Glad Tidings : A Catholic Reflection

Glad Tidings : A Catholic Reflection: "Because the Lord of the universe allows us to actually have a part in building His kingdom, we 'raise a glad cry' (Is 44:23). We gratefully tell the Lord: 'I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, Most High' (Ps 9:3).
This gladness transcends our circumstances. From his prison, St. Paul tells his coworkers: 'Even if my life is to be poured out as a libation over the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad of it and rejoice with all of you. May you be glad on the same score, and rejoice with me!' (Phil 2:17-18)"

I've been sinking into a pit of self pity lately and I want OUT! Please pray for me.

My dad...

Rogers Funeral Home - Francisco Martins

Please keep my family in your prayers for the next couple of days as we prepare to bury my dad. He passed away on Saturday morning at St. Joseph's nursing home in Brockton.

Please pray

This is from a friend of a friend...

"my sister was diagnosed with a serious cancer and
she has been going through chemo. Her first chemo set of treatments didn't
work and she has now gone to more experimental drugs.

I remembered over the weekend that when she was in treatment 10 years ago,
you had friends who have prayer chains. Do you still and if they do can you
please ask them to please add Janzie Cella to their list for a successful
treatment for her cancer."

Love, Florrie"

Prayer Request

Please pray for my son Christian who will be having surgery next Tuesday (August 26th...two days before his fifth birthday) to remove his tonsils and adenoids. We have the pre-op appointment tomorrow afternoon. It's a simple surgery, but I'm getting a bit nervous anyway...so...some prayers for me would be appreciated also. Thanks.

Election Day Novena

Priests forLife - Election Day Novena Starts September 1'st.

Cardinal Seán’s Blog

Cardinal Seán’s Blog » Boston pilgrims in China

So beautiful!

YouTube - Days of Elijah

YouTube - Climbing Mt. Carmel

apart...in the midst of Carmel

USCCB - (NAB) - July 22, 2008:

"Shepherd your people with your staff,
the flock of your inheritance,
That dwells apart in a woodland,
in the midst of Carmel."

Queen of the Family

Litany to Mary, Queen of the Family

There are so many families in desperate need. They require your protection. They need your guidance.

Mary, Queen of Families, we implore you!

There are so many families who have become lax in their faith and even entangled in error. They need your clarity and security. They need your courage and strong faith.

Mary, Queen of Families, we implore you!

There are so many families who lack spiritual and material possessions. They need your help. They need your intercession.

Mary, Queen of Families, we implore you!

There are so many families who have become too weak in order to resist temptations. They need your strength. They need your purity.

Mary, Queen of Families, we implore you!

There are so many families who experience difficulties in educating their children. They need your motherly love. They need your educative hand.

Mary, Queen of Families, we implore you!

There are so many families torn apart through a loss of true love. They need your goodness. They need your loving understanding.

Mary, Queen of Families, we implore you!

Seasons of the Heart

John Welch, O.Carm - Seasons of the Heart - Intro

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE - The ten commandments: "If you realize that you are not doing the right thing, then repent.
Come to the Lord with a humble and contrite heart."

Prayers for this Professor

Professor who threatened desecration claims to have consecrated Hosts

Let us pray for him.

Sounds like a good reason to go back to Communion in the tongue only though...geesh.

New SpringWidget

Get this widget!

Lay Carmelite Celebration

"My Lay Carmelite Community will be having our yearly Feast Day Celebration where new aspirants are received and those who are ready to make a commitment are professed. I will be making final profession myself and would appreciate your prayers...for me, my family and my community. Also if you would like to stop by, the ceremony will be held at the St. Therese Carmelite Chapel at the North Shore Mall in Peabody(MA) at 10 AM on Sunday, July 20th. There will be a small reception afterwards. I would love to see you there.

Thanks for the prayers, and please know that each one of you will be in mine.

God bless,
Essy"

Living our Scapular Consecration

Living our Scapular Consecration: "ACT OF CONSECRATION
(to be said daily)
O Mary, Immaculate Queen of Carmel, Mother of God, and my Mother, the wearing of thy holy Scapular signifies that I am entirely thine. Assist me this day, and obtain for me the grace to live faithfully my Scapular Consecration, whereby my heart, my mind, my body, my whole being, is thine without reserve, forever. Amen."

Catholic

An Overview of Basic Catholic Teachings

Praying in tongues

Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world: "'There is a particular power over evil when praying in tongues, simply because it is praise of God,' says the cleric. 'Praise was rejected by the devil and his angels, and now that Christ has rescued humanity from the power of Satan, the praise of God can act like 'a two-edged sword to deal out vengeance' to the enemies of God (Psalm 149). (A priest) points to praise as the very power that tongues has over evil.'"

Is Medjugorje Real?

Mother Of All Peoples - Is Medjugorje Real? Facts and First-hand Accounts

Medjugorje Graces

Medjugorje Graces: Message to visionary Mirjana on July 2nd, 2008:
"With equal goodness and generosity behave towards the souls whom you meet. May your love convert them."

This is POWERFUL stuff and so timely for me personally. The thing that I still struggle with is when to speak up and when to remain quiet. We may think that 'loving others' means that we are to go along with all that we see all around us...but that's not necessarily the 'loving' thing to do. If you saw someone that you care for very deeply...perhaps your own child...headed in a very dangerous direction, you would most likely say something. But then again you need to know your audience and what they are ready to hear also. Earlier in this message Our Lady says "With motherly love I desire to encourage you to love your neighbor. May my Son be the source of that love." Perhaps that is the key...if all we do and say comes from the Source of all love Himself, then we should be fine.

Arise...

Cardinal Seán’s Blog » Blog Archive » ARISE Together in Christ: "
We need to arise, to come alive in Christ; to a new sense of discipleship, of being called to by God, empowered by the Spirit. “Arise in Christ' is a spiritual renewal prepared particularly for our Archdiocese.

Early in the development stages Cardinal Seán appointed Mrs. MaryAnn McLaughlin of the Office for Worship and Spiritual Life as director of the Arise effort and me as the Episcopal Liaison."

--Bishop Dooher

Praying for the program and for MaryAnn in particular...as anyone that has lived their Cursillo in the Boston area knows...she is AWESOME and will do a great job.

Holy Experience: Brave Strokes

Holy Experience: Brave Strokes

Van Gogh's Prayer, written to his brother:

I want to be bound to Christ with unbreakable bonds and to feel these bonds...

To live in and for Christ, to be one of the poor of His kingdom,

steeped in leaven filled with His spirit, impelled by His love...

To become one who finds repose in Him alone,

who desires nothing but Him on earth.



Lingering with Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Lifting voice in response to Scripture: Father, if I desire nothing but You, what is there to really fear? You go with us, calling us to come to sing the song You meant for us, on the canvas You've given.

Please pray for a personal intention, that the Lord lift me from my fear.


Living Scripture: Where is God calling me to take courage today?

St. Jose Maria Part2

St. Jose Maria Escriva

Prayer When in a Bad Mood

"Prayer When in a Bad Mood
Heavenly Father, I awoke this morning in a bad mood, and I have been unable to shake it so far. Everything bothers me and everyone rubs me the wrong way.
I just cannot seem to get my true bearings. Help me to think of your salvation---
your countless gifts and overwhelming love for me.
Let me relax and forget life's cares by placing myself wholly into your hands. Grant that this mood will soon pass and I will be able to bask in your love and communicate it to others. Amen.
__._,_.___"

I got this in an e-mail and thought it was priceless.

LEARNING CHRIST

LEARNING CHRIST


Teach me, my Lord, to be sweet and gentle in all the events of life, in disappointments, in the thoughtlessness of those I trusted, in the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied. Let me put myself aside, to think of the happiness of others, to hide my little pains and heartaches, so that I may be the only one to suffer from them. Teach me to profit by the suffering that comes across my path. Let me so use it that it may make me patient, not irritable. That it may make me broad in my forgiveness, not narrow, haughty and overbearing. May no one be less good for having come within my influence. No one less pure, less true, less kind, less noble for having been a fellow traveler in our journey toward Eternal Life. As I go my rounds from one distraction to another, let me whisper from time to time, a word of love to Thee. May my life be lived in the supernatural, full of power for good, and strong in its purpose of sanctity. AMEN!

--author unknown

Light with Love

"June 20
Everything Becomes Light with Love

ven those fasts and night watches that seem burdensome and are taken on so as not to disturb one's health are turned into spiritual pleasure--provided they are accepted with prayer, psalmody, and reading and meditiation on the law of God.
The labor of those who love is in no way burdensome; in fact, it even gives pleasure. What matters is what is loved. When we do what we love, either we do not notice the work or the work itself is loved.
-- Holy Widowhood, 21, 26

Prayer. Lord, all that I am I am with your mercy.
-- Sermon 16A, 6

The Augustinians - St. Thomas of Villanova Province"

Putting Prayer into Action

Intecessors of the Lamb - 10-25-04 Putting Prayer into Action

Actions will always tell us if a person is a person of prayer because the Word is going to go into action within them. As a young sister, I was reading a lot about love, love of God, and love of neighbor. I thought, "Yes, we have to really carry this love out in our actions." I thought I was. I said, "There's no one in the whole world who loves you as much as I do, and no one ever will. I just love You so much. I wonder how much I really do love You, Father. I wish there was a measuring stick of some kind. There must be some way to measure how much I love you." See all the self-love there? Then I read Catherine of Siena. She had asked the Father the same questions and the Father answered her, "There is a measuring stick, Catherine." She said, "What is it?" Of course, here I am all eyes reading this. He said, "Catherine, the one you love the least is how much you love Me." That just shocked me! I looked around the cloister to see which sister I loved the least. It didn't take me very long to find her, and I thought, "I'll show You how much I love You." So I went into action. I got a little book and put every sister's name in it. We had about 50 sisters in our little community. Everyday I would check off those sisters who I had visited with and loved during recreation time at noon. Then I'd make sure that I saw another one at night. It took me a whole month to get around to the entire community, one-on-one and really loving them. I particularly spent a great deal of time and prayer for this one sister whom I liked the least and ended up loving her the most! She became my dearest, dearest friend. That's what I mean about action.

Excerpt from Contemplative Prayer series, "Pondering the Word," Omaha, NE, 1984.

To Eternity and Beyond...

USCCB - (NAB) - June 19, 2008:

"Then Elisha, filled with the twofold portion of his spirit,
wrought many marvels by his mere word.
During his lifetime he feared no one,
nor was any man able to intimidate his will.
Nothing was beyond his power;
beneath him flesh was brought back into life.
In life he performed wonders,
and after death, marvelous deeds."

We are in training now for where we want to end up. We can look at the lives of the saints and see that their power of 'intercession' and good works (by the grace of God) began way before they entered Heaven. So...let's get rolling...there is work to be done! As Buzz Lightyear likes to say..."To Eternity and Beyond!"(LOL)

WHEN you fast...

USCCB - (NAB) - June 18, 2008: "“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.
They neglect their appearance,
so that they may appear to others to be fasting.
Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
so that you may not appear to others to be fasting,
except to your Father who is hidden.
And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”"

A Prayer for Discernment

A Prayer for Discernment

You have led me to desire your will and often your will seems beyond
me, but you O God are my friend and I know that you are with me always. In your
presence,calm my fear. Grant me the desire to be still in your presence, to
gaze on you and to feel your gaze. Grant me eyes to see you in your creation,
and to recognize in humanity the image and likeness of your Son. Grant me
ears that are attentive to your Word. May I respond with love to your call. Grant
me the desire to reach out and embrace all people with your love, to be
your hands in the world. Grant me the courage to echo in my life the Yes of Mary
and the passionate fidelity of Elijah your prophet. May I seek your will in
all things.
May I live my faith in you and be a sign of hope for the world.

Fasting by Bro. Ignatius Mary

How to Think Properly About Fasting by Bro. Ignatius Mary
Now what about devotional fasts? What if we do feel called to perform some devotional fast?

The devotional fast called for by our Lady—the bread and water fast on Wednesdays and Fridays—is also purely voluntary in nature. If one feels called to do it, then one should do it, as long as it is remembered that this fast, and all other devotional fasts, are purely voluntary and thus is not required to be a good Catholic.

Since we in this country are not use to going without, it is also suggested that we not beat ourselves up if we canot live up to such dramatic fasts and bread and water. For those interested in the more severe fasts it is suggested that one start with a less severe fast and work their way up to the more severe forms (see the note about St. Benedict at the end of this essay).

For example, since the definition of a fast according to the Church is one full meal in the day plus, if one needs, two snacks not to equal the amount of a full meal, and no snacking in between, one could start by doing this sort of fast on Wednesday and Friday. And then work up to one meal and no snacks, then just the two snacks and no meal, then just one snack, and finally only the bread and water.

To help in fulfilling the bread and water fast, one can buy some of the tastier Italian, French or other European breads, for example, and perhaps still put butter on it at first. The water could be flavored with lemon.

Intecession

Intecessors of the Lamb - Teachings:
"Intercession is another dimension of healing. It is a tremendous method and a tremendous stage of healing. It is amazing that, when we begin to forget about ourselves, which is what we do in intercession, God does not! Perhaps it is because when we are in the state of total self-forgetfulness we are totally in a state of poverty. We have let ourselves go at that moment. It is then that God comes in and really heals. The more we can come into this beautiful state of grace, the more powerful our intercession will become for others. We can bring to God all those people that He wants to bless and to heal. It pleases God so much when we do this - particularly when we can bring before Him those who we know really do not care for us. Jesus said that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. He said I want you to do this so that you may be children of the Heavenly Father. That is really beautiful. It is in Matthew 5:44 "

Love your enemies

USCCB - (NAB) - June 17, 2008:
"But I say to you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust."

When we notice 'bad behavior' in others, it should be a call to prayer and an opportunity to be Jesus to them and not a provocation to like behavior from us.

super natural reactions

Jezebels : A Catholic Reflection:

"Often, our next reaction to the Jezebels in our world is what we call 'defense.' We reason that if some people are going to be so vicious, we must protect and defend ourselves. However, Elijah's reaction to Jezebel was not defense, but prophecy (see 1 Kgs 21:17ff) and discipleship. He finally defeated Jezebel and Ahab by making Elisha his disciple and by anointing Hazael and Jehu through Elisha and his disciples (1 Kgs 19:15-17).

In summary, when we see mean and vicious people, our reaction should be repentance, prophecy, and discipleship.

PRAYER: Father, give me supernatural reactions and not just natural ones.

PROMISE: 'What I say to you is: offer no resistance to injury. When a person strikes you on the right cheek, turn and offer him the other.' –Mt 5:39"

obedience

"June 16, 2008
Obedience

'The Devil doesn't fear austerity but holy obedience.'
St. Francis de Sales

For Reflection:
Why would the Devil be fearful of obedience? How much fear am I willing to cause him today?"

The Jesus Prayer

"The Jesus Prayer

O my Divine Savior, transform me into yourself.
May my hands be the hands of Jesus.
May my tongue be the tongue of Jesus,
Grant that every faculty of my body may serve only to glorify you.
Above all, transform my soul and all its powers,
that my memory, my will and my affections
may be the memory, the will and the affections of Jesus.
I pray you to destroy in me all that is not you.
Grant that I may live but in you and for you,
and that I may truly say with St. Paul:
'I live, now not I, but Christ lives in me' (Gal 2:20).
__._,_.___"

Alessandra Borghese

Alessandra Borghese: the prodigal daughter - Telegraph:

"In 1999, she recalls, looking me straight in the eye, she had a meeting. 'Catholicism is not a philosophy, neither is it a theology, but it is a meeting with a person. So the moment you meet Jesus Christ, your life can change radically. That is when I started to look at everything differently.' Borghese has since that meeting, become Italy's best-known born-again Catholic."

St. Anthony Feast Day

"Prayer to Saint Anthony of Padua, Performer of Miracles

Dear Saint Anthony, your prayers obtained miracles during your lifetime. You still seem to move at ease in the realm of minor and major miracles. Saint Anthony, Performer of Miracles, please obtain for me the blessings God holds in reserve who serve Him. Pray that I may be worthy of the promises my Lord Jesus attaches to confident prayer. [mention your special intentions]

Franciscan Mission Associates"

Search for the God's will

Search for the God's will and do good - The reflection of Message, April 25, 2008 - Medjugorje.ws:

"Our Lady invites us to search for the God’s will, and it is revealed to us completely only in the personal encounter with Christ. Only searching for and doing God’s will can lead us to the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus says: “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven (Mt 7,21). God’s will is more important than our will. To search and do God’s will does not mean to get lost or to disown one’s own freedom – on the contrary, it means to get free from the daily slavery and sin. It means to get free from the imprisonment of the small gods like: power, money, other people’s opinion etc. All these idols take your life, only God gives it. All other gods promise a lot, and do not give anything in return. Our Lady accepted the God’s will, she agreed to serve only the one true God and to do His will. By uttering only one word fiat – let it be so for me – she changed the course of history, with the God’s mercy."

I call you to conversion

I call you to conversion - The reflection of Message, May 25, 2008 - Medjugorje.ws

Our Lady calls us anew to conversion, which, in other words, means betterment. The majority of today's Christians have not seen the Lord in flesh, whereas this encounter is a prerequisite for a new beginning. After such encounter, everything changes, life becomes different and better. One should bear in mind, though, that after the encounter with God our crosses do not disappear. It just becomes easier to carry them. Those who have had the experience of meeting with God, become the salt, cabbage and the light of the world. They become instruments through which God's love and joy in this world are spread. We are all called to convert and continuously change in our path following Jesus. Conversion is a life-long process. Nobody can say that they have completely converted because there is always something we must improve, primarily on ourselves, not on others. Conversion is following evenly in Jesus’ footsteps every day, without negotiating. Conversion is a permanent task of the whole Church. It is not man-made, it is God's work.

Reminder to all interested that we will be meeting tomorrow (June 13th)by the Our Lady of Fatima Statue in front of St. Joseph's church in Wakefield at noon to pray the rosary.

Obedience 6/12

"June 12, 2008
Obedience

'I know the power obedience has of making things easy which seem impossible.'
St. Teresa of Avila

For Reflection:
How does obedience make things easy - even if they seem impossible?"

Grace! Pure Grace! Obedience opens us up to receive God's abundant grace.

a tiny cloud...

USCCB - (NAB) - June 12, 2008:

"And the seventh time the youth reported,
“There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.”"

Elijah and Mary

Flos Carmeli: Elijah and Mary:

"Mary is the cloud that rises out of the sea. The sea is saltwater, undrinkable, a vast body of water, next to which the kingdom can still thirst and die. The sea is salty, impure, an image of fallen humanity with its admixture of sin. Mary rises out of this sea, pure and perfect, laden with the water of grace that will pour out through her to all humanity--not the source of Grace herself, nevertheless the container into which all is poured until it overflows out to all people, limitless, and life-giving. Not God, but human, Mary rises from the sea, pure and Immaculate in her conception, formed as a vessel of God's grace and a place of refuge for His people."

the hands of a priest

ZENIT - Kissing the Hands of a New Priest: "During ordination a new priest’s hands are anointed with chrism as a sign of consecration and of the change that has been effected in his soul.

The custom of kissing his hands stems from a recognition of the fundamental change that has occurred and of the particular importance of the sign of the hands in priestly ministry.

After ordination the priest uses his hands to hold the Eucharistic species during the consecration, to make the sign of the cross while absolving sins, to anoint the sick and dying, and on occasion to impart the sacrament of confirmation."

This is why my first option for receiving Holy Communion is from a priest and directly on my tongue.

Obedience, part 6

"'What does it profit you to give God one thing if He asks of you another? Consider what it is God wants, and then do it.'

St. John of the Cross"

Obedience

"June 11, 2008
Obedience

'A little drop of simple obedience is worth a million times more than a whole vase of the choicest contemplation.'
St. Maria Maddalena De Pazzi

For Reflection:
Today, I will count my 'little drops of simple obedience.' How many have I had?"

Prayers

USCCB - (NAB) - June 11, 2008:

"Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments
and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.
But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments
will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”"

Let us pray for all those that teach the Catholic faith.

give up...and develop...

Intecessors of the Lamb - Teachings

"As we seek to rid ourselves of these sins of the spirit, we must look at the virtues that can be used to come against them. To simply get rid of sin, and not to fill the void it leaves with virtue, can set us up for another fall. It can keep those doors open to sin. Jesus talked about the parable of the person who had swept all the sin from his life. His house was nice and clean but it was not filled up with any virtue. It was not filled up with anything that was of God. It was empty. Jesus said that seven other spirits, more wicked than the first, entered in. We cannot leave the house empty. The Bible tells us that the last state of that man became worse than the first. It is one thing to surrender - to let something go. But we must also build as well.

We must give up our pride and develop humility. We must give up greed and develop generosity. We must give up anger and develop understanding. We must give up resentment and develop forgiveness. We must give up sensuality and develop purity. We must give up impatience and develop patience. We must give up gluttony and develop abstinence. We must give up envy and develop contentment. We must give up jealousy and develop trust. We must give up sloth and develop perseverance. We must give up hatred and develop love. We must give up fear and develop confidence. We must up worry and develop faith. To develop these we need to work at it. It must be our daily assignment to constantly replace the negative with the positive. Remember: perfection takes a lifetime. But there will be immediate results in our inner healing if we ask the Holy Spirit to help us daily. We will start to see the progress."

Carmel

Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world: "Our Lady appeared as the Virgin of Mount Carmel not only in the final vision of Fatima, but also at Lourdes. Bernadette said 'she had never seen her so beautiful.'

As one website has written: ''Carmel' means 'garden' because the Mount Carmel headland was always green with life, as its heights dominated the semi-arid plains around its base. Metaphorically, it is the 'garden enclosed' of the Song of Songs, which [kind of relates to] the Church as the Bride of the Lamb, and simultaneously of the individual soul with its Bridegroom-Savior."

Fatima and Carmel

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Nuestra Senora del Carmen, Nossa Senhora do Carmo, Plinio Correa de Oliveira commentary on the Saint of the Day, July 16 @ TraditionInAction.org:

"Today Christendom is again in decadence. Our Lady came to Fatima to announce this fall, the chastisement, and the victory with the famous phrase: “In the end my Immaculate Heart will triumph.” In that same set of apparitions in which she announced her victory, she desired to appear in the habit of the Carmelite Order, as a way to confirm her age-old predilection for it and to indicate that this Order will be a part of her glorious Reign. With the habit, she symbolically made a synthesis of the past and the future, at the very moment that she announced the end of an era and the beginning of another."

Contemplation

Welcome to the Irish Province of the Order of Carmelites:

"The first and most important thing to remember is that contemplation is God’s work but normally God asks for our consent to his action in our lives. So, responding to the grace of God, we consent to enter this process which will change us; we consent to be led into the desert which occurs in and through our daily lives. It is not necessary to know a lot about spirituality or to have read many books; what is necessary is to recognise that there is room for change in our lives and be open to God’s purifying action in and through the events of daily life. We can prepare the way for the Lord like John the Baptist by examining our lives and seeing if there is anything which is incompatible with our vocation. We can then use the normal remedies which we are offered through the Church."

rising

From the rising of the sun 'til the sun goes down Let the Name of the Lord be praised (Repeat)
We're gathered to worship, becoming a choir to sing Your praise Lifting our voices, joining our hearts in this house today

People of God, in the power of God, for the Kingdom of God, we sing
From the rising of the sun 'til the sun goes down Let the Name of the Lord be praised From the rising of the sun 'til the sun goes down Let the Name of the Lord be praised

From the sky to the depths, from the east to the west We give You praise We give You praise

We're gathered to go out to cities and towns we'll take Your Name Into the nations, shining your light in the darkest place
People of God, in the power of God, for the Kingdom of God, we live
From the rising of the sun 'til the sun goes down Let the Name of the Lord be praised From the rising of the sun 'til the sun goes down Let the Name of the Lord be praised

From the sky to the depths, from the east to the west (repeat) We give You praise, we give You praise Lord, we give You praise, we give You praise

From the rising of the sun 'til the sun goes down Let the Name of the Lord be praised

He feeds us...

USCCB - (NAB) - June 9, 2008:

"The LORD then said to Elijah:
“Leave here, go east
and hide in the Wadi Cherith, east of the Jordan.
You shall drink of the stream,
and I have commanded ravens to feed you there.”
So he left and did as the LORD had commanded.
He went and remained by the Wadi Cherith, east of the Jordan.
Ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning,
and bread and meat in the evening,
and he drank from the stream."

Hmmm...sounds alot like a retreat doesn't it? LOL. I'm BAAAACCCKK! And yes...the Lord did take good care of me and nourished me well...both physically and spiritually. Even with human limitations (our own and others), the Lord manages to reach us and 'feed' us. Praise God.

All weekend I had this song running in my head (especially when I got up at 5:30 AM...AM and watched the sunrise.)...'from the rising of the sun, til the sun goes down, may the Name of the Lord be praised! WE give You praise!'... So Praise You Lord for that all that You do on our behalf...You are the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. I LOVE You JESUS!

retreat

Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

I'll be off for the next couple of days for my Lay Carmelite yearly retreat...please keep me and my group in your prayers.

Remain Faithful

USCCB - (NAB) - June 6, 2008:

"But you, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed,
because you know from whom you learned it,
and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures,
which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching,
for refutation, for correction,
and for training in righteousness,
so that one who belongs to God may be competent,
equipped for every good work."

I wrote on my otherblog before going through today's readings...but I guess what the Lord was putting in my heart there, applies here too. Let's not perish for lack of knowledge!

Children of Hope

Children of Hope, Eucharistic Adoration for Children

Rosary on the 13th

"We are planning to pray the rosary on the 13th of every month until October 13
in honor of Our Lady of Fatima.

Our Lady appeared on the 13th of every month from May 13, 1917 to October 13,
1917 with a message of reparation and peace. We started last month and were
blessed with a view of a circle around the sun as you can see in the attached
picture."

Just got the above message from Laura, I'm very excited about this.

YouTube - I Offer My Life

A Reminder for Confirmed Catholics

USCCB - (NAB) - June 4, 2008:

"For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame
the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands."

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I come before you, just as I am. I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In your name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give you my entire self, Lord Jesus, now and forever, I invite you into my life Jesus, I accept you as my Lord, God and Saviour. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul and spirit.

Come Lord Jesus, cover me with your precious blood, and fill me with your Holy Spirit, I love You Lord Jesus. I praise You Jesus. I thank You Jesus. I shall follow you every day of my life. Amen.

No excuses

USCCB - (NAB) - June 3, 2008:

"Therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned,
be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled
and to fall from your own stability.
But grow in grace
and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ."

We have been forwarned! Don't let your guard down. Don't expect it to be easy though...but through the grace of God it is is possible.

Prayer

Parabolic : A Catholic Reflection:
"To help us repent, let's pray the following prayers:

Jesus, open my eyes to the parables right before me.
Jesus, put a new parable into my life today.
Jesus, may I have repeated flashbacks of old parables until I repent.
Jesus, may I take Your parables to heart, go to Confession, and repent of my sins.
Praying these prayers will reveal that the routine circumstances of our lives are charged with meaning. In our everyday life, the Lord will confront and convict us, encourage and heal us, and motivate and empower us. Our lives will be full of repentance and excitement. They will be full of living parables.

PRAYER: Jesus, may I be easy for You to talk to."

Faith alone? Hardly...

USCCB - (NAB) - June 2, 2008:

"For this very reason,
make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,
virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control,
self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion,
devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love."

and the bottom line is LOVE! Not as the world shows us, but as Jesus Himself has demonstrated.

It's raining!

USCCB - (NAB) - June 1, 2008:

"“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them
will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.
And everyone who listens to these words of mine
but does not act on them
will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”"

Look around you...check out the news...look into the lives of your family and friends...all around the rains of distruction are pounding and its results are obvious...families falling a part left and right. Guess what...none of us are immune...God did not promise us temperate weather year round...what He has promised to those that obey Him is protection from the storm...it will still pound on us(how can it not...don't our hearts break at what we are witnessing?)but we'll be protected from distruction...He will NEVER leave us.

So...let's get going on building our 'house' on the rock! Start with prayer(heart to heart prayer).

Thank You, Jesus

Thank You, Jesus : A Catholic Reflection: "Our life in Christ is not diminishable, not insufficient, and not destructible. Our life in Christ is full, perfect, and eternal. We must not let the devil rob us of our joy in Christ. We must resist his temptations and live by faith our glorious life in Christ.
PRAYER: Father, may I 'rejoice with inexpressible joy' (1 Pt 1:8) because I am a Christian."

Ransomed

USCCB - (NAB) - May 28, 2008:

"Beloved:
Realize that you were ransomed from your futile conduct,
handed on by your ancestors,
not with perishable things like silver or gold
but with the precious Blood of Christ
as of a spotless unblemished Lamb."

Our freedom was bought at a precious price...shouldn't we be enjoying it to the fullest?

YouTube - Holiness

holy, holy, holy

USCCB - (NAB) - May 27, 2008:

"Like obedient children,
do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance
but, as he who called you is holy,
be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct,
for it is written, Be holy because I am holy."

What does it mean to 'be holy'? I think this is one thing that confuses the non Christian (and quite a few Christians) greatly. It does not mean to act in any one particular way, or even do particular pious acts. What it does mean is to be totally attuned to the Will of God in your life...to not even desire anything that is not of Him. To be obedient to all that He is asking of you in any particular moment(to take it one step further...sin is disobedience(remember Adam and Eve's first sin?)...any action in our part that gets in the way of holiness). What...you haven't heard from God lately? Then I would suggest that you turn to His church and train your heart to listen in a whole new way. Your life will never be the same again...I promise you that.

Please pray for this family

The Charles F. Dewhirst Family Funeral Homes:

"Idalina L. Henriques, 56, of Methuen died Friday May 24th, 2008 at the Mary Immaculate Health Care Services in Lawrence."

Idalina's husband is my sister in law's cousin...please keep their entire family in your prayers.

Are you eating enough?

USCCB - (NAB) - May 25, 2008:

"Just as the living Father sent me
and I have life because of the Father,
so also the one who feeds on me
will have life because of me."

We sit down to at least three meals a day so that our bodies don't perish...our spirit needs food too...let's not starve it to death.

YouTube - What If His People Prayed

YouTube - Celine dion and Josh groban live - the prayer

Prayer

USCCB - (NAB) - May 24, 2008: "Jas 5:13-20

Beloved:
Is anyone among you suffering?
He should pray.
Is anyone in good spirits?
He should sing a song of praise.
Is anyone among you sick?
He should summon the presbyters of the Church,
and they should pray over him
and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
The prayer of faith will save the sick person,
and the Lord will raise him up.
If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven."

What a beautiful reading. It speaks to us of our basic need to be in constant contact with our Creator. So simple, really. 'just do it'. It really is the answer to all that ails us.

Divorce and Remarriage

Divorce and Remarriage : A Catholic Reflection:

"Paul mentioned another occasion, after a divorce is initiated by the unbelieving spouse, when divorce and remarriage is allowed (1 Cor 7:15). Paul also stressed that the believing spouse should do all in his or her power to preserve the marriage (1 Cor 7:16). Although these are two exceptions, Jesus hates divorce (Mal 2:16). However, remarriage without being granted an annulment by the Church is more of a problem than divorce. Jesus loves the divorced and will heal, save, and love them.
No matter what your situation, turn to Jesus. He is 'close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves' (Ps 34:19).
PRAYER: Father, may divorced people accept Your order in their lives and receive Your love."

Praying for all in these situations and their families and friends(one marriage disolved effects everyone)...especially the children.

Focus on the good.

USCCB - (NAB) - May 23, 2008: "Jas 5:9-12

Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another,
that you may not be judged."

This is a really hard one. Everywhere we turn these days there seems to be reason for complaint...and no where more then within our own families. God give us the strength necessary today to focus on the good that is all around us...beginning in our own homes with our spouses and children.

Prayer for Marriages(Sean Cardinal O'Malley)

Heavenly Father, through the intercession of the Holy Family,
Help us to treasure the gift of marriage that reflects the love of Christ for the Church,
where the self-giving love of husband and wife unites them more perfectly and cooperates in your plan for new life created in your image.

Help us support men and women in their vocation of marriage, especially in difficult times when they join their sufferings to the Cross.

Help us uphold the institution of marriage in our society as the place where love is nurtured and family life begins.

Help us to acknowledge that our future depends on this love and on your providential care for us. Amen.

Gospel
Mk 10:1-12

But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.
So they are no longer two but one flesh.
Therefore what God has joined together,
no human being must separate.”

2008 National Foster Care Vigil

2008 National Foster Care Vigil - FamilyLife.com

2008 National Foster Care Vigil

2008 National Foster Care Vigil - FamilyLife.com

prayers please

Daughter of Christian music star killed by car - Yahoo! News

Please pray for this family...I can't even imagine the horror...my heart aches for them.

The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy

Happy Hearts At Home: The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy: Admonishing the Sinner:
"The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy

Convert the sinner,
Instruct the ignorant,
Counsel the doubtful,
Comfort the sorrowful,
Bear wrongs patiently,
Forgive injuries,
Pray for the living and the dead."

Hmmm...I quickly read through the above list and went 'ick...those are hard...I don't think I like them very much'...lol. That was my 'inner brat'...lol. The thing is that those are indeed hard if you aren't grounded in Christ and have no clue to the Truth that only the Holy Spirit can provide...no wait...they aren't 'hard'...they are impossible.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Catechism of the Catholic Church - PART 3 SECTION 1 CHAPTER 3 ARTICLE 2:
"CHAPTER THREE
GOD'S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE"

the basis of our mission

The Sprirt takes us out into the desert (Pastoral Letter, Lenten 2006) | Gozo Diocese:

"I really wish that we all grow in our conviction that we are truly God’s children and treasure this identity which is really the basis of our mission. Oh how I do wish that we become even more rooted in our sense of belonging to God and that it informs our vision of Church."

Our True Identity

The Real Me : A Catholic Reflection:

"Of ourselves, we are nothing. In Christ, we are sharers of the divine nature (2 Pt 1:4). When we realize our nothingness without Christ and our glory in Him, we will love ourselves and not be proud."

casting spirits

USCCB - (NAB) - May 19, 2008:

"When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private,
“Why could we not drive the spirit out?”
He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”"

Oh Lord, may we always turn to You for grace in dispelling all that is tormenting us. May we be delivered from all evil in our lives, homes and families...and may we turn to God alone as the source of our hope and healing.

Head for His Light

Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:
"Many times in life, we have problems with a spiritual root that we don't recognize. This leads to everything from little anxieties to traumatic ailments. It leads to divorce. It leads to misfortunes large and small.

However it comes, shake it off and gravitate to Jesus. This bring us -- and everything that haunts us -- into the Light. Train your eyes on Him, not your problems. Move straight forward. Never step in reverse!

Head for His Light and the shadow of your burdens will fall behind you."

Actual Pictures from Tuesday

Duh...ofcourse someone had a camera...we even posed for a group picture...lol...how could I have forgotten that?! Anyway...here they are. Thanks Laura!

22 degree halo

We gathered to pray the rosary in the lawn in front of my church at noon today by the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, on this her feast day. Even with the distraction of running around after a very active four year old, the Lord still touched my heart in a powerful way. At one point when we were nearly finishing, someone pointed to the sun! It was the most unbelievable thing that I had ever experienced. It shone magnifecently with a beautiful bright circle around it. I looked it up online and found that it is called a 22 degree halo and got this picture of it to post here. Yes...it is a natural occurence...but its timing was absolutely super natural. A little gift for those that were there at that moment.

From today's First Reading (Jas 1:12-18)...

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters:
all good giving and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change."

A Very Happy Birthday to My Baby Girl

This is her favorite song! Happy Sixth Birthday Sarah! Please say a prayer for her if you have a chance.

Holy spirit rain down

Fresh Fire...

"Fresh fire let it fall
O God hear our call
Send Your Spirit like a rushing wind
We need fresh fire

We are hungry we are thirsty
Crying out for more of You
Lord we are desperate for Your mercy
Let us burn to know Your Truth
Light a flame in us now
Send Your holy fire down

We have left our hearts unguarded
We confess we've walked away
Lord take us back to where we started
Where we first found love and grace
Light a flame in us now
Send Your holy fire down

More of Your love
More of Your power
Send a revival
We need it now
Stir up a fire
Let it burn brighter
Let the flame burn higher
higher higher

Revive us again"

Holy Spirit Feasts (Porguguese Tradition)

Saint Anthony's Parish, Cambridge, MA - English version

Towards the end of the page at the link above Fr. gives a good explanation of where the 'Festas Do Espirito Santo' in Portugal derived from.

PENTECOST Novena (Day 9)

PENTECOST Novena of Seven Gifts:
"NINTH DAY (Saturday, Vigil of Pentecost)
Thou, on those who evermore Thee confess and Thee Adore, in Thy sevenfold gift, Descend; Give Them Comfort when they die; Give them Life with Thee on high; Give them joys which never end. Amen
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit
The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign.
Prayer
Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

To be recited daily during the Novena

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.
"

PENTECOST Novena (day 8)

PENTECOST Novena of Seven Gifts

EIGHTH DAY (Friday, 7th Week of Easter)

Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray!

The Gift of Wisdom

Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Saviour: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light.

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them for ever. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

To be recited daily during the Novena

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

We Are One In Christ!

"United We Stand, Divided We Fall" : A Catholic Reflection

"United We Stand, Divided We Fall" : A Catholic Reflection:

"Jesus' prayer for unity begins to be answered when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the Source of unity (Eph 4:3). 'It was in one Spirit that all of us, whether Jew or Greek, slave or free, were baptized into one body' (1 Cor 12:13). We are 'one in the Spirit.' The Spirit reverses divisions which go back to the first sin and were exacerbated at the tower of Babel (see Gn 11:9). By the Spirit of Pentecost, all nations can once again communicate with each other and be restored to the unity of paradise (see Acts 2:5-11). Then, as at the first Christian Pentecost, the Spirit showcases our unity to lead thousands into God's kingdom (see Acts 2:41), and the strongholds of the devil are destroyed (see 2 Cor 10:4). Come, Holy Spirit of unity, evangelization, and victory."

Unity

USCCB - (NAB) - May 8, 2008:

"And I have given them the glory you gave me,
so that they may be one, as we are one,
I in them and you in me,
that they may be brought to perfection as one,
that the world may know that you sent me,
and that you loved them even as you loved me.
Father, they are your gift to me.
I wish that where I am they also may be with me,
that they may see my glory that you gave me,
because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
"

Today I pray for unity...in families...in nations. We are all so divided...and this is definitely part of the Evil One's plan. We need each other in order to 'be brought to perfection'. Let's put the gifts of the Holy Spirit to use and make it happen!

PENTECOST Novena (Day 7)

PENTECOST Novena of Seven Gifts

SEVENTH DAY (Thursday, 7th Week of Easter)

Heal our wounds--our strength renews; On our dryness pour Thy dew, Wash the stains of guilt away.

The Gift of Counsel

The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth."

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts


On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

To be recited daily during the Novena

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

Deliver us from Evil (forgive our sins)

USCCB - (NAB) - May 7, 2008:

"I do not ask that you take them out of the world
but that you keep them from the Evil One."

We are living in a very confusing time when the world's morals are often in strong opposition to God's teachings. It is often mistakenly thought that if it is popular then it is right. There is a strong lacking of 'Understanding'. Fads and trends may change...the Word of God DOES NOT!

May the Lord pour forth an outpouring of His Spirit and lead us to full conviction of what evil is and what it is doing to us and our society...so that we can come to repentance and be set free.

PENTECOST Novena (day 6)

PENTECOST Novena of Seven Gifts

SIXTH DAY (Wednesday, 7th Week of Easter)

If Thou take Thy grace away, nothing pure in man will stay, All his good is turn'd to ill.

The Gift of Understanding

Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion BY faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to "walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

To be recited daily during the Novena

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

Expanding...

Honey, I Shrunk the Church : A Catholic Reflection:

"The Holy Spirit lavishes us with grace to expand. Yet we must put aside our old, fearful nature which shrinks from the fear of man. Jesus taught that no one sews a new 'unshrunken' cloth onto an old cloth (Mt 9:16), else it would tear loose. We can't mix our old 'shrinking-violet' ways with the Holy Spirit. Nothing good comes from shrinking away. As Job proclaims: 'What I fear overtakes me, and what I shrink from comes upon me' (Jb 3:25)."

PENTECOST Novena (day 5)

PENTECOST Novena of Seven Gifts
FIFTH DAY (Tuesday, 7th Week of Easter)

Light immortal! Light Divine! Visit Thou these hearts of Thine, And our inmost being fill!

The Gift of Knowledge

The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth--in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first, and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. "Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it."

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

To be recited daily during the Novena

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.