Daily Biblical/ Holy/ Scriptural Christian readings, Inspiration and Reflection for Practicing Christians, Intending Christians and the General Public. We believe this blog would strengthen the spiritually weak, In a simple universal sense, it could be tagged "THE EVERYDAY HOMILY OF THE STREET CHRISTIAN"!!!
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Saturday, 31 December 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR EvERyONE!!!
Your future is blessed, so make the best of it as you read these pages...God Bless ya all....Amen!!!
Friday, 30 December 2011
Saturday, December 31, 2011 {The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Our Lord needs from us neither great deeds nor profound thoughts. Neither intelligence nor talents. He cherishes simplicity.
-- St Therese of Lisieux
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 John 2:18-21
(The Enemy of Christ)
18 My children, the end is near! You were told that the Enemy of Christ would come; and now many enemies of Christ have already appeared, and so we know that the end is near.
19 These people really did not belong to our fellowship, and that is why they left us; if they had belonged to our fellowship, they would have stayed with us. But they left so that it might be clear that none of them really belonged to us.
Our Lord needs from us neither great deeds nor profound thoughts. Neither intelligence nor talents. He cherishes simplicity.
-- St Therese of Lisieux
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 John 2:18-21
(The Enemy of Christ)
18 My children, the end is near! You were told that the Enemy of Christ would come; and now many enemies of Christ have already appeared, and so we know that the end is near.
19 These people really did not belong to our fellowship, and that is why they left us; if they had belonged to our fellowship, they would have stayed with us. But they left so that it might be clear that none of them really belonged to us.
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011 {The Holy Family (Feast)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Mary's virginity and giving birth, and even the Lord's death escaped the notice of the prince of this world; these three mysteries worthy of proclamation were accomplished in God's silence.
-- St. Ignatius of Antioch, Ad Epesius 19:1
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14
2 for the Lord has given fathers authority over their children and given children the obligation to obey their mothers.
3 If you respect your father, you can make up for your sins,
4 and if you honor your mother, you are earning great wealth.
Mary's virginity and giving birth, and even the Lord's death escaped the notice of the prince of this world; these three mysteries worthy of proclamation were accomplished in God's silence.
-- St. Ignatius of Antioch, Ad Epesius 19:1
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14
2 for the Lord has given fathers authority over their children and given children the obligation to obey their mothers.
3 If you respect your father, you can make up for your sins,
4 and if you honor your mother, you are earning great wealth.
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011 (The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Recall to yourself that our Lord is the beloved Son of the living God; that He is Himself the God of all consolation, the sight of whom forms the beatitude of the angels and elect. And yet, what does He not suffer!
-- St Ignatius Loyola
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 John 2:3-11
(The New Command)
3 If we obey God's commands, then we are sure that we know him.
4 If we say that we know him, but do not obey his commands, we are liars and there is no truth in us.
5 But if we obey his word, we are the ones whose love for God has really been made perfect. This is how we can be sure that we are in union with God:
Recall to yourself that our Lord is the beloved Son of the living God; that He is Himself the God of all consolation, the sight of whom forms the beatitude of the angels and elect. And yet, what does He not suffer!
-- St Ignatius Loyola
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 John 2:3-11
(The New Command)
3 If we obey God's commands, then we are sure that we know him.
4 If we say that we know him, but do not obey his commands, we are liars and there is no truth in us.
5 But if we obey his word, we are the ones whose love for God has really been made perfect. This is how we can be sure that we are in union with God:
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011 {The Holy Innocents, Martyrs (Feast)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Turn yourself round like a piece of clay and say to the Lord: I am clay, and you, Lord, the potter. Make of me what you will.
-- Blessed John of Avila
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 John 1:5 -- 2:2
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth;
7 but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Turn yourself round like a piece of clay and say to the Lord: I am clay, and you, Lord, the potter. Make of me what you will.
-- Blessed John of Avila
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 John 1:5 -- 2:2
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth;
7 but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Monday, 26 December 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011 {St. John, Apostle, Evangelist (Feast)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
They sang to Thy holy name, O Lord, and praised Thy Victorious hand.
-- Wisdom 10:20
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 John 1:1-4
(The Word of Life)
1 We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it.
2 When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life which was with the Father and was made known to us.
3 What we have seen and heard we announce to you also, so that you will join with us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4 We write this in order that our joy may be complete.
They sang to Thy holy name, O Lord, and praised Thy Victorious hand.
-- Wisdom 10:20
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 John 1:1-4
(The Word of Life)
1 We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it.
2 When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life which was with the Father and was made known to us.
3 What we have seen and heard we announce to you also, so that you will join with us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4 We write this in order that our joy may be complete.
Sunday, 25 December 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011 {St. Stephen, First Martyr (Feast)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
O blessed penance which has earned for me such great glory!
-- St Peter of Alcantara in a vision to St. Teresa
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
(The Arrest AND Stoning of Stephen)
8 Stephen, a man richly blessed by God and full of power, performed great miracles and wonders among the people.
9 But he was opposed by some men who were members of the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), which had Jews from Cyrene and Alexandria. They and other Jews from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia started arguing with Stephen.
10 But the Spirit gave Stephen such wisdom that when he spoke, they could not refute him.
O blessed penance which has earned for me such great glory!
-- St Peter of Alcantara in a vision to St. Teresa
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
(The Arrest AND Stoning of Stephen)
8 Stephen, a man richly blessed by God and full of power, performed great miracles and wonders among the people.
9 But he was opposed by some men who were members of the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), which had Jews from Cyrene and Alexandria. They and other Jews from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia started arguing with Stephen.
10 But the Spirit gave Stephen such wisdom that when he spoke, they could not refute him.
Sunday, December 25, 2010 {The Nativity of the Lord - Christmas (Solemnity)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
A light shall shine upon us this day: for the Lord is born to us: and He shall be called Wonderful, God, the Prince of Peace, the Father of the world to come: of whose reign there shall be no end.
-- Is. ix. 2, 6
READINGS FOR TODAY
A light shall shine upon us this day: for the Lord is born to us: and He shall be called Wonderful, God, the Prince of Peace, the Father of the world to come: of whose reign there shall be no end.
-- Is. ix. 2, 6
READINGS FOR TODAY
Midnight
First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6
(The Future King)
1 There will be no way for them to escape from this time of trouble.
The land of the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali was once disgraced, but the future will bring honor to this region, from the Mediterranean eastward to the land on the other side of the Jordan, and even to Galilee itself, where the foreigners live.
2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. They lived in a land of shadows, but now light is shining on them.
3 You have given them great joy, Lord; you have made them happy. They rejoice in what you have done, as people rejoice when they harvest grain or when they divide captured wealth.
Friday, 23 December 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011 (Advent Weekday)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
All men are called to belong to the new People of God. This People, therefore, while remaining one and only one, is to be spread throughout the whole world and to all ages in order that the design of God's will may be fulfilled: he made human nature one in the beginning and has decreed that all his children who were scattered should be finally gathered together as one... The character of universality which adorns the People of God is a gift from the Lord Himself whereby the Catholic Church ceaselessly and efficaciously seeks for the return of all humanity and all its goods, under Christ the Head in the unity of His Spirit.
-- Lumen Gentium 13
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
(Nathan's Message to David)
1 King David was settled in his palace, and the Lord kept him safe from all his enemies.
2 Then the king said to the prophet Nathan, “Here I am living in a house built of cedar, but God's Covenant Box is kept in a tent!”
3 Nathan answered, “Do whatever you have in mind, because the Lord is with you.”
All men are called to belong to the new People of God. This People, therefore, while remaining one and only one, is to be spread throughout the whole world and to all ages in order that the design of God's will may be fulfilled: he made human nature one in the beginning and has decreed that all his children who were scattered should be finally gathered together as one... The character of universality which adorns the People of God is a gift from the Lord Himself whereby the Catholic Church ceaselessly and efficaciously seeks for the return of all humanity and all its goods, under Christ the Head in the unity of His Spirit.
-- Lumen Gentium 13
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
(Nathan's Message to David)
1 King David was settled in his palace, and the Lord kept him safe from all his enemies.
2 Then the king said to the prophet Nathan, “Here I am living in a house built of cedar, but God's Covenant Box is kept in a tent!”
3 Nathan answered, “Do whatever you have in mind, because the Lord is with you.”
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011 (Advent Weekday)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Our soul has been delivered as a sparrow out of the snare of the fowlers. The snare is broken: and we are delivered. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
-- Ps. 124: 7,8
READINGS FOR FOR TODAY
First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24
1 The Lord Almighty answers, “I will send my messenger to prepare the way for me. Then the Lord you are looking for will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger you long to see will come and proclaim my covenant.”
2 But who will be able to endure the day when he comes? Who will be able to survive when he appears? He will be like strong soap, like a fire that refines metal.
3 He will come to judge like one who refines and purifies silver. As a metalworker refines silver and gold, so the Lord's messenger will purify the priests, so that they will bring to the Lord the right kind of offerings.
Our soul has been delivered as a sparrow out of the snare of the fowlers. The snare is broken: and we are delivered. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
-- Ps. 124: 7,8
READINGS FOR FOR TODAY
First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24
1 The Lord Almighty answers, “I will send my messenger to prepare the way for me. Then the Lord you are looking for will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger you long to see will come and proclaim my covenant.”
2 But who will be able to endure the day when he comes? Who will be able to survive when he appears? He will be like strong soap, like a fire that refines metal.
3 He will come to judge like one who refines and purifies silver. As a metalworker refines silver and gold, so the Lord's messenger will purify the priests, so that they will bring to the Lord the right kind of offerings.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011 (Advent Weekday)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Brethren, now you are no more strangers and foreigners: but you are fellow-citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.
-- Eph 2: 19-20
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28
24 After she had weaned him, she took him to Shiloh, taking along a three-year-old bull,
a bushel of flour, and a leather bag full of wine. She took Samuel, young as he was, to the house of the Lord at Shiloh.
25 After they had killed the bull, they took the child to Eli.
26 Hannah said to him, “Excuse me, sir. Do you remember me? I am the woman you saw standing here, praying to the Lord.
Brethren, now you are no more strangers and foreigners: but you are fellow-citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.
-- Eph 2: 19-20
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28
24 After she had weaned him, she took him to Shiloh, taking along a three-year-old bull,
a bushel of flour, and a leather bag full of wine. She took Samuel, young as he was, to the house of the Lord at Shiloh.
25 After they had killed the bull, they took the child to Eli.
26 Hannah said to him, “Excuse me, sir. Do you remember me? I am the woman you saw standing here, praying to the Lord.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 (Advent Weekday)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
No matter how good food is, if poison is mixed with it, it may cause the death of him who eats it. So it is with conversation. A single bad word, an evil action, an unbecoming joke, is often enough to harm one or more young listeners, and may later cause them to lose God's grace.
-- St John Bosco
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Song of Solomon 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18
Song of Solomon 2:8-14
8 The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills.
9 My beloved is like a gazelle, or a young stag. Behold, there he stands behind our wall, gazing in at the windows, looking through the lattice.
10 My beloved speaks and says to me: "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away;
No matter how good food is, if poison is mixed with it, it may cause the death of him who eats it. So it is with conversation. A single bad word, an evil action, an unbecoming joke, is often enough to harm one or more young listeners, and may later cause them to lose God's grace.
-- St John Bosco
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Song of Solomon 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18
Song of Solomon 2:8-14
8 The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills.
9 My beloved is like a gazelle, or a young stag. Behold, there he stands behind our wall, gazing in at the windows, looking through the lattice.
10 My beloved speaks and says to me: "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away;
Monday, 19 December 2011
Bishop Oyedepo under heavy pressure for slapping a member of his congregation!!!
IS THIS THE NEW-AGE TYPE OF DELIVERANCE???
The YOUTUBE video showing the general overseer of the Living Faith Church (aka Winners Chapel), David Oyedepo, slapped an unyielding female church member during a deliverance service has sparked social media outrage in Nigeria and around the world. The video became an internet matinée on Saturday after it was posted on YOUTUBE, drawing widespread condemnation of the pastor's action, which many see as gender or child abuse.
The pastor, affectionately called “Papa” by members of his church, slapped a lady kneeling before him. Apparent from the video, the lady refused to admit she was a witch after several prods by the pastor...I wonder if the pastor wanted her to give in to the fact that he wants her to be called a witch.
The lady rather insisted she was a “witch for Jesus” a claim that apparently angered the pastor!!!
Mr Oyedepo then hit her hard on the left cheek, yelling, “Do you know who you are talking to?”
The congregation cheered but the courageous lady insisted she wasn’t a witch. The disappointed pastor dismissed the lady, saying she had no place in heaven and a place has been made available for her in HELL!!!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011 (Advent Weekday)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Let me become the food of the beasts, through whom it will be given me to reach God.
-- St. Ignatius of Antioch, Ad Romanos 4:1
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14
(The Sign of Immanuel)
10 The Lord sent another message to Ahaz:
11 “Ask the Lord your God to give you a sign. It can be from deep in the world of the dead or from high up in heaven.”
12 Ahaz answered, “I will not ask for a sign. I refuse to put the Lord to the test.”
Let me become the food of the beasts, through whom it will be given me to reach God.
-- St. Ignatius of Antioch, Ad Romanos 4:1
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14
(The Sign of Immanuel)
10 The Lord sent another message to Ahaz:
11 “Ask the Lord your God to give you a sign. It can be from deep in the world of the dead or from high up in heaven.”
12 Ahaz answered, “I will not ask for a sign. I refuse to put the Lord to the test.”
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011 (Advent Weekday)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
O Sacred Heart of Jesus! I fly to Thee, I unite myself with Thee, I enclose myself to Thee! Receive this, my call for help, O my Saviour, as a sign of my horror of all within me contrary to Thy Holy Love. Let me rather die a thousand times than consent! Be Thou my Strength, O God: defend me, protect me. I am thine, and desire forever to be Thine!
-- St Margaret Mary Alocoque
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25
2 At that time there was a man named Manoah from the town of Zorah. He was a member of the tribe of Dan. His wife had never been able to have children.
3 The Lord's angel appeared to her and said, “You have never been able to have children, but you will soon be pregnant and have a son.
4 Be sure not to drink any wine or beer, or eat any forbidden food;
O Sacred Heart of Jesus! I fly to Thee, I unite myself with Thee, I enclose myself to Thee! Receive this, my call for help, O my Saviour, as a sign of my horror of all within me contrary to Thy Holy Love. Let me rather die a thousand times than consent! Be Thou my Strength, O God: defend me, protect me. I am thine, and desire forever to be Thine!
-- St Margaret Mary Alocoque
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25
2 At that time there was a man named Manoah from the town of Zorah. He was a member of the tribe of Dan. His wife had never been able to have children.
3 The Lord's angel appeared to her and said, “You have never been able to have children, but you will soon be pregnant and have a son.
4 Be sure not to drink any wine or beer, or eat any forbidden food;
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011 (Fourth Sunday of Advent))
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
We always find that those who walked closest to Christ were those who had to bear the greatest trials.
-- St. Teresa of Avila
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
(Nathan's Message to David)
1 King David was settled in his palace, and the Lord kept him safe from all his enemies.
2 Then the king said to the prophet Nathan, “Here I am living in a house built of cedar, but God's Covenant Box is kept in a tent!”
3 Nathan answered, “Do whatever you have in mind, because the Lord is with you.”
We always find that those who walked closest to Christ were those who had to bear the greatest trials.
-- St. Teresa of Avila
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
(Nathan's Message to David)
1 King David was settled in his palace, and the Lord kept him safe from all his enemies.
2 Then the king said to the prophet Nathan, “Here I am living in a house built of cedar, but God's Covenant Box is kept in a tent!”
3 Nathan answered, “Do whatever you have in mind, because the Lord is with you.”
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011 (Advent Weekday)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
He who walks along a precipice, although he may not fall over, yet he trembles and often falls through that very fear. Even so, he who flies not far from sin, but keeps near to it, lives in continual fear, and often falls.
-- St John Chrysostom
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 54:1-10
1 "Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in travail! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her that is married, says the LORD.
2 Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; hold not back, lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.
3 For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your descendants will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities.
He who walks along a precipice, although he may not fall over, yet he trembles and often falls through that very fear. Even so, he who flies not far from sin, but keeps near to it, lives in continual fear, and often falls.
-- St John Chrysostom
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 54:1-10
1 "Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in travail! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her that is married, says the LORD.
2 Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; hold not back, lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.
3 For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your descendants will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities.
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 {St. John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor of the Church (Memorial)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
No one will have any other desire in heaven than what God wills; and the desire of one will be the desire of all; and the desire of all and of each one will also be the desire of God.
-- St Anselm
No one will have any other desire in heaven than what God wills; and the desire of one will be the desire of all; and the desire of all and of each one will also be the desire of God.
-- St Anselm
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 45:6-8, 18, 21-25
6 I do this so that everyone from one end of the world to the other may know that I am the Lord and that there is no other god.
7 I create both light and darkness; I bring both blessing and disaster. I, the Lord, do all these things.
8 I will send victory from the sky like rain; the earth will open to receive it and will blossom with freedom and justice. I, the Lord, will make this happen.”
Monday, 12 December 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011 {St. Lucy, Virgin, Martyr (Memorial)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Let us understand that God is a physician, and that suffering is a medicine for salvation, not a punishment for damnation.
-- St Augustine
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
(Jerusalem's Sin and Redemption)
1 Jerusalem is doomed, that corrupt, rebellious city that oppresses its own people.
2 It has not listened to the Lord or accepted his discipline. It has not put its trust in the Lord or asked for his help.
9 “Then I will change the people of the nations, and they will pray to me alone and not to other gods. They will all obey me.
Let us understand that God is a physician, and that suffering is a medicine for salvation, not a punishment for damnation.
-- St Augustine
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
(Jerusalem's Sin and Redemption)
1 Jerusalem is doomed, that corrupt, rebellious city that oppresses its own people.
2 It has not listened to the Lord or accepted his discipline. It has not put its trust in the Lord or asked for his help.
9 “Then I will change the people of the nations, and they will pray to me alone and not to other gods. They will all obey me.
Sunday, 11 December 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011 {Our Lady of Guadalupe (Feast)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Our Lord avoided any offensive personal remarks when He preached. He attacked only the vices of a school, of a caste, also the bad examples and scandals. He did not reveal hidden crimes or secret defects.
-- St Peter Emyard
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Numbers 24: 2-7
2 and saw the people of Israel camped tribe by tribe. The spirit of God took control of him, 3 and he uttered this prophecy:
“The message of Balaam son of Beor,The words of the man who can see clearly,
4 Who can hear what God is saying.With staring eyes I see in a trance, A vision from Almighty God.
5 The tents of Israel are beautiful,
Our Lord avoided any offensive personal remarks when He preached. He attacked only the vices of a school, of a caste, also the bad examples and scandals. He did not reveal hidden crimes or secret defects.
-- St Peter Emyard
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Numbers 24: 2-7
2 and saw the people of Israel camped tribe by tribe. The spirit of God took control of him, 3 and he uttered this prophecy:
“The message of Balaam son of Beor,The words of the man who can see clearly,
4 Who can hear what God is saying.With staring eyes I see in a trance, A vision from Almighty God.
5 The tents of Israel are beautiful,
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011 (Third Sunday of Advent)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Holy Mother, on the cross Christ entrusted us to you as your children. Today we join with you in praising Him.
-- Second Antiphon: Morning Prayer
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11
(The Good News of Deliverance)
1 The Sovereign Lord has filled me with his Spirit. He has chosen me and sent me To bring good news to the poor, To heal the broken-hearted, To announce release to captives And freedom to those in prison.
2 He has sent me to proclaim That the time has come When the Lord will save his people And defeat their enemies. He has sent me to comfort all who mourn,
10 Jerusalem rejoices because of what the Lord has done. She is like a bride dressed for her wedding. God has clothed her with salvation and victory.
Holy Mother, on the cross Christ entrusted us to you as your children. Today we join with you in praising Him.
-- Second Antiphon: Morning Prayer
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11
(The Good News of Deliverance)
1 The Sovereign Lord has filled me with his Spirit. He has chosen me and sent me To bring good news to the poor, To heal the broken-hearted, To announce release to captives And freedom to those in prison.
2 He has sent me to proclaim That the time has come When the Lord will save his people And defeat their enemies. He has sent me to comfort all who mourn,
10 Jerusalem rejoices because of what the Lord has done. She is like a bride dressed for her wedding. God has clothed her with salvation and victory.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Wednesday, December 07, 2011 {St. Ambrose, Bishop, Doctor of the Church (Memorial)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
If we wish to keep peace with our neighbor, we should never remind anyone of his natural defect.
-- St Philip Neri
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 40:25-31
25 To whom can the holy God be compared? Is there anyone else like him?
26 Look up at the sky! Who created the stars you see? The one who leads them out like an army, he knows how many there are and calls each one by name! His power is so great— not one of them is ever missing!
27 Israel, why then do you complain that the Lord doesn't know your troubles or care if you suffer injustice?
If we wish to keep peace with our neighbor, we should never remind anyone of his natural defect.
-- St Philip Neri
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 40:25-31
25 To whom can the holy God be compared? Is there anyone else like him?
26 Look up at the sky! Who created the stars you see? The one who leads them out like an army, he knows how many there are and calls each one by name! His power is so great— not one of them is ever missing!
27 Israel, why then do you complain that the Lord doesn't know your troubles or care if you suffer injustice?
Monday, 5 December 2011
Tuesday, December 06, 2011 {St. Nicholas, Bishop (Optional Memorial)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
"Not the goods of the world, but God.
Not riches, but God.
Not honors, but God.
Not distinction, but God.
Not dignities, but God.
Not advancement, but God.
God always and in everything."
-- St Vincent Pallotti
"Not the goods of the world, but God.
Not riches, but God.
Not honors, but God.
Not distinction, but God.
Not dignities, but God.
Not advancement, but God.
God always and in everything."
-- St Vincent Pallotti
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11
(Words of Hope)
First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11
(Words of Hope)
1 “Comfort my people,” says our God. “Comfort them!
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Monday, December 05, 2011 (Advent Weekday)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
A servant is not pious if she is not industrious.
-- St Zita
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10
(The Road of Holiness)
1 The desert will rejoice, and flowers will bloom in the wastelands.
2 The desert will sing and shout for joy; it will be as beautiful as the Lebanon Mountains
and as fertile as the fields of Carmel and Sharon. Everyone will see the Lord's splendor, see his greatness and power.
3 Give strength to hands that are tired and to knees that tremble with weakness.
A servant is not pious if she is not industrious.
-- St Zita
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10
(The Road of Holiness)
1 The desert will rejoice, and flowers will bloom in the wastelands.
2 The desert will sing and shout for joy; it will be as beautiful as the Lebanon Mountains
and as fertile as the fields of Carmel and Sharon. Everyone will see the Lord's splendor, see his greatness and power.
3 Give strength to hands that are tired and to knees that tremble with weakness.
Saturday, 3 December 2011
Sunday, December 04, 2011 (Second Sunday of Advent)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Whatever you do, think not of yourself, but of God.
-- St Vincent Ferrer
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
(Words of Hope)
1 “Comfort my people,” says our God. “Comfort them!
2 Encourage the people of Jerusalem. Tell them they have suffered long enough and their sins are now forgiven. I have punished them in full for all their sins.”
3 A voice cries out, “Prepare in the wilderness a road for the Lord! Clear the way in the desert for our God!
Whatever you do, think not of yourself, but of God.
-- St Vincent Ferrer
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
(Words of Hope)
1 “Comfort my people,” says our God. “Comfort them!
2 Encourage the people of Jerusalem. Tell them they have suffered long enough and their sins are now forgiven. I have punished them in full for all their sins.”
3 A voice cries out, “Prepare in the wilderness a road for the Lord! Clear the way in the desert for our God!
Friday, 2 December 2011
Saturday, December 03, 2011 {St. Francis Xavier, Priest (Memorial)}
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Love God, serve God: everything is in that.
-- St Clare of Assisi
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26
(God Will Bless His People)
19 You people who live in Jerusalem will not weep any more. The Lord is compassionate, and when you cry to him for help, he will answer you.
20 The Lord will make you go through hard times, but he himself will be there to teach you, and you will not have to search for him any more.
21 If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear his voice behind you saying, “Here is the road. Follow it.”
Love God, serve God: everything is in that.
-- St Clare of Assisi
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26
(God Will Bless His People)
19 You people who live in Jerusalem will not weep any more. The Lord is compassionate, and when you cry to him for help, he will answer you.
20 The Lord will make you go through hard times, but he himself will be there to teach you, and you will not have to search for him any more.
21 If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear his voice behind you saying, “Here is the road. Follow it.”
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Friday, December 02, 2011 (Advent Weekday)
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Humility is the only thing that no devil can imitate. If pride made demons out of angels, there is no doubt that humility could make angels out of demons.
-- St John Climacus
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 29:17-24
17 As the saying goes, before long the dense forest will become farmland, and the farmland will go back to forest.
18 When that day comes, the deaf will be able to hear a book being read aloud, and the blind, who have been living in darkness, will open their eyes and see.
19 Poor and humble people will once again find the happiness which the Lord, the holy God of Israel, gives.
Humility is the only thing that no devil can imitate. If pride made demons out of angels, there is no doubt that humility could make angels out of demons.
-- St John Climacus
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Isaiah 29:17-24
17 As the saying goes, before long the dense forest will become farmland, and the farmland will go back to forest.
18 When that day comes, the deaf will be able to hear a book being read aloud, and the blind, who have been living in darkness, will open their eyes and see.
19 Poor and humble people will once again find the happiness which the Lord, the holy God of Israel, gives.
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