beg incessantly that He bestow them upon us.
-- St. John Baptist de la Salle
First Reading: Colossians 3:1-11
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
3 For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
7 In these you once walked, when you lived in them.
8 But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices
10 and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
11 Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scyth'ian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.
Psalms: Psalm 145:2-3, 10-13
2 Every day I will bless thee, and praise thy name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
10 All thy works shall give thanks to thee, O LORD, and all thy saints shall bless thee!
11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and tell of thy power,
12 to make known to the sons of men thy mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of thy kingdom.
13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.
Gospel: Luke 6:20-26
20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 "Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. "Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh.
22 "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man!
23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.
24 "But woe to you that are rich, for you have received your consolation.
25 "Woe to you that are full now, for you shall hunger. "Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
26 "Woe to you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
We should have frequent recourse to prayer, and persevere a long time in it. God wishes to be solicited. He is not weary of hearing us. The treasure of His graces is infinite. We can do nothing more pleasing to him than to beg incessantly that He bestow them upon us.
-- St. John Baptist de la Salle
Monday 5 September 2011
Tuesday, September 06, 2011 (Weekday)
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Colossians 2:6-15
6 As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so live in him,
7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
8 See to it that no one makes a prey of you by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ.
9 For in him the whole fulness of deity dwells bodily,
10 and you have come to fulness of life in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of flesh in the circumcision of Christ;
12 and you were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
13 And you, who were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,
14 having canceled the bond which stood against us with its legal demands; this he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
15 He disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in him.
Psalms: Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11
1 I will extol thee, my God and King, and bless thy name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless thee, and praise thy name for ever and ever.
8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 The LORD is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.
10 All thy works shall give thanks to thee, O LORD, and all thy saints shall bless thee!
11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and tell of thy power,
Gospel: Luke 6:12-19
12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God.
13 And when it was day, he called his disciples, and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles;
14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew,
15 and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot,
16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
17 And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases;
18 and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured.
19 And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came forth from him and healed them all.
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
In 1992, Pope John Paul II designated February 11 as World Day of the Sick. This is a time for "prayer and sharing, of offering one's suffering for the good of the Church and of reminding us to see in our sick brother and sister the face of Christ who, by suffering, dying and rising, achieved the salvation of humankind." (Quote from Letter Instituting the World Day of the Sick, 13 May 1992)
-- Pope John Paul II
Sunday 4 September 2011
Monday, September 05, 2011
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Genesis 2:4-9, 15
4 These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created. In the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,
5 when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up -- for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no man to till the ground;
6 but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground --
7 then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
8 And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
9 And out of the ground the LORD God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.
Psalms: Psalm 90:2-5, 12-14, 16
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting thou art God.
3 Thou turnest man back to the dust, and sayest, "Turn back, O children of men!"
4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.
5 Thou dost sweep men away; they are like a dream, like grass which is renewed in the morning:
12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
13 Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on thy servants!
14 Satisfy us in the morning with thy steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
16 Let thy work be manifest to thy servants, and thy glorious power to their children.
Gospel: Matthew 6:31-34
31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?'
32 For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.
34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.
REFLECTION FOR TODAYThe mortifications which come to us from God, or from men by His permission, are always worth more than those which are the children of our own will; for it must be considered a general rule, that the less our taste and choice intervene in our actions, the more they will have of goodness, solidity, devotion, the pleasure of God and our own profit.
-- St. Francis de Sales
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